I am just curious, but what is the reasoning for doing a streetfighter? Just because you feel like it is a fine answer. I am wondering if there are real world benefits.
Good question!
The answer is as personal as anything else but here are my reasons:
I have ridden for 15 years and I´ve owned a few different types of bikes. CB 750, GSX1100F Katana, TRX850, CBR900RR Fireblade and a few others...
The CB 750 is great as a classic and I love it to bits. Will never sell it! But I want something "modern" too....
The Katana had a great engine but was HUGE and boring. Only thing it would do was to go fast in a straight line.
The TRX was a good bike, light and nimble but VERY underpowered at 80 bhp.
The Fireblade was good at everything, fast, light, nimble.... but the riding position and the fairing always made me go insanely fast. NOT good for my health - nor for my drivers licence.
Conclusion of the above is that I want a big engine and a riding position that will help me keep the speed down.
The solution: Streetfighter.
This is an -89 FZR 1000. I chose it because it has a bolt-on subframe and a stonking engine.
Built a new subframe from scratch and fitted a Ducati 916 seat.
Raised the rear by making new shorter dogbones to quicken up the steering.
Made some risers and fitted WIDE aluminium MX-bars.
Fitted Ducati 996 discs and R1 Goldspot brakes.
Found a NEW -93 engine and with a modified airbox and jetting to suit it put out 138 rwhp on the dyno.
It powerwheelies in second gear whether I want it or not
It´s fun on the backroads and in town.
It can tour on long distances.
It wheelies everywhere.
It is comfortable with the upright riding position.
The riding position keeps the speed down, anything over 150 kmph is a struggle for any prolonged time. Mind you, it will take me over 250 kmph if I want too... and I do every now and then
Most new naked bikes are detuned versions of sports bikes, Hornet 900, Z1000, FZ1, etc, will all be left behind by this old mongrel.
The old mongrel is also cheap to own, low insurance, parts in abundence....
I also love to build and modify bikes and it is a great feeling to ride something that is "created" by your own hands.
That is why I ride a Streetfighter
Cheers
Dan
