DragBikeMike wrote on 10/24/22 at 20:35:05:
Glad you got it sorted out. It looks slick.
Sorry you had so much trouble with your baffle tube. I wanted to see how restrictive it is. Looks to me like pretty close to zero restriction. How did you salvage it?
What did you end up doin with your air filter?
As I recall, you had mentioned that you couldn't really feel much improvement in power. Now that you have it dialed in a bit. What is your assessment of the power? Is it a noticeable increase?
How are the vibration levels?
How's the mechanical noise?
Can your clutch hold the power in top gear?
Congrats, Mike
Thanks! I couldn't have done this without your help DBM.
I hammered the baffle and muffler back into shape. It looks fine, unless you're close to it. I'm cheap, so it'll have to do lol.
I'm still working on finding an air filter. The trouble I'm having is that the RYCA battery box is literally like 2 inches from the carb throat. I might have to modify the battery box, which means I'd need one of those small, lithium batteries.
I take back an the bad things I said about the cam and piston--it feels more like my old CBR600F3 crotch rocket than a cruiser. I'm doing 0-60 between 4 & 5 seconds (using the admittedly inaccurate "one-Mississippi" method). Before, I was around 6-7 seconds using the same method.
It definitely feels like a "thumper" now--not as smooth vibration-wise, but still acceptable and well-mannered enough for my liking. It doesn't rattle my fillings out and make my hands numb like my 87' Rebel 250 did. Rode for almost an hour straight yesterday, and it was very comfortable (even in the "sport" position).
It's certainly a bit louder mechanical-wise (clickety clackety, sewing machine noises from engine). The noises are scary, as I assume it means I did something wrong and/or something is about to explode, but it seems ok so far.
The clutch feels even better than before! Probably because I adjusted the lever, but still. It shifts smooth and doesn't slip or grab.
If anyone is on the fence about these mods, GO FOR IT!*
*provided you have decent mechanical experience, go slowly, keep track of everything meticulously, pay close attention, triple check your work, read all available threads, read the Clymer manual, and most importantly, read through DragBikeMike's library!
You guys rock. This community is great, and a treasure-trove of information and knowledge. I appreciate you all.
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