ducnut

I tried a Zero Gravity Sport Touring screen. Then, tried an add-on extension to that. Neither was as good as stock. Since my stock screen was in such bad shape, I installed a Zero Gravity Stock Replacement screen. It’s essentially the same shape as stock and can be had in different tints. I’ve given up on the pursuit of perfection. If I want wind protection, I’ll ride my Tiger 800 with a Madstad windscreen. On that bike, I can wear a ball cap and it doesn’t blow off.

Tapered head bearings are definitely smooth as butter. It’s one of those little things one wouldn’t think they’d notice, until they have them.

If you guys want Japanese bearings, contact Cole at Dubya USA. He has most wheel bearings on the shelf. They buy from a bearing importer that’s right close to them, in Orange, California. I’d think that importer would have tapered bearings available, as well. Unfortunately, I don’t know the business name AND they may only be a wholesaler, IDK. As for All Balls, I have their tapered steering stem bearings in all three of my bikes. I’ve sold quite few sets of their entire variety of bearings, in both shops I’ve worked at, without issues with the bearings, themselves. In general, the most prevalent bearing issues I’ve seen are from a lack of servicing and general abuse (submarining, pressure washer use, etc). YMMV.

Interestingly, I tried a set of those on a Tiger 1050. With Traxxion Dynamics AK-20’s in the forks and a Penske, the front still cupped to heck.

Just a cheap, eBay piece. I tried one on my 5th Gen.

Martin Musil, at Traxxion Dynamics, has been my go-to suspension tech, the last 15yrs. Eric Trinkley, at Penske, has built five shocks for me, over roughly the same time period. My bikes have always been perfect, regardless of any charts.

Huge props to the hardass riding the RC51. 🙇‍♂️

Yep, on the weight.

Some interesting numbers, on spring rates. I’m running 1.05kg with Axxion valves in the front and a 1300# spring on a Penske 8983 in the rear and the bike is fantastic.

Not really. I’ve seen it on a lot of bikes, including my own, that spend the majority of their time straight up and down.

Hi ducnut, Thank you for your donation of 50.00 USD. We look forward to improving the forums with your donation. Thanks VFRDiscussion

Franklin is awesome. I’ve been there ~dozen times. There are better roads in the area than the most famous one. If you don’t mind fire roads, there are even more opportunities for exploring. This guy does a lot of good maps: https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeMotorcycleRides/ I need to inquire about time off, for next spring’s event.

Have seen bikes that developed starting issues. Unplug the PC and the bike starts and runs perfect. The last one was a KTM 450.

Power Commanders are good for that.

On certain bikes, white wheels are best.