New Black Panther owner

[smr96]

Picked her up last Tue. so its been a week. Should have been more clear on it not starting. The dealer simply forgot that there were two wire looms that needed to be hooked up after the batt. was installed. So there was power but when the starter was hit...nothing. Anyway power is a little underwhelming. Not the wheelie machine I was expecting. Geared very tall, but needs to be to cruise comfy down the freeway. After bedding in the front brake is very good, if I can't get the front up at least I can get the back! The first thing that had to go was the charcoal can. Then the goofy mirrors. You're not going to believe this but anyone looking for an excellent replacement the mirrors off a Honda Silverwing work PERFECT! Who would think a scooter would have cool mirrors. They don't stick up as high,look sportier,and don't vibrate much. I have a 100mi. rd. trip commute and seemed to handle it just fine, even chugging along at 90mph. for a short time... still breaking it in! Seems it will go as fast as you're willing to handle the wind-blast. This is my first single so wondering if they're supposed to be ridden this way, long distances at a steady rpm? Took it dirt bike riding w/ my son yesterday. A little awkward at first but after some getting used to it performed very well. Wouldn't want to have to pick it up after falling over on a steep hill!!! Ridden within its limits though you an still have a good time in the dirt. All of my moto buddies can't even fathom the idea but I just think of those Paris to Dakar guys and the fact that they go through stuff my friends would probably struggle with on their mx bikes! Overall I'm happy with it. It's different. I can honestly say I have NEVER seen another one on the road around here and I frequent all the good riding spots from Angeles Crest to Borrego Springs. The best part is you don't feel limited the way you do on a sport bike or cruiser. It seems like you can do anything. A little sand or gravel on the road that would freak you out on a sport bike... no problem.

[gedge]

Change the Exhaust and then it will wheelie better. I am going to fit a 14t front sprocket as I dont need the cruising ability so much. That shouls help it up , and off road too...

[phlat65]

best wheelies: 2nd gear, from 15-18mph, clutch in rev to about 2500, snap clutch/ throttle, comes up nice, not too quick, can modulate ballance point in second, then shift to third. 10-15 second wheelies very easy now.

[BAR]

Phlat - do you think doing the carb adjustment would help me wheelie better in 2nd? I have not done any carb adjustments, only fitted an M4 pipe and swapped out the rear sprocket for a 45T one, but I still can barely manage to get the front wheel to lift in 2nd, even when I shift my 235lb bulk to the rear of the seat!

How are you able to wheelie so (apparently) easily in 2nd? I have an '04 BP btw (std height), and for comparison, my old '84 Honda XL350 could pull wheelies even in third gear, what's my problem?
Brian

[Brian]

[phlat65]

I have found best results using the tourque from the revs down low. It won't come up if the speed is a little too high, 15mph seems to work well. it does take some practice, and a slight incline helps tons.. maybe brian and I can shoot a little video this weekend...