Crotch-Rocket Riders: Help Me Pimp My lil Bro's Ride
June 15, 2011 7:11 PM Subscribe
A '99 Kawasaki ZX-7R with 30k miles was just dropped off by my little bro for a tune up and carb sync/adjustment. While I have it, what bitchen stuff can I do to this bike for $300/$400 bucks. (I have permission to do whatever I want.)
I need advice because even though I've built engines for Harleys, Vespas and even "big rig" diesels, I have no idea what would be important to tweak on this "crotch rocket". Re-jet the carbs? Aftermarket clutch? Aftermarket cam? Heck, I don't know!
What would YOU be excited about if somebody Pimped your Rocket?
Many thanks in advance!
I need advice because even though I've built engines for Harleys, Vespas and even "big rig" diesels, I have no idea what would be important to tweak on this "crotch rocket". Re-jet the carbs? Aftermarket clutch? Aftermarket cam? Heck, I don't know!
What would YOU be excited about if somebody Pimped your Rocket?
Many thanks in advance!
Response by poster: Thanks, aeighty, that's a great idea. I just noticed too that the stock exhaust is pretty ugly.
posted by snsranch at 8:27 PM on June 15, 2011
posted by snsranch at 8:27 PM on June 15, 2011
Best answer: Dude. Dude.
okay, first, it's not a crotch rocket... unless your harleys are ass barges. ;)
secondly, aeighty is right - the ZX-7R doesn't really lack for power. what it does lack for is lightness and comfort. if I had $300 to spend on my ZX-7R, I'd get BMW grips (pn 2/32721458395 and 2/32721458396) and a replacement seat (sargent, corbin, etc), and a new slipon (easily lose 10 lbs). If I wanted to go for "looks", I'd get an undertail with proper stalk turn signals, a rear hugger fender, and maybe a smoked windscreen. If I wanted to do him a favor, I'd adjust the valves and put a new chain and sprockets on it.
I'm going, btw, to specifically recommend against LED signals - they're monstrously hard to see, and something that makes a bike even less visible is... a bad idea
posted by TheNewWazoo at 8:48 PM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
okay, first, it's not a crotch rocket... unless your harleys are ass barges. ;)
secondly, aeighty is right - the ZX-7R doesn't really lack for power. what it does lack for is lightness and comfort. if I had $300 to spend on my ZX-7R, I'd get BMW grips (pn 2/32721458395 and 2/32721458396) and a replacement seat (sargent, corbin, etc), and a new slipon (easily lose 10 lbs). If I wanted to go for "looks", I'd get an undertail with proper stalk turn signals, a rear hugger fender, and maybe a smoked windscreen. If I wanted to do him a favor, I'd adjust the valves and put a new chain and sprockets on it.
I'm going, btw, to specifically recommend against LED signals - they're monstrously hard to see, and something that makes a bike even less visible is... a bad idea
posted by TheNewWazoo at 8:48 PM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Lighter wheels would be a big improvement to unsprung weight. Quicker turn-in, easy wheelies, etc
And I was just going to suggest aftermarket exhaust cans, which can reduce weight and improve performance (does not have to be much louder than stock).
I did these and more to my Ducati, I went a little nuts on Dymag carbon fiber wheels (2K right there, crazy), but you may find composites in the price range.
Any little carbon replacement parts you can find for the bike would be thoughtful eye candy.
Or how about a stick-on clock? ;-)
posted by artdrectr at 8:58 PM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
And I was just going to suggest aftermarket exhaust cans, which can reduce weight and improve performance (does not have to be much louder than stock).
I did these and more to my Ducati, I went a little nuts on Dymag carbon fiber wheels (2K right there, crazy), but you may find composites in the price range.
Any little carbon replacement parts you can find for the bike would be thoughtful eye candy.
Or how about a stick-on clock? ;-)
posted by artdrectr at 8:58 PM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
If it's street-driven: new seat (Sargent vs. Corbin is a personal preference though), fender eliminator.
If it's track-driven: new adjustable rearsets, rear shock, exhaust, steel brake lines, steering damper.
Either: new rubber (love the new Diablo Rosso Corsas on my SV), new levers, fork oil/simulators to preference.
posted by kcm at 9:24 PM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
If it's track-driven: new adjustable rearsets, rear shock, exhaust, steel brake lines, steering damper.
Either: new rubber (love the new Diablo Rosso Corsas on my SV), new levers, fork oil/simulators to preference.
posted by kcm at 9:24 PM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Go for something cosmetic (check your street-legal regulations where applicable). Ideas: Fender Eliminator Kit, Tone On Tone Windscreen, Tank Pads.
posted by amyms at 10:23 PM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by amyms at 10:23 PM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for the great ideas! You guys got me right on track with this!
posted by snsranch at 10:19 AM on June 16, 2011
posted by snsranch at 10:19 AM on June 16, 2011
Response by poster: Just gave it a good look over and it definitely needs rubber, a chain and sprockets so I'll start there. Thanks for the links amyms, that's good stuff.
posted by snsranch at 4:12 PM on June 16, 2011
posted by snsranch at 4:12 PM on June 16, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by aeighty at 7:17 PM on June 15, 2011