I got my 2002 back together and out on the road this weekend! I bought it last fall non-running (gummed-up carbs), but otherwise in great shape (stored indoors all it's life, and only 12,000 miles). I spent some time this winter going through the worst of the sitting-itis issues, general maintainace, and cleaning up some of the accessory wiring (I despise scotchlocks). It's running beautifully and I'm getting the feel for it, which is quite different than my ZX600-C.
One of those differences is the clutch. My 600 (and all my previous bikes) have been cable clutches with stock fixed levers, but I adjust the cable so the release point is a comfortable distance from the bar. The Connie has Pazzo adjustable shorty levers on it, but even at the closest setting, the release point is farther out than I prefer. It's smooth and a very easy engagement point, but it's farther than I'm used to. It's at nearly the very end of the master cylinder stroke. I searched around the forums and found a few mentions that this is typical for the hydraulic clutches on these, and there isn't any adjustment aside from the lever.
I did a full rebuild of the clutch system this winter, and cleaned out the plugged-up vent port in the master cylinder, so I'm pretty sure it's working the way it should. I used K&L kits from murph, and a new Galfer line.
I have the stock levers, so I'm leaning towards swapping them on and seeing if that's a more comfortable feel. I've never been a 2-finger lever guy anyway.
Anyway, I figured I'd see what the gang all had to say here. I only have 25 miles on so far, so I'm sure there's a lot that I just need some time to develop new muscle memory for (the shift lever is another thing that feels a lot different; the lever on my 600 pivots behind the nub, instead of in front, which is a lot more noticeable difference than I expected). I am loving the bike, though, and am sure I will so more as I get familiar with it. It's very different machine than the 600, and it's fun experiencing the different character of each. The 600 is going to feel like a lightweight dirtbike next time I take it out! (it's not much over 400lbs)
One of those differences is the clutch. My 600 (and all my previous bikes) have been cable clutches with stock fixed levers, but I adjust the cable so the release point is a comfortable distance from the bar. The Connie has Pazzo adjustable shorty levers on it, but even at the closest setting, the release point is farther out than I prefer. It's smooth and a very easy engagement point, but it's farther than I'm used to. It's at nearly the very end of the master cylinder stroke. I searched around the forums and found a few mentions that this is typical for the hydraulic clutches on these, and there isn't any adjustment aside from the lever.
I did a full rebuild of the clutch system this winter, and cleaned out the plugged-up vent port in the master cylinder, so I'm pretty sure it's working the way it should. I used K&L kits from murph, and a new Galfer line.
I have the stock levers, so I'm leaning towards swapping them on and seeing if that's a more comfortable feel. I've never been a 2-finger lever guy anyway.
Anyway, I figured I'd see what the gang all had to say here. I only have 25 miles on so far, so I'm sure there's a lot that I just need some time to develop new muscle memory for (the shift lever is another thing that feels a lot different; the lever on my 600 pivots behind the nub, instead of in front, which is a lot more noticeable difference than I expected). I am loving the bike, though, and am sure I will so more as I get familiar with it. It's very different machine than the 600, and it's fun experiencing the different character of each. The 600 is going to feel like a lightweight dirtbike next time I take it out! (it's not much over 400lbs)