What have I done to my ER6?
Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 3:59 pm
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.....
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.....
Plus i'm only about 5"6 so i need to be able to reach as well