Hitchcocks Forum

Hello all,

I have an EFI Classic - 2012 version, which in general is very nice. But... I am using it as an out and out Commuter Bike doing around 70 miles per day, and I will also be using it most of the winter.

While generally "good", it does have some issues - it chatters at high speed, and I'm not so fond on the levels of visibility available at night. The complete lack of fairing also makes it a bit chilly at the moment.

A key thing for me is that I will be doing a lot of night riding as I leave the office late.

I'm more than happy to spend money on what I consider a good bike to turn it to something linked exactly to my needs, so I was wondering if you good people could have a look at my proposed upgrades/modifications, and see if you think they meet my goal of improving the bike as a functional commuter, and if you would argue against any of my idea's, or add any in yourself. I have put my proposed reasons in ()'s

(I have been giving a lot of thought to the Big Bore kit, but I am going to wait for the summer for that, along with suspension etc )

So - planned upgrades are:
- 19inch wheels front and rear ( to improve chatter at high speed and handling in traffic in town )
- Front fork Yoke - same as above
- Upgrade lights to Neolite shell and Motovision bulb ( visibility and sight quality )
- Upgrade indicators to clear LED versions ( visibility )
- Add Mudgaurd light ( visibility )
- Headlamp peak ( reduce glare )
- set of reflectors
- large mudguard set (keep nice and clean )
- Large wind screen ( improve riding experience )
- Oxford Hot grips ( keep nice and warm in winter )

Key things I'm trying to acheive is comfort on a long trip, conmfort in bad weather, and safety.

Any comments you have gratefully recieved.

Steve

Hi SlowSteve

I have the efi ... the other one, not the classic and I commute 40 miles a day 20 of it on the M1.... all year round.its gonna be cold...and wet.... and dark... genrally shitty ... heated grips and a fairing will make a huge difference to your ride. I know cos on this bike I don't have them (did on my susi gs500)... as my bike has the 19" wheels as standard I can say happily there is no clatter..

The only mods I have made so far is I have increased the size of my front sprocket by one tooth... makes motorway riding much better as cruising at 70mph is easy however, watchout for the oil consumption. also get an English Reynolds drive chain, better quality and will last longer. ACF50 (although pricey) is excellent for keeping everything weather proofed and easy to clean...

have fun!

Nick

Slow Steve. The Philips Motovision bulb is excellent, it transformed my headlight performance. I'd try just this before going to the expense of buying a new reflector unit.
Be cautious with LED indicators, not all of them provide the increased visibility that you are after. Our hosts 23w upgrade flasher unit and bulb kit could be a better, cheaper and quicker solution.
The EFI Classic is fitted with a headlight peak and large valanced mudguards as standard - doesw your not have them?
Regards

Thanks for the comments.

If I increase the wheel size from 18" to 19", does this have a noticable effect on gearing?

Nick - Many thanks for the comment on the front sprocket - this looks sensible, but I'm not sure how it increases oil consumption?

STU - thanks for the comments - I measured my guards, and they are already the large size, but I don't have the front peak.

Given your intended purpose, daily 70km, I would not start from where you are, but if you are determined to keep the Classic then I would have the following observations.

Change to 19 inch wheels - improves the looks and give higher gearing by about 5%
Change from 17 to 18tooth front sprocket, similar higher gearing effect, about 5%
My EFI B5 has both the above and pulls very well.
Big bore kit, fine but needs new exhaust system and Dyno Commander to get optimum result. Have ridden such a converted machine on 18 inch wheels and performance lived up to expectations.
For all year round riding, the worst thing is wind chill, so you really need leg shields, windscreen and grip heaters. in fact a full fairing.
Lights are up to you. Would be suspicious of LED directions indication. I think the present lights are good enough, also my headlamp dip beam is fine.

Good luck, TrevorCH

SlowSteve

With the bigger front sprocket, motorway speeds are better and it's easier to keep at 75 -80 mph I suspect prolonged riding at these speeds used up more oil as the engine is hotter...

Gents,

Thanks for the comments so far.

Would it be OK to lift the sprocket size **and** increase the wheels to 19" .... this would be effectively increasing the gearing twice.

Remembering that I'm going to be in towns a fair bit, so plenty of time in low gears, I'm assuming there will be enough grunt with both of these changes and till be fine?

Thanks

Steve

Hi aagin, the other half of my 40 mile daily rush hour commute is through N W London into central London.. and the gearing is absolutley fine... have fun