03-31-2006, 10:58 AM
Well, I rode it in to work today and on the ride home I will be at 21,9xx miles - so I suppose its fitting I write short "1,000 mile review" of this thing 
Riding position - more upright than I expected, and its very comfortable, especially with the Corbin seat. I think 3-4 hr rides are going to be no problems here. I wish the rearsets were a little lower and a little further back, but no big deal and I can deal with it.
Suspension - Its a bit old, and its a bit soft, but it still gets the job done, just like Maeng's mom. If you're in a turn on bumpy pavement the front end chatters a bit, but other than that its pretty good. The tires are old and really need to be replaced and that will be taken care of soon - probably going for Pilot Powers.
Engine - Runs great, and I dont think it needs much of anything now. I replaced the cam chain tensioner (common failure on CBR's) and at some point I will sych the carbs, its got a flat spot between 4,000-5,500 rpm. The only complaint I have is that its got no grunt at all until about 7500 rpm - I will be replacing the chain and sprockets next week, and changing the gearing while I'm at it (-1/+2). Should be a nice change for cruising around, shouldnt make highway cruising that bad - its 6,000 rpm @ 75mph in 6th now.
The only other thing I'm planning on doing is putting a set of frame sliders on it, just need to figure out whats going to work best. I'd like to put 10k miles on it this year, I think I'm off to a good start
Riding position - more upright than I expected, and its very comfortable, especially with the Corbin seat. I think 3-4 hr rides are going to be no problems here. I wish the rearsets were a little lower and a little further back, but no big deal and I can deal with it.
Suspension - Its a bit old, and its a bit soft, but it still gets the job done, just like Maeng's mom. If you're in a turn on bumpy pavement the front end chatters a bit, but other than that its pretty good. The tires are old and really need to be replaced and that will be taken care of soon - probably going for Pilot Powers.
Engine - Runs great, and I dont think it needs much of anything now. I replaced the cam chain tensioner (common failure on CBR's) and at some point I will sych the carbs, its got a flat spot between 4,000-5,500 rpm. The only complaint I have is that its got no grunt at all until about 7500 rpm - I will be replacing the chain and sprockets next week, and changing the gearing while I'm at it (-1/+2). Should be a nice change for cruising around, shouldnt make highway cruising that bad - its 6,000 rpm @ 75mph in 6th now.
The only other thing I'm planning on doing is putting a set of frame sliders on it, just need to figure out whats going to work best. I'd like to put 10k miles on it this year, I think I'm off to a good start