What have I done to my ER6?

[7clubs]

Well, since you ask.....

Changing the bars dramatically improves the handling and feel of the bike. I used Ventura Street bars, which are lower and slightly wider than standard, throwing more weight over the front end, so that you can actually feel what the tyre is doing, rather than guessing. There is a little more pressure on the wrists as a result, but it's only apparent after a couple of hours and is not problematic. The added bonus of this mod is a perfect view of what is going on behind you in the mirrors, rather than an eyeful of elbow. The bars are cheaper than mirror extenders too! Just watch that the throttle cables don't get pinched on the right-hand lock-stop.

It goes without saying that the standard Dunlop tyres are not best suited to overly-spirited riding, so I'll say no more about them.

As standard, the ER6 is unusual for a budget bike in being massively over-sprung, to the point where I felt it almost dangerous on bumpy surfaces. Changing the front springs is a simple, cheap (maybe $200) modification which makes things far more pleasant. The rear shock is, similarly, one small step up from junk, if you can afford to replace it, do so, otherwise this too can be re-sprung. I was lucky enough to secure brand new Ohlins springs and shock for a stupidly low price, thank you ebay. My springs are now for sale and the shock may be soon also. I have gone further and fitted a full cartridge kit to the front end and can honestly say that the forks are the best I have experienced, and I have had a few very nice bikes in my time. Not cheap but oh so lovely. As I plan on racing the bike next year, I may go for a higher-spec shock too.

With regard to brakes, I always fit braided hoses to my bikes, I prefer the consistency of feel. However, the biggest improvement in stopping power comes from chucking away the standard front pads for something better (EBC HH in my case). I cannot over-sell this simple modification. The rear brake is useless, I haven't tried to improve it.

In the quest for more power and noise and less weight, I have also added an Arrow silencer, with a Power Commander and decent air filter. The filter was probably superfluous, but the pipe saves at least 5kgs over standard, sounds good with or without the baffle and adds some (?) power without said baffle (adding 5kmh down the straight at Eastern Creek). I wouldn't say that the pipe with baffle inserted does much for the power output. The PC will allow further tweaking, when funds and time allow.

Next stop is rear-sets, crash knobs and slicks.

Yes, I have spent a fair bit on the bike, although I paid under 8 grand new for it and have been taking advantage of the strong Aussie/US dollar exchange rate to source parts in America.

To summarise, if you want a list of mods in order of improvement per dollar spent, I'd say bars, pads, springs, shock. HP costs money, looks are subjective. Tyres aren't cheap, but they are the thing between you and cold, hard bitumen.

And breathe.....

[Possum]

Sensational!! and someone who talks more than me.... and there's substance to what you say!!

I'm definately getting new bars!! The elbow thing annoys the crap out of me because moving my elbows in all the time makes my ipod (hidden snuggly between the assets) slip and ...Oh and i can't see in my mirrors.

I also agree re: the Dunlops...really really spoiled the whole package..

Bumpy surfaces!! I pinched a nerve in my back as i landed after launching her over a channel....wasn't quite prepared for it..(unknown road and at dusk) but you have to think quick if your going to give her a squirt...

...bugger i have to split.. i'll finish this first thing tomorrow..

Cheers
Possum

[hoffy]

Well dont just tease us, put up pics

[ozx6r]

my ipod (hidden snuggly between the assets)

not quite sure what u mean here!
got any pics?

[Gosling1]

thats a great post 7clubs - you clearly appreciate your bike !

[6maniac]

Another KSRC member with taste. BTW 7 - did I see your suspension discussion on the 650 Ninja forum?

[Possum]

my ipod (hidden snuggly between the assets)

not quite sure what u mean here!
got any pics?

Clearly i gave you too much credit considering your interests
Pic's of my bike/s will go on next week...

[Possum]

7clubs - Will you still ride your ER on the road or just race her? If not what else do you ride?

Possum

[robracer]

Sweet mods, waiting for the pics

[Neka79]

hmmm my bike hasnt been modded in a while.... but one of the best things was the bars... and brakes...

good write up mate!!

[Possum]

7clubs...

Thanks again for the info - i ordered new bars and brakes over the weekend!!.. it's a start..new tyres aren't far away..

Cheers Possum

[Neka79]

7clubs...

Thanks again for the info - i ordered new bars and brakes over the weekend!!.. it's a start..new tyres aren't far away..

Cheers Possum

what u get??

i coulda assisted with bar info... i got a nice set of renthals from the UK that the aus dist wouldnt bring in... for abt $75 delivered... cheaper than buying here!!

[Possum]

7clubs...

Thanks again for the info - i ordered new bars and brakes over the weekend!!.. it's a start..new tyres aren't far away..

Cheers Possum

what u get??

i coulda assisted with bar info... i got a nice set of renthals from the UK that the aus dist wouldnt bring in... for abt $75 delivered... cheaper than buying here!!

Thanks for the offer - it's handy to know and i still might take you up on it.... My brother is in the trade and is has a set of renthals in the shop he's going to bring up to me this weekend - i need to try them out. Between the shape of the ER6 tank, my georgous D air bags and the amount of time i spend riding, i have to get something that is comfortable Plus i'm only about 5"6 so i need to be able to reach as well

[Neka79]

i went from stock bars, to flat drag bars.... they didnt give enuf clearance on the tank, so i went for renthal ultra low in red... Casons (i think) wont bring em in to Aus.. so i found a UK site to buy em.. they have a HUGE range....

[Possum]

i went from stock bars, to flat drag bars.... they didnt give enuf clearance on the tank, so i went for renthal ultra low in red... Casons (i think) wont bring em in to Aus.. so i found a UK site to buy em.. they have a HUGE range....

wot was the web address...i should check em out before i make a final decision..

Cheers Possum