[SPBRAVO]

Hi,

I tried to do a search but cannot find what i want, so if it is on this site i would appreciate a push in the right direction.

My friend rides a 2001 blackbird which is well looked after! he loves the bike and does not want to change it. He rides with me and my brother both on sports bikes and i wondered what he could do to the standard suspension to help with the handling as he has not changed it from leaving the shop!

I appreciate the differences in these bikes anyway, but before you all start i would just like to help the guy out a little.

I have altered the rear ride height on a couple of my old bikes with a shim between the shock and the frame. Would this be a worthwhile mod for him? and what size would you say would work best?

Also is it worth dropping the front sprocket a tooth for a bit of extra drive out of the bends?

And a tire selection would be nice!

many thanks for your anticipated help.

[strek]

I have read about others who have installed a shim. I haven't installed one myself. From my point of view the bike handles great stock. Here's a link to some information on the shim. If you go down about 4 posts there are instructions on installation.

6 mm spacer - CBRXX.com

[XXTC]

The shim should be 5 or 6mm and to improve handling a bit more, you can drop the forks 5mm in the triple tree. You will be amazed at the change in handling. As for gearing, have your friend run the bike at 6000 or so when sporting about, he will have all the power and acceration he needs. If you drop geraring, it will wheelie too much coming out of corners, but maybe thats what he desires. Hope this helps.

[SevenStar1000RR]

not too sure about what _1 on the front for a blackbird would do but for my 061KRR it did wonders for making it feel alive after getting used to the long gears i would say do the -1 down in the front he won't have to give it as much wrist but will still fly and wheelies can be a problem if he goes full throttle ALL the time.

[Burkey]

I USED A 5MM SPACER AT THE REAR SHOCK. THE TURN-IN CHANGED QUITE A BIT FOR THE GOOD, BUT THE GREATEST DIFFERENCE WAS IN THE FLIP-FLOPS, WHERE THE BIKE CHANGED FROM AN '1100' TO A '600'.....GIVE IT A GO.