Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: stormi on December 10, 2005, 04:38:59 PM
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Hi Guys!
I have been riding my bandit for about a full season, which in Alberta, is about 5-7 months. Prior and during this time, I've also riden a dirtbike, so I have -some- experience on bikes.
My poor girl needs a LOT of work this year (Camchain, valve seals,valve adjustment...), and will get it (the engine is already out), but I'm wondering if she should become my project bike now, and I should get something newer. Something I'm more likely to trust on longer trips. (Another bonus is that the other half is now licensed, and this would provide us two bikes in the household.) Looking at bikes in the last few weeks, I saw a few bikes that -might- fit the bill, but I'm not sure. Then... I saw the bigger brother of the one that I'd wanted when I got the B4.
What originally attracted me to the B4 was it's similar styling to the Honda Hornet (599) . Ok,.. in fairness, the hornet looks like the B4, but I saw the hornet first. I didn't buy the hornet at the time for a few reasons,
1. I had never ridden on the street.
2. I didn't know how much I'd ride.
3. I didn't want to make payments on a vehicle who's purpose was to save gas money.
Now, I've put 5000Kms on the bike my first season, and it's not all just for business. :) Checking out what's available, I happened on a used 2002 CB900 ( http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_cb_900_f_-_919_2002.php) The only thing holding me back is wondering if it's just too much bike for me. It's a little tall, but there shouldn't be any problem getting lowering linkages for it, or shaving the seat. But it's got 110 HP, and I'm used to less than half that. Now, common sense says that I don't have to use the power, just cos it's there, but how much is too much?
I've looked into insurance, and believe it or not, it's not exceptionally different.
One main drawback for me with my b4 is her milage on the highway, and we live 20kms out of the city, so she's always on the highway. The other would be how fiddly her carbs are.
Now before you all crucify me for "defecting" to Honda, I'm also thinking about parts availability. I can't even get parts for a new suzuki bike here (gs500, shares some parts with the b4, and cheaper.) in less than 6 weeks in many cases. This makes parts for a ''91 painful at best. When the RR on my b4 went out, I managed to replace it with one from a CB400 with only a small modification to one connector. In stock, at the dealer and half the price. ETA for the proper one for the b4? 6 - 8 weeks. I was riding same day. When a riding season is as short as ours, you gotta do what ya gotta do. :)
Advice? Opinions?
Thanks!
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It appears to be a good bike. I haven't heard any negative things about it. I personally don't think that any standard is too much bike. It is just like my B12, people see that it is a 1200 and think that it is a lot. But in reality, a new GSXR1000 has about 64 more horsepower and weighs about 70lbs less. When you are talking about sport bikes, then it is easy to say if it is too much. In all reality, finding a proper size bike falls into two categories: 1st is how tall you are and the 2nd is your experience level. I went from a 82 CB900F to a 03 B12 last year. There was a few times when I got on the gas a bit and it caught me off guard a little bit when I first got it. The main thing is when you get a new bike, you want to ride it easy so that you can get used to its characteristics. I don't know what kind of rider you are, but if you feel competent on your B4, I don't see a problem moving up to a 919.
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I think the 919 is a nice bike. You'd probably love it.....
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Welcome!
What originally attracted me to the B4 was it's similar styling to the Honda Hornet
I think the B4 was out about 6 years "b4" the first Hornet :grin: :bigok: :banana: :shock:
:duh:
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One thing to keep in mind about parts, is volume impacts price. They make a lot of something, it's usually cheaper. While Honda is the largest Japanese m/c maker and Suzuki is #3, Honda is well know for RR problems in several models, so maybe they were so cheap because they have to make so many.
:stickpoke:
The CB900 (or 919 as it's known here in the USA) is a good bike. Of course, we'd rather see you get a B6 or a B12, I'm sure you'd be happy with Brand X.
As has already been mentioned you'll be OK with the bigger motor as long as you use discretion with the right wrist until you get a good feel for the bike.
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Friends don't let friends ride hondas!, at least thats what my brother always says :monkeymoon: :banana: :stickpoke:
as far as too much bike, thats just not possible, I'd like a bandit 12000 as long as it isn't too heavy
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In all reality, finding a proper size bike falls into two categories: 1st is how tall you are and the 2nd is your experience level.
the first is the biggest problem I've had for sure. -any- bike I sit on, is too tall for me - as set up in a show room. With the 919, I'm on the balls of my feet, but the suspension is set as stiff as possible. I figure with a little sag and a little softer suspension setup, it'll be pretty good. After that, it's going to be a matter of a lowering link and seat foam. Of course, I'd be getting the bike for a good enough deal that this is still feasible. :)
The main thing is when you get a new bike, you want to ride it easy so that you can get used to its characteristics.
I hear ya! Learned that the hard way with my ktm! LOL! Thanks for the advice. :)
I don't know what kind of rider you are, but if you feel competent on your B4, I don't see a problem moving up to a 919.
3yrs on a dirt bike and 1 yr on the street has given me a healthy dose of respect for the machines... and I know very well that they're capable of more than I'm willing to commit to at this point. If asked, the other half tells me he figures I'm not an aggressive rider, I ride well within the limits of my bike. At the same time, I don't baby it while riding (maintenance wise, she's spoiled rotten.)
One thing that's changed, and potentially about to change to an even larger degree, is that amount of time I'm spending on the highway. Now I spend 10 - 15 mins on the highway to get into the city. If I get some of the contracts I'm looking at in the near future, I'll be going to a "town near me" riding 30 -40 mins one way. A bike that's mellow on the highway is a good thing. Dita is right below her powerband at highway speeds, so the trip is pretty eventful some days.
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I think the B4 was out about 6 years "b4" the first Hornet :grin: :bigok: :banana: :shock:
:duh:
I think the bandit was discontinued 9 yrs before the hornet ever set foot,. er.... peg,.. in Canada. :lol: :shock: But,.. I had no interest in street bikes prior to late 2004. That's when I saw the pretty 599. Then it was all over for me. The only reason I don't have one already is that I couldn't justify it then. Now, if I had found one used, I would have bought it on the spot. I'm still not ready to commit to a brand new bike. :crybaby:
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One thing to keep in mind about parts, is volume impacts price. They make a lot of something, it's usually cheaper. While Honda is the largest Japanese m/c maker and Suzuki is #3, Honda is well know for RR problems in several models, so maybe they were so cheap because they have to make so many.
:stickpoke:
:lol: AS best I can tell, in the time frame that the CB400 was having trouble, so were most bikes from all manufacturers. Or so says the reading I did to find out I could use the CB400 RR :)
The CB900 (or 919 as it's known here in the USA) is a good bike. Of course, we'd rather see you get a B6 or a B12, I'm sure you'd be happy with Brand X.
It's known here as a 919 now as well,.. for some reason the first year or two here they were known as a cb900,.. s'ok,.. the ins co. would probably charge me 20% more if I called it a 919. :)
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I almost forgot something. There is one drawback to the 919 that I don't like. The exhaust setup is kind of a funky setup. It is a 4-1-2. Basically the header goes into one pipe and then it splits off into two. Buying aftermarket exhausts can be a bit pricey or finding one that works good. I heard of one setup where it is a 4-1 setup and the second exhaust is a false pipe(not connected). I don't remember which brand it was, but it is apparently out there.
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Friends don't let friends ride hondas!, at least thats what my brother always says :monkeymoon: :banana: :stickpoke:
as far as too much bike, thats just not possible, I'd like a bandit 12000 as long as it isn't too heavy
I've heard the same about kawasakis,... and suzukis.... and ... :wink:
So,.. everyone is saying that it's not going to be too much for me,.... good thing I went and had them take it off the showroom floor for me tonight , eh?
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I almost forgot something. There is one drawback to the 919 that I don't like. The exhaust setup is kind of a funky setup. It is a 4-1-2. Basically the header goes into one pipe and then it splits off into two. Buying aftermarket exhausts can be a bit pricey or finding one that works good. I heard of one setup where it is a 4-1 setup and the second exhaust is a false pipe(not connected). I don't remember which brand it was, but it is apparently out there.
That is odd,... it's really not a big concern to me though, since I don't expect to be putting afftermarket exhaust on it. As I see it, the second muffler -might- decrease some restriction, but I would think being after the bottleneck ( of the single pipe) that it's just for looks. It might, add a little muffling too,... not necessarily a bad thing when coming home late, so you don't piss off the neighbors, or wake the spouse. ;)
Where it would suck, is if it needs to be replaced, at that point, I'd look at any options available.
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The 4-1-2 setup has to be cosmetics. The CBR 900 was a 4-1 exhaust, so that tells me that it doesn't have to be set up like that. I personally don't like the looks of the stock exhaust. I saw a 919 in Arkansas once and it had Akrapovic exhaust and looked pretty nice. It definitely changed the look of the bike.
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You could just get your legs stretched and get a KTM street bike to go with your dirt machine... :stickpoke:
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You could just get your legs stretched and get a KTM street bike to go with your dirt machine... :stickpoke:
Like this one?
(http://www.ktmusa.com/EN/images/990_Super_Duke_Titanium.jpg)
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The 4-1-2 setup has to be cosmetics. The CBR 900 was a 4-1 exhaust, so that tells me that it doesn't have to be set up like that. I personally don't like the looks of the stock exhaust. I saw a 919 in Arkansas once and it had Akrapovic exhaust and looked pretty nice. It definitely changed the look of the bike.
I'll have a look into it, but I doubt that it would get changed anytime soon, esp since I won't take posession til April. Always nice to have options though. :)
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You could just get your legs stretched and get a KTM street bike to go with your dirt machine... :stickpoke:
Geez,.. that just wouldn't do,.. I wouldn't have as many opportunities to cartwheel off the dirt machine at speed. I've seen a couple of KTMs,.. they be big machines! :shock:
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Like this one?
(http://www.ktmusa.com/EN/images/990_Super_Duke_Titanium.jpg)
Ah,... Ladies and Gentlemen, my other half.
I doubt either of us has the energy to try to maintain 2 KTMs. One set of Fork seals, one extra hard seat coupled with freakishly tall seat height is enough for me.
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congrats on the new bike by the way. :congrats:
Personally, I would of gone for something like the new GSF650, would of been a very nice step up from the B4 and its still a Bandit :) :motorsmile: .
Lots of aftermarket parts there, engine never changes on that model really, theyve just tuned/bored up the 600 a bit more.
The 400 wasnt here that long to make enough of a statement to warrant alot of extra parts, unlike the 600/1200 models.
My wife has a 600 (previously a 650 savage-first bike) and yes, it was a bit of a transition, (couple of tips), but now, she loves it. Lots of highway oomph (to keep up to me on my B12), but alot more maneuverable than my B12, (45 LBS difference). Ive taken the B6 out for several runs.. i.e washing :) etc and its really a fun bike, gotta work the rpms more than the B12 to get the response up, but otherwise, really fun :). Had it lowered an inch and got a gel seat and gen mar risers (Wife is 5'2") and a pair of engine frame sliders (just in case), and I think it'll do for many years to come. The move went from 35 HP to something like 77, which is pretty significant really, Oh, we had her jetted a bit to warm her up too. shes good to go now. :motorsmile:
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congrats on the new bike by the way. :congrats:
Thank you :)
Personally, I would of gone for something like the new GSF650, would of been a very nice step up from the B4 and its still a Bandit :) :motorsmile: .
Lots of aftermarket parts there, engine never changes on that model really, theyve just tuned/bored up the 600 a bit more.
Part of the reason I liked the 919 is that the engine is the same as the one they've had in their cbr900s, with minor mods, forever. The engine is tried and true.
And I had looked at that bike,... the only reason I didn't buy it, is that it was 1. out of my price range and 2. I didn't really want a brand new bike,.. I'm still in the "drop phase". :roll: Besides,.. I figured that the 919 has the same seating position, and I got it for $5500. (When I told the salesman that we know at Scona cycle what the price was, he looked at me and said "Go! Go get it!"
The 400 wasnt here that long to make enough of a statement to warrant alot of extra parts, unlike the 600/1200 models.
That's true, but the gs500 has been here long enough, and I had been looking for an RR for one of those. I was told 6- 8 weeks -after- they made it at the factory. A GS500 is a current bike... albeit not a hugely popular one, but it's been around for years.
I've had suzuki parts guys tell me that parts are a pain in the rear for many of their bikes. The salesman I bought the 919 off of ( At a suzuki dealership btw :grin: ) said that he figured that the problem was that Suzuki had too many models, and not enough parts budget. So the parts that a dealer would stock was much more limited than say Yamaha or Honda.
its really a fun bike, gotta work the rpms more than the B12 to get the response up, but otherwise, really fun :).
See this was a concern for me, since I may be doing more hiway now, I didn't want high rpms on the highway anymore. While I could change the sprocket, on the b4 or b6, I'm told (by someone who owns one and the specs support it) that 919 will run at about 4k rpms in 5th gear at 110kph.
Had it lowered an inch and got a gel seat and gen mar risers (Wife is 5'2") and a pair of engine frame sliders (just in case),
Who did the lowering for you? Do you know how made the lowering link or kit that was used? What brand of engine sliders did you get?
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Part of the reason I liked the 919 is that the engine is the same as the one they've had in their cbr900s, with minor mods, forever. The engine is tried and true.
And I had looked at that bike,... the only reason I didn't buy it, is that it was 1. out of my price range and 2. I didn't really want a brand new bike,.. I'm still in the "drop phase". :roll: Besides,.. I figured that the 919 has the same seating position, and I got it for $5500. (When I told the salesman that we know at Scona cycle what the price was, he looked at me and said "Go! Go get it!"
That's true, but the gs500 has been here long enough, and I had been looking for an RR for one of those. I was told 6- 8 weeks -after- they made it at the factory. A GS500 is a current bike... albeit not a hugely popular one, but it's been around for years.
Yeah, but the configuration of those twins are VERY limited, not unlike that of the Ninja 500, whereas the inline 4 on "every other sportbike or standard" is ALOT more popular, the bandits gsx/r motor is a "parts bin" goldmine.
I've had suzuki parts guys tell me that parts are a pain in the rear for many of their bikes. The salesman I bought the 919 off of ( At a suzuki dealership btw :grin: ) said that he figured that the problem was that Suzuki had too many models, and not enough parts budget. So the parts that a dealer would stock was much more limited than say Yamaha or Honda.
See this was a concern for me, since I may be doing more hiway now, I didn't want high rpms on the highway anymore. While I could change the sprocket, on the b4 or b6, I'm told (by someone who owns one and the specs support it) that 919 will run at about 4k rpms in 5th gear at 110kph.
I would be more concerned about wind deflection on highway riding, something the bandit600S or 1200S provides, and yes the B6 requires more winding up than a B12, but no where near the amount a 600 superport or sport bike does, as it's still tuned for low rpm grunt, this is especially why they made the 600 into a 650, to provide even more low end power.
That being said, we had my wifes Bandit jetted with stage 1 holeshot kit, to warm her up and give her some more juice low end. She, like i said, can keep up with me no problem on the highway, without it being too too high in the rpm range.
Who did the lowering for you? Do you know how made the lowering link or kit that was used? What brand of engine sliders did you get?
we got the links from diamond powersports and had the front lowered in the tree 10 mm's, to keep the stock level, back end came down an inch approx, (very important" to not drop the front too much) or for that matter the back also, as the bike can botom out easily if dropped too much. I dont know what the 919's handbar set up is like, but the bandit allows a minimal drop in the tree, alot of bikes, especially with clip-ons don't allow for that.
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Had it lowered an inch and got a gel seat and gen mar risers (Wife is 5'2") and a pair of engine frame sliders (just in case),
Who did the lowering for you? Do you know how made the lowering link or kit that was used? What brand of engine sliders did you get?
In the 600/1200 FAQ section there's a thread on how to make your own dogbones (links):
http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=199
The thread above makes shorter dogbones to raise the tail, but you make 'em longer to lower the tail. The 919's ratio of length change to tail change may be different and the exact process of changing them may be slightly different, but the basics are the same. I'm sure there's at least one CB900.919/Hornet forum out there somewhere that's got the specifics and can thell you how much change in the dogbones will give you the results you want.
So did you buy it already?
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Yeah, but the configuration of those twins are VERY limited, not unlike that of the Ninja 500, whereas the inline 4 on "every other sportbike or standard" is ALOT more popular, the bandits gsx/r motor is a "parts bin" goldmine.
Wha? Which bike is a twin? the 919 is a DOHC 16 valve inline four. Same as Dita or the B6s... I wanted a inline four, for the relatively mellow power, compared to what I've heard described as the "snotty" power of a twin. Or did you mean the gs500?
I would be more concerned about wind deflection on highway riding, something the bandit600S or 1200S provides, and yes the B6 requires more winding up than a B12, but no where near the amount a 600 superport or sport bike does, as it's still tuned for low rpm grunt, this is especially why they made the 600 into a 650, to provide even more low end power.
That's where I luck out, here are tons of accessories available for this bike,.. wild hair accessories for instance have a bunch of windscreens and such,... and I'm used to naked ( bikes) on the highway.
That being said, we had my wifes Bandit jetted with stage 1 holeshot kit, to warm her up and give her some more juice low end. She, like i said, can keep up with me no problem on the highway, without it being too too high in the rpm range.
What sort of RPM?
we got the links from diamond powersports and had the front lowered in the tree 10 mm's, to keep the stock level, back end came down an inch approx, (very important" to not drop the front too much) or for that matter the back also, as the bike can botom out easily if dropped too much. I dont know what the 919's handbar set up is like, but the bandit allows a minimal drop in the tree, alot of bikes, especially with clip-ons don't allow for that.
Thanks! I'll contact them about the link for the 919 once I take possession of the bike! The bar setup is pretty much identical...
(http://www.bikez.com/pictures/honda/2002/19993_0_4_4_cb%20900%20f%20-%20919_Image%20by%20Honda.%20Published%20with%20permission..jpg)
We had to lower a bit front and back on my KTM as well, so we'll be very careful about rake.
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In the 600/1200 FAQ section there's a thread on how to make your own dogbones (links):
http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=199
The thread above makes shorter dogbones to raise the tail, but you make 'em longer to lower the tail. The 919's ratio of length change to tail change may be different and the exact process of changing them may be slightly different, but the basics are the same.
That was awesome! Thanks! I'm currently looking into the style of dogbones that the 919 uses. There's a possibility that a welder will need to do it for us (i.e. not flatstock, but actual tube involved),.. but good news is, we know a few good ones. :)
I'm sure there's at least one CB900.919/Hornet forum out there somewhere that's got the specifics and can thell you how much change in the dogbones will give you the results you want.
There are a couple out there,.. lots of different terms used for the bike, so as I learn those, I'm finding more fora ;) You're not kicking me out of here though if I ride honda too are ya?
So did you buy it already?
I managed to get them to take it off the floor for me, but of course the dealers are closed on Sundays, so I'll go in and leave my deposit on Monday. They're also going to let me start it up and run it so I can hear it. I'd love to get them to put the rear tire up on a paddock stand so I can run the engine through a gear or two to hear how the tranny sounds, but it has had an inspection, so I'm not too worried. No test rides til next spring now though. :(
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Wha? Which bike is a twin? the 919 is a DOHC 16 valve inline four. Same as Dita or the B6s... I wanted a inline four, for the relatively mellow power, compared to what I've heard described as the "snotty" power of a twin. Or did you mean the gs500?
YUP, my wife tried the GS500 after picking up her 600 and found it, "Gutless", need less to say, once you go up in size, theres no going back, "less" will never satisfy! :wink:
That's where I luck out, here are tons of accessories available for this bike,.. wild hair accessories for instance have a bunch of windscreens and such,... and I'm used to naked ( bikes) on the highway.
as with any aftermarket accessories, gotta watch those prices!. lots of things on wild hair Id like to get, but then I look at the price. I'm just thankful my fairing came as factory equipment and I didnt have to look aftermarket.(that would of been a bundle!) Then again, I'm sure one of these days I'm gonna pick up a lower fairing or belly pan from Banditalley.. so what the hey? :motorsmile:
Thanks! I'll contact them about the link for the 919 once I take possession of the bike! The bar setup is pretty much identical... (http://
http://www.bikez.com/pictures/honda/2002/19993_0_4_4_cb%20900%20f%20-%20919_Image%20by%20Honda.%20Published%20with%20permission..jpg ) We had to lower a bit front and back on my KTM as well, so we'll be very careful about rake.
Heres powersports link...http://www.diamondpowersports.com/lowerlinks.php If you have a power/air rachet, you could probably do the install yourself, if not, dont even try. But make sure they are strong enough, I've heard horror stories about people going and getting them made at a welder buddy's place, trust me, this is not a part of the bike you want to compromise with lesser quality stuff. These links have to hold up an unbelievable amount of stress.
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YUP, my wife tried the GS500 after picking up her 600 and found it, "Gutless", need less to say, once you go up in size, theres no going back, "less" will never satisfy! :wink:
Hopefully this is that last bike I'll need ( Said that about my KTM 2 yrs ago when I got it,... still think it's true) So I hope to not ever hunger for more CCs. :) I took a quick look at the gs500, both before I got Dita and after. Before, I was told, that even without experience on the road, that I wouldn't be happy with it for more than a year. About a month ago, I was told, don't bother,.. that my b4 is more powerful than that bike. I'm not sure how much of that to believe... but with so many people saying that it's not a good bike, I wasn't going to jump to it.
as with any aftermarket accessories, gotta watch those prices!. lots of things on wild hair Id like to get, but then I look at the price. I'm just thankful my fairing came as factory equipment and I didnt have to look aftermarket.(that would of been a bundle!) Then again, I'm sure one of these days I'm gonna pick up a lower fairing or belly pan from Banditalley.. so what the hey? :motorsmile:
This is true,.. but OEM is expensive too. The honda windscreen is $85USD, I don't know what we'd pay here. I saw one I really liked that's about $130USD but haven't seen it mounted on -any- bike yet
(http://www.twistedthrottle.com/ezimagecatalogue/catalogue/variations/6403-350x350.jpg)
and of course it just goes up from there.
Heres powersports link...http://www.diamondpowersports.com/lowerlinks.php If you have a power/air rachet, you could probably do the install yourself, if not, dont even try. But make sure they are strong enough, I've heard horror stories about people going and getting them made at a welder buddy's place, trust me, this is not a part of the bike you want to compromise with lesser quality stuff. These links have to hold up an unbelievable amount of stress.
They have links on their page for 929/954 and some other CBRs, but not this bike. I'm hoping a quick email will clarify this for me. I notice that all the Honda ones are not flat stock. Thanks for the link :) I know what you mean about the welders :) fortunately, the welders we know build to way overkill spec before under building. :) Of course that's a last resort if I can't find a made one, assuming that I can't take up enough height just by setting the sag and dialing down the rear susp. a little. Right now it's set so hard that if you sit on it, it doesn't move.
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That was awesome! Thanks! I'm currently looking into the style of dogbones that the 919 uses. There's a possibility that a welder will need to do it for us (i.e. not flatstock, but actual tube involved),.. but good news is, we know a few good ones. :)
You still may be able to make replacements out of flatstock, but not having seen what they look like, I can't say for sure.
You're not kicking me out of here though if I ride honda too are ya?
Well, we haven't kicked out the folks that have switched to FZ1's, Speed Triples, GSXR's or KTM's so you don't have any worries.
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You still may be able to make replacements out of flatstock, but not having seen what they look like, I can't say for sure.
It gets worse,... apparently the 919 has no dogbones. (Which would explain why I couldn't find any anywhere) I think the next solution is a shorter shock,.. anyone have experience with this? And possibly front springs to match. This is starting to look more expensive.
Well, we haven't kicked out the folks that have switched to FZ1's, Speed Triples, GSXR's or KTM's so you don't have any worries.
Whew! :grin: I'm starting to like it here.
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Well, we haven't kicked out the folks that have switched to FZ1's, Speed Triples, GSXR's or KTM's so you don't have any worries.
Take it I won't be getting the boot in 10 months time then? :wink: