Posted by Mke Bechler on June 13, 2001 at 00:31:34:
I'm glad to find a robust owner's group.
I've been trolling for the right used bike for about a
month and there she was at the local Honda dealership. I
was skeptical at first -- imagine me on a THUMPER
for chrissakes. But a couple of days on the road
have convinced me that I did the right thing. I'm
having a blast on this thing.
I started with the usual questions. Why does it
backfire and does it HAVE to be that loud?. (Yes and
Yes, but that's OK as long as it's normal).
I still have a couple of questions that might help
speed up my learning curve.
1) I smell gasoline whenever I ride slowly. Is this
normal? I've looked high and low for leaks and can't
find any. Any ideas/suggestions?
2) The belt squeaks a bit. This is most noticeable
when I'm coasting. It seems to be riding to the
outside of the front sprocket, and pressing on it
next to the sprocket so it slides up and down
on the teeth (with the inspection plate
and motor OFF) reproduces the noise. I suspect it
isn't aligned perfectly. What's the best way to align
my belt so it's right. (the alignment marks on the
wheel look the same on either side but the belt
rides to the outside of the front sprocket).
Is there something else I can/should do about
this noise?
3) There's a high pitched rattle that comes out of the
gas tank. Touching the speedo makes it go away. Does
the speedo have some kind of mounting that
can be shimmed or adjusted to make this stop?
(something might be loose and need a little
tightening).
I bought it Sunday. It's a red 97 with 3750 miles
and I paid $2600. I haven't been in my car since.
Any owners in the SF bay area?
Thanks
Mike