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[roy-nexus-6]

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?

[Big Troubled Bear]

I have found that on certain high milage models a resleeve job with some detailed headwork could extend the rideable lifetime by some years

[Porsche Monkey]

I have found that on certain high milage models a resleeve job with some detailed headwork could extend the rideable lifetime by some years

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. 

[TJR178]

<--- 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."

[DCXCV]

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?   

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. 

[Porsche Monkey]

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. 

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.   

[lethe]

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.

[55Spy]

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.

[somegirl]

Keep in mind that, per "factory" recommendations, a bit of regular attention and care can go a long way.

[DY]

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. 

[DCXCV]

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. 

[roy-nexus-6]

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.

[Speeddog]

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.

[Porsche Monkey]

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. 

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.

[tonyj311]

Are the cans stock, or have they been upgraded already?