It's time: Suspension Upgrade

[theWolfTamer]

Last year I thought I was finished modding Baby. There were two more things that were on my dreamlist that I thought I'd never get. Boy, never say never! The first is the r1 fork conversion. I have most of the parts for it gathering dust in the garage until the cold weather arrives then I'll have the upside forks. The second is the Multigauge made by a german fellow how doesn't have time to make them. I've been in contact with him about a diy kit but with the illness to my mom, that's been on the back burner.

Budget Minded Rear Shock Upgrade
In the meantime, Devilsyam--FZ1 modder extraordinaire--developed a rear shock mod (http://www.devilsyam.com/R6%20shaock.htm) for the budget conscious that I figured I might as well do since I would be upgrading the front suspension this year too.

He got a rear shock from an R6 and bolted it up. The advantage of the stock r6 shock over the stock FZ1 shock is it has a heavier spring and I think offers more adjustments. So to start my Suspension upgrades, I'm beginning with the rear end.

First thing was to secure an R6 shock. I did that by scouring the r6 forums and ebay until I found a slightly used (less than 3k miles) 2008 shock
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D0AkrN4FMNg/Tio06HZJUfI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/LS40ZXFz2TY/s640/DSCF4636.JPG
with a pretty yellow spring.

Next was to get the dogbones. There's a guy on the FZ1OA forum who was putting together a kit but I didn't go that route. I wanted adjustable bones in case I decide to lower the bike. I know that I'd never want to go higher than stock so I ordered the parts to make my own adjustable dogbones. Ordering the parts saved me about $30 over the popular adjustable lowering links of the same style.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zqcSV4CuADY/TjxAH8TLA8I/AAAAAAAAKPc/sgKDYYWmxCw/s640/DSCN0014.JPG

I'm about to go to the store to get some longer bolts and the needed 2mm spacers to complete the mod. Cruzman and I will hopefully do it this weekend since he has the drill press and drill bit needed.

I'll post up some more pics of the process once we get done.

Dream Mod: R1 Front End Conversion
Not long after I got my bike, I saw Devilsyam's highly modded FZ1. Other than the paint job, I thought it was beautiful!
http://www.devilsyam.com/images/fazer/27092008122%20(Small).jpg

The thing that caught my eye first was the black USD forks. :drool: I wished I could do something like that but knew it had to be over my head. We won't even discuss the single sided swingarm. That's beautiful too but I can live without that.

Over the years I've owned Baby I've discovered I could do a lot of things that I thought was over my head and with the "marriage" to Cruzman even more. That has made me confident to branch out and try some things.

One of the guys on the FZ1 forum posted a detailed write-up about how to do it that I've studied diligently since he posted it. At the beginning of the year I decided to throw caution to the wind and do the damned thing. I can't see myself with another bike so might as well have it the way I wanted.

The first thing I bought was the spacer from a guy in the UK who was making them. I figured I'd better get it while it was available and for only $40 it seemed like the right thing to do.

The spacer is needed to mate the FZ1 stem with the R1 upper triple.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DNXYYInhfkc/TbulY-5FvwI/AAAAAAAAJrI/qa7JSSfE830/s720/spacer%252520shroud2.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rs7QRu3TNqs/TjxhoWn-N3I/AAAAAAAAKQI/fcawylEVlyo/s640/DSCN0016.JPG

Next, I kept an eye on the r1 forum and ebay for a good set of forks when I found these leaky things with a start bid at $100.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Glszz-jmXlk/TWRmD7vqARI/AAAAAAAAHS4/IaIBgeDAnRo/s512/DSCF4490.JPG

After consulting with Cruzman, he told me that what ever forks I bought would need to be serviced/rebuilt before he let me put them on the bike so it was okay to bid on them.:ecstasy: Even better I won the auction and they were delivered to my door for half the price others are paying for theirs!:yahoo: When I told a guy who races all the time, he said "You stole them thangs!":cloud9:

Providence, it seems, was guiding this conversion. Over the last few months I've been diligently collecting parts. After the forks and lower triples, I got an extra lower fz1 triple in exchange for my K&N filter. The extra triple is so I can swap the stems and keep riding my bike.

In the meantime, I did even more research than I'd already done and discovered I could do the conversion and keep my upper. I can do that by using these "adapters"
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nxeFizmN2D8/ThZ2upNr4VI/AAAAAAAAJqE/sj-0J1nPny4/fork_adapter_s2.JPG

when I saw this bike
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C8cD6V7MmTU/TXAJ6TLQoVI/AAAAAAAAHgo/3R2iBG1sNkI/s640/nsrider1.jpg

The advantage of using the adapter over the spacer is maintaining the OEM front ride height. Here's an example of the conversion done using the spacer and the r1 upper triple so you can see what I mean.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m89oe8n4dsU/TXiU00BMTiI/AAAAAAAAHo8/2r286JOJxrs/s720/R1forks.jpg

Now, the other way to do a conversion is to have custom triples made like Justy's
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zU-tNwMWWsw/TXrk20DhURI/AAAAAAAAHps/YHVHOsVmaqM/justy.jpg
This way also lets you keep the oem ride height but is really expensive!

So when I saw the adapters and commented on it on the forum, Devilsyam contacted me and said he'd be happy to get them made for me. There's a US company that'll do them but they're ugly. I sent him the drawing I posted above that I copied from a thread on the OA and he sent them to his guy and made some "cosmetic" improvements that I'm dying to see. He's going to send them to me and then I'll pay him once I see if I like them. I already know I will! The strange thing is it will be cheaper to get them from him (in the UK) than the guy in the US! The advantage is getting them from Devilsyam takes advantage of is extensive FZ1 knowledge so I can trust they will be exactly what I need.:thumbup:

With the adapters decided, I got an upper triple for really cheap from a guy who was making his FZ1 into a dual sport type bike (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=672108). I took advantage of him getting rid of the extra parts and got an upper that looks so much better than mine!

Writing this, I can see I need to take pics of my triple that's going to be sacrificed and my new upper triple. I'll do that and post the pics later.

After that, I got a black front fender from a guy who I inpsired to do the R1 conversion himself. He had an extra fender and sent it to me with most of the grommets I'd need for $50. A lot cheaper than anything listed on ebay or the r1 forum.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UD76bhKzXVw/ThZ20fRXFxI/AAAAAAAAJqo/gTa3vOftowI/s640/DSCF5028.JPG

The only thing left to buy is the steering stem bearings. I might as well replace those while I'm in the front end and since Baby just passed 35k, they need servicing anyway.
http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/m/mdj6XBWzoDW0HL4Bu1Qgtsg/140.jpg

The r1 conversion will mostly be done by a local shop because I saw efly's steering stem bearings and how it's not quite right and since I know I don't have the tools to pull it or press it in, I figure it's best to let the professionals do it. I will also take the forks to that shop so they can replace the seals and add stiffer springs to make up for the difference in weight between the FZ1 and the R1. They will also outsource the stem swap.

Soon I'll be able to take them all my parts and have a complete front end ready to swap! Keep reading for updates on this too but I don't think it's going to happen until after October. I'll post as detailed pics as I can when it gets done.

[theWolfTamer]

Here are the added pics I promised.

First a view of my soon to be new to me upper
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-37cbKUxZ1ew/TjyP3Er16OI/AAAAAAAAKSI/gPhoa-jJmXM/s640/DSCN0020.JPG

Next, the whole spare triple trees
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lQ-7eK__HYc/TjyP3j2JETI/AAAAAAAAKTk/IGYUubWuibY/s512/DSCN0021.JPG

And finally the piece I forgot to mention. I got the axle from ebay for under $20 delivered. It's straight and somewhere in the garage hiding from me. It came with all the spacers I'll need.

Now to the mod that will be completed Sunday morning--what's being called the FZR6 Shock.

I got back from Ace a little while ago with almost the final bit of goodies. Here's a reminder for you: When the motohubby says take the caliper with you, he means the caliper not the box it goes in. I got to Ace with my dogbones and the empty caliper box. It's a good thing I had a note on my phone and remembered the length Cruzman told me to get.

They didn't have the bolt long enough in Metric sizes so I went with the standard equivalent and new nuts. When I got home, I measured them just like Cruzman told me to do at the store.
First the shoulder, that's the part of the bolt without threads.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xsrhxKPeJL0/TjyP1HctCmI/AAAAAAAAKRs/ZsyCSuszVmI/s640/DSCN0026.JPG

It's 105.5 mm. Cruzman told me to get one that was 105mm so I did good even with the caliper sitting at home on my bed.

Then the whole bolt. He said it needed to be 130 mm or 5.5 in. not including the head.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nXv6u37VxU4/TjyP17HVdrI/AAAAAAAAKR4/Kzgh0GzMkic/s640/DSCN0027.JPG

It's 132.6mm!

While I had the caliper out, I set the length of the dogbones so that when installed the bike will still be at stock height, 130 mm center to center.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TZao1mCo8go/TjyP2bmKEHI/AAAAAAAAKSA/Zgop7HP7DPw/s640/DSCN0028.JPG

It's hand tight right now but will get tightened properly at some point during install. Finally with the bolts in so I can be sure it's not too loose, something Cruzman said I needed to be sure of.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWHwUR5jA0A/TjyP0JiGKeI/AAAAAAAAKRc/DjLrPiK309A/s640/DSCN0024.JPG

snug enough.

In my excitement, along with leaving the caliper at home, I left ACE without buying the 2mm spacers I need so there's one more trip to the store before I show up at Casa des Cruzmans Sunday morning with my shock and parts in hand.

[KansasKawboy]

:popcorn1:


Are you done yet? :D:

Let us know how you like the changes.

[Cyclone67]

You never take on a small project!

[theWolfTamer]

:popcorn1:


Are you done yet? :D:

Let us know how you like the changes.

Going over to Cruzman's in the morning to git 'er done. Based on what everybody's saying I think I'll be in absolute love! The hardest part is going to be waiting for the final bits to do the front end.

You never take on a small project!
The r1 front end will be the biggest project by far! But I'm wimping out on it because I'm taking the accumulated parts to a local shop. Once they get my r1 front end ready, I ride baby over with the new steering stem bearings in the tank bag and wait :popcorn1: while they swap old parts for new parts. Go back a couple of days later in the truck to get the old parts and then post them for sale to recoup costs!

All the savings I'll have on buying the parts are going to the shop for labor...I think. At least that's the plan right now who knows what'll happen when I get every piece I need in hand and am waiting on the funds to complete the job. (anybody wanna buy some prepaid legal to help me fund this thing? :D: )

There's also been an update in the fork swap thread that tells you how you can do the whole thing at the house. I might get ambitious (except for servicing the forks, I ain't doing that!) and try it myself so I can keep my savings to date.

[theWolfTamer]

The bolts I rushed out to get on Friday are too big. I suspected they might be because they are standard sized. No one open today has the metric ones long enough so no shock install today. I'll have to go to fastenal to get the m12 x 130mm bolts I need. I didn't know I had a fastenal (actually 2) close to me! Did get some stuff done today though.

To make the r6 shock fit a gen 1 FZ1, the shock has to be modified a bit. The first thing is the top mount hole needs to be larger. To accomplish that, use a 31/64" Drill Bit.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TH3Tg5nc-0Y/Tj8BAtKYpeI/AAAAAAAAKdA/HabYoaY8XUM/s640/DSCN0082.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p8wPm8K189I/Tj8BG8CedQI/AAAAAAAAKd0/aT6EO32B8GM/s640/DSCN0088.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T-2gqCjL0Ao/Tj8BK-wowLI/AAAAAAAAKd8/pS0ZLVtSaqw/s640/DSCN0089.JPG

Next, you need to address a clearance issue. It's not much but the top of the shock needs to be shaved a bit so it doesn't touch the frame.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CabzEZRVTQc/Tj8BN1Jt7zI/AAAAAAAAKeo/M_6wLI0GY4M/s640/DSCN0094.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NnsNQh8bJOk/Tj8BQjoTj1I/AAAAAAAAKfA/J__WXTL76Fc/s640/DSCN0097.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r2jJTbMydoQ/Tj8BRPG4gxI/AAAAAAAAKfI/SpkaFrtQEYk/s640/DSCN0098.JPG

Here are the two shocks side by side. Red spring is OEM FZ1 and Yellow Spring is 08 r6
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ri2TrR5p1Pg/Tj8BLcPIvBI/AAAAAAAAKeI/KiQ5A9wQNmc/s640/DSCN0090.JPG

The advantage of the r6 Shock over the FZ1 is the heavier spring and more adjustability.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yZq5PiP14rc/Tj8BMCG0_oI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/Mb9spV63ODM/s640/DSCN0091.JPG

The advantage of getting the r6 shock over aftermarket is simply price. Aftermarket shocks are expensive. (you have to sing expensive to get the true meaning of what I'm typing.) r6 oem shocks are cheap because almost everyone wants to get rid of them.

And for S&Gs, my dogbones next to OEM
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8jhJCoOoxIQ/Tj8BSPnwcNI/AAAAAAAAKfQ/4ncvcGIexy4/s640/DSCN0099.JPG

I had to put my OEM stuff back on. I'll make a trip to fastenal to buy the right sized bolts this week. This is the kind that's on there from the factory
http://img4.fastenal.com/productimages/11113075.jpg

It was hard to break due to corrosion. This is the bolt from the bike so you can see what I mean
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fTjpws0U1-U/Tj8A9QJ9cTI/AAAAAAAAKcg/jJnolSBRep8/s640/DSCN0078.JPG
Cruzman swapped that one with his old one because his was in better shape than mine.

I probably won't get the same style bolt. It may be worth the xtra dollars to get something with corrosion protection like this:
http://img2.fastenal.com/productimages/38688_Zinc_Class8.8_CapScrew_Partial.jpg

I need to recover from the excitement/disappoint of today. FWIW, I can hear my sister telling me not to get too low or too high. I think I did both today and expect some consequences later tonight or tomorrow! Stupid Wolf!

Anyway, with the shock thusly modified I can swap them without Cruzman's help. I'm going to take another nap now in the hopes of keeping theWolf at bay.

[Astir]

:zen: stay at bay wolf, we need to see how this turns out. What a great project, and I am continually impressed with how much though you put into your projects! Wish you worked with me - we could use your attention to detail.

[theWolfTamer]

Well just found out I'll be delayed longer. According to the fastenal website they don't have the bolts in stock at my local store. Looks like it'll be NEXT WEEKEND before this thing gets intstalled. :gaah:

Astir, not sure I can apply this focus on anything else!

So for now, all of my suspension upgrades are on hold...again. Waiting on parts to arrive to complete both. That's okay for the front end because I knew I wouldn't be doing anything to it until it got cold again, but for the FZR6 shock: :cry1:

[KansasKawboy]

Hang in there it will get done. :hug2:

[theWolfTamer]

This
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1YSGom4_zQ/Tj3fBvE_GdI/AAAAAAAAAtc/YkEmCj7-A2M/s512/DSCN0044.JPG
helps.

[Astir]

:rofl: That is a GREAT shot! How can that cute little character not cheer you up?

[VStar]

What's the cutey patootie's name, Buddy, Sarge or Prince?

[theWolfTamer]

:rofl: That is a GREAT shot! How can that cute little character not cheer you up?
Two words: Potty Training. I take him outside and he goes inside. :shrug: but he is really cuddly. :D:

What's the cutey patootie's name, Buddy, Sarge or Prince?

That is L'il Prince or just Prince. The kids finally got mom to see how "kuntry" the other two were. He likes to wake me up by climbing on my face and licking me in the ear!

On another note, the other morning while I was waiting for Cruzman to come by, I took Prince for a little ride around the block. Just put him on my tankbag and we cruised about 5 or 10 mph. He loved it! That dawg is a daredevil and I might have to fix a tank bag for him to ride in.

[VStar]

I usually get woken up by a 70lb hair ball curling up around my head, then a big kiss and a paw in the face, wouldn't have it any other way. Except maybe without the paw.

[msyzf2u]

:popcorn1:

[theWolfTamer]

All right, parts have been ordered. Now I'm waiting on the brown truck! Unfortunately some of those bolts need a couple of days to even get to the warehouse. Then 3 days from them to Me via that brown truck.

In the meantime, I've ordered my Multigauge. I mentioned it the the first post but I didn't explain what it is. The Multiguage replaces the gas gauge on the instrument panel and gives you a choice of displaying gear indicator, fuel level, water temp, air temp, battery voltage, accurate speed, lap timer, or acceleration over a set distance (like the 1/4 mile). Here's an example:
My current cluster (the best pic I can find!)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iKgSIN0iodA/TbTmXZ1IxdI/AAAAAAAAIQg/8fctzWgqgng/s640/DSCF4634.JPG

The multigauge is where the fuel gauge goes:
http://cvieth.bplaced.net/bilder/ganganzeige/bilder/image028_175.jpg (http://cvieth.bplaced.net/bilder/ganganzeige/bilder/image028.jpg)

http://cvieth.bplaced.net/bilder/index/DSC_0126_small.JPG

It does much more than these pic show! I'm really excited. I found about about this a few weeks after I got my bike almost 4 years ago (in exactly 15 days from this post). I'd just spent the money to buy the bike and didn't really have much left over for this thing. Now he's even upgraded the software and I should be able to connect my broken cased bluetooth gps receiver to it to get some gps functions too!

He's shipping it tomorrow! Right now I'm :D::ecstasy::yahoo::wootrock::cloud9::drool::thumb sup::thumbup::popcorn1::lilibug::partytime::beebop ::fridayparty::cheers::mexico::party::musicband::y ahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

So, does anybody know how long it takes to get a package from germany? :ecstasy:

[msyzf2u]

All right, parts have been ordered. Now I'm waiting on the brown truck! Unfortunately some of those bolts need a couple of days to even get to the warehouse. Then 3 days from them to Me via that brown truck.

In the meantime, I've ordered my Multigauge. I mentioned it the the first post but I didn't explain what it is. The Multiguage replaces the gas gauge on the instrument panel and gives you a choice of displaying gear indicator, fuel level, water temp, air temp, battery voltage, accurate speed, lap timer, or acceleration over a set distance (like the 1/4 mile). Here's an example:
My current cluster (the best pic I can find!)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iKgSIN0iodA/TbTmXZ1IxdI/AAAAAAAAIQg/8fctzWgqgng/s640/DSCF4634.JPG

The multigauge is where the fuel gauge goes:
http://cvieth.bplaced.net/bilder/ganganzeige/bilder/image028_175.jpg (http://cvieth.bplaced.net/bilder/ganganzeige/bilder/image028.jpg)

http://cvieth.bplaced.net/bilder/index/DSC_0126_small.JPG

It does much more than these pic show! I'm really excited. I found about about this a few weeks after I got my bike almost 4 years ago (in exactly 15 days from this post). I'd just spent the money to buy the bike and didn't really have much left over for this thing. Now he's even upgraded the software and I should be able to connect my broken cased bluetooth gps receiver to it to get some gps functions too!

He's shipping it tomorrow! Right now I'm :D::ecstasy::yahoo::wootrock::cloud9::drool::thumb sup::thumbup::popcorn1::lilibug::partytime::beebop ::fridayparty::cheers::mexico::party::musicband::y ahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

So, does anybody know how long it takes to get a package from germany? :ecstasy:




This whole thread is cooler than hell.... but that multigauge thing looks amazing.


Love this thread, your pictures, your explainations, the whole ball of wax


:pompom::pompom::pompom::pompom:

[theWolfTamer]

I'm hoping to be able to include the suspension setup too! That's a big mystery to me and all of the explanations I've read makes it even more mysterious.

Thanks for the kind words. Today's update: still no bolts!

[KansasKawboy]

Cool gauge! :thumbsup:

[theWolfTamer]

Wish I could take credit for it. schlumpf is the master gauge maker! I'm just smart enough to take advantage of a good thing. I think it shipped today, registered from Germany. Others that have gotten theirs from this order say it takes about a week.

I was studying the user guide and saw this:
Power Curve: 3294

On the suspension front
http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3293&d=1313203572

Nothing.

[theWolfTamer]

A little update. I've been despondent because I blew this month's riding budget getting the Multiguage and there's maybe two ounces of gas in the bike--just enough to get to the gas station. Riding budget gone, the only thing I have to do is wait for my stuff. So every day this week I've checked the fastenal page there's been no change to the image I posted above. I've been trying not to get on the internet because every time I do, I check that page. Well I succumbed a few minutes ago and I noticed a tracking number! :yahoo:

http://twowheelfemales.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3298&stc=1&d=1313790949

It'll be at the house on Tuesday! Now I'm going to look between the sofa cushions for enough money to fill up the bike for a decent test ride after I get the shock installed. :D:

Here's the other thing that really sucks: the weather has cooled down some. The last few weeks it's been so hot I haven't wanted to ride, now it's hot but not too hot where I think I'd be better off in the a/c.

That and poor Prince still isn't potty trained. He has good days and bad days. :thumbup:

Next post should be Tuesday after I get the shock installed. Hopefully I'll find enough change so I can give a ride impression too.

[Cyclone67]

Glad you got a tracking number! :):

Good luck with the potty training!!

We'll be waiting for your update :popcorn1:

[ImaSoftT]

Now I'm going to look between the sofa cushions for enough money to fill up the bike

Don't forget to check all your winter coat pockets, I can usually count on a dollar or two left over from the last winter, even found a half eaten chocolate bar once, boy was that gross, but then the coat needed cleaning anyway.:slaphead: Good luck with your project.

[phoenix63]

Awwwww... such a sweet puppy!

[theWolfTamer]

Multigauge came today but I wasn't home when it was delivered. They should re-deliver it tomorrow along with the UPS man bringing the bolts.

[theWolfTamer]

Bolts!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZEdzjIv_dyc/TlPoYIh8DEI/AAAAAAAAKrU/0_v9CfDG3hU/s800/DSCN0137.JPG

However work on the bike will be delayed due to tragedy. See this blog entry (http://thewolftamer71.blogspot.com/2011/08/themomma.html). Just to keep this thread clean, if there are comments about it please post them to the blog. Thanks!

[theWolfTamer]

Okay, last addition for the day. I picked up my multiguage from the post office.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jfC-yZBIu7w/TlQVNzr6ARI/AAAAAAAAKrk/SBQ26InyieI/s640/DSCN0139.JPG

I won't be giving details on the install because someone already's done that. Next pic of this will be installed!

[Cyclone67]

:popcorn1:

[theWolfTamer]

I had big plans for today. I wanted to get up this morning and go straight to the garage. That didn't happen. I guess my niece wanted to be sure I was fine and insisted on sleeping with me last night. FYI, 14 year old girls and little yorkies generate a lot of heat! I don't think I got more than an hour or two of sleep.

So when they left for church, I went to sleep and woke up later in the afternoon to more family. I knew my hopes for finally getting the shock on the bike today were dashed but they left a little before dinner so I got a chance to do it today after all!

First thing I did was make sure I put something under the rear tire to keep the right ride height.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oz7OzsjEoNg/Tlr3qeXPo_I/AAAAAAAAKrs/mLhDGbe0wOo/s640/DSCN0140.JPG
If you don't put something under the tire, it'll go to the ground when you take the shock out. At least, I think that's why Cruzman said to put the block under the tire.

Next, secure my helper
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RFGS1oMrTCY/Tlr3sf29UxI/AAAAAAAAKr4/GrdjSe6BRtE/s640/DSCN0143.JPG
puppies with broken legs should NOT run around. I'm having trouble convincing Prince that though. (He broke his leg Friday morning when he jumped out of the car trying to follow me into K-mart. I didn't roll the windows up far enough! Lesson learned by me, not sure if he has or not.)

With my helper secure, I removed the muffler and the side cover
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-97LtNHk-lhE/Tlr3rI-VjeI/AAAAAAAAKrw/Ri_0naElLb4/s640/DSCN0141.JPG
so that I could access the nuts on the shock.

I was able to get the top nut broke with no trouble but I got here
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bUICiij0VSA/Tlr3vdB4q6I/AAAAAAAAKsQ/bdpIkeSKpx4/s640/DSCN0149.JPG
and found trouble. My cousin was kind enough to help because I lack a certain amount of upper body strength that it takes to break a Cruzman-torqued bolt.

It didn't take us long to get the shock out and the new dogbones in place on the lower shock mount.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZhVfZqjeMl4/Tlr3v03xI7I/AAAAAAAAKsU/lrZHk8Op54g/s640/DSCN0150.JPG

Then put the new shock on the mount
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zirgflaPj2s/Tlr3wZ3fdVI/AAAAAAAAKsY/levnwQ9snvQ/s640/DSCN0151.JPG
here's a note: when you take pics to be sure you're reinstalling a part the right way, take the pic from the side of the bike you're installing the part. In this pic, the thing was backwards because the pic I took was from the other side of the bike. That made us have to remove and re-install the lower mount to get it oriented the right way.

To make sure the r6 shock is snug in the top mount, 2 2mm spacers are needed. The easiest way to put them on is to glue them to the mount hole but I couldn't find the glue. I guess that's what happens when you clean the house up. I'll probably find it in a month or two! It took a little bit of time to slide the bolt part way in then slip the spacer in place before sliding the bolt a little farther then sliding the other spacer in place before pushing the bolt all the way through and hand tightening the bolt.

A little huffing and puffing and banging and we got all the bolts in and the new dogbones lined up then secured.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PwBQhOfDd4U/Tlr3w7qUMII/AAAAAAAAKsc/4owxRfn8sc8/s640/DSCN0152.JPG

Another small reminder: remember that you hand tightened the bolts so that you can go back and properly torque them later.

I now have a shock with a whole bunch of adjustment options (I think I explained that earlier in the thread).
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WcdZPascChU/Tlr3yIBkTkI/AAAAAAAAKso/TNAfGo9CMxI/s640/DSCN0155.JPG

Here's the stocker for comparison:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NOx6n-tv7u0/Tlr3u-sSTFI/AAAAAAAAKsM/q3EorIeJfMM/s640/DSCN0148.JPG

Now that you can see how pretty it is, I know you want to know if it is truly an improvement over stock. Short answer: Yes. You notice the difference right away. The ride is much smoother than with the stock shock. There are a few bumps on the way out of the neighborhood that I always try to avoid but this time I made sure I hit them to feel the difference. I didn't really notice them and the shock isn't even adjusted right.

It was dark by the time we got done so I couldn't really do more than go up the street and back but the street I went up looks like this:
http://twowheelfemales.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3313&stc=1&d=1314586816
And this image doesn't show you how curvy it is!

The bike now feels smoother just going along and it's a little easier to keep my lines in the curves. Tomorrow, after we take my cousins to the airport, I'll get a day time ride in and make some of the recommended adjustments for my weight.

So now I'm looking forward to our "suspension" ride where we adjust the settings on our bikes to make them easier to ride.

[ImaSoftT]

:yahoo:New suspension on the bike...check.

New suspension for a puppy that jumps out of the car window...next project? :rofl:

[theWolfTamer]

:yahoo:New suspension on the bike...check.

That's a half check, there's still the front end to do!

As to the puppy, I'm researching the proper mods now. I'm thinking this:
http://i1.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/250/draft_lens15385461module134582911photo_1290176128S moky_Parachuting.jpg
but it might be overkill.

[Cyclone67]

Awesome -- great tips along the way.

I'm with you -- I can't find stuff if I clean the house.....

[zee]

So sweet of your niece... :hug2:

Glad you're making some progress on your project. Looks great!

As to the puppy, I'm researching the proper mods now. I'm thinking this:
http://i1.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/250/draft_lens15385461module134582911photo_1290176128S moky_Parachuting.jpg
but it might be overkill.

Be sure to take pictures and make notes of this one! I might have to do the same thing for my mini dachshund to keep his back safe!

[ImaSoftT]

:rofl:

[theWolfTamer]

I want this to be simple. There's a lot of info out there about this but the copious words and technical scare me! I always end up thinking I'll read that later. So here's my attempt at simple and it'll apply to shocks other than the one's I'm talking about. You can always search and find more detailed info about the howtos and whys if this is too simple.

Start by getting out your owner's manual and finding the info about your suspension. It will list what the factory settings are and how to adjust them for your comfort. For the rear shock, mine starts like this:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BrvDPPVYF3I/Tlsxa2j7eNI/AAAAAAAAKtg/UX8AIKSBUDs/s512/FZ1%252520Spring%252520Preload.JPG

If you don't have your owners manual, you can usually find them online. For Yamahas you can go to the manufacturer website.

Going old school, grab a paper and pencil and write down the stock settings. For the R6 shock, it should be like this:
Preload: 4
Rebound: 16 clicks
F Compression: 3 turns
S Compression: 16 clicks

This shock offers more adjustments than most. But what does that mean?

You'll feel the preload first on acceleration. Does your bike squat when you take off? Do the front forks feel light? Adding preload will reduce those problems. There's usually a tool in the OEM tool kit for this adjustment.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ezw_Q0XG_V8/TlsxAPFcXeI/AAAAAAAAKtc/5Tmt6fIQEbw/s512/R6%252520Spring%252520Preload.JPG

Compression is the initial bump when the wheel first goes upwards. Let's say you're coming out of a corner and as you start to accelerate you feel the bike squatting or like the front is coming up. The compression is too soft and can cause you to drift wide coming out of the corner. (I bet you thought you were doing something wrong didn't you?) The other end is too hard where you don't get enough compression so the rear wheel feels like it's spinning instead of moving the bike.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZZqzcx-F3Y4/TltD4Yug5dI/AAAAAAAAKuQ/da6cMiwVoJ4/s512/R6%252520Fast%252520Compression.JPG

Rebound is what happens after the shock compresses. Does your bike lurch or wallow in the middle of the corner? Then the rear wheel is coming up too soon and it makes the bike feel unsettled. (this is happening to me). That's too soft and the best way to fix it is with stiffer rebound rather than increasing the preload. Hard rebound feels a lot like soft compression.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t7TRxBItW8Q/TltDaRFmiiI/AAAAAAAAKuM/Vx9Oxq4Oxqc/R6%252520Rebound.JPG

Any adjustments you make should be small, say one click or turn at a time. Like they say during the NASCAR race, don't take big swings at it!

I know these are overly simple explanations but I hope you get the idea.

Now that you've gotten your stock settings, go to the bike to see where your settings are. All you'll probably need is a screwdriver and maybe a wrench. I needed an allen wrench, a box wrench, and a flathead screwdriver.

The simplest way is to count the clicks or turns it takes to go back to the first setting. If you can't figure out which way is first, then think of it like a clock. turn the adjuster counter clockwise until it stops, counting the clicks or turns it takes. Once it stops don't try to make it go farther!

When I checked mine they were:
Preload: 4
Rebound: 7 clicks
F Compression: 3 turns
S Compression: 14 clicks

I'm pretty sure this doesn't need to be said but I'll say it just in case it does. When you finish counting the clicks or turns write them down, then turn the adjuster the opposite way the same number. This way you'll be back at your same settings--good, bad, or otherwise. The point here is just to see what you've got.

For my use this is what they should be, per the upgrade thread:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e_t1XS3Z-mY/Tlsd06wnD0I/AAAAAAAAKuY/o58FI3hgOVY/08-r6-shock.jpg

Preload: 4
Rebound: 15 clicks
F Compression: 3 turns
S Compression: 16 clicks

Those settings are that much different from stock.

Please let me know if I've got anything wrong.

[theWolfTamer]

Not suspension related but my M U L T I G U A G E has been installed!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kC1TtQ8OvzE/Tl0to82To0I/AAAAAAAAKvo/iF5R5wEjlHA/s640/DSCN0170.JPG

[Cyclone67]

Sweeeeeeeet!

[theWolfTamer]

There's nothing really to update except that I want to do it right now since I've got the rear done. Setting up the rear without the front will mean I'll have to do it again once I get the new front end.

I haven't heard from the guy who's getting the adapters I want to use and I'm real tempted to make an offer on the 03 r1 upper with the riser holes already drilled out and just get regular extensions later. I'll give it to mid month if I still haven't heard anything, the forks will go get serviced and heavier springs and the stems will get swapped in the triples.

I had no idea getting the MG installed would add to my impatience like it has! I'm close to the finish line with the major mods to my bike and am about ready to make the push to get there.

[Cyclone67]

I'm impatient!! I know what I'd be doing.........

[theWolfTamer]

Well after thinking about it a bit more, I'm going to wait for Devilsyam to send me my stuff. I want to get moving but not at the expense of doing things twice. If I got the r1 upper so to do this right away, I'd have to move my ignition switch. From what I've read, that's a pain in the butt.

I'll get the forks serviced, fork springs upgraded, and stems swapped this month. Then In the meantime, I'll resist the urge to flood Devilsyam with emails and pms about when I can expect the extension adapters.

[Astir]

:gaah: Anticipation!!

[Luna Tique]

Just catching up on the thread
WOWZA I love your new multigauge :perfect10:

I will be here waiting for the next installment :thumbup:



Correction: I will be patiently waiting here for the next installment. :lol:

[theWolfTamer]

I posted all the junk about setting up the rear shock. So far I've only changed one setting from the recommended because it was too harsh. I've gone back one on the preload to 3 rather than 4.

As for the feel of the new shock vs the old: I said it was smoother and it is. It's also a lot firmer than the stocker. The soft spring on the oem made the bike feel like it soaked up the road inconsistencies which is fine until you get to the twisty bits and want more performance from the shock.

The r6 shock is less cushy but still comfortable. the bonus is it performs a lot better in the twisty bits. The best description is to say the bike feels more planted (especially after I got the tire pressures right) than before and doesn't squat so much when I get on the throttle.

I was gonna ride tomorrow but instead Daddy and I are going to Macon to pick up a tire changer. The real ride test will likely be Sunday when I take Baby to my favorite GA roads--Blood Mountain, Richard Russell, and 197--to put it to the test. :D: The therapy it provides will be a bonus. Rheumy said my sed rate was up (which she expected after hear about TheMomma) and I need to be careful and watch for a flare.

The only way I can think of to prevent a flare is :riding:

So I guess my next garage thread will be about me changing my own tires! :girlpower:

[Dualsport Chic]

Great news that the shock is on WT - now to test'r out - please enjoy those twisty bits for me.

Funny how riding just seems to remove all stress from one's body. I usually get on my bike after a really stressful week at the office, and feel how tense I am - and then - maybe 15 minutes in I take a deep breath and exhale, my shoulders relax and I realize I'm in my happy place - it's like a Calgon commercia. Hope you feel the same as we can't have any nasty flare ups as we don't want anything getting in the way of your quality ride time with new suspension - YAHOO!!!

[theWolfTamer]

I got 187 miles in this afternoon. I wanted to leave earlier but had to wait on my big brother before I could leave. Didn't get rolling until 11! That's really late for me when it comes to riding the motorcycle but very early when it comes to anything else.

R6 Shock Impressions:
After a few short rides around the 'hood, I knew this shock felt smoother than OEM. On the highway heading to the mountains I discovered the R6 shock was just as comfortable as the OEM. Before I suspected I'd feel more of the road. I do but not in the bad way I was expecting.

Once on the tight twists of Blood Mountain, I had a little bit of drift coming out of the tighter curves but never did my toes scrape the ground like with the OEM shock. I stopped at the Hiker's store and softened the rebound by one click before heading back down the mountain.

You wouldn't think one click would make a difference but it did. I still have drift, but a lot less. I couldn't remember which compression I needed to soften and since the drift is only in super tight curves, I left it alone until I got home and could study my notes.

Over all the shock is great. As I mentioned above no more scraping toes on the tighter curves like I'd been doing. It also was easier to transition from side to side for the switchbacks that are on the lower part of the mountain.

It still needs a little more tweaking but it really is a huge improvement over OEM.

R1 Fork Conversion Update:
Devilsyam got back to me today. He's having engineer issues, something about promises not kept. Looks like I'll be getting the r1 upper after all and scraping plans to use adapter extensions going to simple extensions instead. Boy am I glad I got that spacer shroud first. Having it gives me more options than not having it.

At his point, I'm waiting on his advice about sticking with the original plan or going with the r1 upper and his extensions.

[theWolfTamer]

Just found out I may already have my stock front forks sold! I could recoup about 60 or 70% of the cost for my conversion.

[Astir]

Love it when a plan comes together! :yahoo:

[KansasKawboy]

Love it when a plan comes together! :yahoo:
:iagree:

[theWolfTamer]

Final decision is in: R1 Upper + Spacer Shroud + Extensions. He should have it by the end of this month so I should have it by the middle of next month! We're starting to slide downhill. Other than the r1 upper, I just gotta get some new steering stem bearings. I've been waiting for the last minute to get those. The last minute is approaching!

[theWolfTamer]

Just spent over 700 miles on the bike this last weekend. I rode roads that I'd ridden recently to be able to have a back to back comparison. What I noticed about having better rear suspension was the ability to maintain whatever line I want and not having stuff in the road mess with that. I only scraped my boots twice during the weekend and both times was because I didn't have the balls of my feet on the pegs like I should have.

If I wasn't already looking forward to getting the front done, I'm looking forward to it even more now!

Another thing: Don't bother about trying to dial in the rear suspension when you've got a nearly bald rear tire!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zFURv4D4M1M/TnAZTAyv-XI/AAAAAAAAK_k/btNOIn7Fs5Q/s512/DSCN0254.JPG

It'll get replaced this Friday or Saturday so I can see if the small changes I made over the weekend were what it felt like they were when I made them.

For the interested, I softened the slow compression one turn and rebound one turn. The bike holds the line much better now (except where the rear tire is starting to feel slick because I'm past the wear bars).

Fully loaded with camping gear (minus tent cause I was sharing with Cruzman), the bike felt really good on the way up not so great on the way home (again tire related). I've got a longer trip planned for next week, going to Ar to ride MO roads (I don't know how that's happening but it is what it is). At this point the plan is to ride there UNLESS I get my truck in time then Baby is going on the trailer (He doesn't know that yet) so I can save the rubber for the twisty roads and not the nearly 700 mile slog there.

[theWolfTamer]

I moved a little bit closer completing the front end conversion. I completed step two: I dropped the forks and lower triples off at OverTWO Customs (http://overtwocustoms.com/) for service and swapping. (Step one is getting all the parts. I nearly done with that, just need the steering bearings, upper triple, and extensions.)

I have an r1 upper in my watch list on eBay but I might not need to buy it because they said they may have one and if not the guy doing the triple stem swap may have one. Still no word on the custom extensions but I'm going ahead anyway. I can put them on whenever they arrive!

Step three is taking Baby to the shop for the bearing install, front end swap, and valve check (since it's time).

[KansasKawboy]

:camping: :popcorn1:

[theWolfTamer]

Just got off the phone with Loren at OTC. Forks are done! Just waiting on steering stem swap and the rest of my parts. R1 upper should be here tomorrow and the steering stem bearing kit should be here next Wednesday. Since I recently passed 37k, i'll get my valve check done when they do the swap.

Not going to wait for the extensions from Devilsyam. They'll get here when they get here I suppose. So next hopefully next Thursday evening, Baby will have a swapped front end!

[KansasKawboy]

:yahoo:

[Cyclone67]

:pompom:

[ImaSoftT]

J So next hopefully next Thursday evening, Baby will have a swapped front end!

If it works on Baby, do you think I could get one for me.:shrug:

[opaque_machete]

:lol: Great news, WT. Definitely give us :LT: when Baby gets home.

[theWolfTamer]

If it works on Baby, do you think I could get one for me.:shrug:

:redface1: :roflmao:

:lol: Great news, WT. Definitely give us :LT: when Baby gets home.

My plan is to do another 3d like I did with the new muffler in addition to getting regular shots.

Devilsyam said he beat the engineer with a hammer today so I'm guessing it'll be a while before I get those extensions :lol:

[opaque_machete]

:lol:

[theWolfTamer]

Final parts are trickling in. Brand new r1 upper triple bought from an r1 forum member for less than new price.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s8e3vZPPhUo/TrHINvTX3pI/AAAAAAAALas/7n_1oFGpvnY/s640/DSCF5203.JPG

Good thing I already had the spacer it needs to work.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ABz9bZdHwFc/TrHIOz1FilI/AAAAAAAALa0/as9kwC-STDE/s640/DSCF5205.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AtJ90ypg4aU/TrHIPSGCTgI/AAAAAAAALa4/Udzkm6XEF5I/s640/DSCF5206.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bDqAksrCc8U/TrHIOETjjdI/AAAAAAAALaw/rzsVe3nf1Hk/s640/DSCF5204.JPG

[theWolfTamer]

Steering Bearings and seal kit arrived today, about a week earlier than estimated. This is like early Christmas!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dt_mnHyRnBw/TrMCsFahqtI/AAAAAAAALbI/S2dUxWwWVsA/s640/DSCF5210.JPG

Here's my front fender that I got a few months ago
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UD76bhKzXVw/ThZ20fRXFxI/AAAAAAAAJqo/gTa3vOftowI/s640/DSCF5028.JPG

Loren says he can paint it to match my yamaha blue for only $75. That's going on the todo list. I'll leave it black probably until January or February. The guy who's doing the stem swap discovered that the FZ1 stem is 1/10 too narrow for the r1 lower tree. The solution posted in the conversion guide is to drill a hole and use a pin to secure it like this
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5cFkHfCKeX8/TrMIP7ufOdI/AAAAAAAALbo/gmtNg0AeZDE/s640/CIMG3163.jpg

When I read the guide I kind of went over that part quickly. After giving it some thought I knew I didn't want my lower drilled and pinned. When Loren called this morning to tell me the fz1 stem was too small for the r1 lower, he said they would investigate welding it. I like the sound of that so much better than pinning it. The lower should be completed by this weekend at the earliest and will be double the cost because of the welding.

So, I have an install date with Loren and the guys @ OTC for 15 November. That was the best news I got today by far! When I started this, I never imagined it'd be this soon. I was thinking the end of February 2012 as the earliest install date. I'll have USD forks in time for Thanksgiving.:yahoo:

[Cyclone67]

Baby is getting quite the makeover!!!

[theWolfTamer]

Yea, I think he's going to look the way yamaha should have made the gen1s. They put USD forks on the gen2s because they knew they should've with the gen1s. I've been looking for a pic with the "Bruise" color scheme I have that has USD forks but I can't find one. Closest I could find is the Euro version I posted on the first page with the silver engine/black frame/gold forks combo.

I was lucky to get the black forks I wanted at the price I got them for. Blue/Black/Silver are enough colors on the bike for me so I didn't want to add Gold to the mix. If I did, I'd be taking the silver parts off to get them powdered or painted gold to match the forks. Now that would be cool too but way more than I want to budget for.

After this there's just a few more minor things I want to get done:
1. custom seat covers from http://www.htmoto.us/store/p/413-YAMAHA-FZ1-01-05-Seat-Cover.aspx. Gonna do some kind of dark blue/black combo. Here's a pic from the FZ1OA. His blue matches is luggage.
http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/6704/hawaiiagain083.jpg

This guy did two kinds of black
http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=105355&stc=1&d=1303660896


2. mirrors (maybe). I'd like to get some other mirrors that look cooler than the oem ones but I want them to stay fairing mounted. I've yet to see any that made me think, "I've got to have those!"

3. Luggage rack that doesn't hang too far over the tail. Most of the one's I've seen has the luggage perched at the very back of the bike that's why I made the seat mounted case. Now I'd like something to keep my camping gear off of the tail. I have a few ideas in mind so that may be my next project.

I think that's it for cosmetic changes. I include the USD forks in that btw. They have the same internal specs as the ones I'm taking off. My guess is once I get the extensions they should feel the same. Until then I expect faster turn in due to being close to 2" lower in the front. They say raising the forks just 5 to 10mm in the triples increases turn in so it'll be a wonder what the 2" will do. I didn't want to find out but it is what it is. I could get the ugly extensions from a US source or wait for Devilsyam (http://www.devilsyam.com/menu.htm) to work his magic. I've chosen magic.

Now that I'm thinking about it, that may be it for the bike as far as mods go. I've been trying to figure out what I'm going to do now that I'm not looking for stuff to put on the bike. I guess I'll be looking for roads to ride the bike on. When I first got it and had no idea of what "mods" I wanted or could do, I looked for routes. I had a hole bunch saved up but I think I've ridden them all in the last two years.

[Cyclone67]

Oooh, that seat is going to look SHARP! Me likee!!

[theotherlara]

Oooh, that seat is going to look SHARP! Me likee!!


Second that! That is sexy!

[ImaSoftT]

:iagree:

[theWolfTamer]

Just need to decide which panels get what. Problem is the way their panels are limits your choices.
http://www.htmoto.us/store/i/is.aspx?path=/images/products/sb_y041_drawing.jpg&lr=t&bw=650&bh=650

This is their sample pic
http://www.htmoto.us/store/i/is.aspx?path=/images/products/sb_y041.jpg&lr=t&bw=650&bh=650

These are the colors I'm thinking of:
http://www.htmoto.us/images/swatches/thumbs/Phoenix%20Black.jpg Phoenix Black

http://www.htmoto.us/images/swatches/thumbs/Carbon%20Fiber%20Deep%20Blue.jpg Carbon Fiber Deep Blue

I know C will be the black and D will be blue, I just can't decide on the front part. Any suggestions? I was thinking just like the other guy's before I saw it, now I don't know! If C didn't cover the passenger part, I'd do it blue and A B & D in black. Right now I think that'd be a lot of blue!

Oh, I forgot--I have 11 more days until the front end is done. The date is the 16th not the 15th like I posted earlier. :yahoo:

[theWolfTamer]

I'm in full countdown mode! 9 days until swap! :whistling:

In the meantime, Devilsyam has sent me an update! This is what I'm looking forward to with my extensions:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WhBbOk-TD0w/TrgZvEo-otI/AAAAAAAALfc/veZjtTRmssE/s640/IMAG0637.jpg

In black though (I think). He's going to pick them up on the weekend. They'll have 40mm holes in the top and he's currently looking for someone to make the caps. He's also investigating a sprocket cover. I requested one that had "FZ1" in it, hopefully see-thru like the old motowizard ones with the yamaha logo.
http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110103&stc=1&d=1317990782

In addition to the stainless steel brake lines, I added one more thing to the list: FZ1 Brake Res Cover.
http://pjsparts.com/images/parts/UL%20FZ1%20Brake%20Reservoir%20Cover.jpg

After that, I can't think of anything else I could possibly want or need to do Baby. That is until DY comes up with another bit of bling that has me drooling.

[KansasKawboy]

:yahoo:

[theWolfTamer]

With 7 days left to go, I've been researching front suspension setup. While I was at it, I made a table for the fork conversion. This is a table based what's posted in Mike's R1 Conversion Guide (http://fazer1000.yuku.com/topic/3408#.Trs7Prh36iU). I've added some fork specs for the different models.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GS-sydb2h1g/Trs61bA76EI/AAAAAAAALfw/qEfZD5MB55E/s800/r1%252520fork%252520comp.png

[theWolfTamer]

Baby's in the shop getting new forks! Here's a tease:

lower triple
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s2oeGSDBiLA/Ts0s1LeQZEI/AAAAAAAAMKk/UE4HeEQ24r4/s512/DSCF5295.JPG
This is the FZ1 Stem pressed into the R1 lower triple.

Triple trees
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bewNs08wYuY/Ts0rWkrxh_I/AAAAAAAAMKA/LQ4zwtR-X-w/s512/DSCF5297.JPG

When Lorne saw the upper he said, "you want to powder coat the lower?" I don't know why I didn't think of that! The lower triple will be powder coated black to match the upper and black forks. I'm really glad I decided to let the pros do the work.

Big Gurl (my brother's bike) is lonely in the garage.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sB-_rjaPzw4/Ts0rTIK1XYI/AAAAAAAAMKU/YmZbdgFQe4M/s512/DSCF5298.JPG

Lorne says he should be done with it today!

[KansasKawboy]

:yahoo:

Is Big Gurl a Kawasaki KZ1000 Police bike?

[theWolfTamer]

Yes she is! He used to do escorts and other such details. Big Gurl needs some seals and gaskets in the engine because she weeps oil. I honestly think she needs some suspension work too, she rides like a truck!

I would tell you what year she is but I don't know. I think an early 90s one. I know there weren't many changes made during it's production run. I'd take better pics but they'll still be in the garage. I don't dare take her off of the center stand and my brother wouldn't do it just for her to have a photo shoot.

[KansasKawboy]

No need for more pictures. I have lusted over those bikes for years. There is just something about them that I like.

[theWolfTamer]

Forks have been installed.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pcy3-WHoDAw/Ts2Kqq5yysI/AAAAAAAAMLY/tCzgkldhtBg/s640/DSCF5303.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bQTtsuPRjDw/Ts2KqgORgiI/AAAAAAAAMMU/qwLE9--bMyQ/s512/DSCF5304.JPG

I'm not sure when I'll be able to take some daytime pics so I stopped at the gas station just to take these on the way home.

There a three things that still need to be done. First, figure out how to mount my aux lights. The old brackets won't work. Second, black fender needs to be blue. I'll live with that for a while until I can save up some money for paint (might get the tank done at the same time). Third, the extensions. At first I thought Lorne adjusted the headlights until I remembered the front is about 2" lower.

I don't really have any ride impressions. It was dark so I didn't get to test them. I did notice the suspension is really firm now and braking feels...better. I don't know how to describe it but it's a subtle change. It turns even better than before, likely due to the geometry. I'll be interested to see if that feels the same once I get the extensions.

It also holds the lines better. Lorne said he set it up firm and I might want to soften it. I think he's right but I've got to play with the settings to see.

Funny thing is I didn't think I'd notice any of that stuff and I wonder if it's in my head because I know that's what its supposed to do. Either way it's performance isn't disappointing.

The powdered lower
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pLfWRsZIe0s/Ts2KxOkm1_I/AAAAAAAAML0/ZpkbCEhsYPU/s640/DSCF5307.JPG

I've got more pics to take so that's it for now. Baby's back in his spot in the garage and I think I heard Big Gurl cry. She wants to get to the mechanic in a bad way! She will soon (I think) because we'll drop her off when we go get Sam. Sam is next year's thread.

I've got some more technical info I'll add when I start adjusting them.

[Dualsport Chic]

Looking good WT! How cool to dial in a bike to totally fit your every desire performancewise.

And now WHO is Sam???? :popcorn1:

[theWolfTamer]

Looking good WT! How cool to dial in a bike to totally fit your every desire performancewise.

And now WHO is Sam???? :popcorn1:

Sam is my first love!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PCZwgQpThYo/TNw3AnRxLmI/AAAAAAAAFmA/rhYQXpgULok/s640/My%252520PageIMAG0063.JPG

This was taken at the 2004 Women On Wheels Ride In. It was in Canaan Valley, WV and I rode from Huntington Beach CA to get there. I haven't seen him in a while, only my brother's mechanic knows what he looks like now. Here's the ride report (http://harleydeb.com/rideAfterReport.cfm?rideID=60) from that ride. He'll likely need to be "restored" according to what the mechanic said when I talked to him last.

[KansasKawboy]

To cool!:yahoo:

[theWolfTamer]

So now I'm looking for mounting options for the Aux lights. Any ideas? I saw some stuff for 4 x 4 that may work.

[Dualsport Chic]

What an awesome picture of you and Sam. How wonderful you're getting him back! Sounds like you two have a strong bond as well.

So excited to hear about the upcoming restoration!

[theWolfTamer]

So I went for a short ride this afternoon to look at houses/neighborhoods. I really love the new suspension--front and rear. The R-parts work very well together. I definitely need to soften it up some.

But as it sits right now, it's great. The bike tracks well through the corners, brakes feel better with less front end dive, and overall everything seems more stable. I have better feel for the road too.

Note: I didn't expect to notice such an improvement from either rear or front mods. The sport bike guys always say suspension should be the first mod vs power but it's usually the last because of cost. I resisted suspension mods because the OEM FZ1 suspension is so much better than the VX800 I already felt I had upgraded. As my skills have improved, so too has my feel for the bike. I had an inkling starting last year that I'd need to upgrade the suspension.

Initially I was thinking the standard upgrades but when I saw the opportunity to get pretty forks that were upgraded too I couldn't resist. You don't have always have to swap forks to get better suspension but sometimes the bike will look better when you do!

[opaque_machete]

Sounds good, WT. Nice job!

[theWolfTamer]

The forgotten pic:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a-XoIWKNxFo/TtCHXu7NiQI/AAAAAAAAMQQ/0RkJkaBSu-c/s512/fork%252520swap.jpg

[Astir]

Nice!!

[Astir]

How cute - Pedro was trying to help you change a tire...

You better buy that motohubby and sister wife something seriously nice for Christmas!! Wow 60 miles to come help you out. Want a lucky lady you are indeed!!

The bike looks great!! What an amazing job you are doing. (and Pedro's rims are nice too!)

[theWolfTamer]

The weather and no tread on the front tire has had me at home the past few days. Before I took the bike to the shop, I broke out my new to me harbor freight tire changer with the intention of changing the front tire. Lorne posted on a local forum about seeing far too many front tires that needed changing recently and I'd hoped not to be one of them. Alas, my temporary stabilize the changer solution didn't work
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--vT9ukbM_3E/Tslz0hz8nUI/AAAAAAAAMGI/h1qHXgJW-Ak/s720/DSCF5282.JPG

My front yard isn't level and the screws poking through the bottom of the board made for a rocking changer. I gave up, put the front tire back on, and decided to accept whatever ridicule came my way because of it. He only said I should have brought the tire in to be changed too and I would have had I not been set to do it myself.

Second attempt at the tire change was much more successful. I bolted the changer to a board like I should've done in the first place, used the level surface of the garage, and was able to get the tire off with no issues.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GXN69P3nHJo/TtG6XoI1PfI/AAAAAAAAMRs/PvJrv1hV9a8/s720/DSCF5354.JPG

Getting it on proved much more challenging. I learned that I didn't have the rim locked into the changer when I tried to get the top bead on. I only got this far
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3onSQ1j-EoA/TtG6hMDVMgI/AAAAAAAAMSU/XBIbaXV92_Y/s720/DSCF5359.JPG

before the urge to :mghissyfit: took over. I went inside and called my moto hubby asking that he drive all the way across town to help. (Some 60 something miles!) My Dad said he'd help but not until Monday and I can't ever remember him putting or taking a tire off of the rim.

My sister wife let him come and he arrived early Sunday morning.:yahoo: He figured out how to secure the rim but that bridgestone tire I was putting on would not succumb to the changers attempts. In the end, we went and got another tire iron and did it old school style: on the ground with blocks to protect the rotor and two tire irons. It still took both of us but it's on.

Then I made him ride Baby to see if his observations about the fork swap matched mine.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DObm8yINpFA/TtLc1e2JS9I/AAAAAAAAMUc/Gi84QZJNQgY/s720/IMG_20111127_130436.jpg

They did and he also noted how smooth the steering was compared to Stella. I guess tapered bearings are noticeable (I didn't). He reminded me to be careful if I got into high speeds for a tank slapper. I've been to 86 (gotta love the multiguage feature of recalling your top speed) with no issue so I think that's all right.

What I did do though was put the preload at the stock setting for the fork, 6, rather than the 4 the OTC had it set at. Next ride I plan to soften the compression too. That should be tomorrow or Thursday before Cruzman and I get together again on Sunday. I'll go into adjustment specifics next post.

One more thing, in case I forgot to mention it. There's still a to do list on this mod:

Install extensions (whenever i get them). Cruzman managed to get the fender to contact the radiator with some severe bouncing. Could've been the 6 preload not being good for his weight. I think adding the two inches will prevent that. Mike, the guy who wrote the guide, says that the way OTC did the steering stem swap may mean my bike is lower than if it was done the way he suggested in his guide. I'm going to pull out the tape measure and put my findings in his thread to see what the difference is.

Stainless Steel lines. This is a maybe. The fellas on the FZ1 forums all say I should get them and with the stockers sticking out like that, I'm seriously tempted. But once the extensions are installed if the brake lines don't stick out, they'll stay rubber until a lot later.

Paint front fender. This is another one that's gonna wait a minute or three. I don't plan to do that until I can't stand the look of the black fender (kind of like putting rims on Pedro because the hubcaps made me cringe everytime I saw them). I have an idea for paint though: A black stripe. Leave the fender black and put a black stripe on the nose of the fairing, down the middle of the tank, and through the middle of the tail section. I've got to take a high shot of the bike and mock it in Gimp (free photoshop) to see what it'll look like before I commit to it though.

[theWolfTamer]

Today Cruzman and I went for a ride so we could tweak the settings on our suspension. Earlier this year, he serviced his forks and has been trying to get them to feel right since. We both have the FZ-R6R shock upgrade and have been trying different settings since their installs. We've been adjusting the damping in attempts to approve the overall feel and ride.

We didn't have a route planned, beyond going to Blood Mountain and taking as many runs as it took until we were comfortable. We met at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast at Waffle House and to discuss where else we were going. I was leading this ride. Before we even got to Blood Mountain, I knew I wanted things softened up a bit so we stopped across from Turner's Corner (http://travelingluck.com/North+America/United+States/Georgia/_4227435_Turners+Corner.html#local_map) to make the first adjustments.

Begin More Technical Content
Compression damping helps the spring to resist bumps and forces placed on the bike. You feel it when the wheel is going up. Rebound forces the wheel to the ground after you hit a bump; the opposite of compression.

Here's an explanation of the difference between Low and high (or fast) compression taken from Motorcyclist Magazine (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/adjust_motorcycle_suspension/index.html) online:

High-speed damping comes into play when the tires ride over closely spaced, rippled bumps.

Low-speed damping is the control exerted inside the fork over large, rolling kinds of bumps, or during braking and acceleration.
End More Technical Content

Cruzman was complaining about his bike squatting in the curves so he adjusted the fast compression on the rear shock. I'm not certain why he chose the fast compression. I know that adjusting the slow compression affects the fast compression but not the other way around. That's why most shocks, except high-end ones, just have one compression adjustment. If there was a time to adjust the fast compression, it was on Cheaha where the road surface in some areas was nothing but ripples and bump after bump after bump.

I was complaining about the harsh ride and wanted everything softer. He told me to make one adjustment at a time but one of those was overdue and I wanted them both done so he acquiesced. Starting at the front, he softened the compression one click. In the back, he said he changed it to 3 1/4 turns. My guess is fast speed but I'm waiting for him to return my texted question so I can update my records.

It was a quick stop, and we were off to attack the mountain! :wootrock: All right, that's overstating it a bit. We rode up the mountain to see if the changes had the effects we wanted. Recap: Cruzman wanted no more squatting, I wanted to stop the feeling that I was bouncing along the road.

We chose Blood Mountain because we know it well and it has a variety of curves. Some are very technical and others and nice sweepers. There are areas that require a quick transition left, right, left. The road surface is mostly predictable. There are a few bumps that you can usually see and one right in the wrong spot that will send you off your line if the suspension isn't right or even close to right. It is a good mix of the types of roads we like to ride.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oN9NsvwFDo4/TtxGikisVXI/AAAAAAAAMhY/1To80wzVCZc/s559/turners%252520to%252520neels.png
Almost 8 miles of bliss, but don't believe google maps when it says it takes 8 minutes.

During those 8 miles, we made sure to vary our corner entry speed, hit as many bumps as we could and assess the bikes reaction, hard braking to assess front end dive, and kept a running commentary going over the comms.

I'd go through the corner and he'd ask, "Did you feel that bump?"

I'd answer, "What bump?" or "Yes but it didn't affect my line."

He managed to hit the mess-up-your-drawers bump each time we went up. I managed to miss it. I hit it once back in the spring fully loaded and that was enough for me. The first time, it threw him off is line a little.

After the first run, Cruzman decided he was happy with the rear. The squatting was gone but he needed to soften his front compression. I was :yahoo: That's how I dreamed it would feel. It wasn't too harsh and gave me the feed back I was looking for. In fact it was confidence inspiring. I think I'm ready for my track debut. Or not. I'd hate to wreck my bike!

We took a run back down to Turner's for Cruzman to see if he was happy with his front fork adjustment and for me to be sure I'd done everything I needed. When we got to Turner's, we were both :lol::ecstasy::yahoo::wootrock::cloud9: so we turned around to explore some other roads. On the way up, he hit the mess-up-your-drawers bump and claimed he felt it but it didn't change his line. I trust him. :thumbup:

Now, as I sit and type this, I realize I need to do something about the rebound. I think the bike turns a little too quickly. I'm content with it the way it is now so I think I'll wait until the extensions arrive before I make any more adjustments. That's when I'll make sure the sag is right and do some more fine tuning.

Overall, the suspension mods get :thumbsup: but fall short of the "I should have done this sooner" category. Why? If I'd done it sooner I wouldn't know what bad was.:D:

[Luna Tique]

I am glad you waiting on the supension upgrade so you could really feel the difference.:lol:
Nice write up WolfTamer. :clapping:
I always enjoy seeing the mods and upgrades you do on Baby. :thumbup:

[theWolfTamer]

Thank you! It's official now, I've got to more mods to keep you guys happy.

Seriously, I'm near the end of my mod list for Baby. This time it's true!

So I was just reading something on the FZ1OA forum and realized something: My r1 forks can get better! That's right. I've got OEM 2003 forks with OEM internals. There are upgrades for the r1 forks. I think I'd better keep that front suspension penny jar, I can see some time in the future (way in the future) maybe upgrading the internals with ak-20s or ohlins or something like that.

This fork conversion is the mod that just keeps on giving!

[Luna Tique]

:lol:

[Dualsport Chic]

We know you won't get bored for too long - afterall - Sam's in need of some TLC next!

:popcorn1:

[theWolfTamer]

Still not finished with Baby!

Just won an eBay auction for a piece of heretofore used unobtanium:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6JCbbGMke98/Tt6iKWDOBpI/AAAAAAAAMkk/muuLbnzAeTk/s504/gen2%252520upper.png

It includes everything pictured except the ignition switch. I only want the upper triple clamp. This'll make my install look a lot cleaner than
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3n3tiLKA8d8/Ts2b6vZgT3I/AAAAAAAAMOA/r22nZBxCCAs/s720/DSCF5331.JPG

I knew using the r1 upper triple would be ugly but seeing how ugly really has an effect. I'd wanted the g2 fz1 upper but could never find a used one and really didn't want to pay nearly $200 for a new one. Since the r1 upper triple was a compromise, I kept my eye open for the used g2 upper. Now it looks like I'll have even more stuff to sell!

I'll get that powdercoated black and will install it at the same time as the extensions (when they show up).

[Astir]

:yahoo: Gotta love fleaBay!!

heretofore used unobtanium:

:rofl:

[theWolfTamer]

:yahoo: Gotta love fleaBay!!



:rofl:

I can't even begin to describe how many links I've clicked on for gen2 stuff that didn't include the upper or how many ebay searches for FZ1 triple I did that didn't show a gen2 upper. When this one came up, I pounced on it. Stopping short of doing the Buy it Now price, the seller was a bit optimistic about that. I was prepared to snipe the bid if I had to (as long as it was below what I was willing to pay).

Today I got a pm on the fz1oa forum. Looks like I'll have the r1 upper sold once I take it off.

Also I will be adding these to the tool box on Christmas day:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944006000P

http://s.shld.net/is/image/Sears/00944006000-1?hei=600&wid=600&op_sharpen=1&qlt=90,0&resMode=sh arp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0

They're on sale now for about $30. I'm also getting the standard set. My big brother's getting them for me. I bought the metric set last week and he's giving me my money back then the sale started back this week so he bought the standard set, I just have to pick it up and act surprise at Christmas, "It's just what I wanted, how did you know?"

The 14mm will be perfect for adjusting the fork preload! 12mm should work on the shock. :wootrock:

[theWolfTamer]

My used unobtanium finally arrived today. Judging from the box, there was some kind of heist attempt before it was delivered safely on my doorstep. I'm glad he didn't take everything off and wrap it separately because I likely would have lost something in transit! I spent some time taking it apart to get the piece I really wanted:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zd551o4H0qU/TwP0xdsB5sI/AAAAAAAANIs/_-343b0lphs/s720/dscf5522.jpg

My OEM upper was black. The r1 upper is black. This one is not. I'm trying to decide if I should get it powder coated or paint it black too. There are some nicks where the seller took the ignition out. I won't mention how tight all the bolts were.

The bridge on the risers are a little dink but I probably won't use them anyway. Motohubby reminded me that I'd changed to gen2 bars before the swap for comfort and the gen2 risers are a lot taller than the oem gen1 ones. A lot of gen2 owners swap theirs for SV risers. I think the risers from my VX will work so I'm going to try them tomorrow. If so, I'll put the gen2 risers on the VX.

Now I'm waiting (still) on the extensions before I install the new upper. This'll give me time to decide on black or the OEM silver. I'm leaning towards black and maybe getting the bars coated black too.

For the front fender, I'm leaning towards the blue vinyl carbon fiber treatment.
http://www.speeduppro.com/photo/carbon_blue01.jpg

I'll get a roll and do the side covers and air box covers too for continuity. I'm almost as eager now to get this completed as I was a couple of months ago to get the darned forks installed!

[Luna Tique]

You find some of the most interesting things to modify your bike WolfT

so I searched and found a video of the carbon fiber being applied to a motorcycle.

3M CARBON FIBER (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGwhosrmcbk&feature=player_embedded)

One question will it chip if hit by a stone?
How hard will it be to clean the bugs and tar off ?

[theWolfTamer]

My plan is to treat it like paint and have extra just in case that doesn't work. The site says that you can wash it and it's uv resistant. They have pics with it installed on car hoods and such.

If I could get the fender painted for the same price as getting this stuff, I would just get it painted but the quote I got will put the total price of the painted fender over what a new replacement would have cost. I really don't want it to end up costing me more than a new part.

With this stuff, I'll be able to add color to some other parts I've been considering putting color on before. In fact, I have a set of painted side covers that don't match already. I'll put the film on those and if it looks good, I'll sell my black covers that are on the bike now.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WmnD5BVUTM4/TYP43JuB89I/AAAAAAAAH2Y/VeTT-aLxKls/s720/DSCF4591.JPG

A lot different from the pics in the ad:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f6QDyt2D_8c/TeiXiG-NWiI/AAAAAAAAI24/Nzi7iidhC98/s300/%252524%252528KGrHqQOKj%252521E1s026KBTBNdS9qN%252 52Cwg%25257E%25257E_35.JPG

[theWolfTamer]

Good news for my wallet: the risers from my VX800 fit the gen2 upper. Perfect for me because I had risers on the risers (if that makes sense) and I was going to take them off anyway. I put the gen2 risers on the VX and now it's a little lower like I wanted. It's a win-win.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pgCTrKXqPNY/TwTXF3tskmI/AAAAAAAANJA/6HlwHS61B6k/s720/dscf5527.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iM1IP3PNsYM/TwTXFr3AM-I/AAAAAAAANI8/ViXfGBmyjKU/s720/dscf5528.jpg

[theWolfTamer]

I got the best news today...My extensions are finally on their way! I guess Devilsyam had to fight the devil himself to get these done. Post is from the UK so I guess another couple of weeks and they'll be in my warm little hands.

I guess I'd better make up my mind about what to do with that upper pretty quick!

[theWolfTamer]

They arrived in the mail today! :ecstasy:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ldenMdLCeiY/TxC6Q2bZnwI/AAAAAAAANKc/kr1TSH2WfSo/s720/dscf5531.jpg

This design is a little different that what I've seen in the past; usually they have some kind of bolt to hold the fork. These are designed to fit snugly and rest against a stop inside. The narrower part at the top allows me to raise or lower the forks in the triple tree up to 2" if I use the stock risers. The vx risers limit that to a little less than an inch which is more than what I plan. I'm thinking of raising the forks around .3 or less in the trees.

Here they are fairly flush (and showing that I haven't bought the shorter bolts needed with these risers):
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OoeWHYTF8LM/TxC6STXLa4I/AAAAAAAANKs/w29pETFvmRA/s720/dscf5532.jpg

I'm going to need to get 3 or 3.5" bolts. I'll also get some spacers in case the risers are too low.

I'm excited to be nearly finished with this mod. :wootrock: Just some loose ends to tie up now.

I've ordered some blue carbon fiber vinyl to try to cover the front fender.
http://www.autoxpstore.com/eBay-AutoXstore/Product_Images/PERSONALIZED_Series/Carbon_Fiber_Vinyl_Decals/Blue/AUC_Carbon_PVB1.jpg

I'm hoping the color matches but I won't know until it arrives. If not, I'll have to figure out a contrasting color. Right now I'm thinking I'll cover not only the pieces I mentioned before but the rad covers and redo the terrible cf that's on the cheap LED turn signals as well.:thumbup:

The other little things that need to be done as a part of this swap is getting new brake lines. I'll be getting the Fren Tubo SS line kit and down the road a bit some pretty rotors. I also need to clean up the aux light install so that the wires aren't hanging down so bad. Both of these things can be done after I get the extensions installed.

Devilsyam says I need to try them to be certain they fit and that they are a pain to get off. I want them black so they'll need to be powdercoated as well. I'm finding that the devil is in the details!

[theWolfTamer]

Just about done with installing the extensions. It's supposed to be a test fit but it'll likely be a while before I remove these again.

It took a "persuader" to get them on.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xE-SzuDqFT8/TxJE0AKZaHI/AAAAAAAANMw/-e6kKiMexl8/s720/dscf5539.jpg

Plus a few times of loosening/tightening bolts until the fork met the stop.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JautUiEh4l0/TxJE2KHvc_I/AAAAAAAANM8/TfBmBLqhExc/s720/dscf5540.jpg

I think it being cold in the garage aided in how snug they were but other than that they're a perfect fit.

I need to readjust how much they go through the upper because I can't get the calipers back on with them at only 7mm:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-861FKxwaLUI/TxJFBaqmkWI/AAAAAAAANNo/savydwgXrzY/s720/dscf5547.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fZq8LrDzp1I/TxJFGZc-_MI/AAAAAAAANPI/9FLsU9iB_tU/s512/dscf5551.jpg

[indianscout]

It took a "persuader" to get them on.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xE-SzuDqFT8/TxJE0AKZaHI/AAAAAAAANMw/-e6kKiMexl8/s720/dscf5539.jpg



Ah yes, the good ol' right angle energy transfer device......never force anything, just get a bigger hammer! :lol:

[Astir]

:lol:

[theWolfTamer]

Ah yes, the good ol' right angle energy transfer device......never force anything, just get a bigger hammer! :lol:

Devilsyam mentioned they'd be snug:
the fit now is firm push on bloody hard to pull off lol

I probably should have sanded them first but I don't have that kind of patience. Too :brr: in the garage to add more time to the deal.

Before extensions:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U-QWpn4jBk8/TvLp0bYgkPI/AAAAAAAAMww/nqsUeARUW4U/s512/DSCF5304.JPG

After extensions:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a8mZA4m16oE/TxJyfZCYZ7I/AAAAAAAANQs/po0SYNmdSYU/s512/dscf5558.jpg

Two things I noticed right away:
1. It's got about the same lean it used to have when it was on the side stand.
2. My headlights are back in the right spot!

It's too late to test ride but there's tomorrow (later today) and a planned ride with Cruzman on Monday. I did make an effortless u-turn directly in front of the driveway so that I could put him to bed though. Felt good.

[Dualsport Chic]

Looking good WT - hoping he rides well once you get him out on the road.

I'm thinking of taking the plunge on the Ohlins for the Tiger. The right suspension is so critical to enjoying the riding experience so I can fully appreciate your work to dial yours in to fit you.

:popcorn1:

[theWolfTamer]

I'm surprised at how big the improvement is. I was expecting baby steps but this is leaps and bounds better than the stock parts--both ends. I really didn't think I'd notice this stuff but when it slaps you in the face you kind of have to. I guess I listened to "the average rider won't notice suspension upgrades" and believed it. I don't anymore.

DC, I'm looking forward to reading your impressions of your new rear suspension and hope you are healing well so that you can ride your tiger as soon as you get that sorted.

[Luna Tique]

I am glad to hear your efforts, patients and following your own thinking has paid off WoftT.
Your bike is looking good. :thumbup:

[Astir]

Wow!! GREAT job WolfT!!

[theWolfTamer]

Thanks y'all. Unfortunately no ride today. I noticed a little "play" in the front wheel after test ride yesterday afternoon to check out another house (they converted the garage to a room so no deal!). Looks like I need bearings after just over 38k on the front wheel. I called OTC, they'll have them in by Thursday so we pushed the ride back to Saturday.

The wheel spins okay and is straight. I checked all of that when I re-installed the wheel. I'm still not 100% on diagnosing these things.

All I can do is look at it until then...I did get to take a pic of the bike on the side stand though:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CLGmT8RgnzY/TxN6kjSHRcI/AAAAAAAANRo/5rT4QkQA1rc/s720/IMG_20120115_151715.jpg

Finally looking like it should.

The plan is to remove the extensions and having the extra part above the upper triple trimmed. By the time I'm ready to do that, I'll be certain whether or not I want them PC'd. I think I like the contrast of the bare metal with the black.

[theWolfTamer]

Got the front wheel bearings installed on Thursday and went for a 334 mile ride on Saturday with the guys from fjriders.com and Cruzman. Those FJR guys sure are fast!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fCcXZxlg31E/TyTnk5ijjnI/AAAAAAAANUc/z5z_AS0Azb0/s640/DSCF5572.JPG

I didn't notice any difference in handling with the risers and the bike back at (near?) it's oem front height. Everything seemed to perform the same. I'd like to raise the forks a little more in the triples but that'll have to wait until I remove the extensions and take them to a machine shop to have the tops cut off.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RPbGhoo1TBQ/TyTn4tJJ6vI/AAAAAAAANTE/6Y0PznTeeiY/s640/DSCF5576.JPG

In the mean time, I have a new fairing stay on the way so the Baby's nose will be lined up once again. I also received the blue cf vinyl but now I'm not sure if I need it. It's a decent enough match but I think the black front fender has grown on me. Looks like I won't be doing anything with it for a while.

Next up is the fren tubo brake lines that I'll order later today or tomorrow. I'll likely install those at the same time as I do the gen2 upper triple. Just need a little warmer temps so I can paint it black. Then I can mark where the extensions need to be trimmed.

The little details seem to take the most time.

Another thing is I'm not exactly thrilled with my aux light mounts. I need to think of something else.