New '99 M900 owner here from Brimfield, OH (it's south of Kent....which is near Akron!).
I am 26 and this is my first motorcycle. I've had smaller motorized things in the past, but nothing like this. It was purchased back on 4/17/11 with about 22,500 miles. So far I have changed the fuel filter, oil and filter, cleaned the air filter, replaced spark plugs, and ran some Seafoam through it. I also added some el cheapo front LED turn signals with a Motodynamics integrated taillight and 3rd Eye bar end mirrors.
Now, I know some might think I overstepped on getting a 900 for my first bike, which I probably have. With saying that, I don't think that the learning curve was all that bad. I took my time since I am lucky enough to live on a nice, quiet road. I didn't venture out into the "real world" of traffic until I had 2 weeks or so of clutch/throttle and braking familiarization under my belt.
It's only been around a month but I've put close to 300 miles on her, and what a blast. I still drive like a granny on it, but it's still fun as hell! I look forward to many, many more miles and getting into the biker community.
Here are the pictures, since that's what everyone wants...
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_PA-E9tbXXxQ/TdKC0NDS9tI/AAAAAAAAABs/0uAT31_ZiDs/s800/m900%20Before.jpg)
As bought by the previous owner.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_PA-E9tbXXxQ/TdKC87skKHI/AAAAAAAAAB0/x_pJpoYmAL4/s640/m900%20left.JPG)
Work done by previous owner...
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_PA-E9tbXXxQ/TdKC9ZAVkVI/AAAAAAAAAB4/akfQxygpNrk/s640/m900%20right2.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_PA-E9tbXXxQ/TdKC8hkwinI/AAAAAAAAABw/T53pPnw5fPI/s640/m900%20decal.JPG)
Black on matte black, sexy!
Most of the mods that the previous owner did were cosmetic, they include:
- Rattle-can matte black tank with black decals
- Tail chop
- Clip on bars
- Remove mirrors and turn signals
- Replace stock headlight with chopper style headlight
- Open clutch cover
- 14 tooth sprocket
- K&N air filter, running without air box lid
- Custom (open?) exhaust, baffled but still L O U D
- Probably some other things that I haven't picked up on yet, maybe some of you can pick them out
I've got some things that I want to do, but for now I just want to ride! Hope to see you on the road... [moto]
welcome to the board. you might want to have someone replace the belts if you have not already (or do it yourself if you are inclined.) even if the previous owner did them, they are probably due again now.
also, check out the local clubs section for folks in your part of the world.
Yes, I was planning on replacing the belts...though I did inspect them and didn't see any fraying or chunks missing. I would probably replace them myself, it doesn't look too bad.
Thanks for the heads up.
Quote from: Dellikose on May 17, 2011, 10:20:21 AM
Yes, I was planning on replacing the belts...though I did inspect them and didn't see any fraying or chunks missing. I would probably replace them myself, it doesn't look too bad.
Thanks for the heads up.
keep in mind that conventional wisdom is that they have a "shelf life" related to both age and mileage. your bike meets both criteria. do a search over in the tech section, or just ask. I believe its 12k or 3 years, whichever comes first. in addition, keep in mind that the consequences of not replacing the belts soon enough FAR outweighs the cost of doing it (or paying someone to do it.)
best of luck!