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Do yourselves a favor and start wearing ear plugs every ride. Riding without them for a very long time is part of why I have tinnitus. You do not want tinnitus. I tried a lot of different ear plugs, and I like these the best: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007XJOLG?th=1 |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
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Originally Posted By Dynamo: I went on a Sunday morning ride. The weather was beautiful and traffic very light. Close to 400 miles on it now and almost done with the break in.  ETA: I stopped at the store on my way out to get some foam ear plugs. Much better! The wind noise was so bad that it was what I imagine working on a carrier flight deck is like on previous rides without them.  http://i.imgur.com/Hu2L0kX.jpg That thing looks really nice man! Im a bit under 450 miles right now |
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Originally Posted By Emoto: Do yourselves a favor and start wearing ear plugs every ride. Riding without them for a very long time is part of why I have tinnitus. You do not want tinnitus. I tried a lot of different ear plugs, and I like these the best: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007XJOLG?th=1 I definitely plan on wearing them from now on. They made riding much nicer. My HJC helmet is setup for their Bluetooth system and prior to the ear plugs I was wonder how the hell a rider is supposed to hear anything from them with all of the wind noise.
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If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
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Having a tough time deciding if I want the dealer to knock out the first service. The manual said it was highly encouraged for the dealer to do the first one. However on Kawasakis site it specifically says owner servicing is good to go provided I keep records and receipts. Just want to keep the warranty good for the first year. But I think I heard them say it would be around $250 for the service Thats a lot for a quart of oil and tightening the chain. The major fasteners all have witness marks and none are moving What say the hive? I mean I kept a lawnmower engine spinning 7k all the time alive for a few years on the mini right? 
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Originally Posted By chase45: Having a tough time deciding if I want the dealer to knock out the first service. The manual said it was highly encouraged for the dealer to do the first one. However on Kawasakis site it specifically says owner servicing is good to go provided I keep records and receipts. Just want to keep the warranty good for the first year. But I think I heard them say it would be around $250 for the service Thats a lot for a quart of oil and tightening the chain. The major fasteners all have witness marks and none are moving What say the hive? I mean I kept a lawnmower engine spinning 7k all the time alive for a few years on the mini right? Fuck the dealer first service, do it yourself unless there's some problem you're noticing. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Having a tough time deciding if I want the dealer to knock out the first service. The manual said it was highly encouraged for the dealer to do the first one. However on Kawasakis site it specifically says owner servicing is good to go provided I keep records and receipts. Just want to keep the warranty good for the first year. But I think I heard them say it would be around $250 for the service Thats a lot for a quart of oil and tightening the chain. The major fasteners all have witness marks and none are moving What say the hive? I mean I kept a lawnmower engine spinning 7k all the time alive for a few years on the mini right? I will be doing the first service and all maintenace on my DRZ. I already bought the filter, o-rings, and oil from the dealer. I also got chain cleaner and lube. I really doubt I will need to bring it in for anything warranty related during the 12-month coverage period. |
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
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Got it Wednesday, 326 miles on it as of yesterday, gotta make 600 for the first service before we head to Ohio for a club ride out of Marietta in two weeks. So far, the suspension is the best part of the bike, followed by the power delivery* and the brakes. Handling is better than the last 3 previous generation Speed Triples I test rode. *you can feel the factory tune pulling power out at high RPM and throttle position, but the midrange is off the hook and the gearing is perfect. Throttling is very, very good as well. Attached File Attached File |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: Got it Wednesday, 326 miles on it as of yesterday, gotta make 600 for the first service before we head to Ohio for a club ride out of Marietta in two weeks. So far, the suspension is the best part of the bike, followed by the power delivery* and the brakes. Handling is better than the last 3 previous generation Speed Triples I test rode. *you can feel the factory tune pulling power out at high RPM and throttle position, but the midrange is off the hook and the gearing is perfect. Throttling is very, very good as well. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/48873/IMG_0696_jpeg-3596316.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/48873/IMG_0697_jpeg-3596317.JPG I, for one, welcome our new insectoid naked bike overlords. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Having a tough time deciding if I want the dealer to knock out the first service. The manual said it was highly encouraged for the dealer to do the first one. However on Kawasakis site it specifically says owner servicing is good to go provided I keep records and receipts. Just want to keep the warranty good for the first year. But I think I heard them say it would be around $250 for the service Thats a lot for a quart of oil and tightening the chain. The major fasteners all have witness marks and none are moving What say the hive? I mean I kept a lawnmower engine spinning 7k all the time alive for a few years on the mini right? I like to have the Factory Service Manual (FSM) for any motorcycles that I own. Some considerations: 1. What does the FSM detail for the first service? It may be more than oil & filter. Or not. 2. Are there any outstanding technical service bulletins on your bike? If so, the first service is when they will be taken care of. Example: Early Honda CBR600s had their clutch packs replaced. I think it was a silent deal and the customers were not informed, but I may be misremembering. I did a bunch of them. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
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I recently bought a couple of tools to help with maintenance. I really like the front & rear Pit Bull stands I had for my sportbikes back in the day but they are $$$. They make one that they say works with my DRZ but again it's expensive and it doesn't use spools which I always thought was pretty stable. I ended up getting these from Amazon: Motorcycle Lift Scissor Jack Only $60 and works well enough. I have to put it on a block of wood so it will lift my DRZ high enough to get the rear wheel off the ground. It feels pretty stable and I can remove both wheels now. Motorcycle Wheel Roller STand I haven't used it yet but it seems pretty nice quality and was only $22. It will be nice to be able to clean the chain without having to use the above lift. Chain Brushes Only $6 for two. I bought some Maxima chain cleaner and Suzuki Ecstar chain lube from the dealer last weekend. |
| If the 300 is like the 230, there is one tricky part to the service. The filter spring is horizontal and not retained. The boys in the shop will lay the bike on it's side to change the filter. I expanded the spring so it can hold itself in place. Not hard to do. If you been keeping your mini bike running, you'll do fine. |
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Originally Posted By cschaeff: If the 300 is like the 230, there is one tricky part to the service. The filter spring is horizontal and not retained. The boys in the shop will lay the bike on it's side to change the filter. I expanded the spring so it can hold itself in place. Not hard to do. If you been keeping your mini bike running, you'll do fine. Yes Ive seen this part mentioned Hoping its not as big of a pain as some on some FB groups have made it seem to be Need to measure the chain slack and see where Im at there. Thats more the part I dont like doing. I think I always set the mini bike too tight to be honest |
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Think of all the miles you would have done over the years. You've jumped in with both feet now. (Picture cross-post from the 2025 Motorcycle Scavenger Hunt Thread. Join us.) Attached File |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Just south of 500 miles Ordered the filter and oils so next week Ill jump into doing the 600 mile service https://i.imgur.com/62ojrm9.jpeg Looks good! You gonna do any mods to it? |
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Originally Posted By Dynamo: Looks good! You gonna do any mods to it? The only thing I would do to it is something about the mirrors and the back plastic end As far as performance I’m just going to leave it alone so I don’t have to mess with getting a fuel controller and the like The mirrors probably bug me the most but are rather functional |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Yes Ive seen this part mentioned Hoping its not as big of a pain as some on some FB groups have made it seem to be It's not. I put a tiny amount of grease on the filter end of that spring. It sticks it to the filter enough to easily reinstall the spring and filter. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: The only thing I would do to it is something about the mirrors and the back plastic end As far as performance I’m just going to leave it alone so I don’t have to mess with getting a fuel controller and the like The mirrors probably bug me the most but are rather functional Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By Dynamo: Looks good! You gonna do any mods to it? The only thing I would do to it is something about the mirrors and the back plastic end As far as performance I’m just going to leave it alone so I don’t have to mess with getting a fuel controller and the like The mirrors probably bug me the most but are rather functional I hear you. I put a fender eliminator on mine and have replaced the halogen headlight bulb with an LED bulb. Debating replacing the mirrors too but not sure what to go with as I'd still like to be able to see out of them. I'd also like to get an exhaust but not sure I want to mess with rejetting the carb. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Need to measure the chain slack and see where Im at there. Thats more the part I dont like doing. I think I always set the mini bike too tight to be honest Good info:  How To Check and Adjust Your Motorcycle Chain | MC Garage |
"A GIRL WITH A GUITAR IS 12 TIMES BETTER THAN ANOTHER CRAZY BAND O BOYS" — Prince
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I’m going to grab a tail tidey kit and some mirrors that hang down from the bar instead of over the top Found some that say they’re good to go on mine but there is not a ton of room to be had below the bars when they are cranked to either side We’ll see what happens Right under 600 miles now. Probably give it one last ride tomorrow and throw it up on the stand to do the 600 mile service and install the parts when they all arrive Feeling pretty comfortable with it otherwise. To give it some credit it does have a bit of power if you ring it out. Just not much down low. But it’s enough to be fun and that’s the main thing I was after. Perhaps I’ve chosen better roads to cruise as well but I haven’t had an issue lately. I did start driving around with my high beam on. I only ride during the day but it seems to have helped quite a bit. Been staying away from roads where they are tight or a bunch of traffic though too |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I’m going to grab a tail tidey kit and some mirrors that hang down from the bar instead of over the top Found some that say they’re good to go on mine but there is not a ton of room to be had below the bars when they are cranked to either side We’ll see what happens Right under 600 miles now. Probably give it one last ride tomorrow and throw it up on the stand to do the 600 mile service and install the parts when they all arrive Feeling pretty comfortable with it otherwise. To give it some credit it does have a bit of power if you ring it out. Just not much down low. But it’s enough to be fun and that’s the main thing I was after. Perhaps I’ve chosen better roads to cruise as well but I haven’t had an issue lately. I did start driving around with my high beam on. I only ride during the day but it seems to have helped quite a bit. Been staying away from roads where they are tight or a bunch of traffic though too I ALWAYS rode with my brights on. 99.8% of my riding was daytime or on track (no lights), so it didnt matter. If "loud pipe save lives" than "bright lights save lives" might as well apply as well |
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I disagree with hi-beam all the time. Look up "dazzle" camouflage. I think the bright light actually breaks up your silhouette and makes you harder to see. I used to run brights all the time until I paid attention to other bikes doing the same and changed my mind. |
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Attached File Fresh oil in the death machine. Not shown: The Joseph Hazelwood Memorial Oil Spill. My ancient low-profile plastic oil drain container (shown below under one of my other bikes) apparently developed a split. I stepped away once she started draining and came back to a bit of a mess. Attached File |
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Hit 620 yesterday. Interval at 600 so I drained out the oil to keep me from getting tempted to drive it anymore before the filter and oil kit arrives Pulled the factory mirrors off while I wait for the smaller ones that go under the handle bar The tidy kit has also been ordered. Hopefully it all lands soon so I can knock it out and enjoy it the rest of the summer Chain looks good best I can tell. I kept coming up with 1.4" or so on the stand with the spec being 1.2-1.6". Certainly not an exact science but I measured it best I could |
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Originally Posted By chase45: The tidy kit has also been ordered. Hopefully it all lands soon so I can knock it out and enjoy it the rest of the summer Attached File |
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Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: Tail tidy best tidy. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/20250720_184945-COLLAGE_jpg-3600322.JPG Its going to look a ton better Supposedly plug and play beyond a little dremel action 
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Originally Posted By chase45: Hit 620 yesterday. Interval at 600 so I drained out the oil to keep me from getting tempted to drive it anymore before the filter and oil kit arrives Pulled the factory mirrors off while I wait for the smaller ones that go under the handle bar The tidy kit has also been ordered. Hopefully it all lands soon so I can knock it out and enjoy it the rest of the summer Chain looks good best I can tell. I kept coming up with 1.4" or so on the stand with the spec being 1.2-1.6". Certainly not an exact science but I measured it best I could Does the manual specify whether the slack should be measured with the bike on the sidestand, or on a box with the swingarm unsupported, or other condition? Something that is rarely mentioned is that you only measure the slack. You do not measure how far you can deflect the chain using force. Forcing the chain to its deflection limits for measurement will result in a chain that is too tight. A chain that is too tight will accelerate wear on the chain, sprockets, AND the countershaft bearing (which may not be fun to replace). |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
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Originally Posted By Emoto: Does the manual specify whether the slack should be measured with the bike on the sidestand, or on a box with the swingarm unsupported, or other condition? Something that is rarely mentioned is that you only measure the slack. You do not measure how far you can deflect the chain using force. Forcing the chain to its deflection limits for measurement will result in a chain that is too tight. A chain that is too tight will accelerate wear on the chain, sprockets, AND the countershaft bearing (which may not be fun to replace). Huh I could have swore it said to measure on side stand or a center stand After rechecking it simple says to measure on side stand I did measure on a centerstand with the wheels off the ground so I guess I will have to double check this |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Huh I could have swore it said to measure on side stand or a center stand After rechecking it simple says to measure on side stand I did measure on a centerstand with the wheels off the ground so I guess I will have to double check this If you recall your measurement, you can see how much they differ and then correct for that if you prefer doing it on a box or centerstand. I measure wherever the manual says, but when I am adjusting, I like to be able to give the wheel a spin or two and check slack in multiple spots. Your chain is still very new so probably won't have this, but once it has more time/miles on it, there may be a tight spot. If so, you should adjust it so that the tight spot is where it has the specified amount of slack. Forgive me if you already know all of this, but maybe someone else will find it helpful. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
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Originally Posted By Emoto: If you recall your measurement, you can see how much they differ and then correct for that if you prefer doing it on a box or centerstand. I measure wherever the manual says, but when I am adjusting, I like to be able to give the wheel a spin or two and check slack in multiple spots. Your chain is still very new so probably won't have this, but once it has more time/miles on it, there may be a tight spot. If so, you should adjust it so that the tight spot is where it has the specified amount of slack. Forgive me if you already know all of this, but maybe someone else will find it helpful. I will Maybe I googled how most people do it and thats where the centerstand part came in The manual mentions finding the tightest spot by rotating the tire. I sorta tried that but it all seemed the same to me. But Ill give the measure a go with it on the ground once I get everything done to it. The mirrors already shipped. Hoping the tidy kit is right behind it and I get a shipping notification soon. Only so many more days left with good weather and all
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Originally Posted By chase45: Hit 620 yesterday. Interval at 600 so I drained out the oil to keep me from getting tempted to drive it anymore before the filter and oil kit arrives Pulled the factory mirrors off while I wait for the smaller ones that go under the handle bar The tidy kit has also been ordered. Hopefully it all lands soon so I can knock it out and enjoy it the rest of the summer Chain looks good best I can tell. I kept coming up with 1.4" or so on the stand with the spec being 1.2-1.6". Certainly not an exact science but I measured it best I could Post some pics of the mirrors once you get them on if you can, and let us know how they work for you. I've been thinking of getting similar ones as well. |
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So, I put some big fuckin' skateboard wheels on the sides of Sophie. Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: So, I put some big fuckin' skateboard wheels on the sides of Sophie. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/1000022287_jpg-3601946.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/1000022317_jpg-3601949.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/1000022316_jpg-3601948.JPG Are those just fall protection for the most part? |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Are those just fall protection for the most part? Of course they're not going to do anything at all when the bike is doing 8-ft flips down the road. |
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Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: Tip over protection or minor low side protection. You trade the couple hundred dollars they cost for the couple hundred dollars of damage that you save. Of course they're not going to do anything at all when the bike is doing 8-ft flips down the road. Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: Originally Posted By chase45: Are those just fall protection for the most part? Of course they're not going to do anything at all when the bike is doing 8-ft flips down the road. You can also get them for the swing arm and handles |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Much better on the mirrors Good on ya for having good mirrors. The previous owner of my bike had put gay and useless "winglet" mirrors on the bike. I got some OEM takeoff mirrors (most likely from someone doing the same stupid modification) on EBay for $35. Attached File Fabulous mirrors. Good shape, nice and wide, and only a hint of elbows on the inner edge. |
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| Have fun! Buying your first motorcycle is a big decision and definitely a thrill. It reminds me of when I got my first major purchase financed through a metabank card https://metabank.pissedconsumer.com/customer-service.html —it felt like stepping into a whole new chapter. The same goes with learning to ride: once you take the training course and practice, it opens up a lifestyle you didn’t know you were missing. Make sure you invest in proper gear before hopping on. |
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Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: Good on ya for having good mirrors. The previous owner of my bike had put gay and useless "winglet" mirrors on the bike. I got some OEM takeoff mirrors (most likely from someone doing the same stupid modification) on EBay for $35. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/1000022356_jpg-3602255.JPG Fabulous mirrors. Good shape, nice and wide, and only a hint of elbows on the inner edge. Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: Originally Posted By chase45: Much better on the mirrors Good on ya for having good mirrors. The previous owner of my bike had put gay and useless "winglet" mirrors on the bike. I got some OEM takeoff mirrors (most likely from someone doing the same stupid modification) on EBay for $35. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/1000022356_jpg-3602255.JPG Fabulous mirrors. Good shape, nice and wide, and only a hint of elbows on the inner edge. Those rizoma mirrors are $400-$500+. Hope you didn't throw them away. I love them on my Tuono V4. |
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Originally Posted By Scrote: Those rizoma mirrors are $400-$500+. Hope you didn't throw them away. I love them on my Tuono V4. Cheap Chinesium fake and gay shit. In the trash. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: Cheap Chinesium fake and gay shit. In the trash. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/1000022366_png-3602322.JPG Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: Originally Posted By Scrote: Those rizoma mirrors are $400-$500+. Hope you didn't throw them away. I love them on my Tuono V4. Cheap Chinesium fake and gay shit. In the trash. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/1000022366_png-3602322.JPG Oh. Good trashing. 
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