It's so funny listening to you ride this. I have one of these Paul Smart's and all the things you point out are exactly what goes through my mind every time I take it out - especially my crack being on display, ha, ha, ha! Being honest, my biggest gripe with it is: when cornering around tight bends, it's either lugging in 2nd or screaming in 1st. Then in semi-tight bends, it's either lugging in 3rd or screaming in 2nd. I've thought about changing the sprockets, but I really want to keep that original, despite customising a load of other parts on the bike. One thing I have done is put Keihan stainless steel pipes on mine, the originals are tucked away for safekeeping, they sound a bit pathetic, but the Keihan's sound insane! Especially screaming around a twisty! It's a real shame you can't post a picture on here, I'd love to show you what I've done with mine, it's pretty unique. Happy ownership to the lucky buyer. I'll be keeping mine for retirement!
i've got a Paul Smart and a red 1000s. If you go down one size to a 14t front sprocket. it will get rid of the lagging. I'll be keeping mine for a long time as well!
@@GamerET6 Yeah, I've been thinking about this for a long time. It's a real pain! This summer, perhaps, if the world hasn't exploded! Thank you for the info, it's great to hear from someone who has actually gone ahead and done it. Did you have to change the whole chain set? I know the chain and sprockets all stretch and wear into one unit, unless they're really new, of course, mine is pretty low milage, though. Stay safe and well!
@@davidreid2301 You don't have to change both sprockets and chain but I would highly recommend doing so. I bought a 14t front and 39t rear sprocket and chain for my 1000s. I will be installing them shortly. It still has the original 15t Front. It did lug occasionally until I put the Termi exhaust and remapped the ECU. With the 14t sprocket, you will lose a little top-end but it will take off like a rocket.
I’m a proud owner off a Paul Smart for about 2 weeks now and just yesterday I had my first ride with it. The first thing that I noticed is exactly what you’re saying: slow corners screeming in 1st or ‘shocking’ in 2nd. Nice to read that I’m not the only one noticing this and I will discuss changing the sprockets with my local dealer. Thanks for the advice and keep safe! Beautiful machinery! Mine has the Zard exhaust. Greetings from Belgium 🇧🇪
@@philippedenaeyer2786 Congratulations on your purchase! Yeah, it’s not a tourer, that’s for sure! 😂. TBH, I haven’t even had mine out of the garage this year. Between COVID and just being far too busy I haven’t even road taxed it this year. You’ve reminded me I need to, though, and then go for a screaming ride in the hills, so thank you for that! In truth, I’ve been thinking a lot about buying a van and just tracking it... Happy riding!
I'll back you up on this. I also own one of this. First thing you need to change the sprocket, then ride it over100km/h and you will feel much better but still a torturing machine. As I'm getting old～er.....I'm sticking with my Harley any day!
you see if you can put Gilles Variobars on these low clipon bikes, they are billet aluminum, high quality craftsmanship and polish. I put 60mm risers on my gilles and a new world of comfort arose, fully adjustable in about four directions.I have a similar motor in My Bimota DB4 ie . This bike weighs 423. vs my bike at 365, and I have a full fairing with lowers. I have yet to believe some guys try for 22k asking price on these with 12k miles on them. If you saw the frame welds on my Bimota with an oval frame that weighs 11 lbs , aircraft aluminum. I was surprised how sloppy the welds were on the Paul Smart frame. These Paul Smart bikes were $ 14.999 new , I dont see the value here. Big bulky tank, and a huge butt rear end, choppy silly design over the original bike.
Only 500 was imported to the US in 2006. I just can imagine how many are left now. Is it disrespectful to paint it RED? I'm buying one with only 670 miles bone stock and If you think of DUCATI and FERRARI, you picture it RED.
When you get down to it, it's your bike paint it whatever color you want. But as Andrew wrote, that's what color Paul Smarts bike was when he won the Imola 200 in 72. Why not just get a 1000s in red. basically the same bike except for color, swingarm, and Ohlins......the one thing you don't get on the 1000s is the dry clutch.
Rode one in 2006. Didn’t buy it as it was shit tech and just a name and cafe racer ahead of its time. It probably planted the seed for all that cam now. Funny how people like to pay more for old superseded technology. I mean a lot more (dollars).
