Minor upgrades...

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 2:47 pm

So, it was time for my 4500 mile service. The rear tire still had some life in it, and I could have got by until the next service. But, those Maxxis tires just don't feel right. I don't like em as much, even if they look good.

So I took the plunge and got some Michelin S1's. They also had a Prima pipe laying around. I shouldn't have spent the $$, but I have wanted it for a while.

My local dealer offers plans when you buy a new bike from them that allows you to not pay for labor, and get a decent discount off of any parts/accessories you buy from them (even aftermarket stuff). I figured if they had to take the exhaust off anyway, why make them do it twice? (see how self-justification works?).

Overall really happy. I like my bikes quiet but the Prima just has a nice tone to it. Obviously I haven't gone nuts with brand new tires yet but the ride and cornering is already nicer. I think just the exhaust gave it a tiny bit more mid range power (could just be the tuneup).

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:55 pm

Nice, Skulley!
I know you've been kicking around the idea of some upgrades on your Buddy. Granted, the pipe alone doesn't do too much but it looks and sounds nice; plus takes a couple pounds off the bike.

I think you're gonna be happy with the Michelin's. The Maxxis are actually pretty decent but any time your scooter has new sneakers the ride is instantly better! Be sure to give 'em a hundred miles or so to wear off any oils before you take corners to aggressively.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:49 pm

a few hundred to get the coating off, eh?

I'm not too aggressive in the corners anyway, but I'll try not to push my luck until 4500 or so

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it feels like it has a tiny bit more acceleration, but we are talking about a small 150cc engine here

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We'll see in a couple years, but maybe I'll want to follow your spirited build. seems like you get better mpg than me and it's a tad snappier.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:04 pm

Yeah, I've been pretty happy with my performance considering I haven't really done anything to the motor (with the exception of the upgraded CDI and coil). Everything's been in the CVT and clutch area.

I'm still waiting on parts so I'm missing out on this beautiful riding weather this week

.
With my rear pulley system apart, I went ahead and ordered the NCY secondary sheave or slider and the NCY secondary spring seat with the ball bearings.
I went down to Sportique Saturday just to get a second opinion on the bearings in my rear pulley. They agreed that the sealed bearing felt a little rough but the needle bearings were OK. I went in back and found a salvage Blackjack and grabbed the main pulley off of it so I'll have nice, smooth new(er) bearings when I get everything put back together.
I've had some great advice from az_slynch; wanted to give him credit!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:10 pm

how in the name of all that is good and holy is a blackjack salvage?

I hope it was only due to a non-injury accident!

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:14 pm

Cool upgrades! You'll love the S1's. I've always felt they were ok after about 50 miles as far as getting the coating off. You should find that you have a newfound confidence in tight turning and leaning!

I have wanted a Prima pipe but never have pulled the trigger on one.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:11 pm

Jmazza, I recommend it. It is louder, but not really in a bad way!

I'm also told that if you do all the upgrades many moons from now, it is a necessity. We do have some riders with the 161cc kit and full digs, and they are pretty fast, but it also seems like they have a higher rate of failure. Mine isn't even a year old yet, so I won't go ganbusters

.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:47 pm

skully93 wrote:Jmazza, I recommend it. It is louder, but not really in a bad way!

I'm also told that if you do all the upgrades many moons from now, it is a necessity. We do have some riders with the 161cc kit and full digs, and they are pretty fast, but it also seems like they have a higher rate of failure. Mine isn't even a year old yet, so I won't go ganbusters .

I hear ya on that. That's why I stayed with transmission changes and stayed away from the motor. If I need anything significantly faster, I'll get a motorcycle or larger scooter (like you did).

And that salvage Blackjack was pretty sad! It was just the motor and rear wheel so I figure the rest was totaled somehow.