I GAVE IN TODAY

[nova]

TO THE DARKSIDE

I'm running an Altimax 205 60 R16 at 40 psi for the break in period. I took off a Cobra and the difference was hardly noticeable. It seated on the rim at 30 PSI!
It feels awesome and looks cool.


Preparing the Rim





Installed new polyurethane dampers

[mikehallbackhoe]

welcome to the darkside   cartiresonmotorycles site reccomends running 40 psi for the first 500 miles before experimenting with lower pressures, but let us know what pressure you you find to be the sweet spot. I have played around a little with pressure, but so far seem to prefer  38-40 psi

[nova]

I'll keep you posted on my tire pressure. It feels sweet already 
I installed a new Cobra on the front too.
Another guy I ride with has an Interstate and he will be getting an Altimax too.

[mrflamewerks]

Speaking of polyurethane dampers...

I've got about 26K on my '99 and the dampers seemed a "little loose" when I had the wheel off and checked them this past weekend. Should there be any movement? What criteria does one use to know when to replace them?

[MP]

If you have movement, time to replace.  It is not critical, as in failing. But, there will be some slop in the driveline speeding up and slowing down, which will gradually get worse.  You decide when it gets too bad to run.

[nova]

Slop in the rear end can't be good for the U joint. Mine seemed loose last year when I put on a new Cobra. I figured it was a good time to change them out with the new CT.

[mrflamewerks]

Thanx for the info. There did seem to be more slop in the drive line right from the day I bought the bike, I just thought it was the nature of the beast. I guess I'll be changing them shortly.

[dennisraz]

Be sure to change out your valve stem.
I developed a leak and had to tear down the rear wheel just to replace a lousy $5 part.
Not very smart on my part.