INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted December 30, 2012 08:00 PM
quote:
quote:
yer chasing ghosts.
Ya but with lighter wheels and exhaust those ghost are easy to catch!
+1 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
  
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted December 31, 2012 12:20 AM
 Edited By: BobC on 31 Dec 2012 11:23
I would be interested to hear how well the Michelin Power Pure performs given the weight and power of the 14.
When I owned a Suzuki GSX-R1100K, back in the eighties, I fitted the original Michelin Hi Sport to it in attempt to make an evil-handling beast better to ride. There was an improvement in the handling and grip but only up to a point, then bike overwhelmed the Michelins, they would overheat and begin to slide. Hugely entertaining but I could wear out a rear in a couple of hundred miles of spirited road riding.
Obviously things improved if I rode more slowly but that defeated the object of fitting grippier, lighter rubber. I think the current Bridgestone S20 OE fitment suits the 14 very well and they did lighten the wheels from 2012. My new bike certainly handles better that my 2006 model.
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Candy Thunder Blue 2006 ZZR1400
Stock wheelbase
Max: 205.4 mph in 1.25 miles
2012 ZZR1400 in Golden Blazed Green
Brock CT Full System. etc
Max: 203.1 in 1 mile (so far)
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted December 31, 2012 03:41 AM
quote:
quote:
yer chasing ghosts.
Ya but with lighter wheels and exhaust those ghost are easy to catch!
But what this guy is saying he isn't going to ride the bike very hard. Shift at 7,500 rpm's, and he's not going to push the grip or longevity of any tire.
I feel like I'm pissing in the wind tryin to tell this guy something.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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weighmaster
Expert Class
Posts: 301
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posted December 31, 2012 05:17 AM
Edited By: weighmaster on 31 Dec 2012 13:21
Once again, I do not ride the bike hard. I like the idea of removing weight from the 14 because my previous bike was a 10 and there is over 100 pound difference between the 2 bikes.
Also once again, having my shift light come on at 7500 RPMs doesn't mean I shift no higher than that. It just warns me to hang on more.
I've been riding motorcycles for more than 20 years including some drag race experience so I am no rookie. I've even gotten hit by a golf ball in my helmet while riding past a golf course. What are the chances of that? The helmet may have saved my life.
Lots of people here talk about things related to running the bike hard but those don't really apply to me because I am mellowing out some. Once again, the 14 is a sport touring bike. If someone posted on here they wanted to go from stock 17-41 sprockets to 18-36 for touring, I would tell them interesting idea and good luck I hope it works out for you but undoubtedly someone would chime in and tell that person "don't do it as it will kill your 1/4 miles times" which is totally inapplicable to that persons goal.
If something doesn't seem "right" to you such as running lighter tires on a heavy bike, consider what the goal of the poster is. Just like if someone inquired about running tires rated at 168 MPH tops on a 14. I would ask them if they ever plan on going more than 168 MPH. If not, then I would give them a green light but with a warning that if they sell the bike, to warn the new owner.
Too many "motorheads" on here with a 1/4 mile mentality that don't pay much attention to the posters criteria. Just look at a lot of the "signatures" with 1/4 miles times and such. Maybe I should create a signature that has 40 MPG and/or 60 profile front tire.
The 14 is not just a 1/4 mile bike. It is a great bike for just "knocking" around town on, especially in stock form (quiet, mild power down low...). I would recommend the bike to any experienced rider but not to those hooligan "kids".
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Romans
Expert Class
Posts: 294
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posted December 31, 2012 05:17 AM
Edited By: Romans on 31 Dec 2012 13:19
When they first came out with the power pure I tried them on my 07. Tire did not last or hook so I never went back. Maybe I never gave the tire a fair shake ?
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2012 ZX-14 R Turbo, 2010 ZX-14 Turbo, 2007 ZX-14, 2009 ZX-6R, YZ 450F
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weighmaster
Expert Class
Posts: 301
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posted December 31, 2012 05:29 AM
Edited By: weighmaster on 31 Dec 2012 13:35
I just recently purchased a Bridgestone BT021 120/70/17 front tire for my 14 but I think I will have them remove that (so I can weigh it of course) and instead try the Michelin Power Pure 120/60/17 in its place along with the 10 wheel on the front which is a direct swap. That would be interesting to feel how that affects steering with an estimated 3 to 4 pounds less up front.
Perhaps I'll just leave the rear tire (and stock 14 rear wheel) as is. I currently have some Shinko 200/50/17 on there which seems good enough for what I normally do. It was in the 50s the other day when I was riding and I did a few "healthy" rollons and there were no signs of the rear tire wanting to break loose and the bike was making great power.
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Romans
Expert Class
Posts: 294
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posted December 31, 2012 05:48 AM
Weighmaster, is there a chance{maybe} your thinking to much about it ? Buy the tires, run the experiments and post your findings. Only way you are ever going to real feel the diff is if you try out your ideas. What's stopping you ? Clearly lots of thought has gone in to it. Cheers
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2012 ZX-14 R Turbo, 2010 ZX-14 Turbo, 2007 ZX-14, 2009 ZX-6R, YZ 450F
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weighmaster
Expert Class
Posts: 301
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posted December 31, 2012 06:17 AM
Nothing is stopping me but the holidays are slowing me down because deliveries of parts are much slower. Also, I now have 6 candidate wheels for my 14 so I am debating which combo to use. Rushing into a decision is what causes mistakes and those cost money. With 6 wheels and several tires to choose from, the # of combinations quickly increases so I am taking my time and thinking about it before I decide so no I am thinking "too much" about it.
Once I decide on the combo that works for me, I might post the other wheels in the classified section.
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted December 31, 2012 07:52 AM
Well I'm sorry if the poster thinks we don't understand him. Maybe that's because what he is saying is a little contradictory.
He asks a forum which is mainly populated by sprinters and LSR riders about reducing unsprung weight, then doesn't like what he reads. If the bike is just being used for gentle riding why change anything?
I won't go on. Happy New Year everybody.
____________
Candy Thunder Blue 2006 ZZR1400
Stock wheelbase
Max: 205.4 mph in 1.25 miles
2012 ZZR1400 in Golden Blazed Green
Brock CT Full System. etc
Max: 203.1 in 1 mile (so far)
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Wheelie
Needs a life
Old Man
Posts: 6902
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posted December 31, 2012 08:02 AM
Edited By: Wheelie on 31 Dec 2012 16:02
quote:
Well I'm sorry if the poster thinks we don't understand him. Maybe that's because what he is saying is a little contradictory.
He asks a forum which is mainly populated by sprinters and LSR riders about reducing unsprung weight, then doesn't like what he reads. If the bike is just being used for gentle riding why change anything?
I won't go on. Happy New Year everybody.
He's a Troll.
wee
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted December 31, 2012 09:27 AM
It would be nice if he posted some pics of his project 14
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted December 31, 2012 10:47 AM
My point exactly. If your just cruising around, it doesn't matter and you won't know the difference.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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Bently
Needs a life
2012 14r In Blue and no Mods!
Posts: 5428
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posted December 31, 2012 11:12 AM
I'm also never going to exceed around 7000 rpm's on my 2012 14r but I want the bike to be as light as I can get it. I'm just to weak to push it up on my lift anymore. I already removed the bar ends and axle nut cotter pin. any other ideas? I'm thinking of a lighter color paint that should help huge.
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted December 31, 2012 11:53 AM
quote:
I'm also never going to exceed around 7000 rpm's on my 2012 14r but I want the bike to be as light as I can get it. I'm just to weak to push it up on my lift anymore. I already removed the bar ends and axle nut cotter pin. any other ideas? I'm thinking of a lighter color paint that should help huge.
A single fork conversion would be awesome! Also a single handlebar conversion would be too.
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted December 31, 2012 12:04 PM
quote:
I'm also never going to exceed around 7000 rpm's on my 2012 14r but I want the bike to be as light as I can get it. I'm just to weak to push it up on my lift anymore. I already removed the bar ends and axle nut cotter pin. any other ideas? I'm thinking of a lighter color paint that should help huge.
I wouldn't ditch a cotter pin altogether; that is unsafe. You can probably get a ti or carbon fiber one instead.
Shane
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weighmaster
Expert Class
Posts: 301
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posted December 31, 2012 12:07 PM
Edited By: weighmaster on 31 Dec 2012 20:15
Of course any mods will make a difference even for "light" riding. What about when I push the bike or put it up on a swingarm lift or just idle it and like to listen to the sound? How about when it is parked and I just like to look at it or let other people look at it? For example, my carbon fiber tank cover doesn't save much weight but it looks very cool.
Why change anything on a bike?... because that is half the fun. Customizing it and setting it up for what I mostly do makes it better than just a stock bike that the Engineers made assumptions on.
Once I get the bike set up the way I like it, then maybe I'll drive it much more aggressively.
Be patient on the pictures because I am still waiting on parts because of the holiday and I don't have my custom sprocket yet. Not sure why several of you want to see it anyway because I am setting it up the way I like, not the way other people tell me to. For example, I run my 14 with the lower plastic off and some people don't like that but that doesn't bother me. I also have my side (Foreman) grilles off and did some custom detailing on the plastic underneath. Probably some people here would bash me about that saying that is stupid or looks ugly but I like it that way.
The discussion here should be about tire weights and wheel weights but I see very little of that but several "wise cracks". I am waiting for someone to tell me to fill my tires with helium next.
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted December 31, 2012 12:14 PM
Cue pic of Hub's bike....anyone....anyone??
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted December 31, 2012 12:16 PM
Fill your tires with helium 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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zx14kawboi
Novice Class
just wanna be fast
Posts: 70
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posted December 31, 2012 12:19 PM
it is rumored that continental tire company is actively pursuing the production of a helium based compound that is 69 % lighter than its rubber counterpart ......with traction on vertical surfaces almost equal that of a rubber tire on horizontal!!!!!! amazing stuff cant wait to see what the future holds
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weighmaster
Expert Class
Posts: 301
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posted December 31, 2012 12:39 PM
Edited By: weighmaster on 31 Dec 2012 20:44
I just weighed my '06 almost bare ZX-10R front wheel (bearings installed) and it weighs 9.8 pounds. My bare '06 ZX-14 wheel (no bearings) weighs 11.3 pounds. So that is a 2 pound difference adjusting for the "missing" bearings in the 14 wheel which I assume are about 0.5 pounds for the pair.
Also, I weighed my Michelin Pilot Power 120/70/17 tire with about 85% tread remaining on that same scale and it is 9.0 pounds.
So if I go from that combo which is 11.8 + 9.0 = 20.8 to the ZX-10R front wheel and a Michelin Power Pure 120/60/17 front tire which is supposed to weigh only 8 pounds, that will be (9.8 + 8.0 = 17.8). 20.8 - 17.8 = 3 pounds saved just in the front wheel/tire combo. Also because 1 of those pounds saved comes from the tire swap, it counts triple that of weight saved in the wheel so that is like losing 5 pounds in the wheel and 0 in the tire so it is like having a 6.8 pound front wheel (bare). Wow that is significant because a wheel that light cost big $.
I don't think I will feel much of a weight savings in the rear wheel/tire so at this point, I will probably just swap the front because of the steering and because my forks are already slightly raised in the triple clamps so I have adjustment range to compensate for the 60 profile tire easily.
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Wheelie
Needs a life
Old Man
Posts: 6902
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posted December 31, 2012 12:44 PM
quote:
I just weighed my '06 almost bare ZX-10R front wheel (bearings installed) and it weighs 9.8 pounds. My bare '06 ZX-14 wheel (no bearings) weighs 11.3 pounds. So that is a 2 pound difference adjusting for the "missing" bearings in the 14 wheel which I assume are about 0.5 pounds for the pair.
Also, I weighed my Michelin Pilot Power 120/70/17 tire with about 85% tread remaining on that same scale and it is 9.0 pounds.
So if I go from that combo which is 11.8 + 9.0 = 20.8 to the ZX-10R front wheel and a Michelin Power Pure 120/60/17 front tire which is supposed to weigh only 8 pounds, that will be (9.8 + 8.0 = 17.8). 20.8 - 17.8 = 3 pounds saved just in the front wheel/tire combo. Also because 1 of those pounds saved comes from the tire swap, it counts triple that of weight saved in the wheel so that is like losing 5 pounds in the wheel and 0 in the tire so it is like having a 6.8 pound front wheel (bare). Wow that is significant because a wheel that light cost big $.
not sure why someone hasn't weighed these parts in 7 years, thanks for letting us know, I can think about the oil thread now.
wee
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted December 31, 2012 12:49 PM
Good point, Wee. When I weighed a Power Pure front and the 10R rims...nevermind, nobody cares...
Shoot, I got rid of my scales and I just go by what the manufacturer says now. 
Shane
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Lucky14
Pro
Posts: 1439
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posted December 31, 2012 02:16 PM
Edited By: Lucky14 on 31 Dec 2012 22:18
quote:
Cue pic of Hub's bike....anyone....anyone??
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=27&TID=65708&pagenumber=2
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You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted December 31, 2012 02:33 PM
quote:
quote:
Cue pic of Hub's bike....anyone....anyone??
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=27&TID=65708&pagenumber=2
Finally!!
This looks like it was before the CUSTOM header cap, so only one big ass factory muffler can be used.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted December 31, 2012 03:17 PM
Now why didn't I think of that . Here ya go:
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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