Needs a life
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Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
posted October 31, 2001 05:57 AM
What I'd do For a winter project, if it weren't already done.
Big budget stuff - Aftermarket magnesium wheels. Won't say 'this brand' or 'that brand', because I don't give a shit what anyone else thinks is the holy truth as handed down to them by Brigham Young out in the desert, I just know that my aftermarket magnesium wheels made my 12 feel like a 9.
Not so big budget stuff - Ohlins/Penske shock for the rear. Still fairly pricy, but you'd be amazed how big a difference it makes when the back tires stays in contact with the pavement.
Little budget stuff - But the rewards are incredible! Race Tech the front end. Just pop those babies off the front of yer bike, wrap em up and send up down. You buy the springs and gold valve kit from them, it's $135 for them to replace the springs, fluid and revalve your forks. A DEAL. (Note: that $135 does not include the price of the Gold Valve kit or springs) You get a fucking *awesome* front end! How awesome? Ask yourself this: "Can I remember distinctley noting the change from smooth asphalt to slightly coarser grade asphalt, probably due to it being a couple years old, before going over that bridge and over the county line, where that more pebbly asphalt felt a little bit rougher through the handlebars? I remember putting the bike into the corner and waving to some kids in the back seat of a car going round the corner in the opposite direction, using that extra little bit of attention I didn't have to spend correcting my line because the bike wouldn't track on the same line, prior to this." Many months ago, I posted about what riding my RC51 was like, and how fun it was on the back roads. That fucker's out of here. After the fork revalve, I have *no* need of it, my 12 is a much better highway bike, and feels as composed as the 51 ever did.
Other little budget stuff - A steering damper. Once again, don't want to get into a holy war, I just know that both my bikes have them, and they work.
posted October 31, 2001 07:25 AM
Winter Project Good ideas swift.
The only problem is... they don't add horsepower!!! LOL!
Like you really need more HP if you have a 12R!
Id say putting it (HP) to the ground, and how the bike handles and stops are probably the most useful upgrades. So why does everyone do it backwards, and add a pipe/PCIII first?
My guess is:
1. It's more fun to talk (OK Brag) about, and demonstrate the absolute power of your bike.
2. It is easier (mechanically) to make more power, than to make the suspension work better.
3. It tends to cost a bit less.
4. It sounds cool... and the 12R in particular makes a LOT more power with a pipe on. Not to mention that huge-assed stock pipe just doesn't look too cool.
Ive had race tech do forks for me in the past, and they do make a big differance. Does the rear shock upgrade really make that big a differance? The stock one seems to work pretty good to me. As far as the wheels go... man... Id love to do that, but it's a big expense! I have a steering stab, and I love it. The best upgrade for the cheapest amount I would say is upgraded brake lines and pads. It's only a few hundred bucks, and wow what a big differance! This goes for any bike out there. Well... there you have it, my $.02.
Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
posted October 31, 2001 07:30 AM
Doh! Good point, the pads and lines are pretty inexpensive, and definately make a difference! The rear shock makes a huge difference for me. Then again, I've got almost 14000 miles on that rear shock. Basically, the rear shock would just kind go away once we got in the twisty stuff, and I could never keep a line through a corner. And yah, more horsepower is fun, and nice when you are going in a straight line. With 196 at the back tire, I guess I'm guilty of that. And honestly, that was the *first* thing I went after. If'n I was to do it again, would prolly do all the other upgrades first.
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82 Gpz750, 84 Ninja 900, 2000 ZX12R (Muzzy Big Bore Kit), *another* 2000 ZX12R (Muzzy custom stroke crank 1341cc motor), 2004 ZZR1200, 2005 ZX10R, 2007 ZX14, 2008 Concours 14, 2014 Versys 650, 2014 Yamaha WR450F, 2015 Ninja H2
posted October 31, 2001 08:54 AM
front forks Does anybody know if race-tek have a UK outlet? My next mods are to have some rearsets (Gilles)then Ohlins Shock.
ade.
posted October 31, 2001 10:50 PM
i was actually surprised at seeing full ohlins front end for 1499pounds in a mag a few days back. ohlins shock was only like 400pounds
posted October 31, 2001 11:03 PM
swft is right the suspension upgrades are a major improvement but not cheap at all. I love my penske rear shock.I would love to have a pair of march....or marvic wheels but it will be quite awhile before I can get them.I have to have a steering dampner before I can run in the ECTA meets at maxton N. Carolina.I'm going with a scotts.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- Body thoroughly used up, totally worn out...Screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride !!!"
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posted October 31, 2001 05:57 AM
posted October 31, 2001 07:25 AM
posted October 31, 2001 07:30 AM
With 196 at the back tire, I guess I'm guilty of that. And honestly, that was the *first* thing I went after. If'n I was to do it again, would prolly do all the other upgrades first.
posted October 31, 2001 08:54 AM
