Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Alan Sputhe just recently pass away ?

I'm guessing availability of Sputhe kits is now even worse than it ever was.

I like his parts and would buy this engine mount parts if I could get some.

 

No, it was actually fine. I was a little bit concerned about that when I ordered the link, but I figured I could trim one side of the turnbuckle and remove a few threads from one of the ends if needed. It wasn't needed. The picture is a little bit deceptive, because neither of the links are set to the proper length.

 

Yup, agreed!

Next will be suspension... Probably a RaceTech fork rebuild and Ohlins on the back. But that will probably have to wait for winter...

 

So far, they're still in business. My emails were generally answered quickly. It's a little bit inconvenient that they only ship COD... I had to borrow petty cash at work when it showed up much sooner than expected!

 

I rode to work this morning. Roughly 30 miles, 20 of it highway. My engine has always vibrated quite a bit in certain sub-3000 RPM ranges, which I'm definitely aware of in stop and go riding. But at highway speed the chassis feels so much more stable now. At 85 MPH it tracks perfectly straight, and feels completely hooked up in long, fast sweepers. There are a few areas on my route with very noticeable rain grooves, and a construction zone with uneven pavement. The rain grooves used to move the back of the bike around really noticeably, but that's really just gone now. Same with uneven pavement.

One downside: Now that the back of the bike feels rock solid, I'm really aware of how sloppy my forks are! I'm planning on a complete rebuild over the winter with new RaceTech springs and valves, but now I'm thinking I should just do a fluid change right now, even if they are coming apart again soon (I'm taking a two night/three day trip over Labor Day on some really nice roads with a passenger). I have a feeling the fork oil is "vintage..." Unfortunately, I don't think there's really a "quick and easy" way to dump and fill fork oil with the Showa cartridge forks, but I guess I'll figure it out...

I'm really impressed with the handling impact of the rear Positrac.

 

Good to hear! Did you already have a front link?

 

Yes, I installed a Predator a year or so ago...

I thought about Sputhe or TrueTrack at the time, but I thought the Predator looked cleaner overall.

 

Nice. I've got the same setup waiting. Was curious if the rear stabilizer was a worthwhile addition. Thanks for documenting this.​​

 

Speaking of the same setup, don't tell me you're also waiting for Rocket Bob's to make a fresh run of exhaust clamps...

 

Yes! I've been pestering Pete for months about them.​​ Latest from him is that he is trying to get the cost down.