What mod makes the biggest improvement to a bike.

[Usarka]

My 750 isn't a top spec supersports - it's ok but I'm wanting to get more confidence out of the handling. No specific issues as such but if i had to list: Front end is a bit soft, back end is a bit unsettled on bumpy roads or pushed hard, brakes are average.

What's the lowest hanging fruit, the best bang for buck, the mucho goodo chango?

Which one first:

Front springs
Rear shock
Better brakes
Brake lines
Exhaust
Power Commander

etc etc.

[Usarka]

Do a search you moron.

[scumdog]

Generally I find twisting the key and pushing the starter button make the biggest improvement to my bike.

But that's just my opinion.

[mstriumph]

rider confidence and experience? <_<

[NighthawkNZ]

mods to the actual rider make the most improvement I think

[Cajun]

more details of bike might help, aka model/year/mileage?

But personally suspension makes a huge difference, and if you have issues with handling that good place to start.

brakes are pretty simple and not large cost to improve, new pads/fluid/lines[note you don't have to go braided, i have got some new lines made up by local brake hose place, these are low expansion, so i am lead to believe sit between stock and braided, it cost me $90 for two new lines going from m/c down to each calpier]

[jrandom]

An odd fellow you are indeed, replying to yourself. Nothing wrong with this as a topic of current discussion.

First thing to do is get your suspension set up for you, get your brake lines bled, check your discs and pads are all in good fettle, and get your throttle cable adjusted. (I'm not kidding about the throttle cable, it makes a difference to the ease or otherwise of controlling a bike in corners.)

Once you've ridden on that setup for a little while, you'll be able to describe what feels 'lacking' in the bike, and an aftermarket suspension supplier should be able to start recommending component upgrades to your forks and/or rear suspension.

Does your bike have a steering damper fitted?

[Fooman]

other stuff to add to the list:

Maintenance (e.g. lubing, greasing, replacement of consumables)
Tires

[Mikkel]

I guess the answer would be Joni, but I haven't met any of the other mods so it's a bit of a guess really.

Otherwise I'd say tyres and brakes are the most important. Then I guess comes suspension. Most bikes are per definition fast enough - although they can be made faster and thus more fun.

[jrandom]

Most bikes are per definition fast enough...

Nonsense, anything less than 150hp at the rear wheel is positively anaemic.

[Mikkel]

Nonsense, anything less than 150hp at the rear wheel is positively anaemic.

Oh please, don't corrupt or mock us innocent, poor, unknowing learners. ;)
Or do you have a 250 cc that can pull 150 bhp@rw? If so, I think I'd like to try it - just to make sure you're right of course.

[Sanx]

My 750 isn't a top spec supersports - it's ok but I'm wanting to get more confidence out of the handling. No specific issues as such but if i had to list: Front end is a bit soft, back end is a bit unsettled on bumpy roads or pushed hard, brakes are average.

What's the lowest hanging fruit, the best bang for buck, the mucho goodo chango?

Which one first:

Front springs
Rear shock
Better brakes
Brake lines
Exhaust
Power Commander

etc etc.

Turbo-charger. Definitely... :2thumbsup

[judecatmad]

What's the best bang for buck, the mucho goodo chango?

If the bike's a GN250, then a new bike is probably the best mod to be made :rofl:

[Pancakes]

Depends on the bike but a lightweight wheelset will reduce overall weight, rotating mass and unsprung weight so this will help any bike.

Suspension tune or replacement and steering dampening.

Dyno session with someone who knows you and your bike type?

Track day with a coach following you taping you so you can review then head out again?

[jrandom]

Rider training.

Respectfully disagree. I would not want someone to start advanced training on a large-ish powerful-ish motorcycle until I knew that the suspension was set to an appropriate starting point.

It's amazing what a difference it makes to the way a bike feels and the way a rider gets his head around controlling it on the road or track at a decent pace.

[NighthawkNZ]

coffee maker, microwave, beer fridge, dvd and TV...


oh wait thats mods for the tent and camping...

[BarBender]

But personally suspension makes a huge difference, and if you have issues with handling that good place to start.


Plus one....

[jafar]

Radar Detector . Amazing the other guys didn't get that one :devil2:

[The Stranger]

On the last 2 bikes I have owned getting the front springing right has made the biggest difference for me.

[justsomeguy]

Best bang for your buck you ask?

Try this mod - I used it to make my ZX636 mucho faster, cheapest in it's class and easiest to use properly in it's class. (http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/GSX-R/GSX-R1000/2004_GSXR1000_blwhite_600.jpg)

The other route is simply learn to ride better.

Motoracer on a RG150 is quicker that most here on a litre bike...

[Tank]

When I used to take my car around Taupo I had fairly consistent lap times - then I spent some $$$ on training and bingo - I was smoother and took 2 seconds a lap off what I was doing previously.

I expect the benefits will be far greater on a bike over a car.

Rider training from a skilled person is probably going to reap the most rewards.

tank

[Usarka]

On the last 2 bikes I have owned getting the front springing right has made the biggest difference for me.

That's the direction :lol: that i was leaning :lol: towards first.

Personally there's an element of confidence involved, if I *know* I've got the good gear and it's set up properly then more energy on pushing limits and honing skills.... and the fronts where it's at, so to speak....

my order:
front sus
rear sus
brakes
pies
skills

[slowpoke]

You haven't given us any idea of what sort of riding you do, what you want to achieve, what you enjoy, what you get out of the riding experience etc.

For myself I could never ride a decent bike with a stock exhaust, they just sound crap...not to mention weigh heaps and look hideous (did someone say K7 Gixxer thou'?). Yeah yeah, suspension, brakes yada yada but one thing that puts a smile on my face after three weeks away at work is just firing the ol' girl up....just warming it up gets my juices flowing (yeah, messy business this mudderboiking). But hey, that's just me, you may want to keep a lower profile and happen to like the sound of a fart in a bottle.....

NB:OEM suspension tuning costs nuthin' so it's obviously best bang for buck but doesn't count as a mod.

[EnzoYug]

petrol will make a big difference.

come to think of it - so will Martin Henderson.

[owner]

Have you ever put a matching set of new tyres on? simply amaaazzzing
you probaly have, Ill go away.

[saltydog]

Turbo-charger. Definitely... :2thumbsup

Blow off valve??

[Crisis management]

If you want to spend some money, do the suspension but my first pick would be improve your skills first, trackdays and reading the likes of "Twist of the wrist".
I think we would all have to admit that a good rider can ride around the defects in a bike and while it might be nice to own an MV most of our budgets don't stretch that far. Time spent riding and analysing what works and doesn't will give the biggest benefits IMHO.

[Fatjim]

Blow off valve??

Just the sound maker, not a real one.

[Usarka]

You haven't given us any idea of what sort of riding you do, what you want to achieve, what you enjoy, what you get out of the riding experience etc.


Kept it generic on purpose. :)


Have you ever put a matching set of new tyres on? simply amaaazzzing
you probaly have, Ill go away.

Lolcopter. Yep I've got a nice pair of avon vipers which I've found give great feedback and confidence (see next bit). I've had them let go under acceleration but always in nice manageable manner.


If you want to spend some money, do the suspension but my first pick would be improve your skills first, trackdays and reading the likes of "Twist of the wrist".

Yeah have been meaning to do a trackday but had issues with timings. In the meantime I do my riding on the road and i have this thing about pushing my own limits without having full confidence in my equipment.

I'll happily go skydiving if I've got a reputable chute and I know who's packed it.

[Roj]

That's the direction :lol: that i was leaning :lol: towards first.

Personally there's an element of confidence involved, if I *know* I've got the good gear and it's set up properly then more energy on pushing limits and honing skills.... and the fronts where it's at, so to speak....

my order:
front sus
rear sus
brakes
pies
skills

go easy on the pies, the extra weight will slow you down:laugh:

[Crisis management]

Yeah have been meaning to do a trackday but had issues with timings. In the meantime I do my riding on the road and i have this thing about pushing my own limits without having full confidence in my equipment.

I'll happily go skydiving if I've got a reputable chute and I know who's packed it.


I can understand (maybe) your viewpoint but I believe motorcycle handling is all about the limits of traction and you have to know how to find those limits regardless of the suspension and tyres capabilities. Having a superbly handling bike will increase your confidence but doesn't increase your skill at finding it's limits.
Depends what you want out of the biking experience, I tend towards the woohooo.....crash, end of the spectrum.

Pick your poison I suppose!

[steveb64]

My 750 isn't a top spec supersports - it's ok but I'm wanting to get more confidence out of the handling. No specific issues as such but if i had to list: Front end is a bit soft, back end is a bit unsettled on bumpy roads or pushed hard, brakes are average.

What's the lowest hanging fruit, the best bang for buck, the mucho goodo chango?

Which one first:

Front springs
Rear shock
Better brakes
Brake lines
Exhaust
Power Commander

etc etc.

I'd say you've got the list about right - If you can afford, do the springs and shock (get a rebuild/revalve if $ tight) together, so as to keep things balanced,
Braided lines, grippy pads, and fresh hitemp brake fluid should sort your brakes out.
Exhaust
Power Commander
CR Flatslides! More performance, finer throttle control.:drool:

And maybe consider trying some Pirelli Diablos for the next set of tyres...

[Conquiztador]

"What's the lowest hanging fruit, the best bang for buck, the mucho goodo chango?"

Dude. It is clear that you have faaaaar to go. But impressed that you are taking the first steps.

Here a few things that are a must on the list:

- 22" forks
- Straight pipes
And a phucking bad attitude!

Throw a bottle of JD in the saddle bag (whta U mean U have no saddle bag??) and U are on your way.

See ya down the road!