Care and feeding of a 919

TexasTraffic · 03-04-2009, 11:06 PM

Well, I did it. I just bought a 2007 919, used, with 2500 miles on it.
The previous owner has kept it in immaculate condition - the bike looks showroom new.

Now I need to learn about the care and feeding of this new beast. Oil & filter changes I have down. It even takes the same filter as my current bike, a '95 750 NightHawk. Lubing & adjusting the chain is another no-brainer.

What other things do I need to watch for?
Who makes the best service manual?
Any advice?

Thanks!
TXTraffic

lanbrown · 03-04-2009, 11:08 PM

Get the factory service manual:
www.helminc.com

TexasTraffic · 03-05-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanbrown

Get the factory service manual:
www.helminc.com

Done.
Should arrive in 7-10 days.

How reliable and/or maintenance-intensive are the valve shims? I recall an older bike ('81 750F) with shims, and it was a real PITA to set valve clearance.

lanbrown · 03-05-2009, 12:17 AM

Honda has used them for years and it is not uncommon that after 16,000 and then 32,000 they are still in spec.

Twincam · 03-05-2009, 6:37 AM

Make sure you clean your downpipes if you ride in salt (they kill them).

Other than that, with regular oil/filter changes you should be ok. I just bought a set of Scorpion cans for my 919 - Can't wait to fit them on.

Have you ever thought about crash mushrooms/bungs?

TexasTraffic · 03-05-2009, 5:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twincam

....
Have you ever thought about crash mushrooms/bungs?

???
You mean frame sliders? Sacrificial pieces you bold to the frame (or other hard points) to take damage in case of a spill?
Yes - that sounds like a very good idea. Where does one get them?
Are they generic items, or are they designed for your particular make/model?

As for salt, that is thankfully absent from the roads here in Central Texas.

Twincam · 03-05-2009, 5:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasTraffic

???
You mean frame sliders? Sacrificial pieces you bold to the frame (or other hard points) to take damage in case of a spill?
Yes - that sounds like a very good idea. Where does one get them?
Are they generic items, or are they designed for your particular make/model?

As for salt, that is thankfully absent from the roads here in Central Texas.

You guys are lucky for not having salt on the roads - it can kill absoloutly everything.

Yup they can be called frame sliders too - they range from bike to bike as some you may have to cut fairings to fit, some bolt straight on and some go around the panels using brackets etc.

The 919 ones are usually quite big (and I do mean big!). I bought mine from eBay a year or so ago for about £30.00 plus P&P. Good investment IMO as the first thing that gets hit if she goes down is the engine covers.