RF 900 vs RF 900 R - difference?

[CAMH]

Hi guys/gals.

Anyone out there know if there's a difference between a Suzuki RF 900 and a Suzuki RF 900 R?

I'm looking at buying one (either a 1997 or 1998).

Cheers,

Chris

[MSTRS]

The RF900 was issued in several forms, for different markets (countries).
Some were rated at 100ishHP and some at 120ishHP. Maybe that's the difference?

[nudemetalz]

Ask Riffer. He's the RF900 know it all dude !!

[F5 Dave]

big heavy & remarkably ugly, but with an inner beauty that doesn't really grow on you.

However they are very cheap.

With some limited mods can be a useful bike, do a search on here & you'll find the threads maybe search under my & riffer's name. Don't get too hung up on full power, they aren't the sort of bike where 10hp makes any diff.

[Pussy]

Two names for the same bike.
If you are going to get one, look for an E-02 (Pommy spec) or E-24 (Aussie spec). Both of which are full power examples. They even have 1.4mm more cam lift.
The RF900 is an under-rated bike.

[F5 Dave]

. . .
The RF900 is an under-rated bike.
I think its the most over rated bike that is classified as underrated. If that makes sense.

[MSTRS]

I think its the most over rated bike that is classified as underrated. If that makes sense.

I chose to understand you to mean the RF900 is the most under-rated bike, as voted by the most people...

Did you see what Drew did with his cheap, old clunker in F1 at Manfield recently?

[riffer]

RF900R and RF900 are the same bike. In fact there is no RF900. Just the RF900R.

Possibly the confusion lies in the model codes Suzuki used.

1994 - R
1995 - S
1996 - T
1997 - V
1998 - W

Just to make it trickier, in 1995 they released two (S) models. The S1 and S2. All RF900Rs up until the S2 model have preload only on the front forks, and the rear brake is held on by a combination spacer, torque arm which plugged into the swingarm.

From the S2 model onwards, the front forks have damping as well as rebound, and the rear brake was changed to the one off the GSXR1100, which used a torque arm which goes to the back of the motor. They also changed the alternator cush drive and the clutch (less strong clutch basket from S2 onwards).

I took my RF900RS1 out for a ride last night actually. It's been in storage for a while. Couldn't believe how small it feels after riding the Bandit for a while, and how low the bars are (and how high the footpegs) compared to the Bandit. Also how much better it handles and stops.

I must fix that gearbox (2nd gear dogs have gone).

[riffer]

The RF900 was issued in several forms, for different markets (countries).
Some were rated at 100ishHP and some at 120ishHP. Maybe that's the difference?

There are three types of RFs. The E-00 (88HP), the E-04/E-02 (120HP), and the E-28/E-03 (110HP). There was also a limited edition Manta Ray model made for the Aussie market which was pretty much the E04 model. Easiest way to tell them apart is by the speedos. The E04/E02s have 300km/hr speedos, the E-28/E-03s have 200mph speedos, and the E-00 (Japanese Domestic Market) has a 180km/hr speedo.

Here's the country codes:

E-00 Japan (domestic home market)
E-01 General (general export)
E-02 England (UK)
E-03 USA (America) except California
E-04 France
E-06 South Africa
E-15 Finland
E-16 Norway
E-17 Sweden
E-18 Switzerland
E-19 EU (European Union)
E-21 Belgium
E-22 Germany (former West-Germany)
E-24 Australia
E-25 Netherlands (Holland)
E-28 Canada
E-33 California
E-34 Italy
E-39 Austria
E-53 Spain
P-37 Brazil

See here for more info on how Suzuki codes work:
http://www.suzukicycles.org/_misc/identification.shtml

[riffer]

BTW in case you were wondering, a K&N airfilter and aftermarket pipe (or removing the restrictors in the Suzuki pipe) help lots!

[F5 Dave]

I chose to understand you to mean the RF900 is the most under-rated bike, as voted by the most people...

Did you see what Drew did with his cheap, old clunker in F1 at Manfield recently?

Meh, maybe I'm being a curmudgeon, I had my RF for 7 years as a 2 seater backup for my single seat YZFSP. the comparison was made every time I rode the RF it felt like a crudely suspended heavy bus. And that was after a lot of pissing around with springs.

It was bought to replace my GS1100G. I knew I'd own an RF one day as they were so cheap. It addressed all the faults of the GS, - stiffer frame, better brakes. But by the time I sold it I had no love for it & if I could have one of them back for free it would be the GS no question even for a second.

[Drew]

Meh, maybe I'm being a curmudgeon, I had my RF for 7 years as a 2 seater backup for my single seat YZFSP. the comparison was made every time I rode the RF it felt like a crudely suspended heavy bus. And that was after a lot of pissing around with springs.

Of course it bloody did. One is a sports bike, the other a tourer.

I sing the praises of my rotten old RF a lot, and with damn good reason.

Have ya still got the YZF? We could go to a track day and do some unofficial comparison testing though, you might be surprised.

[jellywrestler]

Meh, maybe I'm being a curmudgeon, I had my RF for 7 years as a 2 seater backup for my single seat YZFSP. the comparison was made every time I rode the RF it felt like a crudely suspended heavy bus. And that was after a lot of pissing around with springs.

It was bought to replace my GS1100G. I knew I'd own an RF one day as they were so cheap. It addressed all the faults of the GS, - stiffer frame, better brakes. But by the time I sold it I had no love for it & if I could have one of them back for free it would be the GS no question even for a second.

Hey how come you've got time to muck around here, aren't you flat out as a Ventriloquists doll for kiddies Christmas parties at this time of the year?

[CAMH]

There are three types of RFs. The E-00 (88HP), the E-04/E-02 (120HP), and the E-28/E-03 (110HP). There was also a limited edition Manta Ray model made for the Aussie market which was pretty much the E04 model. Easiest way to tell them apart is by the speedos. The E04/E02s have 300km/hr speedos, the E-28/E-03s have 2200mph speedos, and the E-00 (Japanese Domestic Market) has a 180km/hr speedo.

Here's the country codes:

E-00 Japan (domestic home market)
E-01 General (general export)
E-02 England (UK)
E-03 USA (America) except California
E-04 France

See here for more info on how Suzuki codes work:
http://www.suzukicycles.org/_misc/identification.shtml

Thanks Riffer. Very helpful stats. More facts than opinions - I appreciate that.

It looks like it's an E02/E04 from the pics. It has a 190mph/300kmh combination speedo.

Ta for your responses.
P.S. For those of you all about power, insanely dangerous speeds and how big your cock is on track day, I am actually looking for a sport tourer, so I think this one'l do just fine. Thanks for your posts.

[riffer]

Thanks Riffer. Very helpful stats. More facts than opinions - I appreciate that.

It looks like it's an E02/E04 from the pics. It has a 190mph/300kmh combination speedo.

Ta for your responses.
P.S. For those of you all about power, insanely dangerous speeds and how big your cock is on track day, I am actually looking for a sport tourer, so I think this one'l do just fine. Thanks for your posts.

My money would be with the E-03 mate. If your main numbers are the MPH, it's the American model. The European model is KMH only.

Either way, the RF900 is a good bike. I still think they're more sports than tourer, but they will tour just fine.

[Usarka]

The "R" is the pirated model.

[F5 Dave]

Hey how come you've got time to muck around here, aren't you flat out as a Ventriloquists doll for kiddies Christmas parties at this time of the year?
you said it was just your hand up my jacksy:pinch:.

[ensapp]

I see some are so picky they wouldn't have like my Old Vincent Black Shadow or even my Indian Chief. Too big, too clunky, too slow, but I'd eat your lunch somewhere between Jacksonville Florida and LA. The RF900R is one of the finest ,most reliable bikes ever built by anyone. And if you mistakenly think you can beat one, come on down and bring your cash. I can always use a good payday.

[EJK]

I see some are so picky they wouldn't have like my Old Vincent Black Shadow or even my Indian Chief. Too big, too clunky, too slow, but I'd eat your lunch somewhere between Jacksonville Florida and LA. The RF900R is one of the finest ,most reliable bikes ever built by anyone. And if you mistakenly think you can beat one, come on down and bring your cash. I can always use a good payday.

Welcome to KB. You are 2 years late for this thread unfortunately.

[ensapp]

I know, I've just been reading. I couldn't stay quiet too long. I love the site though. I'll try to find some more current posts to get into.

[Drew]

I see some are so picky they wouldn't have like my Old Vincent Black Shadow or even my Indian Chief. Too big, too clunky, too slow, but I'd eat your lunch somewhere between Jacksonville Florida and LA. The RF900R is one of the finest ,most reliable bikes ever built by anyone. And if you mistakenly think you can beat one, come on down and bring your cash. I can always use a good payday.Line forms to the left, for people wanting to hand out arse whoopin's on a rotten old RF. Thanks.

[Banditbandit]

I see some are so picky they wouldn't have like my Old Vincent Black Shadow or even my Indian Chief. Too big, too clunky, too slow, but I'd eat your lunch somewhere between Jacksonville Florida and LA. The RF900R is one of the finest ,most reliable bikes ever built by anyone. And if you mistakenly think you can beat one, come on down and bring your cash. I can always use a good payday.

OOOOoooo ... do you stil have the Shadow?


Line forms to the left, for people wanting to hand out arse whoopin's on a rotten old RF. Thanks.

Yeah .. I'd have a go - but RFs are quicker than people think ... I'd only have a go as far as seeing how good the rider was ... a good rider and I wouldn't seriously try ...

[willytheekid]

RF900...one of the best 90's all rounders EVER made, and thats a fact!

it was runner up (by a bloody SLIM margin) to sport tourer of the year award for 3 yrs straight!

There is only ONE 90's bike thats slightly better at everything than an RF900...but its a bloody close fight for that title :yes:

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/two-for-the-real-world-2520.html

A well ridden RF or VFR will keep most modern bike's damned honest on a rough twisty road...they may get owned on a race track, but in the real world...they can STILL hold there own.



ps the VFR750...won best sport tourer and best sport bike award 94, 95 and 96!(sport tourer award for nearly 10yrs!)...and the ONLY! competion, was from the RF900!, they are simply in a class of there own!
(Which is why I finally got around to buying one..and havn't regretted it one little bit!)

[baffa]

Nice bikes, but this whole "My RF would destroy your bike" is a bit subjective. Something like a similiar age CBR900RR would technically smash it, but in reality it comes down to who wants to push their bike further.

(I know the blade isnt a tourer, but people are claiming the RF is a sportsbike)

[Drew]

Nice bikes, but this whole "My RF would destroy your bike" is a bit subjective. Something like a similiar age CBR900RR would technically smash it, but in reality it comes down to who wants to push their bike further.

(I know the blade isnt a tourer, but people are claiming the RF is a sportsbike)It's not a sports bike, but I'd still own it over a 900 blade.

[R650R]

I remember lusting after one of these in that Red colour when they came out, thankfully I didn't have the money till years later when the injected 750 came out...
But they were highly regarded at the time, supposedly a slightly detuned GSXR1100 motor, one of the most reliable strong motors of the era...
Kevin Smith was on the cover of performance bikes mag smoking the rear wheel out of corners everywhere.
The only bad thing said was the ginormous rear brake light on them...
Bit of a forgotten model but a good reliable bike to be had there.

[ensapp]

I don't have the Vincent anymore. I sold it to pay off my house. The RF is rideable but I'm doing a complete restoration on it anyway. I can still find almost every part in new condition. The only strange thing is most of the new parts are coming from England. I don't mind since I've been there done that before on the Vincent. I'll probably sell the RF someday 20 or 30 years from now when I have to take a walker to get to it.

[jetboy]

Bit of a revive I know.

Sold my KTM SuperDuke recently and picked up a 94 model as a workhorse. Pleasantly surprised how quick it is (all things considered) and seems pretty easy to work on so far. Doing a general service this weekend; new plugs, K&N air filter, valve clearances, fluids etc. Looking forward to it.

Only negative so far is the brakes, after riding a CBR1000 and the Superduke I've become accustomed to stop-on-a-dime brakes and the RF lags behind significantly in that regard. Bled the brakes but didnt make much difference, might look at braided lines to help.

I took the bike for what it is and am very happy so far.

http://i.imgur.com/6qzPkpPl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mc1rxodl.jpg

[willytheekid]

Bit of a revive I know.

Sold my KTM SuperDuke recently and picked up a 94 model as a workhorse. Pleasantly surprised how quick it is (all things considered) and seems pretty easy to work on so far. Doing a general service this weekend; new plugs, K&N air filter, valve clearances, fluids etc. Looking forward to it.

Only negative so far is the brakes, after riding a CBR1000 and the Superduke I've become accustomed to stop-on-a-dime brakes and the RF lags behind significantly in that regard. Bled the brakes but didnt make much difference, might look at braided lines to help.

I took the bike for what it is and am very happy so far.



:niceone:Great choice!...it looks to be in bloody good condition for its age too.
Enjoy it mate...bloody great work horse those bikes

[jetboy]

Thanks man. The pictures actually make it look better than it is. Was pretty rough when I picked it up but gave it a good clean and polish and voila. Not bad for a 20 year old (bike)

[nzspokes]

Thread dredge...

So the 190mph/300kph one is the one to get?

Any common problems to look for above the normal condition thing?

[Akzle]

the R is the seaman edition,
the RR is the pirate edition.

Your welcome.

[Drew]

Thread dredge...

So the 190mph/300kph one is the one to get?

Any common problems to look for above the normal condition thing?

They have a bad habit of wearing the drive dogs on second gear.

One that's had good chain upkeep won't do it normally.

Fairly big job to fix. Cases need split, and I had my dogs spark eroded instead of ground. Grinding will effect hardening.

So on a test ride, be very aware of how the shift into second feels. If it jumps out at all it needs fixed. I charge $400 for the spanner work, plus the $200ish for spark erosion.

[nzspokes]

They have a bad habit of wearing the drive dogs on second gear.

One that's had good chain upkeep won't do it normally.

Fairly big job to fix. Cases need split, and I had my dogs spark eroded instead of ground. Grinding will effect hardening.

So on a test ride, be very aware of how the shift into second feels. If it jumps out at all it needs fixed. I charge $400 for the spanner work, plus the $200ish for spark erosion.

But there ok apart from that? I believe you have punted one along a bit.....

[Drew]

But there ok apart from that? I believe you have punted one along a bit.....Yip, I haven't heard a recurring problem from anyone on any other issue. The gearbox problem is not overly common, but it's heard of enough to be worth note.

I raced it in formula 1 at a Vic club round once. Was entertaining to watch I'm told. Had 92,000k's on the clock at the time, and the suspension reflected as much.

[fridayflash]

cheap fun roadbike, i found mine uncomfortable as im a bit lanky, in my case f1 engineering lower rear sets wouldve helped a lot..you lookin at buying one?

[nzspokes]

cheap fun roadbike, i found mine uncomfortable as im a bit lanky, in my case f1 engineering lower rear sets wouldve helped a lot..you lookin at buying one?

Thinking about it if the right offer comes along for my bike.

[fridayflash]

you sellin the hornet? gotta say the rf was a likeable bike and my only gripe was the comfort which is often a personal setups issue

[FROSTY]

Ive owned a few RF's. The "best" one had the correct tyre size rear (170) was geared down 2 teeth on the rear and had a set of F1 engineering handlebars that raised the bars 20-25mm

[fridayflash]

im with you on the 170 rear, i replaced my worn 180 with the specified 170 and the bike was more lively in its handling/steering

[nzspokes]

you sellin the hornet? gotta say the rf was a likeable bike and my only gripe was the comfort which is often a personal setups issue

Set up is something I can muck about with.

[Drew]

Ive owned a few RF's. The "best" one had the correct tyre size rear (170) was geared down 2 teeth on the rear and had a set of F1 engineering handlebars that raised the bars 20-25mm
Interesting. Mine is fitted with a 190/55 on the rear, and a Gixxer thou shock to lift it even further.

Now it turns and handles MINT.

[nzspokes]

Interesting. Mine is fitted with a 190/55 on the rear, and a Gixxer thou shock to lift it even further.

Now it turns and handles MINT.

Have read a Busa shock fits to. Thats what my Bandit had.

[FROSTY]

Interesting. Mine is fitted with a 190/55 on the rear, and a Gixxer thou shock to lift it even further.

Now it turns and handles MINT.
so did you lift the rear and drop the front? I always found with a big rear tyre they were a pig to get to turn

[Drew]

so did you lift the rear and drop the front? I always found with a big rear tyre they were a pig to get to turnGeometrically speaking, both of those things have the same effect. Reducing the steering angle and making it turn faster.

Anyhoo, I found the cornering clearance was the biggest gain from putting the wider hoop on the back. The raised rear ride height from the shock was where the steering got quick.

[fridayflash]

heres a question for the rf900 brains trust, has anybody used the f1 engineering clipons for added comfort? just discussing the idea with my flat mate, he is tossing over ideas for getting the 'bars up and back a bit. apparently the f1's go on with orig brake lines and cables etc which is a bonus but im wondering if they make enough of a difference to be worthwhile? i remember mike nash mentioning them in kiwirider, having fitted them to his rf but dont recall what his verdict was. anyway, ideas and opinions will be considered..

cheers, eddie.

[fastfitter]

We'll dig this thread up again :yes:

Early Bandit 1200 top yoke and pattern bars ....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/fastfitter/Bandit%20top%20yoke/DSCF0128_zps45c8e036.jpg

Not a straight swap, you'll need a longer top brake hose (I've got twin lines direct to each caliper) and knock up a bush for the centre stem bolt. Changing the ignition switch over can be a pain due to the security bolts fitted. Light switch wiring and clutch hose reach ok. If you get the right bars (I was lucky) it clears the fairing on both locks. Superbly comfy though with my Corbin seat, 200 miles without aches

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/fastfitter/Cat%20and%20Fiddle%2019%20May%202014/CatandFiddleSnakePass1905201401_zps139bf3cf.jpg

I've gone up 1 tooth on the front sprocket which has dropped the revs by 1000 for a given speed in top, so it's very lazy and gives better mileage.

[akkadian]

Nice looking bike bro

[98tls]

We'll dig this thread up again :yes:

Early Bandit 1200 top yoke and pattern bars ....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/fastfitter/Bandit%20top%20yoke/DSCF0128_zps45c8e036.jpg

Not a straight swap, you'll need a longer top brake hose (I've got twin lines direct to each caliper) and knock up a bush for the centre stem bolt. Changing the ignition switch over can be a pain due to the security bolts fitted. Light switch wiring and clutch hose reach ok. If you get the right bars (I was lucky) it clears the fairing on both locks. Superbly comfy though with my Corbin seat, 200 miles without aches

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/fastfitter/Cat%20and%20Fiddle%2019%20May%202014/CatandFiddleSnakePass1905201401_zps139bf3cf.jpg

I've gone up 1 tooth on the front sprocket which has dropped the revs by 1000 for a given speed in top, so it's very lazy and gives better mileage.

Like those bars,been trying to find a set that wont involve cutting the fairings a bit on my old TLS but no joy so far,few lads up your way ie England on the TL site have risers with dirt bike bars which are great but as i say do not want to cut the fairing...mines a bastard odd colour which nobody seems to be able to mix paint for though did get some from England years back to paint the undertray,since closed there doors.

[nzspokes]

Like those bars,been trying to find a set that wont involve cutting the fairings a bit on my old TLS but no joy so far,few lads up your way ie England on the TL site have risers with dirt bike bars which are great but as i say do not want to cut the fairing...mines a bastard odd colour which nobody seems to be able to mix paint for though did get some from England years back to paint the undertray,since closed there doors.

Ive done that to my VTR. Means I can ride much longer and pain free. I think the trick would be bars with good setback or a up and back riser.

I had to cut my fairings a little but its a common colour.

[Clunge Bucket]

Ive done that to my VTR. Means I can ride much longer and pain free

What a shame:whocares:

[OddDuck]

heres a question for the rf900 brains trust, has anybody used the f1 engineering clipons for added comfort? just discussing the idea with my flat mate, he is tossing over ideas for getting the 'bars up and back a bit. apparently the f1's go on with orig brake lines and cables etc which is a bonus but im wondering if they make enough of a difference to be worthwhile? i remember mike nash mentioning them in kiwirider, having fitted them to his rf but dont recall what his verdict was. anyway, ideas and opinions will be considered..

cheers, eddie.

Maybe these are worth a look?

http://www.apexmfg.com/all-products/apex-clip-ons

I've got them on the Ducati and they made a hell of a difference.

[mulletman]

Like those bars,been trying to find a set that wont involve cutting the fairings a bit on my old TLS but no joy so far,few lads up your way ie England on the TL site have risers with dirt bike bars which are great but as i say do not want to cut the fairing...mines a bastard odd colour which nobody seems to be able to mix paint for though did get some from England years back to paint the undertray,since closed there doors.

Dont think theres a need to cut fairing , you may need further research...

http://www.bikermart.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=154-187

[98tls]

Dont think theres a need to cut fairing , you may need further research...

http://www.bikermart.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=154-187

The pic on the website shows a TLS with fairing cut.Cheers though mate.

[nzspokes]

The pic on the website shows a TLS with fairing cut.Cheers though mate.

Narrower bars do the same thing, up sit a bit more upright and helps. Also makes the bike more stable at speed as rider input has less effect. I found on me old bandit cutting the bars down a bit made a big improvement.

Just a thought.

[Drew]

Narrower bars do the same thing, up sit a bit more upright and helps. Also makes the bike more stable at speed as rider input has less effect. I found on me old bandit cutting the bars down a bit made a big improvement.

Just a thought.

Interesting perspective. Less control is a better ride. Think I'll give that a miss and just relax a bit instead.

[98tls]

Narrower bars do the same thing, up sit a bit more upright and helps. Also makes the bike more stable at speed as rider input has less effect. I found on me old bandit cutting the bars down a bit made a big improvement.

Just a thought.

Ive ridden a TLS with no fairing and risers with dirtbike bars...absolute fucking hoot and felt like the tard from hell,which well may be a better option i reckon.

[nzspokes]

Interesting perspective. Less control is a better ride. Think I'll give that a miss and just relax a bit instead.

Depends how, what and where you are riding. I run narrow bars. I didnt say you had to.

[Drew]

Depends how, what and where you are riding. I run narrow bars. I didnt say you had to.

I was making a point sarcastically man.

Narrower bars reduces the amount of movement at your hands for the same response. A twitchy bike will become more so, and slow steering bike becomes harder work. By all means run what's comfy. But going narrow means less time to react, and finer adjustments are required.

Anyhoo, I'm off to thrash the shit out of my RF.

[Drew]

What a fucken hoot that was. Then I rode an RSV4 Tuono back over the hill...I'd fucken have one of those!

[nzspokes]

What a fucken hoot that was. Then I rode an RSV4 Tuono back over the hill...I'd fucken have one of those!

Agreed, think that will be my next bike.

[Drew]

Agreed, think that will be my next bike.

Interestingly, I thought the bars were to narrow.

[nzspokes]

Interestingly, I thought the bars were to narrow.

Only problem I see with them is the small tank.

[roogazza]

What a fucken hoot that was. Then I rode an RSV4 Tuono back over the hill...I'd fucken have one of those!

whats it like over there nowdays, traffic,road cond and........ oposition ?? lol.

Been two years since I was there on Sunday morn. :rolleyes:

[Drew]

whats it like over there nowdays, traffic,road cond and........ oposition ?? lol.

Been two years since I was there on Sunday morn. :rolleyes:
Road surface is the best it's ever been. Was a bit of traffic by the time we got there 11AM, but trip back was sweet.

[Owl]

Only problem I see with them is the small tank.

Would've thought it was the fuel consumption that was the problem, not the tank size lol.

[Drew]

Yeah, 240km range according to my mate who let me ride his.

[nzspokes]

Yeah, 240km range according to my mate who let me ride his.

Mate in aussie only gets 160ks.

[Drew]

Mate in aussie only gets 160ks.

Seems a bit low. That's barely over 10k per litre.

[Owl]

Hell I've managed 359km out of the 1290. Palmy-Lake Ferry and home again, though it was a very quiet ride.

[nzspokes]

Seems a bit low. That's barely over 10k per litre.

They are a little tank?

[Drew]

They are a little tank?

Yeah. 16ltrs.

[nzspokes]

Yeah. 16ltrs.

Thin he said the most he has fit in was 14L.

Still think they would be epic fun.

[Drew]

Thin he said the most he has fit in was 14L.

Still think they would be epic fun.

I can attest. Needs higher wider bars, and I'd like the quickshifter pulse a little shorter when giving it a thrashing. But it's pretty hard to fault the bike out of the box.

[nzspokes]

I can attest. Needs higher wider bars, and I'd like the quickshifter pulse a little shorter when giving it a thrashing. But it's pretty hard to fault the bike out of the box.

18" bars FTW.....

[Drew]

18" bars FTW.....

The bars are super low for an 'upright' bike. Prolly get used to it, I'd rather the full hooligan stance it inspires.

[snaprolled]

New to forum, gday from Australia...

Interesting reading the comments here. 160km per tank typical, 180 if behaving myself. Standard gearing. Bar comfort - for the past 2 years, I have typically ridden 1000km per week. Comfortable for myself - wouldn't change a thing. I am 170cm and 88kg.

Wore out one RF9/LE, recent crash second, rebuilding both, lol

[Owl]

Welcome;)


160km per tank typical, 180 if behaving myself.

Seriously? Don't those things have like a 21ltr tank?

[nzspokes]

Welcome;)



Seriously? Don't those things have like a 21ltr tank?

17l I think.

[Maha]

20 Lt tank, do we have an advance on 20? semantics will sort this conundrum out.

[Drew]

Never managed to get more than 19 in mine.

[Owl]

Never managed to get more than 19 in mine.

Try harder!:whistle:

[Maha]

Try harder!:whistle:

Easy, stand the bike up to add that extra ltr. You'll find most will 'fill' their bike while it's on the side stand leaving room in the tank for more fuel.

[Bass]

Never managed to get more than 19 in mine.

Ditto

10 Characters

[Drew]

I do stand it up to squeeze in everything that'll fit. Only when I'm about to ride more than 50 k's straight away though. Otherwise when the fuel expands I've seen other bikes leaking from the overflow.

[Owl]

Hell I get over 19ltr in my 18ltr tank.:blink:

[Maha]

Hell I get over 19ltr in my 18ltr tank.:blink:

Because you top up instead of just ...fuel up.

[MrMarko]

Dredge...

So what we learn is shake every last drop?

The fuel consumption on the RF is horrific i swear i spend more time at gas stations that i do riding.

Spirited riding i'm getting around 6km/l

15 if im nice.

[Drew]

Mine is awesome. One fill up between Wellington and Aukland.

[Bass]

Used to get an easy 18 to 20 km/litre from mine

[MrMarko]

Mine is awesome. One fill up between Wellington and Aukland.

What year gixxer shock did you put in

[Drew]

What year gixxer shock did you put in

K7 from memory. Nothing wrong with the standard gear after a service, but the gixxer shock didn't fit in the sidecar.

[F5 Dave]

OK. Pull out your plugs if some are black, that carb has worn emulsion tube. Economy suffers and plug eventually fouls.

I trialed and got 83km on reserve. Which meant I was ttaking several litres on tour and never using them. Take the tank bottom off and cut a good inch off the reserve brass tube. Then.

Away from the tank.


Desolder the fuel sender and resolder it underneath where it used to live on the pole.

This means your light doesn't turn on for another 50 k and you don'thave to fight the dumb fuel tap. Think my range was 320k

[MrMarko]

Reading alot of nightmares in regards to these carbs will anything else decent direct fit, i've got it running pretty sweet but in the process of doing so found many many people dealing with these carbs having alot of wear issues.

[Drew]

Reading alot of nightmares in regards to these carbs will anything else decent direct fit, i've got it running pretty sweet but in the process of doing so found many many people dealing with these carbs having alot of wear issues.

Spend the money once on new emulsion tubes, you'll never need to worry about it again.

Set of flat slife's will go straight in. Got $2500 to buy them and have them set up?

[MrMarko]

Spend the money once on new emulsion tubes, you'll never need to worry about it again.

Set of flat slife's will go straight in. Got $2500 to buy them and have them set up?

Thought they were flatslides...

Not keen to spend $2500 on carbs for a $800 bike.

I assume you are talking about the Mikuni RS series not the OEM Mikuni BDST36SS?

[F5 Dave]

Spend the money once on new emulsion tubes, you'll never need to worry about it again.

Set of flat slife's will go straight in. Got $2500 to buy them and have them set up?
Until those ones wear out. The problem is the plastic runners the slides bear on get worn so the slides have more movement and wear the tubes faster. There's a rf thread on here where I explained with a crude drawing how to make inserts for the emulsion tubes so you could replace them cheaply.

[MrMarko]

Until those ones wear out. The problem is the plastic runners the slides bear on get worn so the slides have more movement and wear the tubes faster. There's a rf thread on here where I explained with a crude drawing how to make inserts for the emulsion tubes so you could replace them cheaply.

Yeap, i've seen picture of the ovalling and figured it was due to the crappy plastic slides...

Would that happen to be in the snapping jet needles thread... it popped up alot during rf searches.

[F5 Dave]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/45601-It-s-a-runner!/page2?highlight=emulsionHmm, here'sa bit

[F5 Dave]

Can't find thread ATM, but bad photo above thread shows. I got the old tubes bores out say 8- 10mm and like a 6mm tube insert that could slide in. That was drilled with a point drill (ie 3.6 or whatever) matched to the best original emulsion tube and turned on a small accurate lathe. Find local toolmaker.

Then superglue the tubes in. Make a handful of inserts and swap any out that don't produce clean plugs or wear. A decent dose of flame will break the glue.

I might have found the drill I used in my jet kit last weekend, but thought I'd given it away, give me approximately size drill you can stick down and I'll post it to you if it seems right.

[MrMarko]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/45601-It-s-a-runner!/page2?highlight=emulsionHmm, here'sa bit

Hmmm i have a friend who does alot of CAD work and runs a business 3d printing so i could possibly get something done.

It's running alright, had a missing o ring for a pilot screw so i ordered that, couldn't find a solid answer on the turns for them, however the ends of the needles have been ball pointed from over tightening, the same person who lost the o-ring i assume. i put them all at 2 1/2 turns out and its purring along quite nicely. Any knowledge on what would be a good base setting for these from a light seat in?

Very sharp throttle response just a fraction of bogging between 1200 to 1400 rpm on initial throttle application. I mean heck its good enough now and a hell of a lot better than it was and it needs an air filter too so no point fiddling much more until that is replaced. was also looking at going for an inline fuel filter than the gorse caps on the needle seats. Shouldn't cause any issue removing them and going for an inline?

Still has a little bit of flame pop if you give it around 8-9k and close off id say its around the 6k mark as the pilots role steps in more.

Plugs gapped at oem spec.

[MrMarko]

Can't find thread ATM, but bad photo above thread shows. I got the old tubes bores out say 8- 10mm and like a 6mm tube insert that could slide in. That was drilled with a point drill (ie 3.6 or whatever) matched to the best original emulsion tube and turned on a small accurate lathe. Find local toolmaker.

Then superglue the tubes in. Make a handful of inserts and swap any out that don't produce clean plugs or wear. A decent dose of flame will break the glue.

I might have found the drill I used in my jet kit last weekend, but thought I'd given it away, give me approximately size drill you can stick down and I'll post it to you if it seems right.

Alrighty will look into it cheers!

Drew reckoned he had a set of carbs kicking around so i was thinking id strip those down and build them to last then swap them in later...

It's really no suprise i'm having issues when she had sat for 3 years and has 68k on the clock... i gotta say it's running pretty sweet overall just i guess i'm a pedantic bastard lol

[F5 Dave]

Inline filters can be a complete swine on tightly packed bikes as the straight bit then kinks the fuel line causingsstarvation. They do make right angled ones though.

I spent ages getting my rf sorted and keeping it that way. Fiddly operation tank off blah blah.

[Drew]

Alrighty will look into it cheers!

Drew reckoned he had a set of carbs kicking around so i was thinking id strip those down and build them to last then swap them in later...

It's really no suprise i'm having issues when she had sat for 3 years and has 68k on the clock... i gotta say it's running pretty sweet overall just i guess i'm a pedantic bastard lolPM me your address then and I'll post them up.


Inline filters can be a complete swine on tightly packed bikes as the straight bit then kinks the fuel line causingsstarvation. They do make right angled ones though.

I spent ages getting my rf sorted and keeping it that way. Fiddly operation tank off blah blah.
I didn't struggle to put a filter in there, that I can remember at least.

[F5 Dave]

Trying to blot the memories but the tap was remote so maybe there was ok line length. I also made an extension tap lever so a gloved hand could actually turn the tap whilst riding.

Cutting the tube made this a far less often occurance

[Drew]

Trying to blot the memories but the tap was remote so maybe there was ok line length. I also made an extension tap lever so a gloved hand could actually turn the tap whilst riding.

Cutting the tube made this a far less often occurance
The tap is a pain in the dick to operate. I just leave mine on reserve and work off the light. 100km with the light on at touring price. One trip over the Rimutaka hill.

[MarkH]

Dredge...

So what we learn is shake every last drop?

The fuel consumption on the RF is horrific i swear i spend more time at gas stations that i do riding.

Spirited riding i'm getting around 6km/l

15 if im nice.

I never found mine all that bad, around 14km per litre of juice with normal riding, to drop to 6 would involve damn near race track type riding.
I traded in for a Honda ST1300 which is over 60% heavier and has 400cc more, I get 17.5km per litre with normal riding on the ST.

[rastuscat]

I had a bloke with an RF900R on my Ride Forever course today.

It's ugly in a kind of beautiful way. The arse end looks like the stern of a fleet auxiliary when you follow it.

[Drew]

I had a bloke with an RF900R on my Ride Forever course today.

It's ugly in a kind of beautiful way. The arse end looks like the stern of a fleet auxiliary when you follow it.

Looks spot on pointed at the ground as it wheelies away I'm told.

[MrMarko]

to drop to 6 would involve damn near race track type riding.


:innocent: ....

[Big Dog]

I never found mine all that bad, around 14km per litre of juice with normal riding, to drop to 6 would involve damn near race track type riding.
I traded in for a Honda ST1300 which is over 60% heavier and has 400cc more, I get 17.5km per litre with normal riding on the ST.
He has previously indicated he has no interest in becoming a grumpy old biker.
Only one way to get out of getting older.

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[MrMarko]

He has previously indicated he has no interest in becoming a grumpy old biker.
Only one way to get out of getting older.

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Perhaps you should get a life and stop following me around here actively trying to target me?

[nzspokes]

Perhaps you should get a life and stop following me around here actively trying to target me?

Pots and Kettles.

[MrMarko]

Pots and Kettles.

RF900 owners and people who should stop fucking around in a thread they have no genuine interest in.

:rolleyes:

[Big Dog]

Perhaps you should get a life and stop following me around here actively trying to target me?
Don't flatter yourself.
A coincidence I assure you.

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[MrMarko]

Don't flatter yourself.
A coincidence I assure you.

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A coincidence you never offer any input to the topic at hand and its always in relation to me...

Can a mod clear this shit out please.

[Big Dog]

A coincidence you never offer any input to the topic at hand and its always in relation to me...

Can a mod clear this shit out please.
Actually, more a coincidence you keep posting in threads I am already watching.

You don't need to get snippy just because someone points out contradictions or flaws in you're logic in your posts 3 or 4 times. Clean up your posts and I'll have nothing to say to or about you. Or put me on ignore and you won't be bothered.

I do completely and freely apologise for not having you on ignore, for going out of my way to ignore threads you post in first etc, but once again I assure you I am not following you around... but with how much you pollute the threads it is becoming difficult to post anywhere without being assaulted by your drivel.

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[MrMarko]

Actually, more a coincidence you keep posting in threads I am already watching.

You don't need to get snippy just because someone points out contradictions or flaws in you're logic in your posts 3 or 4 times. Clean up your posts and I'll have nothing to say to or about you. Or put me on ignore and you won't be bothered.

I do completely and freely apologise for not having you on ignore, for going out of my way to ignore threads you post in first etc, but once again I assure you I am not following you around... but with how much you pollute the threads it is becoming difficult to post anywhere without being assaulted by your drivel.

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Do you own an rf900? do you have any information about rf900's to add to the thread?

If the answer is no. piss off.

[nzspokes]

RF900 owners and people who should stop fucking around in a thread they have no genuine interest in.

:rolleyes:

Good luck with that champ.

[Big Dog]

No to owning, yes to knowledge, joined thread when I wanted to buy one... If I leave this or any other thread it will be because I want to or the OP asks me to.

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[Drew]

I must check to see if my big carbs have oval emulsion tube. One of my bikes is the full power model, the other not. Dunno that the carbs have that plastic guides in the grunt one.