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A few questions after the first couple rides

1971 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Bill
  • Is it normal to hear high pitched whine from the fuel pump over the noise of the engine, while sitting at a light?
  • Has anybody tried to add a front preload adjuster, or possibly added some preload spacers? -
  • Cruise control doesn't always turn on. Anyone else have this happen?
  • The front brake pads seems a little rough on the rotors, but I'm guessing this will go away after they bed in fully
The first thing I did, as per other discussions, was to toss the stock chain. The bike was delivered with 6 miles, and there was already a huge wad of grease inside the sprocket cover. I can see how this would get messy. I installed a new DID, after degreasing with solvent. So there won't be any confusing oil leaks with melted grease.

I also changed out the bar mounts for a set with 15mm more rise, and installed them with the bars in the most forward position. The stock setting seemed a little awkward, a little low, and a little too close. For me, it seems a lot more comfortable, and natural now.

Overall, the bike is great! It steers well, and the motor is pretty impressive as well. It makes my Speed Twin feel like a truck, despite having similar power, weight, and geometry. The roads feel a good bit wider on the 890.
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As per my thread and some others there’s been reports of rotors being replaced under warranty for similar feelings. My rotors had a pattern of more and less scuffed areas on the rotors. I’ve heard a higher pitched noise riding without earplugs, but that’s hardly ever the case for me. I don’t quite get the throwing out brand new chains, mine had all the packing grease on it like everyone else’s, but it’s early days I haven’t seen it stretch weirdly yet. If it does I’ll follow suit.

And cycle worlds tested weight for your spwed twin is 70lbs heavier than the 890r tested weight so it should feel a lot different!
As per my thread and some others there’s been reports of rotors being replaced under warranty for similar feelings. My rotors had a pattern of more and less scuffed areas on the rotors. I’ve heard a higher pitched noise riding without earplugs, but that’s hardly ever the case for me. I don’t quite get the throwing out brand new chains, mine had all the packing grease on it like everyone else’s, but it’s early days I haven’t seen it stretch weirdly yet. If it does I’ll follow suit.

And cycle worlds tested weight for your spwed twin is 70lbs heavier than the 890r tested weight so it should feel a lot different!
I'm at about 2800 miles now.
- The rotors smoothed out, and I haven't given them a thought since the first few rides. They've held up well after a few track days.

-The high pitched noise is the fuel pump, I guess. I don't seem to notice it anymore. I'll have to pay attention next ride, and see if it's quieter, or I just got used to it.

-I couldn't throw that chain out fast enough, I've had the same one driving me crazy on my 1090R since I bought it. I didn't have to adjust it on the 1090, it just squeaked like crazy after 200 miles without lube. For quite awhile, I thought it was the chain squeaking against the guide, but eventually realized it's simply the chain.

- I didn't realize there was such a weight difference between the 890 and ST, I figured it was about 1/2 that. After a trip to the dyno, it's clear that there's a good 15hp difference as well.
Sounds like your cooling fan is kicking in at stoplights
Cooling fan sounds like a jet engine and blows pretty hot air on your left leg
Cooling fan sounds like a jet engine and blows pretty hot air on your left leg
I actually can't remember it ever coming on. It's usually not too hot where I live, and I seldom ride in traffic.
I actually can't remember it ever coming on. It's usually not too hot where I live, and I seldom ride in traffic.
I live in Tennessee and it comes on every time I ride and I don't ride hard but that's just me and mine
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