Well, it's been a long cold winter, but I finally have my bike on the road. Titled, registered, and insured. I put 100 miles on it last weekend to shake it down. I'm surprised at how well it starts and runs. Since my last post in December I added new points and condensers, tires, tubes, chain, superbike handlebars and Spider grips. I haven't put a timing light on it yet, but it doesn't seem to need it either. The jetting changes I made to compensate for the Mac exhaust and pod filters seem to be spot on. I've read that the brakes leave something to be desired on the 550's, and I couldn't agree more. The Emgo shocks are extremely stiff too. When I took it out the first time, I found myself trying to shift up at least one more time, but I'm getting used to the engine sound and rpm's so I'm leaning on it more and more and it seems to like it. The more I ride it, the more I trust it. It's definitely a blast to ride. I think I'll take the center stand off next, although it's convenient to have on. It's mechanically sound now and I'm planning on riding it to work a lot when it warms up a little more. I'll be spending the summer making it shine and continuing to add new cables and whatever is next on the list.
