My new middle-weight sport-tourer

[JTM]

Sorry.  Just getting old.

It's getting really old.

[Sport-Touring]

[nomagnashn]

A 1,000cc motorcycle is a middleweight?  

Nice bike.

I missed the last few days of discussion on this topic.

You make a good point that I honestly didn't consider when I posted this.  As many others have pointed out, in the last decade or two, the term "middle-weight" has definitely shifted.  But, based on what I'm coming from (Concours 14), this is (in my opinion) a middle-weight for me.  

Pro Tip: flip the chain adj. eccentrics so that they're on the bottom to gain some ride height, gaining available lean angle and quickening steering.

What do you mean by this?  I'm no expert by any means so this is a new one for me.  I'll do some research....

[RangerG]

Nice bike!  Don't like the pipes, but I haven't read anywhere that anyone does.  I was thinking that the weight classification refered to the rider.  I used to be a lightweight but I'm now a mid weight.  

[nomagnashn]

Nice bike!  Don't like the pipes, but I haven't read anywhere that anyone does.  I was thinking that the weight classification refered to the rider.  I used to be a lightweight but I'm now a mid weight.  

Then I'm one of the few that DO like the stock pipes.  In fact, I'm taking them in today to get powercoated.  Still on the fence whether I'll get them done in matte or gloss black though.  Kinda leaning towards gloss.  

Oh, and if the rider's weight is used to classify the bike, then this is definitely a heavy weight.  

[Blue is Best]

Based on the last couple of posts, my FJR and ZX14 are light weights!!!!!!!

 

 

[Volfy]

What do you mean by this?  I'm no expert by any means so this is a new one for me.  I'll do some research....

The rear axle on the N1K is on an eccentric adjuster, which you rotate to adjust chain tension.  What you can do is rotate this eccentric hub all the way around so the axle sits at the bottom, instead of on top (see pic).  This effectively raises the rear ride height by probably an inch or so.  In addition to raising ground clearance, this also decreases the rake angle and trail of your front end.  It also increases weight transfer toward the front wheel.  The end effect could be sharper turn in and more responsive steering... and it could also decrease stability, particularly on hard braking.

I did the same thing on an '09 Sprint ST... except it was to lower the rear ride height (for my midget legs).  Either way, you are changing the handling characteristics and possibly load handling of the bike.  I would suggest that you do not do this, unless you are fully aware of the pros & cons of this mod are and able to use them to you advantage - rather than to your detriment.

[dietDrThunder]

re: above

Good explanation for sure. I recommended it having ridden the N1K set up both ways, and IMO it was better with the added rear height. Turn-in was sharper, ground clearance was increased, and there were no negatives that I could discern...the bike was still very stable under braking etc.

I just mentioned it because it's a free and quick way to get a little added rear ride height without changing parts or spending money.

[wibornz]

Very nice bike and nice car. Looks like you are winning.  

The saddle bags on a bike make you faster, because your bike becomes almost invisible to the cops. hahahaha

[Roadscum]

That's one damn nice looking mc... congratulation on you new N1K! Ride far, have fun, be safe!  

And feel free to call it a middle weight , it's yours do you can call it anything you want. Of course there's always a "Grand Poobah's" of all things motorcycle who will take exception to almost anything.  

Paul

[Blunder]

And feel free to call it a middle weight , it's yours do you can call it anything you want. Of course there's always a "Grand Poobah's" of all things motorcycle who will take exception to almost anything.  

Paul

No sense of humor in this one.

[rwortman]

I really liked the bike.   Chain drive and no centerstand means it gets ruled out for touring as far as I am concerned.  Lubing a chain in a motel parking lot is something I have done for years, doing it with only a sidestand is just too much of a hassle.

[mugwump58]

I'm going to open myself up to the possibility of a chain oiler. I'll confess that the weight loss of chain drive is becoming more and more appealing.

[Akumu]

I really liked the bike.   Chain drive and no centerstand means it gets ruled out for touring as far as I am concerned.  Lubing a chain in a motel parking lot is something I have done for years, doing it with only a sidestand is just too much of a hassle.

When I had an SV650 I just used the rear spool sliders and a PackJack. Voila, tire lifted and lubed with 0 problems.

Is a center stand nice? Absolutely. There are ways around it, though...

[barrypz]

I still use a jack on my SV650 spools.  Quick and easy, but does not help me when on the road for a week.

[Akumu]

^Why wouldn't it?   The Pack jack fits in a tiny tank bag as does a small can of lube.

[nomagnashn]

Good info on the PackJack.  I was looking at getting this one too.

[Blue is Best]

How about categorizing bikes as lightweight, middleweight, fullsize and oversize!

[Volfy]

How about categorizing bikes as lightweight, middleweight, fullsize and oversize!

That'll go over well like a Lead Zeplin.

Same reason there are no "Oversized" in women's clothing section.  Preferred name is "Full-figured".

And why there are no "Small" size condoms, just "Snugger Fit".

[caasland]

When I had an SV650 I just used the rear spool sliders and a PackJack. Voila, tire lifted and lubed with 0 problems.

Is a center stand nice? Absolutely. There are ways around it, though...

Me too, but I use a quick-stand:

http://www.motorcycleradar.com/quick_stand.htm

[caasland]

My new 2015 Ninja 1000.

Thanks for the nice photo's. Reminds me what my 2011 sort of looks like. It has been in storage since November and we have about three more months of winter to go .... !