new toy 84 1200 Standard

[Track T 2411]

I agree with Al on the rear shocks, especially if you're only doing seals. I've done several sets of 1100's and they're nearly identical. If you think you want to upgrade, you can get progressive springs for the air shocks as well. Doing the springs is more involved, but still pretty straight forward. One thing I've found with all the 1100's is there's an internal bottoming stop that deteriorates over time and contaminates the fluid. I'm fairly certain the 1200's have the same issue. Replacing it does require a full teardown....

[Track T 2411]

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Here's a few pics of the 1100's shocks and the compression fixture I made (well, copied and modified ).

[Whiskerfish]

Rear M/C rebuilt and installed. Front caliper rebuilt and ready for install. Phone rang and a Doc wants to see me this afternoon so had to quit for the day.

for the rear shocks I may look at fixing so they hold air but really doubt about any upgrades. Trying to keep expenses to a minimum on this project.

[ritalz]

Was thinking that it bay be worth a test to see if it is only the lines have a leak. Some air in the lines and soapy water is all it would cost. I had mine completely off the bike and submerged the entire set to see the bubbles coming from the seals.

[Whiskerfish]

Back on her own feet with working brakes and new tires. Get out for a little scoot this afternoon and see where things stand

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[Whiskerfish]

I did get out for a little ride Thursday afternoon.

They are building a new tunnel from Norfolk to Hampton expanding from 2 lanes each way to 4. This is LONG Overdue and is a 4 Billion dollar project. Problem is that the associated thruway on either side is having to be widened. On my side of the water the construction starts about 6 miles before the tunnel and that is the area where I get on and off the thruway. Because the lanes have all been narrowed and the off ramps are changing constantly there are 3 or 4 wrecks every morning and afternoon. Traffic has been horrible here for a long time but in the past you could predict the bad times. Now it is pretty much all the time.

So Thursday the traffic sucked. I did a few miles on local streets then jumped on the thruway (headed away from the tunnel!). All together about 40 miles. Ride is vastly improved with the new tires. Brakes are also improved. When using the pedal I can feel the front and back working together. I bled it thoroughly but It still feels like it is lacking in authority. Maybe that is the wrong description. I have to displace the pedal more than I like to have a strong brake action. I might have to look at the adjuster between the pedal and the Master or maybe I need to go to SS Hoses.

Ride position still does not thrill me. I need a nice weather weekday to get out of town and spend a few hours on it. I have not attempted to adjust the ergonomics yet. The riding position is quite different than a 1000 or even the 1800. The bend of the Bars places your elbows closer to your body. I find that a bit bothersome but hope with a longer ride i will relax some and get used to it.

I love how light the bike feels. Even pushing it around in the garage is huge difference. It is lower than the 1000's and feels like it weighs about half as much as the 1800.

Forecast is poor for the next week or so but hoping I can find a afternoon to get it out of town and do a real evaluation.

[Rat]

Try rotating the bars forward a bit … a little goes a long way

Gord(worked for me)Jones

[Whiskerfish]

Try rotating the bars forward a bit … a little goes a long way

Gord(worked for me)Jones

Yes that is on the list

[CYBORG]

Give it a little time, and some miles. You will love it when you get it to fit. That's what made me love mine.

[Lucien Harpress]

The seat does adjust forward and back. It's not much, but it's something.

I always hated the mini-ape stock bars, but the position they put your hands at is really quite comfortable.

The weight surprised me as well. Getting my 1200 on the center stand was super easy, and the switch to when I bought my first 1000 was honestly surprising with how hard it was by comparison. Honda got a LOT right with the 1200.

[CYBORG]

agreed

[Whiskerfish]

I don't think this seat moves. I think it is missing that mechanism and is bolted in place. I know there is a lever up by the gas fill port that releases the front of the seat but the back end is bolted down just like a 1000.

Spent the last few hours sanding sheetrock, if I can move my arms maybe tomorrow will be a garage day. These shoulders do not like all this work!

[CYBORG]

Rear of seat shouhd be bolted....but in a slot, so you can move the seat. (or maybe I did tht to mine.)

[wingrider]

It has been a hot minute since I have worked on a 1200, but it seems to me as Cyborg says, it is bolted in back, but in a slot, seems to me the bolts were more like a friction fit tightness to them.

[Whiskerfish]

Okay I will check next time in the shop