Konnichi-wa biotches...

Greetings from the Emerald Isle - otherwise known as the most god-forsaken bankrupt rock in the North Atlantic. Over on biker.ie in Ireland I'm known as Interceptor but for some funny reason that username was taken already here...

I just bought a '05 VTEC and I need to get the low-down on tweaking, servicing and sexifying it. Are the brakes really bad as standard - sometimes it feels like I could lock the front wheel with one finger and sometimes it feels like the lever is going to meet the grip? New fluid and some major bleeding first, then figure how to fit braided lines and not screw up the ABS/DBS. See why I'm here now?

Whats the best gear position indicator? Acumen? I keep slamming it into first on the approach to traffic lights when I'd normally glide in in second on my old CBR1000F. Do they all whine in first gear? How do I tighten the chain - that single sided swinger looks complicated. Is the 16k miles valve clearance check REALLY that important? Will a Power Commander fix the snatchiness in the fuelling at 2k rpm? Whats the best touring screen? Do I really need to spend $150 on a gel battery or will any 10Ah $40 Wal-Mart jobbie do?

Anyhew - I'm not really looking for answers - just giving an idea for why I'm here.

This is the one I just bought (minus its Givi luggage)



I have one of these:



one of these:



and one of these



See you around!

'cptr

 

Welcome "Emerald Isle Interceptor".....

Can't choose ? Just buy them all....
Nice bikes !

Chain adjustment ?? Very easy......thanks to the single swingarm....

 

ようこそ。男どうしたのだ！ :wave:

 

Welcome aboard...I have to say I am a guiness lover, lol I assume no owners manual? The chain adjustment info is in there It's easy though....

In a nutshell, loosen the carrier pinch bolt that is to the right of the sprocket on top of the swingarm (as you look from the rear). Use the spanner wrench in the bike tool kit on the spanner also next to the sprocket and go counter clockwise (I think) to tighten...about 1" of chain free play. Re-tighten (There is a torque spec) on the pinch bolt that is important to follow as well.

 

Biotches? Keep that up and I'll punch you in your uterus.

Congrats on your latest purchase.

I'll let people that have the same model bike as you answer your questions, but I'm sure you'll sort through any shortcomings you don't like.