[Rhino]

I don't even worry if the suspension is up to snuff. My current riding skills will not bring it to the limit in near time. My weight on the other hand might just do that, coming in at 19 stone (120kg or 260 pound).
I still was very surprised to find the ergonomics on the SSP better than on my Z750. Previously, I thought I'd never be comfortable on anything sporty, folding 1,90m behind the handlebars.

Ahh you got red (Slow One) don't worry about The stock suspension The Marzocchi forks are pretty good but when you are ready to see how truly beautifully this bike can float through corners then change out the front springs from the stock 0.80 to 1.0 (at 120kg) then you will achieve SAG................... or drop 30kg whichever suits you

 

[Invincible]

I'm currently trying to shed some weight anyway. I'd be more than happy if I get just a smidge below 100kg though. I could finally wear jeans size 34 again.
But for now I'm looking forward to my first trip with the 950, which will have to wait until Wednesday at the least because I haven't registered the bike yet. Appointment at the motor vehicle registration office is on Tuesday.
But I wanted to have her ceramic-coated before the first ride, so I'm not even tempt to break my plan, since I don't have a license plate.

 

[Invincible]

Having driven the first 100 miles with my new bike, I really, really like it. But I'm also starting to wonder if I could make it a bit quieter.

I know, I know. Blasphemy, heresy and witchcraft... But please put the pitchforks and torches aside for a moment and bear with me...
I already have a hearing disorder, which cost me 25-30% of my hearing ability, but at the same time lowers my noise tolerance levels. That's why I mostly ride with earplugs already.
On top of that, I live in a rather noise sensitive area, where noise meters are set up on some of the most favorite motorcycle backroads and the coppers are also always on the prowl for loud bikes.

It's not that it's awfully loud like the Ducati V4's, but I still think it has to be as loud as it is.

First: Does one know if you can adjust the range in which the exhaust closes the valve? Currently, it's in third gear and only from 50 to 54 kph. I would like to extend the range to 45 to 57 kph in third and, ideally add another one in second from 27 to 37 kph.

Second:
Do you think I can stuff the exhaust covers with exhaust wool? Or might this lead to some damage?
Like, just add some exhaust wool to the marked areas (not tightly packed, just a wee bit to maybe dampen the sound by 1 or 2 decibels) and then put the covers back on.

 

[Miweber929]

First: Does one know if you can adjust the range in which the exhaust closes the valve? Currently, it's in third gear and only from 50 to 54 kph. I would like to extend the range to 45 to 57 kph in third and, ideally add another one in second from 27 to 37 kph.

Second:
Do you think I can stuff the exhaust covers with exhaust wool? Or might this lead to some damage?
Like, just add some exhaust wool to the marked areas (not tightly packed, just a wee bit to maybe dampen the sound by 1 or 2 decibels) and then put the covers back on.
View attachment 45421

First question: The valve is operated by the ECU, only a dealer very deep in the software would even have a shot at changing but my guess is not possible.

Second question: those covers are just that, covers, and the exhaust tubing there is solid, not perforated, so you’d have VERY little change, like no change, if you packed that area with fiberglass (I’d do that over steel wool since the cover is not a tight seal and you’d have strands of steel wool sticking out of the seams.

I think you’re stuck if you want it quieter.

 

[Duluthian]

Congratulations! Enjoy! I'm with you , for me quieter would be fine . Custom earplugs are an option . Being a musician I want to protect my old ears as long as I can.

 

[Ed K]

@Invincible What is the noise reduction rating of your ear plugs? I also have sensitive ears, but use ear plugs with a 33 noise reduction rating that is sufficient for me with the standard exhaust.

The standard exhaust exceed permitted noise levels on the meters?

 

[Duluthian]

I usually use 3m classics which are 29db and have some Heros 33 . I still want to hear some noise , like sirens.
There are nice custom ones as well.

Best Motorcycle Earplugs - Motorcycle.com

Easy ways to protect your hearing

www.motorcycle.com

 

[Ed K]

Ear plugs are sorta like oil or chain lubes, lots of opinions. I just go with the plugs that has the highest rating I found, and are the most comfortable…for me it’s the Hearos Xtreme (blue ones). They work very well, but do need a little skill to be fitted “just right” to seal properly for max noise reduction.

 

[Miweber929]

I’ve been using the “high fidelity” ear plugs for like 4 years now with very favorable results. The custom fit ones that seal out EVERYTHING are too restrictive in my opinion.

There are my goto’s:

Amazon.com: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs - Invisible Ear Plugs for Concerts, Musicians, Motorcycles, Airplanes, Raves, Work Noise Reduction, Hearing Protection - Fits Small Medium Large - As Seen On Shark Tank : Health & Household

Buy Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs - Invisible Ear Plugs for Concerts, Musicians, Motorcycles, Airplanes, Raves, Work Noise Reduction, Hearing Protection - Fits Small Medium Large - As Seen On Shark Tank on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders

www.amazon.com

They can be tricky to fit and not have them pop out but once you find where that spot is, they work great are are easy in and out every time.

But a friend recently turned me onto these:

Amazon.com: Alpine MotoSafe Pro Motorcycle Reusable Earplugs for Wind Noise Reduction - Ultra Soft Audible Filter Hearing Protection for Motorbike Touring & Racing - Premium Motor Riding Ear Plugs, 2 Pairs : Health & Household

Buy Alpine MotoSafe Pro Motorcycle Reusable Earplugs for Wind Noise Reduction - Ultra Soft Audible Filter Hearing Protection for Motorbike Touring & Racing - Premium Motor Riding Ear Plugs, 2 Pairs on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders

www.amazon.com

I’ve only used those once but so far, so good.

 

[Duluthian]

Bravo ,Gentlemen ,..Hearing loss , and Tinnitus SUCK and there are only workarounds once they strike. Protect what you have.

 

[LowRyter]

I have some latex ones that were custom made for me at the Cycle World Show a dozen years ago. I still wear them.

I find the wind noise to be much worse than the exhaust.

 

[Invincible]

@Invincible What is the noise reduction rating of your ear plugs? I also have sensitive ears, but use ear plugs with a 33 noise reduction rating that is sufficient for me with the standard exhaust.

The standard exhaust exceed permitted noise levels on the meters?

I use the Alpine MotoSafe Race. Tried "Tour" first and they dampened too little.
I wouldn't want to go even quieter than race, because I still want to be able to hear what's going on around me.

And yes, the stock exhaust exceeds these permitted noise levels on the meters. Yet, they only flash "Too loud", but I think it is only a matter of time until they start fining you for being too loud.

Guess I will have to talk to my dealer regarding the software.

For the stuffing, I wanted to use normal exhaust wool and just fill the hole in the tube, which should then be held in place by the cover

 

[Ed K]

Looks like MotoSafe Race has a NR rating of 30. I find the ones I use at 33 (at least for me) are not too quiet…I can still readily hear what’s happening around me. But that’s a very personal choice, as you mentioned. And also, of course, the quietness of helmets vary significantly.

Btw, has anyone noticed the ridiculous, hearing damaging, volumes that are used in movie theaters (at least in the U.S.) these days! 🤪 When I went to see James Bond, I had TWO layers of hearing protection (ear plugs and headphone style muffs) and it still was crazy…imo. 🤨

 

[Invincible]

Agree on James bond in the theaters. The intro song was deafening, but dare you to understand what they said in dialogues...

 

[Ed K]

@Invincible Yes, the “dynamic range” (to use a music production term) of the audio was enormous. Audio technology has advanced so much that it can be a hazard if not used properly. So I guess they do that everywhere, not just in the U.S.

From my vantage point, the movie industry should take note especially trying to recover after Covid. Because they’ve already lost me: I’d rather wait and watch it at home than get blasted and ruin my hearing.

 

[Invincible]

Even at home it's no fun. Gunfight, volume down. Whispering, volume up. Loud again, volume down. Silence and barely audible whisper, volume all the way up, then all of a sudden an explosion which nearly knocks my windows out... I hate it. I still long for the day when we will be able to control voice volume and other sounds separately.

Aaaanyway... My exhaust is still too loud

 

[Ed K]

Hmmm, good idea! There’s prolly a way to pump home studio movie audio through Logic Pro (or other mixing software, or maybe performance software like MainStage) and use the advanced sound sculpting tools like EQ and compression, amongst others…to tailor sound to taste. 😂

 

[Duluthian]

there is always an opportunity to EQ audio to taste, like most things in life it just takes the proper gear , $$ and time

 

[Invincible]

Quick question regarding the quickshifter.
Usually it works great, but when I load her up from the stop, from 1 in 2 near redline is no problem, but
if I keep it at WOT then 2 to 3 nearly always fails. It cuts the throttle but I stay in 2nd. Which first bogs the bike down for a split second, only to proceed to hit the rev limiter a second later.
This is kinda annoying and I'd like to know if anyone else experienced something similar and has a solution for it.

5 to 6 however never failed me at all, which is kinda funny as many seem to have a problem with this transition.

 

[Invincible]

No one?

Also, when I was practicing emergency stops, I had petrol running from the fuel cap towards the ignition lock under hard braking. Fuel tank was nearly full, maybe 14L. Is that normal? Doesn't feel like it should do that.