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Post subject: mods to improve road handling & comfort & touring
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 2:51 pm
Forum Member
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:44 am Posts: 657 Location: NW 'burbs of Chicagoland
I've been thinking of moving on to gen6 vfr. But expect will spend good bit of $$$$ to setup for my type of riding. So maybe should invest more in the 650F to get it as near ideal as possible for my type riding.
What's my type riding? >> Lots of miles on slab. Reaching fun roads from my home requires 2 or more hrs minimum on slab. Often 4 hrs. So comfort for long hrs in saddle is important. How best to improve comfort of this old fart's butt, knees, shoulders, & wrist/hands? >> Love thrill of riding the twisties. I'm not fast, but still enjoy the curves. How to maximize bike's performance on curvy roads? What brakes/suspension/fork changes should I consider? >> I'm into touring. Multiple days camping &/or moteling. What mods or add-ons should be done?
My signature area below includes list of mods done so far.
Any and all advice based on your experiences will be much appreciated. Thanks!
_________________ +-+-+-Michael-+-+-+ flush-mount indicators, HID lowbeam, tank cover, gel grips, N-R tankbag, ext mirrors, decals removed/added, Nuvi 760 gps & RAM mount, swingarm spools, Vortex 17t front sprocket, PR2 tires, GIVI windscreen, center stand, SW Motech rear rack & Motobox, Centech fusebox, Stebel horn Life needs to be an Adventure
Post subject: Re: mods to improve road handling & comfort & touring
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 3:51 pm
Forum Member
Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:56 am Posts: 574 Location: Vancouver BC
New seat, either Corbin or Sargent. Makes a HUGE difference, also i added a pipe and a Juice box. Gives the bike some more "pep" But look like you have Pimped it out! good on you mate!
_________________ Flush mounted LED's front signals, Chopped rear fender with new signals, 2bro slip on exhaust. Blue LED accent Lights, Sargent Seat, Frame Sliders, two Brothers Juice box, XTRE power box
A cheaper option than a new seat is to look at http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php or search for Spencer motorcycle seats. Contact him if you have any questions. Just got mine back, but I want to ride it more before a final evaluation. I saw this link in prior discussions, and he's been written up in various magazines all praising the changes he made to the seats. Basically he changes out the cushion on your current seat with some more "modern" materials. He wants a picture of you sitting on the seat, and will ask some questions of where the seat might bother you, do you need it lowered, etc.. $50-$75 for the rider end of the seat depending on the material he uses (your choice), plus shipping. He has a 2-3 work day turn around. The seat is 8 lbs, so shipping from Pittsburgh area was $12.50 each way, took 3 days each way by UPS. My total outlay is $100.
_________________ Bling mods`..Custom red GSX plate..Custom decals ..Cut down fender..Painted red airducts ..Michelin Pilot road 2 tyres..Narva globes..Givi Touring topcase..Renthal ultra low bars and grips and CARBON BITS >> mini indicators ..bars ends ,side covers, tank pad ,leg pads ,heel guards ,key saver, fuel cover ..red rim tape ,red stand bobbins....Try to catch me POPS. ..lmao.http://www.youtube.com/user/Sleddog107
Post subject: Re: mods to improve road handling & comfort & touring
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 10:22 pm
Founder Member
Joined: Fri May 23, 2008 10:52 am Posts: 81 Location: Victoria, Australia
I altered my F more towards touring.
Few things I would recommend.
- 1inch up and back bar risers. - MRA Vario Touring Screen. - Crampbuster or something such as this.
I also have the Givi V35 panniers and Sat Nav/Bluetooth into the Helmet speakers. Over all it's made the bike a good touring package. Only thing I would add would be a Sargents seat.
Post subject: Re: mods to improve road handling & comfort & touring
Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2010 10:07 am
Forum Member
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:51 am Posts: 808 Location: Canberra, Australia
knolltop314 wrote:
What brakes/suspension/fork changes should I consider?
I guess you would have already read about changing the weight of your fork oil? And progressive springs? And spring spacers? And there are also detailed steps you can follow to setup your preload and rebound depending on your body weight. I should note that I haven't done any of this (I am pretty happy with the default setup and haven't actually changed anything) but if you really want to optimise what you got, you should perhaps look into that kind of stuff. If it's not on this forum, it will be on others.
_________________ Slow on the corners, fast on the straights.
An update on the Spencer mod. Been riding it for about 2 weeks now. The butt doesn't go numb after 30-40 minutes like it use to. Whatever that Supracor stuff is that he uses it keeps its shape but does give and is a nice improvement. The stock padding is rock hard. For $100 not a bad investment as I don't have a problem with the current seat shape. I'm hoping someone starts making a new cover for it though, in colors as on other bikes, but since it is mostly covered up with my behind and my tail bag, that isn't a big issue for me.
Suzuki / givi luggage or soft luggage, scala blue tooth headset/ intercom, any gps, a decent seat, handlebar risers, good gloves with Gel palms, ear plugs (yes you can still hear) soft sided cooler to hold water etc, a camera, tank bag (i dont like em .. others do). 12 volt cig / accessory adapter
Post subject: Re: mods to improve road handling & comfort & touring
Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:49 pm
Forum Member
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:48 am Posts: 99 Location: Southern Ontario Canada
The VFR has a MUCH more aggressive riding position than the GSX does. Many riders won't buy a VFR for that reason. Risers will not get the riding position on the VFR as upright as the GSX. If you do decide to buy one, take a good long test ride first.
Attachments:
File comment: VFR vs GSX VFRGSX.jpg [ 184.14 KiB | Viewed 739 times ]
Post subject: Re: mods to improve road handling & comfort & touring
Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:40 am
Forum Member
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:44 am Posts: 657 Location: NW 'burbs of Chicagoland
I took the advise to take LONG test ride on vfr. I agree that even by raising bars I'll still likely be in too aggressive position for miles/miles ride.
I'm less convinced of need up/back risers for my 650F. Now thinking that just 1" up will do the job. I'm 5'10" w/ 32/33" shirt sleeve length. Anyone have experience to support/refute thinking that 1" up will be sufficient?
And once again, thanks for the inputs and keep 'em coming!!
NotSerious ... is that the Icon hi-viz vest in your pic?
_________________ +-+-+-Michael-+-+-+ flush-mount indicators, HID lowbeam, tank cover, gel grips, N-R tankbag, ext mirrors, decals removed/added, Nuvi 760 gps & RAM mount, swingarm spools, Vortex 17t front sprocket, PR2 tires, GIVI windscreen, center stand, SW Motech rear rack & Motobox, Centech fusebox, Stebel horn Life needs to be an Adventure
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