Took the VFR for the first real ride of the season today. Covered about 150 miles.
I installed a Penske rear shock and Traxxion rebuilt forks during the winter. My first impression was how firm the new suspension feels. The bike is not quite as smooth as before, but I expected this with the new springs in front and an 1100 lb rear spring. Once I got into the twisties the money spent began to really show. The bike feels a good bit more stable through the turns and turn in is quicker (taller rear shock by about 7-8 mm). Also better front end feedback which really helps on turn entry. May need to adjust the rebound on the rear a bit. Will get more miles in and maybe add a touch more damping. May end up respringing the rear.....can only get about 22 mm of preload and it should be closer to 30.
While replacing the chain and sprockets I went up two teeth on the rear sprocket. I am totally pleased with the new gearing. Improved acceleration and better drive off the slow corners, but it's a subtle change. Not quite as big a difference as going down one tooth on the front sprocket. but enough to make a noticeable difference without jacking up the rpm much, so it's still nice on the open highway when keeping ahead of traffic. The only negative about the gearing, (and it is really minor) is that first and second gear are quickly dispatched as the tranny in the VFR is already geared pretty low in the first two gears.
See you all at Texas Mac!
I installed a Penske rear shock and Traxxion rebuilt forks during the winter. My first impression was how firm the new suspension feels. The bike is not quite as smooth as before, but I expected this with the new springs in front and an 1100 lb rear spring. Once I got into the twisties the money spent began to really show. The bike feels a good bit more stable through the turns and turn in is quicker (taller rear shock by about 7-8 mm). Also better front end feedback which really helps on turn entry. May need to adjust the rebound on the rear a bit. Will get more miles in and maybe add a touch more damping. May end up respringing the rear.....can only get about 22 mm of preload and it should be closer to 30.
While replacing the chain and sprockets I went up two teeth on the rear sprocket. I am totally pleased with the new gearing. Improved acceleration and better drive off the slow corners, but it's a subtle change. Not quite as big a difference as going down one tooth on the front sprocket. but enough to make a noticeable difference without jacking up the rpm much, so it's still nice on the open highway when keeping ahead of traffic. The only negative about the gearing, (and it is really minor) is that first and second gear are quickly dispatched as the tranny in the VFR is already geared pretty low in the first two gears.
See you all at Texas Mac!