Hello

SPBRAVO · 01-30-2007, 8:53 AM

Hi everyone,

Im new to your site and have enjoyed looking through the past threads..

I have a standard SP1 which I brought a year ago but get frustrated with the slow cornering. I feel that if I can sort this out the bike has a lot more to offer when out riding with friends on there fours.

I'm sorry if this is going over old ground for you guys, but would like to know if the power commander would make that much of a difference for street riding and would be worth the money or should I just put the cash towards a new sofa for the misses.

Im not to fussed about the suspension being hard as long as I can get better throttle control at slower speeds.

Being new to twins I would appreciate your experiance so I can get a little more out of this fantastic machine.

Keep safe guys...........................

*Quick 26* · 01-30-2007, 9:54 AM

kelleyj · 01-30-2007, 10:28 AM

ill let ya know once mine is installed. its setting on my microwave stand as we speak waiting installation, they claim it make the throttle much smoother even on a stock bike

JetFxr · 01-30-2007, 1:16 PM

A power commander with a good map will help alot. If you change to 15/41 gearing it will feel like a whole different bike.

kelleyj · 01-30-2007, 1:41 PM

im gonna run the stock map until i buy a set of pipes.
when i do the exhaust ill also go with some K&N or BMC filters i already have it geared -1 up front/ stk. in the rear and ive done the soft rev mod ( highly recommended as well!)

SPBRAVO · 01-30-2007, 2:01 PM

Thanks for the welcolme,

Would be interested to see what you think when you get it fitted kelleyj. Ive also considdered dropping the front by one as i did it on my ZRX7.

Could you explain about the soft rev mod as ive not heard of that before.

Also JETFXR, could the mod to both spockets be done without changing the chain as it's a new one.

Off to the gym now so will have to pick up replies tomorrow, but thank you for your comments.

kelleyj · 02-02-2007, 7:46 AM

go on to RC51.org and in the MODS section, look for the soft rev mod, it litterally takes all of 10 minutes to do

our bikes have a "premilinary" rev limiter that kicks in at about 9200-9500RPM then a "hard" rev limiter at 10,500...its only on the US spec bikes, your actually may not have it if it is a euro spec bike. there is some totally stupid reason we have it on our that is some huge secret that no one lets out. but you can by pass per the directions on the ROGUE ( rc51.org) site. and it makes a huge difference. definitely go -1 up front at the very least. the RC is geared VERY tall. and you wont miss the small amount of topend at all that you may loose, you probably wont even notice it. as soon as i get the power commander installed ill be sure to let ya know my thoughts. i wont be able to ride it for sometime as we are in the middle of winter with about 2' of snow on the ground.

JetFxr · 02-02-2007, 9:31 AM

The stock chain length will work fine with the 15/41 gearing.

Mojave954 · 02-02-2007, 9:34 PM

SPBRAVO · 02-03-2007, 5:14 AM

Thank's I'll check out that web site.
My bike is UK spec so don't think I need the Soft Mod and will definatly look into dropping a tooth on th front. Like I said previously I did this on my ZX7 and was impressed with the way it brought the rev's up in slower corners and gave more punch out. The only thing I was not sure about was if the bike would run out of rev's to quickly and i would be changing gears all the time as I did on the Kwak. But if you say it's not to bad I will give it a go....

I've also started looking into suspension now im getting used to her, so if you know to any good site's on that im all ears.

Im really interested about the power commander though so keep in touch.

Shame about the snow. The weather here is quite warm fot the time of year, but the roads are still to greasey to have some real fun but it will not be long now..........

Catch ya lata

kelleyj · 02-03-2007, 9:27 AM

look to Dan Kyle of kyle racing. he has tons of goodies to make a bloke go broke lol including Ohlins suspension and sato exhausts. as for the gearing...no worries...i run down the interstate at 80MPH in 5th and it stays below 5k on the tach i still never use 6th gear below 100 mph for cruising.

we had a really mild winter as well.then it just hit us , with a vengence.
ill be sure to let ya know my thoughts

hurricane249 · 02-03-2007, 10:17 AM

SPBRAVO · 02-03-2007, 4:41 PM

Well at the moment the bike will run just under three figures in third as standard, which is great for sweeping bends roll on and off through the traffic, or am I just being lazy???

Also by doing the mod would it effect the speedo reading?? I wouldn't want to go past the fuzz thinking im not speeding when I am??

Sorry if im going throu old ground for you....

steveo34 · 02-04-2007, 12:40 PM

kelleyj · 02-05-2007, 7:15 AM

no it wont make it read lower than you are goin. it will read hihger E.I. ( based on the theroy that you speedo is correct with factory gearing, whihc it isnt, it reads hihger anyways) say with stock gearing it reads 50MPH and you are actually going 50MPH ( which you arent, more like 45-46MPH) and you go -1 in the front, now when it reads 50MPH your probably going about 42MPH. so if anything it will give you a little cushion

Rigor · 02-05-2007, 8:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPBRAVO

Also by doing the mod would it effect the speedo reading?? I wouldn't want to go past the fuzz thinking im not speeding when I am??

Like Kelly said, by changing your gearing, it make the speedo read higher then your actual speed. There's a Jim Ahlman speedo-healer on the market that'll straighten that right out. Higher speed readings also mean logging on slightly more mileage then actually traveled as well.

As for handling, You can only drop the forks 4mm through the triple trees, unless you remove a small retaining ring that's inder your clip-ons. That's assuming that you have stock clip-ons, as the ring has to be removed anyway, to add aftermarket ones, in most cases.

I'd only drop it a little (6mm-8mm or so) as clearence becomes an issue at the front fender, depending on your weight and how your front forks are sprung.

Raising the rear of the bike will have the same effect. By adding a 4-5mm (5mm max) thick shim at the top stock, shock mount, it raises the rear of the bike'd ride height approximately 14-15mm. It changes the turn-in feel, making it better. Adding a 190-55 (or even a 180-55) rear tire helps as well, increasing ride height, and getting away from the flat-profiled 190-50 rear tire. The best way to add rear ride height, obviously, is by replacing the rear shock with something that's adjustable.

I suggest running a steering damper with those suspension changes, as any changes in geometry can make some bikes prone to headshake. The RC51 is a stable bike, but geometery changes are changes none the less.

If you need one, I can make you a shim and send it to you, with instructions. PM me if interested.

Oh......and Welcome.

kelleyj · 02-05-2007, 8:48 AM

hey bro...im intrested...just send me some details if ya want. i cn make my own shim. i work in a fab shop with a laser and a waterjet. i can make pretty much anythign i need myself but i on know what it should look like? and how to install it....PM me is ya would! i run a 180 55 in the rear which helps a bit with the "tank" feeling but id like it to be a little more nimble in the corners. i may only add 2MM shim or so at first then see how that feels

Rigor · 02-05-2007, 11:40 AM

PM sent.............

SPBRAVO · 02-05-2007, 2:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigor

Like Kelly said, by changing your gearing, it make the speedo read higher then your actual speed. There's a Jim Ahlman speedo-healer on the market that'll straighten that right out. Higher speed readings also mean logging on slightly more mileage then actually traveled as well.

As for handling, You can only drop the forks 4mm through the triple trees, unless you remove a small retaining ring that's inder your clip-ons. That's assuming that you have stock clip-ons, as the ring has to be removed anyway, to add aftermarket ones, in most cases.

I'd only drop it a little (6mm-8mm or so) as clearence becomes an issue at the front fender, depending on your weight and how your front forks are sprung.

Raising the rear of the bike will have the same effect. By adding a 4-5mm (5mm max) thick shim at the top stock, shock mount, it raises the rear of the bike'd ride height approximately 14-15mm. It changes the turn-in feel, making it better. Adding a 190-55 (or even a 180-55) rear tire helps as well, increasing ride height, and getting away from the flat-profiled 190-50 rear tire. The best way to add rear ride height, obviously, is by replacing the rear shock with something that's adjustable.

I suggest running a steering damper with those suspension changes, as any changes in geometry can make some bikes prone to headshake. The RC51 is a stable bike, but geometery changes are changes none the less.

If you need one, I can make you a shim and send it to you, with instructions. PM me if interested.

Oh......and Welcome.

Appreciate your advise Rigor, I've changed the suspension to some settings found in a performance bike mag which have made a big differance on the front end but not been brave enough to drop the forks through the yokes. I've got one ring showing on the pre load, five clicks out on re-bound and fifteen out on compression. these seem to have done the trick.

Very interested in the shim thou not sure what is ment by PM as im not very computer literate

On tires I have existing Dunlop 208's and was thinking of changing to Corsa's do you have any thoughts on that????

kelleyj · 02-05-2007, 3:06 PM

pm means i wanted hiome to send me a Personal Message bro....

perellis KICK ARSE!!!!!!!! its all i run. i dont run the corsas though as they wear to quick on the street i just run the diablos. i run the 180/55 in the rear and i love em! and thanks RIGOR for al lthe tips. i already made a prgram to cut the shims! lol i just want your opinion of which thickness i should use. i gave you my height and weight in the PM and asked what thickness you though i should run. as well as my rear tire size. i just dont want to make the bike "squirlly"

Rigor · 02-05-2007, 3:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPBRAVO

Appreciate your advise Rigor, I've changed the suspension to some settings found in a performance bike mag which have made a big differance on the front end but not been brave enough to drop the forks through the yokes. I've got one ring showing on the pre load, five clicks out on re-bound and fifteen out on compression. these seem to have done the trick.

Very interested in the shim thou not sure what is ment by PM as im not very computer literate

On tires I have existing Dunlop 208's and was thinking of changing to Corsa's do you have any thoughts on that????

I'm no fan of Dunlop D208s...... Way too heavy and debatable traction. Pirelli makes a decent tire and I swear by the Super Corsas for the track. Michelin Pilot powers and the New CTs are great, (especially in the wet) and I hear good things (No first hand experience) on the Dunlop Qualifiers.

Tire preference is sometimes just that: Personal preference. It depends on what you're doing with them, as to what tire is best for what purpose.

Hit the "Private Message" button under my post, and send me your address in the UK. I'll make you an aluminum shim at 3mm thick and send it out tomorrow to you. I find that 3mm is the middle of the road, and depending on your weight, will improve the bike regardless. If you need more height (stock rear shock has no adjustment for that) you know what the shim looks like and they're easy enough to make.

SPBRAVO · 02-05-2007, 4:00 PM

I use the 208's cause that's what I had on my ZX7 and they were a really good tire but never really stood out. So just went with better the devil you know really. now starting to get used to the Vtwin charater i feel like testing a few things out. especially as my brother has brought a new Gixer K6 and I need all the help I can get. That bike turns an average rider into a superstar.

I weight is 13 stone, and am a short 5' 8''

JRCU51 · 02-05-2007, 10:29 PM

WELL FOR STARTERS WELCOME AS I IM A NEW TO THIS FORUM .
I CAN TELL YOU THAT A PC IS WELL WORTH THE COST AN WORTH THE MOD BUT YOU MUST DO THE OTHER MODS LIKE THE FLAPPER, PAIR VALVE. ALSO TO GET THE FULL BENIFIT FROM THEM . ALSO CHANGE THE GEARING ASWELL IS THE BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK. GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF RC MODS AND GET A SECOND JOB !!!!!! IT ISNT CHEAP

rokitt51 · 02-05-2007, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPBRAVO

Hi everyone,

Im new to your site and have enjoyed looking through the past threads..

I have a standard SP1 which I brought a year ago but get frustrated with the slow cornering. I feel that if I can sort this out the bike has a lot more to offer when out riding with friends on there fours.

I'm sorry if this is going over old ground for you guys, but would like to know if the power commander would make that much of a difference for street riding and would be worth the money or should I just put the cash towards a new sofa for the misses.

Im not to fussed about the suspension being hard as long as I can get better throttle control at slower speeds.

Being new to twins I would appreciate your experiance so I can get a little more out of this fantastic machine.

Keep safe guys...........................

SPBRAVO · 02-16-2007, 7:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigor

I'm no fan of Dunlop D208s...... Way too heavy and debatable traction. Pirelli makes a decent tire and I swear by the Super Corsas for the track. Michelin Pilot powers and the New CTs are great, (especially in the wet) and I hear good things (No first hand experience) on the Dunlop Qualifiers.

Tire preference is sometimes just that: Personal preference. It depends on what you're doing with them, as to what tire is best for what purpose.

Hit the "Private Message" button under my post, and send me your address in the UK. I'll make you an aluminum shim at 3mm thick and send it out tomorrow to you. I find that 3mm is the middle of the road, and depending on your weight, will improve the bike regardless. If you need more height (stock rear shock has no adjustment for that) you know what the shim looks like and they're easy enough to make.

Rigor, Hope your well?

Recieved your post with thanks. Would have been in touch sooner but have been to paris over the weekend to treat her indoors.

The fitting looks simple enough, however I wouldn;t have thought i would need to modify the side stand with only a 3mm shim??

Looking forward to getting it fitted but in the middle of moving house at the moment and the bike is at the mothers, so it may be some time. Also got some braided hoses to fit when i find the time.

Cheers mate.

kelleyj · 02-16-2007, 7:56 AM

you may only be adding 3mm but due to the geomerty, your side stand will be over 1/2" or 12.7 approx. shorter, the RC already has a side stand that is to short from the factory. i almost ALWAYS block my kickstand up and every thing on mine is stock i alwayss throw a small piece of wood under it...it just makes me nervous with it leaning over that far

does anyone know why HONDA put such a short side stand on these bikes. the only reason i can even remotely think of is due to the vibrations of the twin maybe shaking the bike off the side stand, but i can tell ya..my bike dosent shake anymore than a I4 to justify it

SPBRAVO · 02-16-2007, 9:13 AM

I've had my bike for some time and not had a problem with the side stand on flat ground even when running, so you should be ok.

I will take onboard the introduction of a block under the side stand when fitting the shim thou. you cannot be to careful..

kelleyj · 02-16-2007, 9:26 AM

just take your sisdestand off and take it to someone that weld, they can add the length you need very easily... but only add enough so that it is ok with the shim but not so much that if you remove the shimming, that it is too long after it is back to stock, make sense?

SPBRAVO · 02-16-2007, 1:27 PM

Gotch ya!!

Have you fitted the shim you made for your bike yet? If so what size did you fit and let me know what you think of the results??

Another question, I have a rear hugger fitted over the standard 190 rear tire. By fitting a 180 like the one you have would the profile still be ok with the hugger??

A friend of mine had trouble with his GSXR when he did the same.