few quik questions...
first of all...tires. mid winter in michigan gives tons of time to adress all the neglected issues over the summer. Im due for some new rubber and just curious as to what handles best on the Hawk. Ive had two sets of continentals and was fairlypleased. I was leaning toward either michelin or bridgestone....any feedback?

Secondly.... The shops around my area are crazy when it comes to labor rates. Im a Chrysler mechanic and can tackle just about anything...when it comesto automobiles....but when it comes to tackling mechanical 2 wheels i second guess myself often. Ive read through my service manual a doozen times on valve lash procedure... seems pretty cut and dried. Opinions? is itworth tackling myself? I can get my hands on a shim kit fairly cheap.. but is it more of a headache than whati really am barganing for?

 

If you have a good general mechanical aptitude and some motorcycle specific time with tools, checking and then adjusting the valvs on a SH motor is not a big deal.. Triple check cam timing when your all done BEFORE rotating the motor.. That really is the only catastrophic mistake that can be made.

Tires/ well like an oil thread lots of opinions,,, only way to know for sure is to spoon um on and ride um.. I just installed a new set of the Dunlap Sportmax qualifiers, wanting to try something new from my stand by and proven great tires , Michelin Pilot power.

 

Tires are like Oil. It's a subject that can lead down a twisted path. Everyone has their favorites and are sometimes afraid to try something new.

Lots of people like the Pilot Power 2CT. Are you doing track days? Is your riding up to the ability of the tires? Those are questions you can use to help yourself pick.

I've used the Shinko Raven 009. I like them. Soft yet durable. Inexpensive. They are the old Yokohamas. When Yokohamas plant was flooded, Shinko boot the molds and technology. So they are a time tested tire.

I've also ridden the newer Bridgestone BT-016s. Not just dual compound, but multi-compound. I've read good write ups for both track and street. I rode them in the canyons in CO, and loved them. Good feedback, excellent grip. Price is inexpesinve at roughly $250 for a pair (on multiple sites).

I didn't care for the Dunlops that were on the bike when I purchased it. Too hard, wore too fast.

I've ridden Pirellis as well, Corsas I believe, good tire. I'll pass on the price though.

Next set of tires for my Hawk will be Bridgestones. No doubt about it.

As for the wrenching, quit second guessing yourself. Just a smaller version of what you already know. You've read the book, so give it a go. Worse case, you stop when you're not sure, come here and ask questions, or load it up and have someone do it. Either way, you at least gave it a go.

 

I have only had 3 sets of tires on my bike.

The D204s that were on it when I got it. D208s that I upgraded to, and PP2CTs that I am running now.

The Pilot Power 2CTs are by far the grippyest of the 3, but the D208s when hot and on dry pavement were the most predictable. They lost traction before these PP2CTs do, but did so in a way that was almost progressive. The PP2CTs grip and grip and grip and then suddenly are sliding. I rarely push them that hard though.. It has only happened a few times.

When my rear wears out I will put on a Pilot Road 2 on the back and try that.. Then consider other brands when those two wear out. (since front has never been totally worn out by the time I go thru 2 rears, I figure a Road rear might last long enough)

 

Michelin Pilot Power 2CT is great in my opinion.

As for maintenance, you are a qualified mechanic.

I have done a full rebuild of my bike. And I mean full - engine and gearbox included. And I am a qualified nobody and that is about it.

Get stuck into I reckon!!!

 

I second the BT-016's. I will be on my third rear, second front, come spring time. They have worked great for me in all conditions including some track duty. They're not gonna last forever but are pretty durable for more of a high performance tire.

As far as the bike work...I don't see a problem. Same basic theory as almost any engine. You shouldn't have a problem. Shims can sometimes be had for little or no money. Some dealers will trade shims with you. It has worked 2 out of 3 three times for me.

 

I recently put on a set of Dunlop Q2s and needed no balance weights and stick as well as the BTO16 and Michelin 2CT.

Depends on what kind of riding you prefer or do mostly. If you go directly to the twisties and ride the curves aggressively then you want Michelin Power One Road, 2CT or what i have the Q2, or the BTO-16, or similar sticky street tires. If you communte or don't get aggressive in curves, there are likely many choices of which some may be better, but someone else will have to advise.

 

Round Tires work best ;-)
2nd set of BT-016's - In my opinion best bang for the buck.

In terms of vavle lash or anything engine/mechanical......I feel quite confident in my limited skills....I struggle with oil changes, so wrong guy to ask.