(Mostly) Completed Prep
Had another enjoyable night in the shop prepping the 2012 300 Race. That being said, if anybody from Spain is reading these comments you might consider taking notes for a mid-cycle action.
* the Flexx bars and Fastway FIT handguards are mounted and ready for action. We're running a demo program where you can bolt this same set-up onto your bike and try it for a race or trail ride this season
* don't wait until you absolutely need to to remove the subframe to try it for the first time. You will be amazed at how much thread locker is on the tiny screws on the lower attachments and how hard it is to get a wrench on the backside. Better the first time in a well-lit garage on a clean bike ...
* the backside of those little screws is a hex-headed barrel with a slip on serrated ring. I stopped counting when the rings dropped for the 19th time. Look for a replacement for the barrel fastener from us with a taller hex.
* its necessary to unscrew the rear brake master from the frame and remove the silencer when removing or reinstalling the subframe. Lots and lots of threadlocker there as well.
* there is enough wire for the taillight to allow the subframe to sit on the rear tire without having to unplug anything when you remove it to access the shock or carb.
* whatever they use as fuel at the factory is NASTY. I installed a 90 degree VisuFilter about two inches from the petcock, then routed the fuel line ABOVE the intake to make tank removal easier and keep the fuel cooler. I split the section I had removed and used it as an abrasion cover for where the line goes over the top of the manifold rings.
* it bears mentioning again that the carb body mounted choke plunger is included in the build kit. Good stuff.
* the map switch is located on the horizontal section of the left radiator hose instead of the vertical leg. Last year I had jumpers made up to bring the switch up the handlebar because I couldn't reach through the '11 shroud on the fly. This year I simply loosened the switch and slid it around the bend, back onto the vertical leg, to allow easier access to the spark plug. The new tank shape reduced clearance around the plug, and the original switch position crowded it further.
It's done with the exception of wheel prep - just in time for the first run Sunday.
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