Project: Safe and Reliable Commuter Bike

[1986cb450sc]

This will be my 3rd season with my nighthawk, but only my first full season. The past 2 seasons I only put on about 1500miles per season due to buying the bike late in the season and going to school full time 2hrs away. That’s beside the point, this season I feel that I’m not a novice biker anymore, and want to start commuting with it. I have put on 3000 miles on in my riding career and they consisted of many different road conditions and been in many different situations. I am not deluded in thinking that I am an experience biker, and I never ride with that notion. I know that I’m still in the beginner stage; I just feel that I have enough experience to start commuting to with my bike. With that in mind, I have decided to put some money getting my bike in safe/reliable commuting shape. My goals are, first, to get it safe, then do a couple of those free mods for more pep and sound. My commute round trip is 60 miles a day on the interstate, and want to feel confident in the safety of the bike. I have compiled a list, and would appreciate you guys helping me decide what is the correct order to go about making my bike as safe/reliable as possible. I have lots on the list of things to do, since this is my first bike it may be a little overkill, please let me know if you think something is not necessary for the bike at 14K miles.

To Do List:
- Tires (Front: 100/90-19)(Rear: 130/90-16)
   -Metzeler Lasertec
   -Pirelli Sport Demon
   *Im having a hard time deciding between the tires, which in your opinion is better?
- Oil & Filter Change
- Lube Chain, adjust chain tension
- Fork Seals (Very litte oil on tubes)
- Fork tubes dont seem to hold air, hasnt been a prob in the 2 seasons, any ideas why?
- Headset Adjust (very slight movement during HARD braking)
- Cam Chain Tensioner
- Clutch/Stiffer springs (the rpms shoot up when getting on it hard in gears 2-5)
- bleed brakes 
- Brake Rotor? (the rotors have never been replaced in 14K miles, is this needed?)
- Brake Pads? (were replaced at 11K, if i replace the rotors i will replace the pads)
- Steel braided brake lines (is it worth the $70)
- adjust valve clearances (is this necessary at 14K)
- Spark Plugs
- K&N Performance Air filter (HA-0850)
- Carb Washer Mod
- Exhaust mod
- Plug Chop (To get perfect A/F Ratio)
- Seafoam Gas and Oil (should this be done before the plug chop?)

Any help at all is greatly appreciated

[happycommuter]

I think everybody should commute from the get-go and get used to traffic.  No point in getting used to idyllic desolate country roads if it leads to being terrified of the road you drive on every day.

The Laser Tecs are good for at least 8k miles, and sub-optimal for more.  Not sure what the longevity of the Pirellis are.

Brake rotors have a service limit.  You measure the thickness, and it's thick enough or it needs replacement.  Caliper/micrometer should clear the outer lip that is likely still at full thickness.  I''ve put over 20K on my rotors and they're still fine.  Actually, so are the pads.  they should have a little wear groove you can see.

I consider K&N air filters a waste of time and probably money.  I'd bleed the front brake and adjust the rear before ordering stainless lines.  It may alter the feel and responsiveness well enough.

[1986cb450sc]

Thanks happycommuter.
No one else has input?

[Snoopy]

I just bought the lastertechs for my 85 700s, gottem in the mail yesterday, we will see how i like em.  i have been riding since i was 15 and still consider myself a novice/beginner tho last year i was commuting on a 70 gs1000 daily to work rain or shine.  I just got my nighthawk a few weeks ago and havnt gotten to go on any good rides yet (one ride so far just down my gravel road and back).i still have to change all of the fluids in the bike, and rebuild the master cylinder and the calipers.  Should have that done this weekend, but i would say to do the seafoam right away so if you do ride it you can get all the junk cleared out of the carbs(well what little there may or may not be).  if the rotors look okay i would leave them on, same with the break pads, no sense of putting the time and money into it.  I have to change my rotors sometime also but the new bolts and shims cost around $121 here local and i would rather get my calipers and master cylinder done so i dont mess up the cast iron rotors and new breaks. just my 2¢ worth tho...

[detdrbuzzard]

i would not waste the time with the washer or exhaust or anyother mod the time put in doing the work will not increase the power enough to justify all the work and 60 miles with more noise for you to listen to. when i first got my 450 the po had cut the baffles out so i had to get mufflers, aah quiet on a long ride. if what you need is more power its time to look for a bigger nh

[swalter]

Sounds like your bike and attitude are up to the task, what about your gear. Properly fitting full face (70% ride with one that is too big).  Picture a face plant at 60 MPH..can the helmet move enough to put your chin on the road.  Also a nice armored jacket and pants and rain gear.  Commuting means rain eventually and perhaps frequently. Get read for a fogged mask and screen if you have one.  Lastly boots and gloves that will also conquer the rain.  Good luck and enjoy!