Wow... this is all great fedback... and very reassuring, as my (second) 1st Gen B12 just clicked over 27,000 miles. (I recently sold my red '97 with 37,000 miles for $2100).
Chain problems... recurring "flat spots".. maybe from wheelies, despite the fact that I'm a "gentle wheelier". Anyone offer some feedback about chain adjustment techniques and chain/sprocket wear? I may be doing something wrong... like trying to re-use a "slightly" used front sprocket.. hmm.
Balky shifting... I've now replaced the shift forks, shift pawls, inner clutch basket, steel plates and fiber plates, springs (now Barnett heavy), and de-burred the leading edge of the clutch pushrod. It WAS shifting much better until I went back to the heavy Barnett springs (my bike was slipping a little on hard 4th-to-5th shifts). The heavier springs and grabbier (Barnett) plates resulted in sticky shifting again. The bike DEFINITELY needs to have a free-spinning clutch to shift smoothly. (I still think I have a slightly notchy shift-drum inside, but any issue there is compounded by not-fully-disengaged clutch). Not the BEST shifting bike I've ever owned, (nor was my red '97).
Progressive 420 rear shock is good, better than stock, (an same length.. I avoid changing the geometry after a 1991 GSXR 750 shock on my last B12 caused weird front end feel). But 420 shock is STIFF, especially for the first few thou miles. Still, I like it better than stock.
Front end: Gold Valve Fork Emulator kit works great. Stock springs are fine for me.. firm enough. The kit made the front end slightly stiffer, but MUCH better feel than stock.
The two suspension fixes really change the handling characteristics for the better, (especially with my flat "drag" bars"), but the ride is certainly firmer, for you Tourers out there.
Corbin Gunfighter seat is HARD as a rock, but looks great. After getting kicked in the nutz repeatedly over frost-heaves and pot-holes, I finally pulled the cover off the front, hack-sawed the "snout" off the front of the seat, and paid $25 to a Custom Harley shop to rivet the cover back on again. A GREAT fix, but the seat is still hard. At least my 'Nads are less obstructed.
Bridgestone BT-020's ..(021's?) are very good.. but when they wear the center section stays around like a square shelf.
Barend mirrors are the titz. Love 'em.
Wave rotors... stainless lines, really help the braking.
Yosh RS-3 end-can, with "holed" airbox, Ivan needles, stock jets, and fuel-screws turned to about 4 turns out runs crisp and strong across the range. (I'm 200 feet above sea-level).
I run the bike hard on the US Northeast highways; 3-4 days out on the big roads, running 75-110 mph all the time, the bike is awesome.
Shine ON, Midnight Bandit. Nothing else out there I'd want to buy at this point.