The little things that bother us

[the Ferret]

You know there are certain things about motorcycle designs and executions that bother us. With regards to the CB 1100, for some it's the muffler design or size, for others excessive decals or reflectors, for a few the design size or location of tail lights or turn signals, the size of the mirrors, the size of the fenders, the location of the oil cooler, or the fact that the rear tire doesn't fill out the space between swing arm and fender. None of that bothers me much. Here's what I just had to do something about



I hated the look of these " curb feelers". Yes, I know their purpose, to contact the ground before anything else in a curve, to warn me that I have leaned over too far. Who am I kidding? I haven't scraped a peg since 1978. Remember it well, riding my new demo GL1000 naked wing on my way to announce a motocross race. I entered a left hand turn a little too fast, leaned her over hard and scraaaaaape. Hasn't happened since and likely never gonna happen again.

The curb feelers had to go.

Looked on a microfiche and it appeared it was just a chromed 8x32 mm bolt ( no nut) and a collar. Grabbed a 12 mm box end wrench, put it on the nut, a little tug to the left ( counter clockwise when looking head on..lefty loosey) and it broke loose and I unscrewed the assembly. Did same to other side footpeg.

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/feeler2_zpsf7a6c15f.jpg.html]

Dang, that improved the looks of this bike a lot for me.

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/feeler3_zpsaac0eb1e.jpg.html]

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/feeler4_zps304b292d.jpg.html]

 

[silascopathic_imp]

yes!!!!! that is so much cleaner!

 

[thumper_imp]

Yep, got a whole drawer in the tool box full of those "lawyer pegs".

 

[Joola_imp]

Hmm...Now I have something to do when I get home from work.

 

[dBuster_imp]

I am liking this mod also!!! Wahoo!!! Thanks for bringing it up!

 

[HondaJon_imp]

Indeed, those must go!

Now that you mention it Ferret, I kinda wish Staintune had left the heat shield tabs off of their muffler. The pipe fits and flows with the lines of the bike perfectly, that little cover really stands out now.

 

[Guth_imp]

Indeed, those must go!

Now that you mention it Ferret, I kinda wish Staintune had left the heat shield tabs off of their muffler. The pipe fits and flows with the lines of the bike perfectly, that little cover really stands out now.

Interestingly, the fact that Staintune went to the necessary lengths to incorporate the factory heat shield was part of the attraction for me. I'm guessing that my right side riding boot appreciates it as well.

 

[terrydlargo_imp]

Wow, Ferret, what a great idea. Mine is now done. Thanks.

 

[AzBob_imp]

I haven't scraped the feelers on this bike either, but my feeling is there's not enough rear tire to even think about doing it, anyhow - I already have zero chicken strips on the skinny rear tire without any real effort whatsoever -- I don't want to find out what it takes to touch down the pegs. (I'm leaving mine where Honda put them, though, just my preference)

 

[HondaJon_imp]

Indeed, those must go!

Now that you mention it Ferret, I kinda wish Staintune had left the heat shield tabs off of their muffler. The pipe fits and flows with the lines of the bike perfectly, that little cover really stands out now.

Interestingly, the fact that Staintune went to the necessary lengths to incorporate the factory heat shield was part of the attraction for me. I'm guessing that my right side riding boot appreciates it as well.

Interestingly, the fact that Staintune went to the necessary lengths to incorporate the factory heat shield was part of the attraction for me. I'm guessing that my right side riding boot appreciates it as well.
Your right Guth, I'll be glad it was there the day my boot slips and I don't have to spent hours cleaning the burnt sole off.

 

[BuffaloBill_imp]

Done! Love the simple change! A small but distinct change in the look. Appreciate the post Ferret! Well done! Thanks.

 

[Waffa_imp]

I've scrapped the cap nut too far down and can't get a wrench on it. Should I just cut them off?

P.S. The stock tires have tons of grip, no sign of of the tires protesting when scrapping those feelers, even when encouraging the rear with the right hand.

 

[the Ferret]

No Waffa, apparently you need them.

 

[Guth_imp]

Waffa, you're just going about removing those indicators in a different way than ferret has suggested.

 

[The Spaceman_imp]

Send me your feelers. They'll be worth thousands on FleaBay in 20-30 years!

 

[CB4ME_imp]

Guth - I don't think the exhaust shield is particularly attractive, but the shield will definitely go on the Staintune. I still remember the hours spent trying to get those frequently burned-on rubber sole marks off my old Bonneville.

As far as the peg feelers, I don’t think mine are in any danger of contacting pavement in the turns. I do touch pavement with my boots, but usually only when I’m trying. The feelers are probably coming off. Great idea, Ferret!

 

[wildezt_imp]

you get that sleep now mr.Ferret..!

 

[Waffa_imp]

I removed mine before I lost the spacers. I purchased 8X12mm 1.25 pitch stainless steel studs and lock washers to take their place to protect the pegs. I think it looks good and still have some protection for the foot peg.

 

[Buffalorider_imp]

I removed mine before I lost the spacers. I purchased 8X12mm 1.25 pitch stainless steel studs and lock washers to take their place to protect the pegs. I think it looks good and still have some protection for the foot peg.

Good idea. I hate unplugged holes.
Makes stuff look unfinished.