[quote=“joesax”]
I want to think about it for a couple of days - any further thoughts, anyone? I’m tending - and so’s Eric - towards the latter, cheaper option of keeping the existing front wheel.[/quote]
sure, if i were you i’d keep the original front wheel, not only is replacing it not really what you’re after, but also it sounds like it will cause a lot of hassles and undue work for your man Eric… as for the rest of your options for upgrading and/or replacing your front end, personally i’d keep the old shocks, get new seals, springs and heavier oil… as for your brake system, i’d start with progressively replacing the pads and brake fluid, then brake lever, then brake hoses, then renovated caliper, then perhaps a bigger disc, each with a few days testing in between… that way you can tell if your fix will be as easy as fresh pads and a fluid bleed, or whether you really need to replace your whole brake system…
[quote]Hexuan mentioned replacing the reservoir - excuse my ignorance but what could go wrong with a reservoir? Is it the valve or something?[/quote] the reservoir itself is unlikely to be the problem, but built into the bolt on reservoir unit, slightly below it is the piston/plunger that actually applies the pressure to the fluid, this bit could be worn, as could the point of the lever which transfers your force onto the plunger…
yes, yes, and yes again… i have ridden older pre V-Tech examples of Honda’s wonderful CB400 and i also noticed a hesitation at around 7000rpm… riding this 2002 model, with V-Tech was an absolute riot!.. at exactly 7500rpm, another set of valves per cyclinder kick into action, accompanied by a light, yet clearly audible, “pop!.. whooshhh!” sound as the bike, invisibly unleashed, leaps forward… it is a wonderful system, essentially giving the bike a split personality… a calm, purring kitten at low rpm’s around town or cruising, or a quick, repsonsive high revving mini-rocket, depending on what side of the magic V-Tech barrier you are on… i guess the aftermarket Akropovic exhaust system and carbon end can make a bit of difference too… overall the lightness, flickability, ease of use, and down right grin factor and a good deal, have made me decide to buy it, even though it can’t be licenced… just as something to cruise the mountains on whilst i wade through the seas of red tape that lie between me and importing my 600 Hornet… I’ll probably sell it to one of my riding mates within about 6 months or so especially once the Hornet arrives…
i’ll post some pics of it once i find my damn camera, which together with my great central taiwan map seem to have dissappeared… btw, joesax, can you suggest a specific bookstore in Taichung that has those map books you mentioned for sale?.. thanks…