Duck-a-la-orange

[Skyteamst90]

I received my bike today and spent some time assembling it. Unfortunately, I didn't received my go-pro clone until well into the building and did not make a video about assembling. Its a shame that these bikes do not come with assembly instructions.

As I get to together I will post more pics.

Still have to do the oil change and adjust the valves; that will be tomorrow.

[dpl096]

Very nice Sky!

[Skyteamst90]

Thank you.
I have since adjusted the brake line since this picture.

[simonjester]

Congratulations! How did the assembly go? It never ceases to amaze me that they don't send instructions.

[BlackBike]

That would make any blind man see.

Congratulations on the storm

[Skyteamst90]

The assembly is a little slow, because it is trial and error to find the correct bolts and what is the right spot (and I want to take my time). One problem was the luggage rack. It attaches with two bolts in the rear of the frame with two bolts (horizontal on either side) attaching it to the frame under the seat (vertical), but those bolts did not come with the bike. So I will have to go to Do It Best and pick out some bolts. Other than that it is going okay and I taking my time. I am taking off bolts and putting blue locktite on them and replacing the bolt. Come to think of it, there are marks on the bike already from someone checking it. Like quality or making sure they are torqued. That's pretty cool. However, still checking them all and adding locktite.

The speedometer gauge looks cheap and will be replaced for something a little cooler. Other than that, things are moving along and it looks really cool. I am hopeful that it will perform well and be fun to ride. Its a little bigger than I expected, but it is just the right size for me. I have about 28" legs, so the fit is just right; the HAWK would have been too high for me.

I am interested in doing the other mods that many bloggers talk about such as: carb, sprockets, and chain. I will also change out the hand grips as they feel a little cheap and not as cool. I will install this LED light I got for additional head light visibility as well. I also think there is an LED replacement for the s2 bulb that I might look at. On the LED bar, just have to find a place to mount it. So some of those mods will be on the budget for next month. I have some left over saddle bags from my Buell Blast that will fit great on this bike.

I like how the thing has under seat storage, but it is not accessible very easily. So I am looking for a way to be able to quick release the seat to be able to get to it. It would be nice to have my insurance there instead of the tool box, due to people maybe looking in the box and stealing info and knowing where the bike is from. That reminds me, have to get a bike lock as well.

I have a cell phone holder that will go on the bars along with a cigarette lighter/usb port that I will install as well. I took off the fuel tank to get to the head so I can adjust the valves, so that will be tomorrows adventure with it. So far just having fun with it and even if it didn't work, its just fun to look at. It does seem like a dream to finally have a dirt bike after all these years of wanting one. I waiting maybe 20 years or so.

[simonjester]

Originally Posted by BlackBike

That would make any blind man see.

I don't know about that, but it would sure as heck make assembling something you just bought for well over a thousand dollars a whole heck of a lot easier. I mean c'mon, let 's get real, sending someone something complicated to assemble without instructions is just sadistic.

Most normal people would like to have assembly instructions provided and it's just dumb not to. It just makes it unnecessarily difficult for the poor slob who just bought the bike.

That is one aspect of these CB's that I do not like at all. I don't buy that it somehow makes a person know the bike better or some such nonsense. You would know the bike just as good if you put it together WITH instructions, you'd just be less PO'd and stressed from having to figure it out when you shouldn't have to.

[simonjester]

Yeah the lower seat height appeals to me too. I've been waiting a long time to get one too, so I can totally relate.

[SpudRider]

You're doing a good job. Your orange bike looks great.

['16 TT250]

Since the instructions would be in Chinglish having them might just make the job harder.

[BARLOW]

woohoo, glad it came in ... before you buy sprockets, check the ones on it already ... mine already came with 17/45 and i dont think it has power for much bigger than a 43 rear, but i could be wrong, i think i was once when i was little ... lol ... and good job getting the fastest one, orange ... i too was looking at the led headlight, but we will be getting a new house in a few days, so my mods will be done for this season i think

[Mag00]

You may want to consider re-greasing the steering head and grinding the steering stops. While it is apart not too big of a job. Be aware, the steering head bearings are loose balls, not in any cage

Also check the speedo drive at the front wheel. When they did mine, they did not line up the drive and bent the crap out of it. Disassembly and straightening was not too hard.

[Skyteamst90]

Originally Posted by Mag00

You may want to consider re-greasing the steering head and grinding the steering stops. While it is apart not too big of a job. Be aware, the steering head bearings are loose balls, not in any cage

Also check the speedo drive at the front wheel. When they did mine, they did not line up the drive and bent the crap out of it. Disassembly and straightening was not too hard.

Thanks I will take a look at that. I hadn't even considered that.

[Skyteamst90]

I assembled it today and got it running. Since I have only ridden a few bikes (Buell Blast, Yamaha Raiden 600, Buell 1200 Lightening, Yamaha Xt225) I can only compare it with what I have ridden.

My first impression is that it accelerates fast enough for me. It is not a super bike and I get that, but the acceleration is fine. I filled the battery, changed the oil, adjusted the valves, and put gas in it, and kick started it and on the third or fourth try it turned over and lived. I also installed a cigarette lighter/usb thing and used it today to run an air pump to air up my tires.

My only grip right now is (1) I think the clutch lever is too far out and it is a reach, so I will be adjusting it. (2) The foot pegs are too short, I will install ones a little wider, and (3) the brakes are a bit unrefined (based on the other bikes I have ridden) - that would be my only complaint at the moment.

[2LZ]

Nice looking bike! I really like the Storms. Put some miles on your brakes. They should come right in, once seated. Also, as the CG motor breaks in, it will change it's personality dramatically as it loosens up. The bike you're riding now will be a different bike 500 miles from now.