Thinking of modifying the Gixxer.

[onearmedbandit]

Was weighing up the options the other night of buying a new bike (no real motivation to do that currently) or spending some money on doing up my current steed. I'm thinking of dropping some weight from her and maybe upping the power at some stage.

Ideally I'd like to drop between 15-20kg from her. Which means a lot of work and dollars, but hey you've got to set goals! So far I've considered dropping all unnessecary extras on the bike to lose a few kg's, dumping the std fairings for replacement carbon fibre fairings, replacing the std rims with either Marchesini magnesium rims (about US$500 a rim) or going the full hog and sourcing carbon rims (big big $). I also intend to replace the suspension with Ohlins or Penske at the rear and either sourcing a new set of forks (would be ideal as then I can replace the std calipers) or just putting new internals in the std ones.

So can anyone help with local contacts or even international contacts for going ahead with this sort of task? I'm doing the usual ie searching ebay and google, but there is a sea of info out there so if anyone can help by weeding out for me some worthwhile companies to contact I'll be very greatful.

[TonyB]

Tell you what, swap the GSXR for my FZR. Then it'll be far easier to shed 20kg from it :blah:

You do know that Don has carbon fibre rims at Pitlane eh?

[onearmedbandit]

No, no I didn't. I'll be ringing him tomorrow then. It'll probably cost over $6000 for carbon rims, but the performance gains are supposed to be pretty impressive.

And thanks for the offer Tony, but um, err, no thanks.

[saul]

Was weighing up the options the other night of buying a new bike (no real motivation to do that currently) or spending some money on doing up my current steed. I'm thinking of dropping some weight from her and maybe upping the power at some stage.

Ideally I'd like to drop between 15-20kg from her. Which means a lot of work and dollars, but hey you've got to set goals! So far I've considered dropping all unnessecary extras on the bike to lose a few kg's, dumping the std fairings for replacement carbon fibre fairings, replacing the std rims with either Marchesini magnesium rims (about US$500 a rim) or going the full hog and sourcing carbon rims (big big $). I also intend to replace the suspension with Ohlins or Penske at the rear and either sourcing a new set of forks (would be ideal as then I can replace the std calipers) or just putting new internals in the std ones.

So can anyone help with local contacts or even international contacts for going ahead with this sort of task? I'm doing the usual ie searching ebay and google, but there is a sea of info out there so if anyone can help by weeding out for me some worthwhile companies to contact I'll be very greatful.

Hi mate 15-20 is as you've pointed out a hell of a lot money and work to shed.

How about losing a few kilos yourself and just continuing to thrash that baby.:blip:

I have just finished reading an older PB mag where they were doing the same thing to a 750 and while it was interesting it seemed like a huge hole for money to disappear into:blah:

Have you checked out bugmans site for some links and clever ideas.
http://www.81x.com/bugman/gixxermods:first:

Cheers

[Patch]

15-20kg A. Thats gonna take some work on the treadmill :blip:

With the way the dollar has been bouncing around, prob easier to use someone local unless you buy this (http://www.kwsmotorsports.com/200hp.htm) and then bolt this on (http://www.calisuperbikes.com/index_files/Page503.htm)

Those are the first two serious mods I would consider the rest is just bling for ya ride.


I've found these guys (http://www.motomummy.com/) very reasonable and more than willing to ship here.

[bobsmith]

Exercycle should also take about 5-10kg off the weight, if you're really keen about dropping weight... :blip:

Jokes aside, good luck on the work you want to get done on your bike, and let us know how it all goes, I also wanted to tell you, when I first started looking at getting into motorcycles, seeing your video clips and realising (after a looong time....) that you weren't called OAB for no reason was a real eye opener and an inspiration. :first: :first: :first:

[texmo]

Just curious, wouldnt it be easyer to up the power rather than drop weight. Also why not get a new bike wouldnt it be a lot cheeper?

[onearmedbandit]

lol, yeah I don't think I could lose 15-20kg, I might disappear! Maybe could afford to lose 3-4kg in that department.

I'll check out his site now. It maybe that I'm disillusioned and decide that it is too much expense. But I'm seriously entertaining the idea. With the right mod's and $$ I think a 160hp 150kg thou would be a lot of fun.

[onearmedbandit]

Just curious, wouldnt it be easyer to up the power rather than drop weight. Also why not get a new bike wouldnt it be a lot cheeper?

Thing is texmo, I don't use all the power that is available now all the time. However I do use all the bikes weight everytime I ride it. Dropping weight gives better acceleration, improves stopping, and improves handling including flicking from left to right etc. All things that adding more power can not do other than acceleration. And why not just buy a new bike? Yeah sure it would be cheaper, but I like the idea of having a bike modified by myself that is unique. IE trick wheels, carbon fairings, etc etc.

And because I can.

[TonyB]

No, no I didn't. I'll be ringing him tomorrow then. It'll probably cost over $6000 for carbon rims, but the performance gains are supposed to be pretty impressive.

And thanks for the offer Tony, but um, err, no thanks.
Yep he definitely has, I won't post what I think he's asking for them as I could be wrong, but I recall it was a whole lot less than $6k

[texmo]

Thing is texmo, I don't use all the power that is available now all the time. However I do use all the bikes weight everytime I ride it. Dropping weight gives better acceleration, improves stopping, and improves handling including flicking from left to right etc. All things that adding more power can not do other than acceleration. And why not just buy a new bike? Yeah sure it would be cheaper, but I like the idea of having a bike modified by myself that is unique. IE trick wheels, carbon fairings, etc etc.

And because I can.

Makes a lot of sense to me. but isnt your bike already unique to yourself? i mean not every bike has clutch on the right side do they?

[onearmedbandit]

Thanks Tony.

Yeah you're right texmo, but I want better handling, the unique part is the cherry on the top. During some spirited riding the other day chasing a 999R I found the bike somewhat reluctant at speed to change direction quickly. I'm running a good set of Pilot Powers, so I don't think the tyres are to blame, more the inertia the bike is carrying. And changing to light weight rims makes a big difference there. So would tuned trick suspension, and making the bike lighter over all. The more I think about this the more I want to do it.

[texmo]

Yeah fair enough. You should contact loosebruce about some white power gear for your bike. Alwase a good step in the right direction. Would be nice to see a fully carbonfibered up gixxer out there too. and mag rims look the part too. good luck with it anywho.

[James Deuce]

Concentrate on unsprung weight. The ratio runs to something like 1:8; that is for every kilo of unsprung weight you lose it is equivalent to losing 8kg of sprung weight.

Wheels, brake discs, calipers, brake lines, swing arm, linkages and axles can all have a huge effect on suspension control if replaced with lighter, stronger, quality parts.

The other ideas you have are great, but you can also shed a heap of weight by going to titanium bolts, screws and fasteners. Just don't get anodised ones. Or we'll have to call you rude names.

Don't forget to use that special motorcycle air in your tyres, because it is much lighter than standard car air.

I need to lose 30kg of sprung weight. Race to the Pies might be the last hurrah.

[onearmedbandit]

Thanks Texmo, I'll pm Bruce.

Jim2, that's the line of thought I was on as well, reducing unsprung weight. Even if I don't go the full carbon rim jobbie (but I will look into it) I'll definitely pick up a pair of Marchesini rims. Just what colour to choose...

Also the titanium bolts, screws and fasteners is on my list. Should be able to pick up a complete kit somewhere. My wife is going back to Japan at the end of the year for four months and I will probably go over for a period as well, and I've seen kits over there. Might have to email my contact at Racing World if I can't 'weight' that long!

Dropping things like pillion pegs (wife won't like that!), factory brake light set up, std footpeg hangers, etc will all add up. Add in carbon fairings, light weight rims and other bits and pieces I think should get me around 8-10kg off. I'll have to start looking harder to get those extra kg's.

[texmo]

Whats the subframe made of?

[onearmedbandit]

Tastynuts - titanium biuts and pieces (http://www.tastynuts.com)

Marchesini goodness - although does say requires racing slick. Race only purpose? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-Marchesini-Suzuki-GSXR-100-600-750-Front-Wheel_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35624QQihZ018QQit emZ280013759882QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

Ohlins rear shock (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OHLINS-REAR-SHOCK-GSXR-1000-750-600-2001-2004-46PRXLS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35592QQihZ016QQ itemZ260015729390QQrdZ1)

Penske Rear Shock (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260015732542&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr12_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT)

Tricker Penske Rear Shock (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260015747099&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr12_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT)

Oh yes, carbon GSXR. (http://www.worldofqbcarbon.com/products/suzuki/gsxr/gsxr1000products.htm)

Time to crack the credit card out while the wife isn't looking!

[98tls]

might as well get an Extreme graphic rear end while your at it.:doobey:

[Sensei]

So it would end up like Ghostriders GSXR1000

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12986&d=1121837272

[onearmedbandit]

Hmm, maybe, although I've heard bad things about carbon tanks and crashes... (thanks for the pm re the shock as well Sensei)

98tls, yeah will need to drop the weight at the back so might as well get an under tail. I'll google the make you suggest. Thanks.

Edit: Thanks 98tls, like the look of the normal undertail on their site. I'll email them tonight when I get home.

[The Stranger]

Ideally I'd like to drop between 15-20kg from her. Which means a lot of work and dollars, but hey you've got to set goals! .

Newer bikes are generally lighter.
How much lighter is a K6?

[onearmedbandit]

Probably about 6-7kg lighter than my bike. But I don't want to upgrade to a K6. No doubt the new K7 will be a new bike, I'll end up getting into that 'must have the newest model' mindset. I'm perfectly happy with the styling and ergonomics of my K2, just would like to polish up the handling some more. I'm not doing it to 'keep up' with the new model, it's an exercise that while might cost a lot will give me a lot of satisfaction.

[kiwifruit]

Sounds like fun OAB, look forward to seeing the outcome :rockon:

[onearmedbandit]

So am I bro, getting really amped up about it now. Want to do my research first before going out and splashing the cash. I could buy it all now if I needed, but I want to do it right. Just buying top shelf parts and chucking them at it won't work, I need to get the recipie right.

[imdying]

See if one comes up that someone has already done, more cost effective that way.

[onearmedbandit]

How do you mean imdying? Buy one that's already been modified?

[imdying]

Essentially, yes. If the modifications more or less meet your criteria, then there's good money to be saved, plus you'll have two bikes :)

[onearmedbandit]

At least half the enjoyment would come from actually doing it. The other half would be enjoying the benefits and knowing that it's your work. And how often do you see carbon fibred GSXR's coming up? Also I've just been put in the right direction for carbon rims, I'll know if it's on tomorrow.

[The_Dover]

I wouldn't bother with carbon fibre wheels for street riding, magnesium would be better value for money and less prone to getting fucked so easily.

Replace all your bolts with aluminium or titanium and drill the heads on them.

Replace the subframe and ditch all the reflectors, spade etc.

[The_Dover]

and always have a good shit before you ride.

[Bren_chch]

OH you've changed ya tune!!!! (blade motor)


At least half the enjoyment would come from actually doing it.

Yeah u should do it... i'm trying to talk colin in to doing some stuff to his bike!! SOOOO you better do yours too as not to be out done! muuhahahaha u cant be beat by an R1 now can you!

[onearmedbandit]

I did a tally up of the cost of titanium bolts etc, they alone will cost $1000 from the site I listed above. Hmmm, not sure of the actual weight savings so don't know whether I could justify that. A lot of people who have gone down the path I'm planning seem to have done it though. I wonder what the reduction would be, they advertise a 40% saving. A few hunderd grammes?

[SARGE]

mate .. go for lighter wheels for sure .. here is an article that should tell the story..


i just got done with the motor on the FJ.. cant tell you how much fun giving your trusted steed a birthday is .. ( 1314 Weisco kit, stroker crank, heads, cams, timing advance, gearing and a few sundry other tweaks..)



REDUCING THE WEIGHT OF YOUR WHEELS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERFORMANCE CHANGE THAT YOU CAN MAKE TO YOU MOTORCYCLE!
Lighter wheels will make a major difference in the handling of your bike. They will also greatly improve the acceleration and deceleration “braking” of your bike for the following reasons.
Static Weight: Each ounce of reduction of the wheels weight is equivalent to 4 ounces on the sprung part of the bike. Magnesium wheels will normally weigh at least 10 pounds less than your stock aluminum wheels. This is equal to 40 pounds of weight reduction on the bike. That’s alot of carbon and titanium.
Dynamic Weight: This is the weight reduction on the rim of the wheel and this is where the ACTION is. EACH OUNCE OF WEIGHT REDUCTION ON THE RIM IS EQUAL TO ABOUT 25 POUNDS OF WEIGHT AT 100 MPH!
This is real weight that must be turned, accelerated, and stopped. As an example, a pair of magnesium wheels will normally reduce the total rim weight of the two wheels by at least 20 ounces. This means that your bike will weigh 500 pounds less at 100 MPH.
At all other speeds the reduction is in relation to the velocity of the bike. As you increase your speed the weight will increase exponentially.
The following formula will enable you to figure for yourself the impact of dynamic weight on your bike.
Given:
V=Speed of your bike in MPH.
D=Diameter, outside of tire in inches.
G=G Force (Times force of gravity)


So: 1 oz. At the surface of the tire at 100 MPH produces a force of 600.37
ounces, or 37.52 pounds.
Force at the rim: Let’s say the rim is 2/3 the way from the axle to the surface of the tire. This equates to 17 inches for the wheel and 10 inches total for the tire. To arrive at the percentage, divide 17 by 27 which will give you 63% which is the distance of the rim from the axle in relation to the overall diameter of the wheel and tire.
Multiply the force at the surface by 63%. 1 ounce on the rim is about 23.64 pounds.

2.2 pounds per kilo - 1.6 kilometers per mile..

aftermarket rims are my next investment..

[FzerozeroT]

Sorry I'm not too sure what your setup is, but the cheapest way to make your bike easier to wrestle over could be a longer clipon, even a centimetre or two would be a huge difference to the tourque you could throw on the wheel, especially with only one arm, and while you're at it, why not get rid of the left hand clipon and switchgear completely, save weight and make it near on impossible to pinch at the same time.

[slowpoke]

Have you seen the articles on the Czecher Superlight? It's here: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=3012
and although it's a Gixxer 750 it looks like they've concentrated on weight saving and handling rather than outright horsepower so you might find it useful.

Also have a look at www.durbahn.de. This guy is amazing, and manages to knock over 50kg (yup, 50kg) off the weight of a Honda SP1/2. His next project is a K6 Gixxer with similar things in mind so it'll be worth a look for you too.

I agree on the horsepower thang. Those K1/2's are absolute gruntmasters, the later versions seem to have pinched from the midrange to improve the top end.

Interesting that you were impressed with the 999R you were playing with, 'cos it's substantially heavier and down on power compared to your Gixxer. Good gear on 'em though and all the grunt is right where you need it. I won't mention the difference in price......

What the factories give us is a mass produced compromise at best, so it's good to see someone making a more personal statement. Don't forget to post the piccies!

[98tls]

if you go with that undertray from Canada just check with there distributor in Aussie first,the guys in canada insist on using the most expensive postage service over there...when i bought mine i think it was an xtra $100 us just for the bloody postage.as i say check with the guys in AUSSIE first...just a matter of sussing out whats cheaper know that the dollar has gone down so much.

[onearmedbandit]

Thanks 98tls, I'll keep that in mind.

Got the price on a set of carbon rims today, less than what I expected but more than what I was quoted by a friend. Not his fault, blame it on the exhange rate. So I could have a set of carbons for $4700, which like I said is less then the $6000 I was expecting. They could be here in a week as well I was told. Going to pop into see the guy tomorrow or Wednesday to look at some samples he's got, and also inquire with him about Marchesini Magnesium rims, apparently he's done them quite cheap as well. A set of 5 spoke Marchesini rims would look quite cool and offer a decent weight saving, just not as cool and more importantly not as light as carbons. Decisions decisions...

Has anyone dealt with Just Fairings before? I was put onto them today for carbon work, anyone up north know these guys or can help me with finding out a bit more about them? Thanks.

Any word on that Ohlin stuff yet Sensei?

[98tls]

i bought a hugger off them for the TL....great service..seemed like a top bloke.

[imdying]

At least half the enjoyment would come from actually doing it. The other half would be enjoying the benefits and knowing that it's your work. And how often do you see carbon fibred GSXR's coming up? Also I've just been put in the right direction for carbon rims, I'll know if it's on tomorrow.Perhaps buy a race bike and scavenge all the bits off it you want? Then put whatevers left back into the race bike :) Save you crashing the tricked one at the track :D

[onearmedbandit]

Perhaps buy a race bike and scavenge all the bits off it you want? Then put whatevers left back into the race bike :) Save you crashing the tricked one at the track :D

I see where you're going, but a lot of the bit's I'm after won't be on a race bike here or will need rebuilding. I'm still looking at my options as far as what to buy, where to buy, etc. Nothing is set in concrete but the ball is rolling.

[imdying]

Hope you got the xls file I sent you... outlined about $17k worth of crap over two shops :lol: Wouldn't be much left but carbon mind you :D

[onearmedbandit]

Don't have office on my home pc. Any program you can suggest that I can use to view it?

[James Deuce]

www.openoffice.org

It's free and does everything Microfloppy Orifice can.

[onearmedbandit]

Thanks Jim2.

[onearmedbandit]

Checked out the carbon rims today, BST goodness. Was beginning to think that I'd go a set of Marchesini rims but after looking further into it I'm much better off to go down the carbon path. When I talked to the local supplier for them he didn't say what brand they were so I was a little hesitant about buying an unknown company's product, but now that I know they are BST they are worth every dollar he's asking, and more. Only a week to get them in as well, price includes fitting too.

[Cajun]

nice work OAB

be looking fowards to the pictures,

[onearmedbandit]

I'll go and talk turkey with him over the next two days, but I've fallen in love with them. It's a fair bit of cash to out lay but I'm looking forward to feeling the difference they make. And how shit hot they look...

[imdying]

If you fit those wheels, you can leave your bike in my dining room next time you go to Japan... I'm not kidding :D

[The Stranger]

So how much weight do you recon you will save with those?

[onearmedbandit]

46% weight saving on the front, 41% on the rear. It has more to do with the placement of the weight.

Check them out here. (http://www.blackstonetek.com/index.php)

[TLDV8]

Apparently the difference is so noticeable you have to change the way you ride.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/Rupe1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

[imdying]

Admitedly there isn't much TL left, but damn that's a nice looking TL!

[onearmedbandit]

If you fit those wheels, you can leave your bike in my dining room next time you go to Japan... I'm not kidding :D

lol, I'd probably take you up on that offer actually!

[onearmedbandit]

I think I like...

[texmo]

Fuck they look the bizz. I think loosebruce is making some carbonfiber fairings for his k5 maby get him to make a second and fit them up would be cheeper.

[TLDV8]

Admitedly there isn't much TL left, but damn that's a nice looking TL!

Including the GSXR 1000 BST's and Ohlin's forks.

http://www.tl1k.com/mcx/Sentinel/Sentinel.htm

[slowpoke]

I don't wanna play this game anymore....(walks off, totally dispirited.....)

[Brian d marge]

What do you need, I was talking to a south afrcan supplier of carbon wheels the other day ..his boss has a Brittan !

Anyway , put together a plan of WHY you want this stuff rather that ... bling factor ...Where you want the power etc

Remember the speed limit for NZ roads is 100km/h , or a track bike then is where you ride the most and go fast in the fast bits , slow in the slow ..

I personally would replace all the steel spacers with aluminiun,mvmv, and wheels and getting the suspension sorted to your wieght

Anyway I can give you contact details , for anything you want

Stephen

[The Stranger]

Ok, wont drop weight, but should help the go fast
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Performance/auction-66053995.htm

[onearmedbandit]

Stephen,

'Bling' factor is last on my list of needs, reduced unsprung weight is what I am after. But hey, the bling factor does come in. Seriously, I want to improve the handling of my bike period. With only one arm on the controls I want to make transitions easier, braking easier, etc. Sure the speed limit is only 100km/h, but from what I understand I'll notice the difference across the board, just more so at higher speeds. And I do the odd track day, and am also looking at getting into clubman racing on the old girl. With a young family and my work committments doing a full season including the Nth Island is out of the question at the moment. Also on top of this I'm sourcing a replacement rear sock (Ohlins), new steering damper and kitting my front forks. This exercise is all about improving the handling.

CaN,

Thanks for the link, appreciate that. However the increase in performance (ie, acceleration, top speed) are just cherries on the top as far as I'm concerned when fitting these rims. I firstly want to improve the handling of my bike. The power it has currently is more than enough as far as I'm concerned. Fitting a turbo will only add weight (plus give more power) which is heading in the opposite direction.

[imdying]

And I do the odd track day, and am also looking at getting into clubman racing on the old girl. With a young family and my work committments doing a full season including the Nth Island is out of the question at the moment.Get an old van through work, that'd be a great way to spend the odd weekend :D

[onearmedbandit]

Would love to, but getting time away is hard enough let alone taking it away from my daughters.

[imdying]

If won't tell if you don't ;)

[Brian d marge]

Sorry threw away the leaflet, with the pretty pictures on it, Here is the fellas business card , may be some help ( he want to get the word out so should be ok to post ! )

and the other is Shocks , a very good Alternative to Ohlins , ( IMHO) anyway .. Hope thats of some assistance

Stephen

[Shaun]

Carbon front wheels are a huge pain in the arse! You have to modify the suspension a lot to get a good feel from then due to the lack of weight

[onearmedbandit]

Carbon front wheels are a huge pain in the arse! You have to modify the suspension a lot to get a good feel from then due to the lack of weight


Was wondering about that Shaun, but I've just put in an order for an Ohlins rear shock and steering damper, next to do is doing the internals of the fork, probably be unimaginative and go the ohlins route for them as well.

Now I'm asking for trouble here by even putting this sort of question to a rider of your experience, but hey nothing ventured nothing gained. Are you speaking from personal experience re the carbon front rim? The reason I ask is that while I considered what you said prior I've not read anything in any of my research regarding suspension difficulties. Would that be more applicable to race setup bikes than road bikes? Thanks Shaun.

[Brian d marge]

No hes right you know, instead of the inertial forces caused by a 200kb lump of Japans finest , the spring, Shim stacks will only have to cope with 50 kg worth of inertial forces ( those numbers are just numbers and dont mean anything )

Harsh would be a term that would be springing to mind,

My guess ( we dont change to lighter wheels in MX , so havent any experience )

would be the spring rates will stay the same ( for your wieght ) and the Compression shim stacks are going to be softer , while the rebound/s will be slightly stiffer

What we need is/are a long sweeping corner, with ripples on the "line" ..into the braking , transition and exit ... ( saturday nite Ruapuna , and a bucket and spade !)


a can of spray paint ... and a weekend free ( well at least saturday , You need the sunday to recover from the beer on saturday )


No all Joking aside. let us know how you get on and what you settle on settings wise !!

Stephen

[onearmedbandit]

Thanks Stephen and Shaun. I've been set up with a great deal on Ohlins gear through a fellow member here with the rear shock being setup for my weight by Robert Taylor (I think that's his name). I'll do the front forks once I go ahead with the rims. Seems there may be a lot of fine tuning involved but it's something I'm more than happy to get involved with.

[sAsLEX]

Thanks Stephen and Shaun. I've been set up with a great deal on Ohlins gear through a fellow member here with the rear shock being setup for my weight by Robert Taylor (I think that's his name).

Keep it updated I will follow with interest, and call him roy , rodger or robin everyone knows who your talking about!

EDIT: Heres an article on the subject for peoples perusal.....sshhhh its fair use as it an old mag ....

[sAsLEX]

Thought I would bump this for the article I added to the post above, delete if wanted mod.

[onearmedbandit]

Excellent, thanks sAsLEX, I'll read those pages soon.

[texmo]

A very intresting arctile about wavey disc's that I though you might like to read OAB since your trying to lose that much weight every little bit counts, especially when its unsprung weight.





Many of the current wave rotor designs are downright stupid and border on the comic. For most applications, this is merely a trend that will pass. Note how many pro Rally, Formula One, or IRL cars that are using wave rotors, NONE. Some applications, where unsprung weight is absolutely precious, could consider their use (125 GP). People will say that they cool down quicker. That's fine, but they never point out that they heat up just as quick. This is a very bad thing if you have prolonged breaking sections on rides. They will say that they 'brake' better, that just can't be true. All modern break rotors have adequate drilling and material use, plus they will have more surface area to work with. This claim must be related to the fact that when someone is installing expensive wave rotors, they end up working on other parts of the brake system that does improve performance, like fresh fluid, new pads, lines, or master cylinder. For sport bikes the weight issue is the only real way to look at these, but they come with the disadvantages usually associated with ELS (Expensive Lightweight Shit). (If you ride in real East Coast swamp conditions, these can provide a mud cleaning advantage, but you have to see some serous mud for this to be true)

PVM Racing has about the best example of these rotors available for street bikes. If you do not NEED wave rotors, do not get them. A round rotor with a simple "porsche" drilling will work much better for far longer. Many riders never use the rear brake. If you are one of these riders, you should try to get the lightest rotor possible in the rear. TCM Motorcycle Products has a service for drilling out stock rear rotors to make them light. At $75 this is a major reduction in unsprung weight for very little money.




While I am away on a trip, I am sending my rear rotor to TCM Motorcycle Products to be put on a diet. The price for this service is about $ 85.00. This is pretty cheap considering the estimated 38% weight reduction.

This should help lighten the rear wheel of the bike, reducing unsprung and rotating mass, therefore improving roadhandling.

As much as I have argued against wave rotors, none of that applies to the rear end of the bike. The rear brake of a performance motorcycle is rarely if ever used, therefore, can be made as light as possible at the expense of breaking performance.

As you can see below, my stock rotor weighs in at 820.7g. Assuming that 38% of that is removed with the razorback option, it should weigh in at 508.8g. That is over 1/2 of a pound. A very good investment.



I though it was a good read anyway.

[James Deuce]

Pity he doesn't know his smashing stuff from his slowing down stuff.

Though I doubt most squids really understand the difference either.

Brake: to reduce velocity.

Break: to render an item unusable.

See? One and the same for the true squid.

[sAsLEX]

Note how many pro Rally, Formula One, or IRL cars that are using wave rotors, NONE. Some applications, where unsprung weight is absolutely precious, could consider their use (125 GP)


That is because they use ceramic or cabon discs.

[texmo]

That is because they use ceramic or cabon discs.



Pity he doesn't know his smashing stuff from his slowing down stuff.

Though I doubt most squids really understand the difference either.

Brake: to reduce velocity.

Break: to render an item unusable.

See? One and the same for the true squid.




When you guys have a CV like this then you can argue http://www.peterverdonedesigns.com/files/Peter_Verdone_Resume.pdf

[Brian d marge]

There is one undeniable fact about wave rotors , They have BLING other than that ..Well you would have more luck with a chocolate tea pot.

and if you cant win at least look good comin last!

Stephen

[WINJA]

All Your Mods Sound Like Your Making The New K7 Gixxer1000 , Just Wait A Few Months And Trade Up , Itll Be Cheaper And Better Than Modifying Your Bike

[onearmedbandit]

Need to see some spec's on the K7 before I'd consider that. And a new bike just doesn't hold that much appeal for me, that is compared to seriously modifying my bike.

[Crazy Steve]

All Your Mods Sound Like Your Making The New K7 Gixxer1000 , Just Wait A Few Months And Trade Up , Itll Be Cheaper And Better Than Modifying Your Bike


Coming from the man that has been talking about updating his bike for the last 12mths...

Crazy Steve...

Tell the truth Winja.....Your afraid to ride again after the last thrashing a gave ya!!!!:yes:

[WINJA]

Coming from the man that has been talking about updating his bike for the last 12mths...

Crazy Steve...

Tell the truth Winja.....Your afraid to ride again after the last thrashing a gave ya!!!!:yes:

THIS IS COMING FROM A GUY THAT VOLUNTARILY TAKES A CAR TO WORK INSTEAD OF HIS BIKE

[onearmedbandit]

Ohlins paid for and will be here in 10 days roughly. Be interesting to see how she feels with the new shock. Haven't placed an order yet for the wheels, but watch this space.

[onearmedbandit]

Ohlins here! Put it in the bike in a couple of days, along with the damper and stompgrip tape, and head out to Ruapuna next Tuesday hopefully. Ran a couple of 1:47's in F1 on Sunday, so I'm hoping to improve that. I think the grip tape on the tank will make a good difference. Soon see.

No word on the rims yet.

[kiwifruit]

you're a mad bugger

i envy you :rockon:

[Sensei]

Good to see my old shock going to a good home . Would run the Steering damper at 13click out from in to start with then go from there Dude . Will wait to hear what you think . :rockon:

[98tls]

Need to see some spec's on the K7 before I'd consider that. And a new bike just doesn't hold that much appeal for me, that is compared to seriously modifying my bike. with you there mate....something really satisfying in getting a bike how you want it...nothing against anyone buying a new bike but they just remind me of a tampon...very sanitary.A bit of money spent in the right places really makes a bike stand out.yea yea all the guys on the latest and greatest will all jump up and down..good on ya for having them thats great and there wonderful bikes although ive always wondered how many guys that buy the latest big bore sports bikes and ride on the road can actually ride them to there full potential and would be better off with the 750 etc..to quote TWR..a sports bike is only as fast as the sport riding it.

[sAsLEX]

Whats the grip tape you used?

[onearmedbandit]

Stompgrip. Put it on the tank to help with my knees gripping thetank, should hopefully allow me to hang off the bike more and keep my weight forward.

Sensei, will let you know what I think after I've fitted it all. Cheers mate.

98tls, exactly what I was thinking.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

What a fantastic thread. Keep at it OAB. I have learnt a lot from reading this. I am a bike lover with no spare money but to read what you have done and the theory behind it will put me in a better place when I do work on the bike in time.
Mind you I must be a nanna cos I find the 750 has more power than I can handle if you get the revs up in the top area. On the road. it ain't the power but the handling that gives me the shits. All you say would help with that.
Keep posting. Thanks

[onearmedbandit]

Will do Gixxer. Put the shock and damper on tonight with the help of a couple of friends, not too hard to do actually. Only ridden it home so far. Measured static sag at 741mm from the bottom of the number plate, with rider 712mm. New shock is 754 static and 729 with rider. More ride height and less sag. All good in my book.

The std damper is just a throw away item really, absolute crap compared to the luciousness of the ohlins one.

[98tls]

out of interest mate...is the standard one on the gixxer adjustable...

[onearmedbandit]

Yup, compression, rebound, and preload.

Doh it was late, no the std steering damper isn't adjustable. Thought you were talking about the shock...

[scumdog]

Yup, compression, rebound, and preload.

Sounds like the mantra for getting my Jawa going!!!

[scumdog]

Stompgrip. Put it on the tank to help with my knees gripping thetank, should hopefully allow me to hang off the bike more and keep my weight forward.

Sensei, will let you know what I think after I've fitted it all. Cheers mate.

98tls, exactly what I was thinking.

Ya ferkin' wanker, stuff all that shit, buy an FXDX Harley and you'll save a bundle in Stompgrip.


You Gingas are all mad!!! - especially YOU Fraser!!!

[98tls]

Dont listen to im onearm....hes got a funny colored face........

[scumdog]

Dont listen to im onearm....hes got a funny colored face........

Hey, some of us were born like that, don't be so insensitive eh??:innocent:

[imdying]

The standard one (steering damper) isn't adjustable, and is unbelievably ghey considering it's relative youth. Sounds pretty squishy :/

[Sensei]

The std damper is just a throw away item really, absolute crap compared to the luciousness of the ohlins one.

I knew you wouldn't be unhappy with the gear dude . Those Steering dampers or worth every Penny as is the shock !!

[onearmedbandit]

Some pics. (Going back out to the track Tuesday hence why I've left the slicks on.)

[Ghost Lemur]

Looking sweet there OAB.

What's next on the list? Wheels?

Oh and are you doing anything about the forks or are they fine as is?

[onearmedbandit]

Forks are definately on the 'to-do' list, however it means taking the bike off the road for a couple of weeks while they get rebuilt, and I just can't commit to that sort of bike free period at the moment! Should've done it over the winter, but I was still using it everyday.

[sAsLEX]

Forks are definately on the 'to-do' list, however it means taking the bike off the road for a couple of weeks while they get rebuilt, and I just can't commit to that sort of bike free period at the moment! Should've done it over the winter, but I was still using it everyday.

Yeah bummer and its not like you could just get a cheap hack as the mods you need prob take time and money as well!

Look forward to after the tues test report!

[texmo]

My newest addition to the family...

[onearmedbandit]

Nice, ohlins springs too eh? Next thing on my list since I've put the shock on.

[texmo]

yeah and the stacks will be going in next week along with the rear shiock

[Cajun]

nice one tex, i couldn't justify the rear spring myself,

[onearmedbandit]

Oh yes you can Cajun, especially after you've put some time on one. One of the best improvements I've made to the bike so far.

[Cajun]

OAM - i don't have problem with rear moving around, just not the front.

[onearmedbandit]

What I've found the is that with the new rear shock she holds a much tighter line exiting corners under power, the front feels so much more planted due to less squat. Also with the increased height at the rear it turns in with much more dedication. I love the feeling of the bike moving around under me, just now I can be going that bit faster when it's doing it.

With the old shock my rear tyre was getting torn up something crazy. Now it looks like a new tyre, worked but not torn to shit.

[texmo]

nice one tex, i couldn't justify the rear spring myself,

I am gonna be racing so yeah.... i kinda need one