So I have this girlfriend and we are planning on getting married soon. She has been great to me and I have serviced her regularly. Her warranty is going to run out soon and I am curious when would be a good time to start modding her for better performance? ???
[popcorn]
Buy her a treadmill...NOW.
Mods have a negligible effect on resale value. Suggest you trade-in ASAP so as to get the highest value. Out of warranty service becomes very expensive. Can you lease a new model and still keep the old one?
Quote from: sqweak on June 11, 2008, 02:32:55 PM
Can you lease a new model and still keep the old one?
That's illegal in some states and downright dangerous depending on who the old one is.
Modding for performance as she gets older is a bit of a contradiction, as tolerances tend to loosen a bit with age. If you can handle the sketchier nature of a more modern ride, trade her in now.
Quote from: Manny on June 11, 2008, 02:37:17 PM
Modding for performance as she gets older is a bit of a contradiction, as tolerances tend to loosen a bit with age. If you can handle the sketchier nature of a more modern ride, trade her in now.
Although, there is something to be said for sticking with a model once the valves have seated and everything is running smoothly. A few tweaks here (diet) and something there (exercise), might do wonders.
...dont buy, my friend...multiple lease is the way to go
Quote from: Sinister on June 11, 2008, 02:39:29 PM
Although, there is something to be said for sticking with a model once the valves have seated and everything is running smoothly. A few tweaks here (diet) and something there (exercise), might do wonders.
Which is true, but you can't make a rocket from a Red Flyer wagon. You'll just disappoint yourself when the wheels fall off at some ungodly speed...
Quote from: lucazuma on June 11, 2008, 02:51:49 PM
...dont buy, my friend...multiple lease is the way to go
If you have the cash. But, looking long-term, what vehicle will be there to take care of your needs in your old age? There is something to be said for getting a quality model and taking care of it.
...well, if you HAVE to buy [roll], some modding could be good but dont go extreme...nothing worst than an shiny, big turbo stikin' out of a rusty hood...
if she is not inclined towards keeping in shape, she will probably let it go a bit...you either stick with her as she comes (my sugestion) or, if you know already that you wont be pleased with her in th future, keep shoping ;D
Tour the factory. All purchases eventually resemble the factory. If the factory is in good condition, nothing to worry about.
//best thread ever
Quote from: swerdna on June 11, 2008, 03:19:22 PM
Tour the factory. All purchases eventually resemble the factory. If the factory is in good condition, nothing to worry about.
//best thread ever
While true, this is also a rule of thumb. Emissions and air quality standards were different, years ago; these have effects on interior and exterior finishes of a building and its machinery.
...i must admit that, infact, i have toured some factories for this specific reason. Turns out some factories were much better than the product...
(from every point of view)
Quote from: Sinister on June 11, 2008, 02:32:11 PM
Buy her a treadmill...NOW.
Nah that is the last of the mods I would need to do. She is only around 110 pounds. I was thinking of doing the dual headlight mod cause I really like the way they look and perform. Her intake works great although it can be noisy at times. I would like to add some meat to the back end with a larger rear tire, I know this is just for looks and may make her turn in a little slower but I can deal with it.
Quote from: lucazuma on June 11, 2008, 02:51:49 PM
...dont buy, my friend...multiple lease is the way to go
I am tired of leasing. I have leased so many of em and its the same thing over and over. You get a big penalty for adding too many miles or if something breaks out of warranty.
Quote from: Sinister on June 11, 2008, 02:34:03 PM
That's illegal in some states and downright dangerous depending on who the old one is.
I have tried this before too with disasterous results. There was only one time I got away with it and that was when I got to ride two at once. Not as great as it sounds, It requires way too much attention and energy and by the time your done your exhausted.
Quote from: Manny on June 11, 2008, 02:53:06 PM
Which is true, but you can't make a rocket from a Red Flyer wagon. You'll just disappoint yourself when the wheels fall off at some ungodly speed...
That is some really good advise.
Quote from: Manny on June 11, 2008, 02:53:06 PM
Which is true, but you can't make a rocket from a Red Flyer wagon. You'll just disappoint yourself when the wheels fall off at some ungodly speed...
This is absolutely true. But a few tweaks here & there can help to put some spark back into the daily commute. So for me, modding might be the way to go.
If you want to change your ride, you're left with two options:
1. purchasing a newer version of your current ride - which means you might find yourself in this same situation in just a couple of years.
2. getting something completely different - so then where do you start? Street, Dual-Purpose, Off-Road? Something reliable for day to day use - acceptable for everything, isn't great at anything? Or something that'll blow your hair back weekends - but becomes intolerable in heavy traffic?
I have found that on certain high milage models a resleeve job with some detailed headwork could extend the rideable lifetime by some years [thumbsup]
Quote from: big bear on June 11, 2008, 11:29:43 PM
I have found that on certain high milage models a resleeve job with some detailed headwork could extend the rideable lifetime by some years [thumbsup]
She has relativly low miles, although I did not buy her new. I think I can get some good use and have some great rides before a rebuild would be necessary.
<--- Manufacturing Engineer.
Was she built in a Lean factory? If not, read The "Toyota Production System" or "Lean Thinking" and see if any of the tools principles will help out. I would start by creating a supermarket that rids muda (waste). Then focus on Heijunka of supplied material.
"It's not the people, it's the process."
Quote from: porschaholic on June 11, 2008, 02:29:24 PM
So I have this girlfriend and we are planning on getting married soon. She has been great to me and I have serviced her regularly. Her warranty is going to run out soon and I am curious when would be a good time to start modding her for better performance? ???
[popcorn]
Always make the factory pay for the mods whenever possible. If the original headlights are not properly alligned or the wattage is not high enough then it should be taken care of under warranty. Under no circumstances should the buyer be forced to perform these modifications out of pocket.
Quote from: swerdna on June 11, 2008, 03:19:22 PM
Tour the factory. All purchases eventually resemble the factory. If the factory is in good condition, nothing to worry about.
//best thread ever
A factory tour is not possible at this time. It is not a bad looking factory although in its earlier years production was way up and this has left alot of character.
Quote from: DCXCV on June 12, 2008, 11:57:31 AM
Always make the factory pay for the mods whenever possible. If the original headlights are not properly alligned or the wattage is not high enough then it should be taken care of under warranty. Under no circumstances should the buyer be forced to perform these modifications out of pocket.
Apparently the headlight issue is going to be covered under warranty by the factory. What a relief. The only problem I have had with previous mods of this type on my past rides are that they make her very desireable to other riders. I have lost several rides for this reason.
If you have something a bit homely on your hands like a Multistrada, you might want to keep it around a bit longer as it will work harder to keep you pleased and needs you enough that it won't give up on you if you "borrow" another man's bike every now and then.
after 10 years of ownership I am in negotiations for redoing the topend on my ride. Now that I am stationed in Japan and we around alot more low mileage top of the line models there has been a renewed desire to not be the 50 footer model of the squadron (looks good from 50 feet away but the wear and tear becomes more apparent under closer inspection)
We are also complete with any subsequent factory production so that is helping a bit since there has been some downsizing since the production line was shut down and there would be no impact on teh required initial servicing of new product lines.
I found the key was making sure that the routine maintenance was being done by the factory with recurring acknowledgment of the strides and improvements in reducing the volume of clutter that had accumulated in the basement over last few years.
Now to decide if the work is to be back in the states or outsourced to Pacific region. Labor is less but build quality is high, not sure on the future support tho.
Keep in mind that, per "factory" recommendations, a bit of regular attention and care can go a long way.
Look at the predecessor to your model. Is it a classic or a hoopty? Cause that's how it'll look like in the future...can you handle it? If not, start looking for a new model.
Quote from: 55Spy on June 12, 2008, 03:51:52 PM
Now to decide if the work is to be back in the states or outsourced to Pacific region. Labor is less but build quality is high, not sure on the future support tho.
If the build quality is high, as stated, then any top end/headlight work will support itself for many years even if you take off the bikini fairing.
It's the bottom end which requires hours of labor to keep in good condition. The factory is generally not willing to go in for that and the miles are prone to show up more.
Quote from: deweey on June 12, 2008, 04:12:01 PM
Look at the predecessor to your model. Is it a classic or a hoopty? Cause that's how it'll look like in the future...can you handle it? If not, start looking for a new model.
+11tyb: predecessor models will tell you a
lot about how your model will perform in the future.
Many novice riders will (wrongly) assume that the motorcycle will maintain the rider, as well as maintain itself.
Even going so far as to assume that the capability of the bike will make up for a lack of skill in the rider.
Also, these riders are usually incapable of learning what maintenance their bike truly needs.
They spend their money on useless bling, without spending any quality time with their bike.
They ride to the wrong places, with the wrong riders.
Sadly, these riders become disenchanted with their bikes, as they've never truly 'connected' with them.
Quote from: msincredible on June 12, 2008, 03:58:00 PM
Keep in mind that, per "factory" recommendations, a bit of regular attention and care can go a long way.
I have been servicing her regularly, and have always given her pre and post ride inspections. I have no problems giving all the attention and care that may be required. And I prefer to do all the maintenence and serciving by myself.
Quote from: Speeddog on June 12, 2008, 06:29:09 PM
Many novice riders will (wrongly) assume that the motorcycle will maintain the rider, as well as maintain itself.
Even going so far as to assume that the capability of the bike will make up for a lack of skill in the rider.
Also, these riders are usually incapable of learning what maintenance their bike truly needs.
They spend their money on useless bling, without spending any quality time with their bike.
They ride to the wrong places, with the wrong riders.
Sadly, these riders become disenchanted with their bikes, as they've never truly 'connected' with them.
that was hilarious. Thats all Im going to say about that.
Are the cans stock, or have they been upgraded already?