oldskool454
Parking Attendant
Posts: 2
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posted September 20, 2007 02:41 PM
Steering Stabilizer?
I am about to take delivery of a pristine condition 2003 ZX12 and had a couple questions.
I see aftermarket or stock Steering Stabilizers on alot of the smaller sport bikes but this one doesnt even have a stock one installed. Is this something I need to consider purchasing soon after taking ownership?
I have heard about the Power Commander thing and see ALOT of bikes with it. If I am mostly going to be commuting and riding for fun on the weekends will I need one of these?
Basically the bike is totally stock and has only 4K miles on it, I am a bigger guy (6'2" 285lbs), is there any "must have" upgrades I need to look into on this bike?
  
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TurboBlew
Moderator
BUSY DOING THE SCHIAVO
Posts: 4590
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posted September 20, 2007 07:39 PM
The Muzzy damper is nice. Pricey $$$$. Might be able to find them used for $250ish.
Your options are limited on that model.
A pipe is a MUST if you want the bike to run well (at redline). Well it also will drop 25lbs
off the bike too.
No need for a powercommander unless you want to wonder what makes your bike not run.
Id upgrade the clutch springs and replace the mini steels/fibers with full sized ones.
Id look into revamping the front suspension with new springs and valving. A Penske or Ohlins shock out back will do wonders for handling.
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VincentHill
Needs a life
Posts: 6520
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posted September 21, 2007 06:39 AM
To Add to TB, The Muzzy Damper is nice and I have one but there is another that cost about 30% Less that works OK. If you get a PIPE, you will then find to get the best performance the Power COmmander will be the best bet. Do a Lot of reading before selecting a PIPE because some do not work well on the bottom end, Some are very expensive and some are hard to tune and others run well on the bottom and not as well on the top
The deal about the clutch you will find out about and eventually replace the small plate and some ZX6R Springs
I have an Ohlins rear shock which works very well but again expensive.
____________
Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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TRNorBRN6001
Needs a job
Posts: 2021
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posted September 21, 2007 10:05 AM
No upgrades needed, just enjoy your bike as is! When you get tired of it in 5 years upgrade to a ZX-14, or an 08 Busa, or whatever is the latest and greatest.................................But thats
just advice from an owner of an 00 ZX-12 with a significant number of mods.
____________
TFA 200MPH CLUB MEMBER!
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oldskool454
Parking Attendant
Posts: 2
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posted September 21, 2007 04:15 PM
thanks guys, I am kind of nervous about owning such a monster of a bike but it's a deal I couldnt pass up. I am taking everyone's advice though and just going to "respect the throttle" and take it easy for a long time.
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TurboBlew
Moderator
BUSY DOING THE SCHIAVO
Posts: 4590
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posted September 21, 2007 05:39 PM
Oh.. then maybe just take it easy there big fella...lol.
Ironically the newest liter bikes are the fastest things out. 420lbs wet..160+ hp.
Makes a 12, 14, or any gen busa seems like a battleship.
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nox
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 21, 2007 09:13 PM
ah, the muzzy pro damper........lol
just get the real thing, and get a hyperpro........
Clutch is fine, just put some good springs in it........
All that other stuff is crap.......
I raced a stock clutch pack over 700 passes........., half of them high 1.30s in 60 ft.
Did not need replaced when I swapped fibers......., put some heavy springs in it, and ride the hell out of the bike..........
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TurboBlew
Moderator
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Posts: 4590
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posted September 21, 2007 11:43 PM
Wait.... you dont even ride your bike on the street do ya?
The difference in the Muzzy damper is the mounting system.
The hyperpro uses some kooky mounting plate that mismatches the bike terrible.
Judge for yourself
quote:
ah, the muzzy pro damper........lol
just get the real thing, and get a hyperpro........
Clutch is fine, just put some good springs in it........
All that other stuff is crap.......
I raced a stock clutch pack over 700 passes........., half of them high 1.30s in 60 ft.
Did not need replaced when I swapped fibers......., put some heavy springs in it, and ride the hell out of the bike..........
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tuusinii
Pro
Posts: 1031
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posted September 22, 2007 02:52 AM
 Edited By: tuusinii on 22 Sep 2007 03:52
If You're not racing You're not going to need the steering damper.
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VincentHill
Needs a life
Posts: 6520
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posted September 22, 2007 04:09 AM
Edited By: VincentHill on 22 Sep 2007 05:15
quote:
Wait.... you dont even ride your bike on the street do ya?
The difference in the Muzzy damper is the mounting system.
The hyperpro uses some kooky mounting plate that mismatches the bike terrible.
Judge for yourself
You have to Cut and paste to see this on this site!
http://www.zx-12r.org/Motorcycle_info/Motorcycle%20pictures/Cliff%20Randall's%20Project/Cliff's%20MuzzyZX1270%20steering%20damper1.JPG
quote:
ah, the muzzy pro damper........lol
just get the real thing, and get a hyperpro........
Clutch is fine, just put some good springs in it........
All that other stuff is crap.......
I raced a stock clutch pack over 700 passes........., half of them high 1.30s in 60 ft.
Did not need replaced when I swapped fibers......., put some heavy springs in it, and ride the hell out of the bike..........
No need for a Damper unless Racing is fine provided your bike is an 00 or 01 the 02 and up are a bit twitchy!
____________
Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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kaw12
Expert Class
Posts: 172
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posted September 22, 2007 05:07 AM
Edited By: kaw12 on 22 Sep 2007 06:09
quote:
No upgrades needed, just enjoy your bike as is! When you get tired of it in 5 years upgrade to a ZX-14, or an 08 Busa, or whatever is the latest and greatest.................................But thats
just advice from an owner of an 00 ZX-12 with a significant number of mods.
i agree. unless you want to spend alot of time and patience on this bike to get it back to the way you think it should run, i would leave it stock. it makes good power low and mid and still tops out max speed with no problem. once you pipe it and power command it (imo) your gas mileage goes way down and loose your low and mid power and maybe you will be happy and maybe you wont. you'll gain rpms on the top with a full system but that requires your assurance on the dyno. like i said if you have the time and patience i would just leave it stock. if you think its pristine, then i wouldnt touch it!
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TurboBlew
Moderator
BUSY DOING THE SCHIAVO
Posts: 4590
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posted September 22, 2007 05:35 AM
Uh.... are you talking abouta Zx12?
I dont know who has been feeding you that BS... but the 12 with a pipe does not need a powercommander.
Gas mileage?? Are you kidding me? ITS A 1200CC motorcycle.. you want it to sip gas like a scooter???
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kaw12
Expert Class
Posts: 172
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posted September 22, 2007 05:58 AM
quote:
Uh.... are you talking abouta Zx12?
I dont know who has been feeding you that BS... but the 12 with a pipe does not need a powercommander.
Gas mileage?? Are you kidding me? ITS A 1200CC motorcycle.. you want it to sip gas like a scooter???
i was told the 12 was lean from the factory that a pc would improve it even stock and with a full system and air filters wouldnt that lean it out even more? i am just saying that when i did these mods that my gas consumption went down i didnt say i had a problem with it!
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TRNorBRN6001
Needs a job
Posts: 2021
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posted September 22, 2007 07:09 AM
I good custom dyno tune will only increase efficiency. It all depends on what you want the bike to do and what RPM range you will do most of your riding in. Plus a lot has to do with the dyno operator and thier experience.
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TFA 200MPH CLUB MEMBER!
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VincentHill
Needs a life
Posts: 6520
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posted September 22, 2007 10:09 AM
With a 4-2-1 that I used Cruising between 70 and 90 MPH On I-4 In Florida (If you have been on I-4 you would understand why the wide range) I got 39 MPG and the bike would lift the front wheel on bumps between 2,000 and 4,000 rpms. Stock Best was 36 MPG.
The truth is, it is Harder to leave them alone than to make changes! I went from 153 SAE HP to 183 SAE HP! Now it is the Bike with my SIgnature for Land SPeed Racing
____________
Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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Texas12R
Zone Head
Posts: 545
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posted September 23, 2007 01:30 AM
Concering the steering stabilizer....Doug Meyer said " You dont need one till you need one
then you REALLY need one"
I like the peace of mind, knowing I dont have to worry about the headshake if I bring the
front end down just a little off .......
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