Author Topic: New to Connies  (Read 2886 times)

Offline Chuck

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New to Connies
« on: December 30, 2015, 08:23:47 PM »
Hello. Just got my first Connie at couple of months ago. Always road Harleys and cruisers.  I like to custom build my own bikes. I picked up a 2004 ZG1000 with 10,000 clean miles for $600.00. Got it for a steal. Bike is mint.  Anyway I'm looking to make it tight and fast again.  I go to Tail of the Dragon every year with my Full Dress Harley. Time to take a tight chick down there.  So I need ideas. Tires, brakes, suspension. Where do I start. My hobby and life is my bikes.

Offline gPink

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Re: New to Connies
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2015, 03:41:30 AM »
Welcome to the forum, Chuck. Outstanding deal on the bike. Get a good feel for the bike and the Dragon will be a whole new experience.

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: New to Connies
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2015, 05:00:39 AM »
Welcome!
"LOCTITE®"  The original thread locker...  #11  2020 Indian Roadmaster, ABS, Cruise control, heated grips and seats/w/AC 46 Monitoring with cutting edge technology U.N.I.T is Back! Member in good standing with the Knights of MEH.

Offline tweeter55

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Re: New to Connies
« Reply #3 on: December 31, 2015, 05:23:23 AM »
Welcome  :chugbeer: to the forum, Chuck.
You shouldn't have any trouble at all with ideas/help in 'farkelizing' your new purchase...and wow, what a purchase.
Over the years:       1972 Harley Rapido
1972 Suzuki T350R  1979 BMW R100RT
1987 Honda Helix.    2006 Kawasaki Concours

Offline Swampcat

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Re: New to Connies
« Reply #4 on: December 31, 2015, 08:24:30 AM »
Damn. "A steal" is an understatement. Welcome!

Lots of ways to make that initial investment seem like it was only a downpayment if you want. My wife is found that out quickly after I got mine a couple of months ago, and it was already pretty well farkled out.
--Ed

2004 Kawasaki Concours ("Shoodaben"—yes, THAT Shoodaben)
1991 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ("Lorath")

Offline connie_rider

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Re: New to Connies
« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2015, 05:32:48 PM »
Welcome Chuck.
You'll like it here.
Couple of free things you can do to improve performance a bit.
  Free Power Mod: (ie: add a ground to the electronics)
  Baffelectomy; (ie: knock a hole in the inner baffle).
    We can go into details in another discussion. neither is difficult to do, both will help with low/mid range power,
    and bike doesn't get loud.

Tires, Radials for optimum cornering. Belted for optimum range.

Is the bike running? If so, any current problems?

Ride safe, Ted


Offline Chuck

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Re: New to Connies
« Reply #6 on: January 01, 2016, 02:54:14 PM »
The bike runs great.  The transmission shifts loud like a Harley. Should it?  Where do I connect the ground to?  How are Avon 3D-MX tires? I want sticky. I'd rather replace them more often then replace my skin. I usually run Dunlops on my cruisers. New to this sport side of the hobby. But I do gotta say the Connie definitely gets up and goes stock.  Wondering how much more I can squeak out of it. Chuck

Offline tweeter55

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Re: New to Connies
« Reply #7 on: January 01, 2016, 08:25:28 PM »
As good as you think it runs, look this gentleman up:
http://sites.google.com/site/shoodabenengineering/home
You won't regret it.
Over the years:       1972 Harley Rapido
1972 Suzuki T350R  1979 BMW R100RT
1987 Honda Helix.    2006 Kawasaki Concours

Offline Chuck

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Re: New to Connies
« Reply #8 on: January 03, 2016, 06:02:56 PM »
Watching his videos on You tube is wild to say the least.  I never like leaving a motorcycle original.  Personalization is the only way to make it your own.  I'm going to do the wiring update this weekend. Another quick question, Is the 110/70-17 tire a lot better then the 120/80-17?