[gtonsing]

Saw your facebook post and came to read this all in all. Sad to know what happened to you and your insurance. Good Luck with the Ombudsman and higher ups.
I am not an engineer nor am I an expert on insurance policies but what you have narrated so far makes absolutely no sense at all (I love your sarcasm, i hope they get it)
Reminds me once again to read and understand the T&C when I sign up for anything and ask questions till I understand everything.
OT: Recently, I signed up for ACT on the assurance my modem was compatible. Only found out it wasnt. Was not ready to change my modem just to be on ACT so I decided to disconnect. They would not refund. They stated the plan I selected does not have a refund policy :( So I just went and donated some money to ACT

[IronH4WK]

So, I had gotten the EBC brake pads a month or so back, but needs the braided brake lines as well. After the delay due to the holidays, I finally received them couple of days back.



Went to Auto Service yesterday, but they had their hands full. Made and appointment and went there this morning and Suresh was ready for the bike.

The old ones:







They had to open up the fairing on both sides and also remove the seats to do the job:





New brake pads in (rear)


The rear reservoir




New brake pads in the front


Front Nissin reservoir






Ta da!

For now there is bite, better than the stock ones. However, actually difference will be felt only after the pads break-in a bit. Fingers crossed.

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by IronH4WK

For now there is bite, better than the stock ones. However, actually difference will be felt only after the pads break-in a bit. Fingers crossed.

You need bite in the rear brakes too...why?

[IronH4WK]

Originally Posted by Sheel

You need bite in the rear brakes too...why?

Not as much as the front, but yes, but better than the stock

After installing the EBC brake pads and braided lines, the braking is much improved from what I used to get in the stock.

[IronH4WK]

Been thinking for a while about getting quick release hard boxes for luggage (top box and side cases) instead of carrying the soft saddle bags (I've the ViaTerra mini-Claw).

Now, the mounting system is not universal; they're bike specific. For example, you can't fix the mounting system for a Tiger on a Ninja.

When you talk about hard luggage systems, two come to mind - top boxes and side cases (some side cases can be used as a top box, for example the Givi TRK33N Trekker). There are lot of options in the market, but I had narrowed down to two - SW Motech and Givi. Got the catalogues for both and spent days pouring over the various models of top boxes, side cases and mounting systems. Finally, decided it was gonna be Givi.

Deciding on a brand is easy; finding the right product for your bike is a bit more tricky because you need to know how much of stuff you're going to carry while travelling and whether you want something compact or bulky (and also because these are usually specifically ordered from abroad and it isn't easy if you change your mind and want to return the product). There are different mounting systems for the top boxes as well as the side cases and like I mentioned before, these are bike specific.

Givi has two types of cases - the Monokey and the Monolock. The Monolock system is basically smaller and less rugged and usually for smaller scooters and bikes and generally are for lighter applications. The Monolock system don't have side cases in their range.

The Monokey system on the other hand, are more rugged, made of weatherproof hard plastic/ aluminium and can handle bumpier rides (you get a lot of options in this series). Monokey, as the name suggests, uses one key to both open the top box/side case as well as detach the same from the base plate or the side case mounting system.

So, for my Kawasaki Ninja 650 2015 model (yes, some fitments vary among models, so check on these before you buy them), following are my options:
Top box/case Monorack mounting system:

• 4104FZ - this is the frame/rail system that holds up the top box.
• M5/ M7 - this is the base plate which is fixed on to the frame/rail, on top of which the tob box will eventually be attached.

Side case mounting system (semi-hard boxes):

• TE4104 - this is the compact mounting system for the Ninja 650
• 3D600 - this is the pair of Thermoformed waterproof side cases 25L in capacity and latches onto the mounting system and is lockable.

Side case mounting system (hard boxes):

• PLX4104/ PLXR4104 - this is the mounting system to use when the hard side cases (V35 series) need to be mounted. The difference between the PLX and the PLXR is that the latter has a rapid release system, which means you can remove the mounting system quickly from the bike.
• V35 - this is the weatherproof 35L hard case. It comes in diffrent variants - V35, V35N, V35NT.
• There is an accessory available that can turn the refelctors on the V35 side cases to be replaced with blinkers/stop lights.

My priority list:

1. Top box + mounting system
2. Side case + mounting system

Since I had decided to get a top box installed first, I went ahead and placed and order for the 4104FZ and the M7 base plate and received the same with in a couple of weeks (there was delay due to Christmas holidays).













One thing you have to appreciate about Givi products - it comes with all necessary screw/ bolts/ spacers and the document depicting the installation (in multiple languages).








The frame and the base plate put together weigh slightly more than 2.5kgs!


Nevertheless, I looked for installation videos of the top box and side case mounting on the internet (specific to the Ninja 650), but could only find one, which was for a older model of the Ninja 650, that too a US model (doesn't have a grab rail and a hole needed to be drilled). That inspired me to make a video of the install of the top box mounting system for the benefit of others. Here it is:

https://youtu.be/yNwafRfExJc

Couple of pictures after installation:












I'm still contemplating which top box to get (contenders are TRK42B, TRK46B and TRK52B), but whichever one I get, it will properly interface with the M7 base plate. Still keeping my options open for now. I'll update the thread once I get the top box (and maybe make a unboxing/fixing video).

[Red Liner]

How much did this cost you hawk? And where did you order it from? Customs?

Givi is the best. Good call.

[IronH4WK]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

How much did this cost you hawk? And where did you order it from? Customs?

Givi is the best. Good call.

Got it from Bikegear(dot in) . They were the only Indian website where I found these available.

Cost me about 13k change IIRC.

[IronH4WK]

Did I tell you guys that I was heading for the California Superbike School (CSS) in March? Well, I am and it's almost time. There are two batches - one in last week of February and the second in the first week of March. Ive enrolled for the March batch.

Before Toothless heads to the track, she needs some much needed TLC (and it was almost time for her next service). So, off I go to Auto Service after making and appointment for Monday. Once there I get in touch with Suresh and list out the work to be carried out:
* Engine oil + oil filter change
* Coolant top up
* Front and back brake pad cleaning and check
* Throttle body sync
* Chain slack adjustment and lubrication
* Air filter replacement
* Adjust handle (was pulling a bit to the side when turning)

Suresh's work was cut out for him and he got to it without further ado.

First, take a shower:




Espresso anyone?


ECU of the Ninja:




Air filter:


Eww!








After the work was done, final touches; green fella cleaning the green bike!


After a beautiful day at the spa, she's ready to go home:


March 1st, the day I was supposed to prep the bike and hand her over to be shipped to the MMRT track. Had to remove the windshield (didn't want it broken during transportation), mirrors and the phone holder.

Toothless felt smaller after removing just these three!


Headed to my good friend Rishab's place for taping up the breakables (headlights, indicators and the instrument panel). On the way, got caught by the cops for not having the front number plate. I didn't make a fuss (I knew I was in the wrong), spoke to the SI and paid the fine. He issued the wrong challan - driving without DL!



After that episode with the cops, reached Rishab's place and started on the tape work. We didn't want to have residue on the bike after removing the tape (the brown packing tape and the duct tape (used by the CSS folks) leaves a lot of residue. So Ankur (AnkurS), another good friend of mine and also heading to CSS, arranged for a sort off vinyl tape that would solve our problem.











Rishab's bike and Toothless - all taped up:


We picked up Ankur's bike and headed to meet another friend Niranjan (niranjanrvce), at whose place we would leave the bikes which would later will be picked up later in the evening to be transported to MMRT.

After spending some time with Niranjan, we head back, Rishab to his shop and I to my home.


CSS requires their students to take safety seriously and it is mandatory for the students to wear proper gear. This time around they've allowed textile jackets and riding pants (only if they zip up together at the midsection). Heading to the track for the first time, I didn't want to take chances and opted for the one-piece leather riding suit. After a lot of deliberations (and help from Rishab), narrows down on the gear:
- Helmet: Shark Speed-R Sauer II
- One-piece suit: Rev'it Masaru
- Full gauntlet gloves: Rev'it Jerez Pro (Jerez wasn't available)

Got the gear (after a long wait) last week and I did a couple of rides to break it in. Initially it was bit difficult and I needed help to get into the suit. As days passed, I got used to getting into the suit without help, but getting out is a whole different ball game!







Look Ma! No tummy!


Hail Hydra.. I mean, Rev'it!


Breaking in the suit - doing daily activities wearing the suit!





Packed and ready, tomorrow we drive down to Chennai! Well, almost; the track and the hotel we'll be put up and before entering the city.

Next update: from MMRT, after we get the bikes unloaded at the track.

Oh boy! I'm excited!

[v12]

Congrats and Ride Safe Anil! Please post some detailed review on the CSS including the cost and other details.
A wise decision on going for the Givi top case - and that too from Bikegear.in. Very helpful and professional guys. I was looking at the same setup when I was considering the Versys a few months ago. Go for the Givi Trekker which can also double up as a side pannier - I forgot which was the model number. The Givi Trekker is one amazing case - I don't mind buying one and using it for office without a bike - would buy it just for its looks.

http://bikegear.in/givi-trk46b-trekk...der=ASC&page=5

The best feature : For starters it can be used as either a side case or a top box, but furthermore it has a unique lid which can be opened fully in the standard fashion or a smaller section of the lid can be opened – a feature which is especially useful when the box is being used as a side case.

[IronH4WK]

Originally Posted by v12

Congrats and Ride Safe Anil! Please post some detailed review on the CSS including the cost and other details.

Sure thing! Hope I can get some good shots at MMRT.

Originally Posted by v12

A wise decision on going for the Givi top case - and that too from Bikegear.in. Very helpful and professional guys. I was looking at the same setup when I was considering the Versys a few months ago. Go for the Givi Trekker which can also double up as a side pannier - I forgot which was the model number. The Givi Trekker is one amazing case - I don't mind buying one and using it for office without a bike - would buy it just for its looks.



http://bikegear.in/givi-trk46b-trekk...der=ASC&page=5



The best feature : For starters it can be used as either a side case or a top box, but furthermore it has a unique lid which can be opened fully in the standard fashion or a smaller section of the lid can be opened – a feature which is especially useful when the box is being used as a side case.

That's the Givi Trekker TRK46B, one of the shortlisted ones That being said, the only side panniers that work for the Ninja 650 are the 3D600 and the V35 systems. I've not come across a Trekker box being used as a side pannier on a Ninja 650.

[IronH4WK]

Happy birthday Toothless! (She turns two today)

What a day - she turns two and completes 30000kms at the same time (Kawasaki gives 2yrs or 30000kms warranty for the Ninja 650, whichever comes first)!



Hello Gorgeous!


Baby had bath last night:


And got groomed and ready:







So, we went out for a birthday ride this morning along with Imran.







Picture courtesy: Imran

Quick and short breakfast ride. Thanks for the company Imran

[wolfy]

Happy birthday toothless!
How is the brake upgrade Iron?
Also, i notice the double bubble, any difference from stock?

Any noticable change in performance/smoothness after the throttle body sync?

cheers!

[v12]

Congrats Anil on completing 2 years and more so on completing 30,000 kms. Now that the bike is out of the warranty period - what are your next plans on :
Servicing - still at the Kawasaki service centers or an independent workshop?
Modifications - exhausts or any other performance mods?
Upgrades - moving to another motorcycle - Versys650 or Tiger?

Also would be great to have a comparison against the 2017 Ninja 650 just like you had done with the previous model.

Thanks and Happy Riding!

[IronH4WK]

Apologies for the late response; I was travelling and had intermittent internet access.

Originally Posted by wolfy

How is the brake upgrade Iron?

Braking is very much improved. The EBC brake pads coupled with EBC braided brake lines give a better bite.

Originally Posted by wolfy

Also, i notice the double bubble, any difference from stock?

Big difference, specially on the highways. Now the wind pushes up and above the helmet instead of hitting me right in the face. I've set the windshield at the mid-position.

The one I've got is from Zero Gravity (dark smoke). These are bike and model specific, so one needs to be careful while ordering.

I had to run about to get my Zero Gravity Double Bubble. I placed an order with Orion Motors in December 12th last year and I was promised I'll get it after Christmas. Christmas came and went, there was no sign of the product. I was then promised first week of January. New Years came and went and still no sign of the windshield. I was then promised last week of Feb and even then it was not delivered! Later I found out that there was some communication gap between Orion and PRS (from whom Orion was ordering the part) and the order was never actually confirmed with PRS! PRS folks told me they could get it for me if I placed the order, but it would take another two weeks!

I was pissed! I went to the Zero Gravity website, found the model for my bike and ordered it from Amazon dot com. It reached me within a week!

Originally Posted by wolfy

Any noticable change in performance/smoothness after the throttle body sync?

Actually, when they did the check they found that nothing needed adjustment. So, no action taken. That being said, the throttle response has always been smooth; never had that snatchy or jerky acceleration.

Originally Posted by v12

Now that the bike is out of the warranty period - what are your next plans on :

Servicing - still at the Kawasaki service centers or an independent workshop?

Modifications - exhausts or any other performance mods?

Upgrades - moving to another motorcycle - Versys650 or Tiger?

Service: Now with the split between Bajaj and Kawasaki, I've to wait for them to set up shop to make that decision. If they're good, I'll continue with the authorised service centre. Else, have to find a place they'll take good care of my baby

Modifications: I wanted to get the Akra full system exhaust, but after hearing stories of improper installation frying the ECU, I'm two minds about it. I've been toying with the idea of a gloss black wrap; still debating (with myself) if I should go for it.

I also was looking for sports handlebar for track use. One thing I realised after CSS was that having clips-one is lot more fun on the track.

Upgrades: As of now, my eyes are set on the Tiger XCX. Time will tell if that changes. Toothless will stay though.

Originally Posted by v12

Also would be great to have a comparison against the 2017 Ninja 650 just like you had done with the previous model.

I've to get my hands on the new Ninja 650 first Heard that they don't even have display bikes till now!

[wolfy]

Originally Posted by IronH4WK

The one I've got is from Zero Gravity (dark smoke).
I was pissed! I went to the Zero Gravity website, found the model for my bike and ordered it from Amazon dot com. It reached me within a week!

Thanks for the response! So no customs issues nothing? Door delivered? Does it come with the well washers? I've been toying with getting one for my bike.

thanks for the pics!

cheers!