the fxdx project

[simonDyna]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Misread the title on that last post - there I was looking for nitrous!

Now that really would be interesting!

Alas, its not allowed in the street class and neither are blowers.

I had a wander round the pits at one meeting and looked at some of the so called "street class" bikes. If you can call removing your brake reservoirs and simply holding a bit of fluid in a tube with a stopper on the end, a street bike, then so be it.

I fully understand drilling holes on everything to lighten the bike but to me, going that far should put the bike in the modified class. Personally I think things like that go against the spirit of "street class".

I wont be going that far. I'll have a perfectly rideable bike with proper brakes, that doesnt look like a colander and that I think is the correct spirit of "street class". It will meet the required criteria and hopefully it will be respectably fast.

[patrick]

Lookin good with the shocks - rekon you need to drop the front end a bit and get a fat steering damper. what's it feel like at 120mph - got 115 out of my dyna but the vagueness at that speed and under heavy acceleration is a bit on the scary side -so thinking of fitting a storz damper see if that helps - don't think the rubber mountings help when you get going.

[simonDyna]

Long term, you could be right about the damper and ride height on the front.

At the moment the bike feels rock solid at 120mph. I was leant over and eased off to 110mph to take a bend and the bike kept its line perfectly. I had wanted to roll it on completely but with the rev limiter kicking in at 5000rpm and already doing 4400rpm, I just took it back to 120.

I had just changed the fork oil. I've had some good results with the Spectro Heavy before so I'll see what happens. Certainly the front end, doesnt buck up lke it did with the old oil in it. Its much more solid and doesnt lighten the steering under acceleration. Mind you the bike isnt running at full pelt yet, so it might start to happen.

Also, the bike doesnt dive when the front brakes go on. I hate having that happen and it was so severe before the oil change it was ruining the riding. Now it is far more controlled, nice and smooth, even under heavy braking.

If I do lower the front end, then I will do it first off by pushing the fork legs up through the yokes to keep the full length of travel. I'll go with some progressive springs after that. Most of my research into the front end wobbling on an FXDX says that it actually comes from the back end. They have a high front end and like to nod their head if not setup spot on is how it was described to me recently.

First sign of any wallowing and I'd be looking at a damper. Tyre condition and pressure also seems to make a big difference so I make sure I check them before I go out each time.

[simonDyna]

Slowly plodding away with the project...

Bought and fitted a Harrison Billet caliper and bracket for the rear. The original one had two settings, either off or lock up the rear wheel. I just found it a bit too grabby for my liking so it had to go.

Having seen how good the front calipers still looked after how ever long they had been on, I went with the clear anodised finish. It doesnt lock up the wheel unless I want it to and the whole braking experience is far more controlled.

[simonDyna]

Now the braking is sorted front and rear I moved onto sorting out the wheels. Whilst I liked the Thunderstar wheel on the front, I wasnt keen on the solid rear wheel.

I managed to score a set of 1340 superglide wheels for £115 from a really nice chap in Sheffield via that digital flea market known as ebay. He had really looked after them, fitted new bearings, the lot.

I cant thank Hilz ( my other half ) enough for spending ages cleaning them up.

Actually, they were the second set I bought. I had originally thought a 2002 FXDX set would go on but the bearing hubs were slightly bigger. Luckily Hilz loved them so much she nicked them for her bike! So I've been occupied with two projects.

I got the front one on over the weekend. I know it will look just like a normal FXDX when they are both fitted but knowing I've had to do the work on them makes me feel pretty good.

I'm hoping to get the rear one on this week. I've got the discogram on my knackered back tomorrow and the operation is looming. Hopefully I can get this to a stage where it only needs dynoing over the winter whilst I recover.




The running in period is now over. The rev limiter has finally clicked off and it is turning out to be an absolute blast to ride. It is off the clock before redlining in 4th so I have no idea what it is capable of. I do know it gets there quickly so I'm looking forward to recovering from the op and sticking it down the strip.

[masha]

hi simon like the bike what type of front sprocket did you use to replace the pulley are they easily obtainable and are they a 530 pitch 5/8ths sprocket gazz

[simonDyna]

Masha, yes its a 530 heavy duty chain. Both sprockets are slightly dished. During all the shenanigans with the wheels I learnt that the evo/fxr type sprockets will only fit later wheels if they have the centres machines out. The bearing hubs are different sizes.

Having said that, there are plenty of kits that will fit the later wheels. Just make you know what you're buying.

[masha]

what model front sprocket is simon ,and are they easily obtainable ,off the shelf jobbie

[Tee]

tis looks like some kind of really awsom eproject bike at the moment. Can't wait ot hear waht it does when it's complete. Good luck with th op m8

[masha]

hi simon hope your op goes ok is it spinal decompression or something more technical