"Ayup" from a Newbie

[andyBeaker]

it is an 'IT' not a 'she'.

That looks like a right shed.

Intermittent speedo may well be corrosion on the pcb on the rear of the dash binnacle. Whip it off and if there is no obvious damage loosen and tighten the bolts that secure the pcb - from memory I am pretty sure that these are earth connections. If there is obvious corrosion there are articles in the Help,section that will give you some chance of fixing it. And no, you can't buy the pcb seperately.

Stick some 501 led bulbs (eBay) in while you are in there - much brighter than stock and a worthwhile upgrade. If you are not aware, LED bulbs only work if inserted the correct way round, so check they illuminate before reassembling!

Handling - the Bird weighs about four tons, it is never going to be agile in the twisty bits, but there are some things you can do to make it less barge like. The OEM shock is knackered by 25k miles, but I know a nice man who can refurbish and upgrade at the same time for sensible money.

It never ceases to amaze me that people buy motorbikes. Cars are just better in every way.

 

[Cougar377]

It never ceases to amaze me that people buy motorbikes. Cars are just better in every way.

Yeah....but I bet you still lean into corners.....

 

[andyBeaker]

Yeah....but I bet you still lean into corners.....

I didn't even when I had the misfortune to own and ride a motorcycle.

 

[derek kelly]

Tha talks bollocks Andy, never had a problem with either of my birds in twisties, agile as a ballerina.

 

[andyBeaker]

Tha talks bollocks Andy, never had a problem with either of my birds in twisties, agile as a ballerina.

No, nor did I. But it is never going to be as nimble as a GSXR600. Or even a Thundercat come to that (an under rated motorcycle, not as bad as most other motorcycles out there, great engine for a 600).

 

[andyBeaker]

Anyway, my fellow 'Bird' fanciers (both North and South... and those that don't know) I am now the proud owner of a (rather blingy) 1998 'Bird'! But I will defo need some advice as she (aren't they all "She"s?) has an intermittent speedo.

Now I'm not a fan of after market cans unless its to really enhance the performance of ones steed (and that takes serious bush-bosh and know how)... but SHE has a couple of Beowolfe end cans, and I have to admit to being rather impressed by the sound!

I can't compare between 'withs' and 'withouts', but the bar rises do seem to make a difference compared to my Yam Thunderace riding position. But the thing that's impressed me the most is the STONKING mid range and rush of power that doesn't stop UNTIL YOU CHICKEN OUT!
The front end has Ohlins springs and they are a bit harsh (I can feel more of the road surface than I'm used to) but I don't know about the back end. Too many new sensations and experiences for me to take in a lot of detail and say whether it's been fettled or not.

I'm gonna need some extra padding to accommodate my lardy arse on the longer runs.... the bog-standard seat (very Armitage Shanks) is not quite soft enough for my tender derrière.

The extra Kilos (compared to my Ace) are not that noticeable but... she won't hold a tight line. I don't think this is weight so much as suspension and steering geometry. However, I can't see me wanting to try and chuck her about too much.... a) because I'm a fat, knackered, lardy arse and can't do that any more, and b) I'm a fat knackered lardy arse and can't do that any more... have I mentioned that I'm an old fart to boot?

On the whole, I'm impressed and have now a much better understanding of why those that ride them rave about them
and those that have never ridden one are intrigued by owners tales and the MCN write-up!... and I'm only 5 hours into ownership!
Check out the pics (she doesn't have the large double bubble screen anymore, but I want one if anyone has one...)

Thinking about the intermittentnspeedo, is it a carb or FI? Looking at the pictures I think it is a carb but there are so many non standard bits from where it has been thrown down the road it is hard to tell.

If it is an FI then it may be an earth problem and we all know what needs to be done, don't we.....

 

[Mitch]

it is an 'IT' not a 'she'.

That looks like a right shed.

Intermittent speedo may well be corrosion on the pcb on the rear of the dash binnacle. Whip it off and if there is no obvious damage loosen and tighten the bolts that secure the pcb - from memory I am pretty sure that these are earth connections. If there is obvious corrosion there are articles in the Help,section that will give you some chance of fixing it. And no, you can't buy the pcb seperately.

Stick some 501 led bulbs (eBay) in while you are in there - much brighter than stock and a worthwhile upgrade. If you are not aware, LED bulbs only work if inserted the correct way round, so check they illuminate before reassembling!

Handling - the Bird weighs about four tons, it is never going to be agile in the twisty bits, but there are some things you can do to make it less barge like. The OEM shock is knackered by 25k miles, but I know a nice man who can refurbish and upgrade at the same time for sensible money.

It never ceases to amaze me that people buy motorbikes. Cars are just better in every way.

Thank you Mr Birdless, Andy Sir.... much appreciated.
The rear shock just might make its way to that nice man at JAWS after that sage piece of wisdom... but fair play to it (the shock not the "it" ) is having to cope with a lardy!