jd724

OK so I guess I might try them. The whole reason being, as I said, I want to start changing my own tires. If they work they would make getting a good balance on a tire a lot easier in a home garage. I did see two videos where the beads broke down and stuck to the inside of the tires. Kinda curious about that since ceramic wheel bearings last forever. Im no physicist or polymer engineer so I wont even pretend to know anything about how durable ceramics can be. The yays outweigh the nays so I'll probably give them a shot on my next set of tires. If I ride much more with 330racing ill be buying more tires probably by July. Trying (and failing) to keep up with him. I'm not expecting them to fix my vibration problem. As I said I don't fault the tires there. I'm leaning towards wheel bearings now but I will probably start with having a shop do a TB check/sync. Along with checking torque on the bolts and checking engine balancers. I may try that myself. I only have 8k on the bike but its really starting to feel like wheel bearings. I'm not feeling any pulsing in the rotors but I'm not ruling them out either. At $600 a pair for new oem, they will be the last thing I replace. I may even try a pair of low mileage take-offs. One other thing I need to find out is, how much the Brocks 4 into 1 full system changes the harmonics. I also had a lighter set of bar ends on last season and I went back to the stocks. The stocks don't feel like they went on as snug as they should. But, again, it really feels like its in the wheel somewhere. Anyone have an opinion the zip-tie method of tire installation?

Anyone try these? I've heard nothing but good things about the beads. I've read that they can balance a tire better than weights. Was wondering what the thoughts here were on em. On that note, I'm thinking about starting to do my own tire replacement. I saw some videos on guys mounting tires by squeezing the tire together with zip ties to get them mounted, using something like windex to lube up the rim a bit. It looked easier than using tire irons and less of a chance of scratching rims. It doesn't look too healthy for the tire though. How all this started was that I've got a vibration problem after I had a new front tire installed.I don't remember noticing anything til I had the new tire installed. I'm pretty sure its in the wheel/bars. It doesn;t feel like it's in the engine. I don't feel as much vibration in the pegs or the tank. It really feel likes its all up front. I replaced the tires with a new set of q3's so it's not and probably never was a tire installation/ balance issue. Basically, when people you trust try to tell you in so many words that the problem is all in your head or just ride slower, you might start to take matters into your own hands and do the work yourself. I've put every single mile on this bike from 0. I know when something isn't right. I've worked on my cars and it's time I start wrenching this bike as much as I can within my skill limits. There's a lot of things that are out of my skill level but I'm going to learn as much as I can. No-one cares as much about my bike as I do Let me know what you all think about the tire mount and the beads.

Welcome from up north!

Welcome! I'm fairly new here myself. Not new to Ohio, just new to this bunch and OR. The ride on the 17th sounds like it will be the biggest group ride of the year. If you can make any of them, try to make that one. It will probably be your best chance to meet a lot of us in person.

Yep it was fun to say the least! Nice meeting you too! Looking forward to more rides.

It's supposed to be 61 on Monday. I may have to ride to work at least.

I've lived here all my life. What's bad is that we get a taste of some nice weather and then snow a day or two later. Normally this time of year we are in the 50's with a pretty good amount of rain but the snow is usually done by St. Patties Day. I do remember years where we had a snow storm in April, but this winter has been relentless. Have to watch out for potholes for sure this spring. This winter trashed the roads. I remember summers when we had droughts and water bans and others where it rained 4 or 5 days a week. You just never know what you're gonna get in Ohio. Last year was kind of bad as well. It took forever to warm up. We had one of the coldest May's that I can remember. I know one thing! I am getting sick of walking by my bike in the garage everyday knowing I can't take it out for a cruise!!! Keep your fingers crossed for some dry sunny days!

Welcome!!!

Welcome!!

Nice bike! Congrats!!

Thanks Kow! I was more than 30 over. Another reason that I realize how lucky I was. I doubt I'll get another break like that again..

Happy Birthday n many more!

Yeah that's kinda what happened to me. I was doin triple digits. Statey pulled me over. I thought I was getting my bike impounded. I was on 77 down by Coshocton I think. He said that he was glad I didn't run. It was an unmarked car except for the OHP sticker on the door. No lights that I could see or he just never turned em on. He said that everytime I slowed down enough for him to get close to me I would pull away from him like he was standing still. I never noticed him behind me. He gave me a 90 in a 70. He was cool the whole time and I was polite to him. Yes sir, no sir etc. He was asking about the bike and complimenting it. Aside from me getting the ticket and points on my license, we had a nice chat. He told me to be careful that the deer were pretty active down there that time of year. I had a shortpipe on my Kat. That thing was loud! I never had a problem with cops on it.

Welcome!

welcome

Welcome!

Welcome!!

I've been lucky! I haven't had any run-ins with Akron cops. I've had more than a few follow me. My issues seem to happen when I'm out of town.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!!

LOL You probably could get my old Kat to wheelie Crazy but I'm sure I'm not as good a rider as most of you guys.

I was going to go with Kevlar jeans this year and maybe some knee armor underneath. I was thinking about a pair of AS Vapor knee guards. My 2 season old Joe Rocket boots are still decent. Low cut though. I might want to upgrade to a leather street jacket. I'm not gonna get a jacket until I get back to the gym and get my fat ass in shape again. Right now I have a S&S textile with shoulder, elbow and back armor and a mesh jacket with the same armor. I have to check the fit though, I had more muscle on me and a smaller waist when I bought them. My gloves are a lil weak. Looking for something a little heaver with better palm protection. Might make a trip to Iron Pony soon. I'm sure I'll learn a lot about gear on my first ride with the group.

OK so what does one take from all this feedback? Basically, clean your chain at reasonable intervals and use a brand name lube of some kind and you should get acceptable chain life.

I think a Kat600 would be a good first bike. A bit underpowered for their weight. Damn near impossible to wheelie. Easy to maintain and relatively cheap. Mine was pretty durable I think. You could probably find one in nice shape for around $2,000 to $3,000 I think.