"classic superbike" class:
zx7r's, gsxr750's,996's,r1s,zx9s,blades,rf900s etc etc, basically anything older than 10yrs old.
Thats how I know because we do custom build a lot of suspension units for both post classic road race and vintage mx. Its just that those who are interested need to have eyes wide open about restoration costs, to that end its not neccessarily cheaper than kitting out a new bike. Assuming cost is a major preoccupation?
It may well be impossible even to give an indication on price Robert, but "approximately" what sort of cost would a punter be looking at spending on suspension if he where to send you his/her suspension for say, a 1995 GSX-R-750? (this is only an example) and requiring it to be "modified for race use" (and of course as of the age many of the components will be worn) I suspect that the staunceons will be shagged on many such examples.
Because it brings up a good point.
A (inexperienced) punter can buy such an example (possibly it has never seen the race track) and, have the suspension set up correctly, and, then it will be quite the weapon.
And, even with new suspension, the price will not be too significant.
And certainly MUCH MUCH less that buying a 2010 Superbike.
However.......it will be a 15 year old weapon!
Chances are, in less that one season (after sustained "thrashing") there will be quite a few examples with broken valves, destroyed cranks/rods etc, the repair costs well in to the thousands.
In a fantasy world (not really likely in NZ unfortunatly) what a good solution would be if some benevelant enthusiast purchased 10 such examples, reconditioned them to a level that could stand 2 or 3 seasons racing, as well as upgraded the suspension (and then, in some crazy move, sold them for COST to a punter!)
This is EXACTLY what Steve Ward and Russell Bleach did in Christchurch 8 years ago (OK, with 1989 model RS125's)
They did this as the class was dying RAPIDLY, and they knew that if someone was given the opportunity to ride a 125 that was well set up and reliable then they would continue.
Cameron Horgan (who we all know won the 125 championship) was just ONE example of a rider who benefited from this concept.
Granted, it is MUCH cheaper to do this with a 125 (no suspension upgrade needed), but, the idea worked.
Perhaps some clever person could think along the same lines?
The GSXR is not the best example, since I have yet to see a cheap one, that didn't need new bushes in the "full floater", (understatement of the century), likage system.
Post classics is a fairly cheap class now, and it takes a LOT of wanking before those old nails will chuck a rod. I only wish I new then, what I know now about getting suspension sorted, (or just set up for that matter, just because I get along fast, DOES NOT mean I should max out the rebound damping front and rear)!
In general there are already a lot of people in road racing working for no personal gain.
125s also benefit from improved suspension, its just that in NZ its not so razor competitive that someone with raw talent and stock based suspension can beat a lesser skilled rider with top shelf suspension.
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