Graphics

I've made a decision regarding the graphics -- being involved in education (and the principal of an elementary school starting next year), meant that any tobacco-themed livery was out of the question... and I hate smoking anyway.  So, despite the pricy nature of the kit, I phoned tapeworks and ordered the following:

I also got them to include the rear black numberplates... when I get the graphics applied, I will get a single front one done as well, to cover the headlight-less side of the fairing endurance-style.  I think I will plump for professional installation, simply because when you pay for a graphics kit, you should likely get it installed "right". 

Bike will be taken to the shop today to get an MB safety.  In Canada, used bikes need to pass a DOT inspection prior to being registered with a new owner.  More cash grab by big brother.  Whatever.  I did realize that on paper, the front single light would not pass on its own, mainly because there is no low/dip beam.  With a bit of work, I was able to wire the LHS light, with a hi-low bulb, connecting the hot lead from the low beam.  Looks very neat and clean.  So "on the bar", I now have a proper hi and low beam light that looks "factory".  Unfortunately the 2 glorious weeks of 20 degrees in April (!) have not yet returned, so I'll be taking the bike over in the chill of a 10 degree (high) day.  Forecast for next week is certainly better, so I'll be able to get out on the roads shortly!

fairings

patience....

Still no bodywork -- next week, apparently.  Anyway, I levered on the new tires.  Old ones had the cores showing on the front!

Bridgestone sport-touring tires.  Horses for courses, as the Brits say.  No sense putting on racing radials for the street.  These also have the sipes extending to the shoulder of the tire, for rainy days.  It is a streetbike, remember!

Not much to report.  The warm weather of late allowed me to hook up the power commander, but I'm still waiting before I purchase a new battery.  And of course, the tank and bodywork is still of being painted.  I also re-installed the LHS rad with the new SPAL fan and hooked it up both plumbing and electical-wise.

misewell mode

As in, while the bike is apart, I misewell improve it.  Based on forums, the RC51 runs a tad hot.  On bit of advice is to upgrade the fan, and change it to a pusher style -- blow heat out from the back of the side mounted radiator, taking advantage of the low pressure system created by the wind blowing by the rads at speed.

I've since tidied up the wiring properly, but hopefully following the OEM wiring diagram I have things sorted out properly.  As far as I can tell, I'm the first to fit a SPAL fan to an RC51 SP1; other have done it with an SP2 which uses a far simpler wiring setup.

The shock has come back from RMR, so I installed it and so was able to mount the exhaust system.  Fairly straightforward, light, and good quality for the price.










Nice attention to detail -- exhaust pipe manufacturer is screened onto the rubber of the springs.

Here are a few upgrade pics...

Radial mount calipers, new chrome-plated allen bolts, new pads, stainless steel brake line, new crush washers.

Spal pusher fan -- the recommended modification to improve cooling.  Honda end is already soldered on... I fabricated some aluminum mounts to attach it to the inside of the radiator.  Will post some pics later -- just currently cut out in rough.

All the bodywork is now at Braemar to be painted.  Also got a call from RMR suspension, the shock has been rebuilt.  OK overall, but apparently the compression damping rod had seized up -- would still work, but could not be adjusted.