Gents,
I hope you all enjoyed my "waiting out the winter" video. ;) As spring is around the corner, I'm getting my bike ready for a facelift to better appreciate my 800 and give it some teeth.
I was hoping some of you could chime in with some feedback on a few changes I'm thinking of doing.
1) Looking to buy some American Classic II exhaust pipes from HardKrome. Anyone have these? Too loud? Good fit to replace the stock exhaust?
2) Looking to buy some white wall wheels. I know RatMan was looking at the Metzler's. I like the thick white wall look. Good tire?
3) Motique sissy bar and luggage rack. I'm still kicking myself for not trying to buy that for my 800 when their site was still up. I know their stock was limited but RatMan seemed to snatch one up. It's exactly what I am looking for in terms of a passenger solution for comfort and luggage add ons. It seems like there still hasn't been any movement from that company in terms of selling that item or going back into business to sell hardware of that nature. I'm sure RatMan won't sell me his so I'm wondering if anyone knows if they are still quasi belly up or if they can get me one.....or if anyone knows where I can get on that is similar. Seems like 800 drifter parts are tougher and tougher to find.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated guys.
BTW....anyone planning on going to Laconia this year? I'm planning the trip down from Montreal. Only a short ride. If y'all are planning to be there, we should get together for a beer and show our numbers. ;))
Marc
Bonjour Marc;
I found that the best deal was from this site and you could almost drive there and save the shipping and they speak french too.....
http://www.petes-superbike.com/motorcycle-c-2234.html
The tires look really nice and I was reqally happy with the delivery and the cost of them for around here. I too missed out on the luggage rack but did score the sissy bar, I would sell it to you but I can not get it off the bike for some reason. I will keep my eyes open and try to find one for you.
I am on hold for this summer due to waiting for word on my 3B release. But am going to be heading to Biker Reunion in New Liskheard....if you decide to go and ride through ON then let me know.....it is only a 2 hour ride from here...
http://www.bikersreunion.ca/
Salute take care
Ahhhhh wee weee.....LOL,sorry guys that's the extent of my bilingual.The Metzlers do look great,haven't had the chance to put any road time on them yet,though for feedback.However I run the Metzler on my bobber and do enjoy them.For the luggage rack I'm waiting on Ted's.It has that retro look that I like,IMOP of course.I haven't heard any new word from Motique's since I contacted them last.
If you or anyone else is planning to come to Laconia, motorcycle week 6/9 thru 6/16, this year please let me know when you'll be in town. I am 20 minutes away. I would love to meet up with some of you folks and get a chance to put some faces with some names. Maybe grap a bite and a pint. I am planning to take at least one day off that week to go riding with my brother-in-law (usually Wed. but we watch the weather). I'm sure we can find sometime to connect that week. A mini-Drifter gathering would be fun if we can plan it. There are a several DR's here in NH I can try to get a hold of to see if any of them are planning on riding up for the day.
Take care,
Pete . . .
For WWW tires, Avons are super sticky. They aren't cheap though, and because they are a softer compound (thats what makes them sticky), they tend to wear out a little sooner. Metzler 880's are great, just avoid old brazilian made backstock from a couple of years ago. They had "issues". Those issues seem to be corrected now. (It'll say on the side of the tire where and when it's made.) I have one on the back now and it's plenty sticky and holds up pretty well. The only others I've tried are Continental Milestones. They look great and last FOREVER! (I have 24,000 miles on my front tire and there's still tread.) It's a harder compound, so it's not as sticky, but the bang for the buck is hard to beat. They also have a bit more sidewall material in them, so load capacity is a little better (if you ever ride 2up or gear up for trips).
Those Hard Krome pipes are pretty loud. They're quite a bit louder then my V&H Longshots.
Hey mon pote Marc:
Spent the day surfing and found this, I have sent off an email in regards to the luggague rack because that is the only thing I never thought of ordering, in the pitcures it seems to sit too high for my taste, but I could cut and reweld it. So have an email in to them I'll let you know. See what happens and what their response time is.
http://www.customcruisers.com/Custom2005/customshop2005/index.html
Marc also check out this guy Guido he was really good when I was looking for the front Engine guard and prices and shipping were really decent.
D1, buddy it is Oui not the Scottish for small, wee......lol....have to train you yet.......
My 800 has hardkrome pipes, from the looks of things (on their website) they are the American Classic II - unless they have another that looks like them. I really like the sound, especially when taking off. However, they are a little on the loud side at cruising speed. If I had my choice, they would be a tad quieter. I just put a new sprocket set, so as to lower the revs at highway speed. The original is 17/40 and I changed to 18/38. I'm hoping this quiets it down enough to make it purr, but not growl too loud.
I wanted to add a set of baffles (I was going to make them) but I noticed there are baffles welded inside the pipes. Problem is, the scoops on the baffles are turned the "wrong" way for max sound deadening. But like I said they're welded in so can't be easily modified.
well I am more interested in your sprocket change, so keep the stats on that issue. Really like to see what the fuel mileage will be like and your city riding is effected or not. Thanks Mr. Greenbarn.
Oui....I figured you get a kick out of that,Ratman.I'm not to sure besides the crash bar what Guido carries for the Drifters.I could never get the language to change to find out.Like I said I'm waiting for the luggage rack and rear crash bars from Ted's Designs.......black of course....I believe he does have chrome in stock
which luggage rack are you getting from Ted? Fender mount? This is the one from Ledrie who makes the sissy bar and the rest of the OME parts as optional equipment. I think it will just be too high for my liking and so will lower it.
Yes Ratman I'm just getting the fender mount one.Remember I have the sprung seat so Teds would be the way to go for me.Besides I'm bot planning on putting any weight on it.Basically just for looks for me and a lunch pale to bring to work is all.That one from ledrie is cool for your two up.I agree with you It's to high for my liking as well.Be careful how low you go with it though,leave room for the mono travel,but I'm sure you already thought of that.