Hi Guys...

I've just bought a 918 (1997 Blade) with many go-faster bits on it. It was an ex sprint / track day bike and has two sets of fairings etc. I have a few questions at the end of day one in the 'get to know your bike' process.

1. I was stripping the rear / seat off to fit an Oxford Oximiser and I came across a black box (as per the attached photo) any clues if this is standard / what it does / what it's worth / is it any good if it's a 'bolt-on'?

2. I have a horrible rattle at neutral when I start the bike till it's warm. I assume this is the cam belt tensioner? Is it recommended that I fit a standard one again or fit one of the manual adjustable ones?

3. Compared to other bikes I have riden it feels like it wants to go into a corner all the time - like riding on a knife edge if you see what I mean - is this typical blade handling? Could it be the make / type of tyres?

4. I have large holes in the front fairings. Th guy says it is for standard indicators, my personal hunch is that they have been cut out for aftermarket flush indicators - can anyone confirm? I will get a photo and show you.

5. It has a polished frame (and pretty much everything else!) what are the views on spraying this with 2-pack laquer?

6. I have to wait quite a while for my licence to be upgraded for this bike, is there anything I need to do to 'moth-ball' it? I tried to run the carbs dry today, but it didn't seem to ever stop.

7. Fuel tap..am I right in thinking up is reserve, horizontal is off and down is on?

8. The bike has done 44k miles...what's the life expectancy on these things?

Thanks for any input!

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