Author Topic: Design Philosophy and Modifications (Read 3240 times)

Dave 02 1200 · « **on:** April 25, 2006, 10:35:08 PM »

Over 25 years ago when I got tired of traffic stops for speeding in the city on my Triumph 650 with open TT pipes I replaced the TT pipes with stock mufflers. Then I discovered that I could actually ride much faster than before without drawing the attention of the city's finest. Another revelation was that I did not get as tired on long rides. Then I discovered that, without the racket, I could hear the little sounds in my motor and could tell when it was time to set the valves, sync the carbs, and adjust the primary chain.

Today I was out on my 02 B 1200 with a jet kit, ignition advancer, airbox modification, and...a stock muffler. I have improved the overall tractability and my midrange is great, all making it much more rideable than stock. It is now easier to get on the power earlier in turns and I can go faster than before. I know I am missing out on a few horsepower but I have enough in this trim to go way too fast for any street situation and I can pass a cop on the throttle without drawing attention. This is a "sneaky fast" set up. Now I plan to go over the suspension.

I am trying to make the bike easier to ride smoothly and quickly. Does anyone else have a similar design philosophy? If so what modifications have you made? How did thy work out?

For me "stealth" is the fastest way to go from A to B and I welcome any ideas.

99er · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2006, 08:53:05 AM »

Then it's time for suspension mods such as a GSXR front end and a very expensive rear shock. Is Progressive good enough? If I was to ignore the exhaust cost, I would spring for a Penske or Ohlins myself.
Marc/Atlanta
Progressive/Racetek

solman · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2006, 02:53:54 AM »

I have a friend who had a TL1000S and he installed Yoshi's on it. He had the same problem with attracting the wrong type of attention. I've had good luck with my Holeshot. Not too loud, unless I am going ballistic with it.

wrecker · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2006, 11:43:10 PM »

I've had very good results with racetech gold valve/springs and raising the forks about 1/2 to 3/4 inch, Progressive rear shock and Holeshot dogbones to raise the rear. I added a Holeshot fork brace as well. You can spend more and get improved results, but this will give you the meat and potatoes your looking for on the street. It's the rider who knows the limits of his machine and knows how to use it to its limit.

nuttyprof1 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2006, 11:55:45 PM »

I am very interested in your mods. I have a bone stock 2003 1200s and I have had problems with idle and lean setting. Do you have the Stage 1 Holeshot and airbox mod? I would like to do that and keep the stock muffler, so I don't get the neighbors mad when I go to work and, as you say, so I don't attract the attention of cops.
What were the problems that this setup cured?
Thanks in advance

99er · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2006, 07:00:56 AM »

It's the rider who knows the limits of his machine and knows how to use it to its limit.
Hey wrecker - well put!

As for the exhaust, Dale makes a long pipe that is apparently very quiet but a request to the list may result in a cheaper can that runs quiet. My Dale pipe from the 2000 year is still strong and has been very loud from day one. I even considered replacing it with an RF900 can once but my ear plugs help :-) Nothing like the GSXR scream at full throttle down a straight.
Marc/Atl

wrecker · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2006, 08:44:41 PM »

The problem with the stock exhaust is the restriction starting at the cylinder head. I have a full Hindle exhaust and it was extremly quiet, til I chopped off about 6 inches off the "can" to give it a streetfighter look. It's still quiet around town, give it the gas and it has a throaty growl. It's a good balance for me and my neighbors. Back to the issue at hand, the carbs are set very lean from the factory and the exhaust system is very restrictive. Install a good jet kit and air filter system(e.g. Holeshot)and replace the exhaust system and you will be amazed at the performance, drivability and good mid range power, which is what I tune for street use. I had tuned my bike for high horsepower and now "detuned" to give me the strong hit at mid range for riding on the street on tight twisty roads. These bikes are very affordable and very moldable( if that's a word) to what you desire. I have had a hard time finding a bike that handles all the things that this bike does so well.