Thanx Kators for the link. I think I can handle this. I hope to take delivery of my bird on Sunday- that is if its not snowing. Ive never owned a twin and never joined a forum. I don't own this bike yet but I am already diggin it. I'm a little nervous about ownership but with the forum w/ me I think it will be a great expirience. Had I known you could click on little smiley faces I would have joined a forum alot sooner.

 

The link in my signature to "APE CCTs" is to a PDF I made of my adventure in doing the install.

My advice is read several how to write ups (the one on this site, the one on the UK firestorm site, etc) and then decide for yourself how you will proceed.

The main thing to remember if you only remove the rear valve/cam cover is after properly removing the rear CCT to rotate the engine counter clockwise 450 degrees before removing the front CCT.

 

Ah, yeah, I see the require 2 deal now. Kind of a bummer, but that's how it goes. I am going to see if a guy here in town can order them for me, he has a harley shop but also can get parts for whatever. Likes to give me **** for owning a VTX instead of a Harley, but doesn't say much when I am asking for parts for my hawk.

Hamrhed, I was pretty much the same way before I bought my hawk. Wanted to get back into a sport bike, but wasn't sure what I wanted. Had my eye on a cbr but hated to drop to a 600 after owning a 750 VFR. Found a hawk about 3 hours away from, test drove it once, and was hooked. There fun bikes to be sure.

 

It looks like CRU is making their own manual one now too.. though I know of no one that uses them, it is a very simple piece and if it fits it should be fine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-VT...item3a54b1864a

So a cheaper option, though I do like my APEs.

 

Doing this repair during the winter months makes all the sense in the world. Take your time, read a lot, look at Calitoz white paper on the subject. It IS not difficult - it IS exact so pay attention and don't rush it.

In terms of longevity of the bike it's critical.

Don't forget to order the gaskets!!!!!! Some kits come with them - some don't.

Really, guys, it's a hundred bucks for the good stuff. Most of you spend that buying cigarettes in two weeks. At least I would be at today's prices if I still did it.

There is a financial "wake up call" new riders and returning riders all go through. Right after I bought my Superhawk, I realized that the gear required, some mechanical issues (like CCT's) were out there, I was, "****! I bought this thing for a great price but now I can't afford to ride it."

It took a few months and I shopped my *** off. By spring I was ready, the bike was ready - it was magic to get on the bike in February and have all these little issues - they are (at a minimum $100 a pop) - out of the play on the road. I turned every twenty that was offered all winter to support the campaign. Once it's done - it's DONE!

Everytime I get on the bike it makes me smile.

 

Hey NuHawk- get any snow today? It just missed us in S.A. I might try to get my new bike tomorrow instead of Sunday. I'm getting pumped. Good advise on the CCT. I'll take my time with it. Like to read anyway.

 

Yeah, will be definitely trying to get this done this winter. Got a good question, with the APE CCT's, they are manual CCT's, with them on, does the chain ever get loose after putting them to where you have to tear back into everything to adjust them again?

 

hamrhed you in Austin? If so, and you have not done the install by mid JAN… I’d be happy to walk you through it. It would mean a ride or trailer to Kempner, but it’s only 45 min on a good day.
I’ll be home late DEC, but busy with family till late JAN. drop me a PM if your looking for a hand.