Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: CASE BACK OPEN...

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid": Christine ain't no fat chick!


So with aesthetics mostly out of the way (kinda stalled on the Tex front fender process, but it WILL happen...)I have decided to finally address some of the suspension issues that this thing has developed since being lightened. According to RaceTech, the front springs are way light, and the rear spring is just right. I have to say I am a little skeptical of this assessment, since it seems that the rear is much too stiff--but that could be slow compression damping too, I suppose. But in my initial sag adjustments, I was unable to achieve proper sag at all due to this spring, and the bike is much lighter than it was then. The front could benefit from some additional spring, and certainly from valve work, so no question there--I will most likely be going with the RT recommendations there.

So my question is, how accurate is the RT rate calculator, and if it is not, is there one that works better?

Gotta get this suspension stuff sorted--the weather is getting warmer, and it will be time to crack the NO bottle soon!!

 

[dp9]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: suspension

I have no useful input, but i do have some questions (arent i helpful?) whats she doing that makes you want to change up the suspension? what are you trying to achieve by changing the suspension?

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: suspension


The suspension is really harsh in places on the road right now. Mostly compression valving in the rear as near as I can tell, and it seems to 'bounce' over bumps in the road, rather than soak them up. It can be quite unnerving at higher speed. I have been spending a lot of time reading up on suspension tuning, and I definitely feel there is some room for improvement. I have never had an issue with this bike before, thanks in part that I am nearly a ringer for the weights the bike was designed for. But I have altered the bike enough that is has started to affect handling.

A new realm for me, so I am learning this one slowly, as I go

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: suspension


Well folks, I turned over a portion of this build to a trusted comrade in arms. Ringo is taking over the composite build of the Texalium front fender. I provided him with a yard of 50" Texalium tonight, and he is going to work his magic into a front fender befitting of the build! So the long and short is that we are letting the likes of greatness onto this thread, so look out!

...and the three pints of Outlaw Brewing's finest had nothing to do with this post, eh Chris?

 

[Ringo]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: suspension

Ha! Greatness? No promises there! We shall see if I can pull it off...

Yeah, the beer was tasty. Coming back to a shop full of Coors was kind of a downer, haha. I really need to pick up a growler or two!

 

[JustinLonghorn]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: suspension

Mmmmm, Texalium. Mmmmm, growlers of Micro-brew. I need to visit y'alls garages.

 

[MotorbikeBruno]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: suspension

Mmmmm, Texalium. Mmmmm, growlers of Micro-brew. I need to visit y'alls garages.

Me too! I've got 2 buddies both brewing 2 batches of different beers each! 4 delicious beers in my future! Can't wait to see the tealium fender gents!

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: suspension


As we have been unexpectedly blessed with an early riding season, I decided to forego the Tex fender until next winter. There is a lot of work involved in that process, and I want to take advantage of riding up here while we can. I may do a quickie paint on it and at least paint it silver, but even that has taken back seat to the latest:

It is supposed to be nearing 70 toward this weekend, so I decided it was high time to pull the trigger on the NO system. I got the bottle filled today, and ran all the preliminary functionality checks of the system (most importantly, that at least fuel is getting added). It is all working as designed, so now:

The torpedo is loaded, armed, and all systems are go for (hopefully) a Friday evening/ Saturday afternoon launch!

The suspension is as dialed as I can make it for now, and everything has been triple checked for this run. Wish me luck, and that everything stays together! I will be posting results as they happen!

 

[Big R]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: kkkkch: *Nitrous test scheduled...

That's great news man! Best of luck to you - take a video or two if you can?

 

[Ringo]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: kkkkch: *Nitrous test scheduled...

Uhuhuh Yeeeeeesssssssssss. I've got to be there for this. Besides, like Rich said, you need a videographer.

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: kkkkch: *Nitrous test scheduled...


KKKcch: First nitrous test a success! I had crappy conditions to test, so I didn't run too long, or get to the max, but here is a shot of my max speed indicator on the speedo:

With no wind and a little warmer temps for my jetting, I am confident I can break 150 easily. I feel this is pretty good for 5000' above sea level.

The VTR handled like a dream, engine purred seamlessly, and everything was peachy keen on this run-other than me shaking out of sheer joy when I finally brought her to the edge of the road for a breather...

 

[Big R]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!

Whoa!!!

That's awesome man! Congrats!

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!


Thans man! It felt really good to know all the mods have finally worked out. The speedo is pretty accurate--I have checked it against GPS a couple times (albeit only at speeds to 100), so I feel pretty good about the indication. Incidentally, I rode it over to help set up for a local Harley event we are having tomorrow, and it drew good reviews from the HD crowd as well--well, in context at least

However, after a little more dialing in, I think this will certainly have to be relagated to a casual use item...

 

[JustinLonghorn]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!

Holy sweet Jeebus!

Fantastic, man.

 

[VonYinzer]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!

Goddamn American hero. Hell ya man!

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!


Ha ha! Now I have to refill my bottle, and have the patience to wait for a good windstill day. I want to try to break the ton-and-a-half! ;D I think it is definitely doable, given how it was running.

 

[hurley209]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!

you need a "real men of genius' commercial man lol
AWESOME!!!!
wouldve been cool to get a fly by video.

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!


......................Mr.-wanna-go-fast-on-his-VTR-ri---derr!

Sorry, tough to sing in text...

Thanks man, I hope to get some ride by vid at some point, it's just tough getting the stars to align!

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!


Incidentally, I weighed the old VTR steel tank today--12# empty. My alloy tank is 5, so I figure I done good!

That is all...

 

[t71ford]

Re: Modern cafe, "Project Kool-Aid/ Christine: First nitrous run a success!!


Well, it is decided. Christine will be moving on to find a new home. She has been a good ride, and the evolution has been a blast, but I couldn't resist here replacement yesterday. The HD dealer traded in a 2008 Duc 1098S with only 400 miles on it yesterday, and my lust got the better of me. It still has the nubbies in the center of the tire--the guy that owned it simply did not ride it. The dealer wanted out of it, so I bought it right, too. The wife was ok with the purchase, on the stipulation that the VTR goes... Kinda tough decision, but not too tough, especially with the way my riding style and wants have been evolving. So this will be the end of this epic story...one tear :'(

That done, it is on to the world of full Ohlins suspension, righteous power, ultra lightweight....difficult valve jobs, hard to find parts, etc...not all good, but enough to make it worth it, IMO.

The new ride, just before I took it home: