quote:

ORIGINAL: CBR1000Farmer

Thanks for the load of responses to my question about tire pressures. I disagree that anyone really racing on radials would run anything less than recommended - no need for any more heat build up or wobbliness in the front end (at least those were things I didn't need when I raced).

Anyway, here's a list of things I'd like to get other's opinions on:

Tire size: It looks like Metzeler might make one of the best choices for the cbrf (steering, ride, wear, etc), but what size rear would you go with - 170/60 or 180/55 - I have the 180/55 racing Michelins (came with the bike) that look great, but probably need to come off before fall and colder weather. The larger tires looks neat, but is there a reason I would to go down to 170?


Valve Lash: My bike has 26500 miles (1500 mi mine so far) and it's a little hard starting (needs full choke for a minute to get going in 65F weather - this could be normal I don't know) and I'm wondering about checking the valve lash. Long ago I had a GS750ES with similar symptoms and after setting the valves in became a whole new bike (easier starting, smoother running, etc) - Does my Suzuki experience translate to the CBR at all?

Carb Balancing: Some of the starting issues may also be related to the carbs being out of sync. How often do you guys do this.


I'm also looking for what kind of issues I might run into with 26K miles on the bike.

Gearing: Since this bike spends most of it's life carrying me down straight highways doing business, picking up small parts, etc. I've considered changing the gearing to perhaps get a little more mpg - does this work, or do I end up too far under the torque curve and end up using just as much fuel?

Thanks,

Pat