Yanking your chain Scott, on suspension as I could clearly see the overperforming R6 dual caliper setup. One dual opposed early R6 design is enough... I have a pair of quad piston fz6 calipers waiting . They say anything worth doing is worth overdoing, right?
I didn't realize that you have the Ikons, I had forgotten that.
Never had Avons, the BT45s I have been using are great, but apparently the Avons are a notch above.
Yes, it is quite true these bikes are easily eclipsed by so many modern or not so modern bikes. Heck their may even be a modern MaxiScooter that can outperform them. The Burgman is a pretty nice handling scooter but I prefer a tank between my legs when cornering.
Your motor is no slouch.
It is good knowing and accepting the limitations of your bike. Trying to make it something it is not or not easily capable of achieving can be a huge investment in time and money and can lead to disappointment. A nice restomod is my idea of a great bike. I intend to ultimately go FunJimmy's iteration/route with the R6/FZ06 path of front-end.
A blend of the old with newer tech leviatates the bike to the next level.
I love the flow of your pipes, I am sure you are happy with the investment and enjoyment they give you everytime you twist the wrist.
You have built a very nice and unique bike. Do get it appraised to have it insured appropriately with no fight from the insurance company. Some start trying to be weasels when you have a claim.
David
Only thing it would need in future is an even bigger displacement faster motor, few suspension improvements and a nice fresh set of sticky rubber.
Could be a fun one to hang onto...
David
It's already got an R6 front end, iKon shocks and Avon rubber. I can't drag a knee, so that's plenty for me.
The motor runs great. I've done a CB650 swap before, but it just lost something, to me. It was faster, yeah. And if I went that route again, I'd lose the exhaust (head pipes are too small for the 650 exhaust ports).
Even with all the work, the VF500 Interceptor is faster. And my 500+ lb. Tiger would walk away from both of them without even breathing hard.
I'm at the point where I don't feel like chasing ultimate performance out of 45 year old machinery. I enjoy them for the ride, the look, the experience and the joy of working on them. Any clapped out, $1500 Ninja on Craigslist would outperform them.
