3Zx14w

[jscgdunn]

First Ride



Got out yesterday for about 20 miles.  Everything worked good and very stable, but a bit ponderous feeling (ie like a Harley) at low speeds.  Rear wheel is only about 1/2 inch off ground on centre stand.  I think that dropping the front should lighten it up.  Advice welcome!  Jeff

The simple answer is usually the right one....inflated tires to correct pressure and......all issues disappeared. 

[jscgdunn]

Got out last evening for, probably, the last ride of the year.  Had a great Canadian "year" of riding (April 15 til now).  Sat up here and just reflected on it for while. The highlight was attending the WCR and the ride up the California coast;  Met a bunch of new friends and already lost two, Cash and Randy.  Also a great shorter trip to Riggins, Idaho.  Looking forward to 2017; just booking WCR cabin today!  Since this bike was my first ride of the year I thought I'd put this pic up for the last ride.  Starting to come together; I was fortunate to pick up a 91 for cheap so I switched plastics. 

[giantkiller]

So dropped the front 2 CM, (which is the max I can with Dan's fork extensions, unless I trim them shorter).  Fork length now should be very close to standard FJ, and rear wheel about 1.5 inches off ground when on centre stand.  Front of bike Noticeably lightened up, but still some adjustments to make I think.

Did you get my first generation extensions mega heavy duty. I was going to have some of the taper cut down. But I needed another set anyway. And just had my machinist. Make 2 sets of the second generation. You can take some of the taper off and drop them down.

[jscgdunn]

So dropped the front 2 CM, (which is the max I can with Dan's fork extensions, unless I trim them shorter).  Fork length now should be very close to standard FJ, and rear wheel about 1.5 inches off ground when on centre stand.  Front of bike Noticeably lightened up, but still some adjustments to make I think.

Did you get my first generation extensions mega heavy duty. I was going to have some of the taper cut down. But I needed another set anyway. And just had my machinist. Make 2 sets of the second generation. You can take some of the taper off and drop them down.

Hi Dan,
Yes was thinking of getting the tapers turned off;  I need to get into the forks anyhow...the springs seem very soft.

[Alexis Wenzel]

Wow, the bike looks amazing Jeff! Congrats for your fine work!

[FeralRdr]

I really enjoy reading folk's stories of ingenuity, skill, and craftsmanship.  Well done, and glad to see your vision came to fruition. 

Having said that, riding season ain't over 'til it snows. 

Now let's get back out there and get some more test rides in; and post up some nice picts of said adventures. 

[jscgdunn]

Alex and Feral....thanks for the kind words...actually the picture is flattering!  Now, when I get retired and have time to develop a polishing fetish,,,,,,

[Pat Conlon]

..... Now, when I get retired and have time to develop a polishing fetish,,,,,,

Be careful what you wish for Jeff.....You've already got an advanced case of the moditus bug, think of what will happen when you get a 1hp buffer

You do amazing work!  Kudos

[jscgdunn]

For the moditis I am in 12 step program....

Step 1 - Do not buy any more FJs regardless of condition or price.
All other steps under development.

[giantkiller]

Hi Dan,
Yes was thinking of getting the tapers turned off;  I need to get into the forks anyhow...the springs seem very soft.

[/quote]


That's why I decided to use the 2007-8 gsxr 1000 forks. They were said to be over sprung stock. That alot of racer's were fitting softer springs. I actually had to back off the settings on the forks. To get the sag right.
I would have used the newer big piston forks. But you couldn't slide them down far enough in the lower triple clamp. They tapered off the soon. I've seen since that some triple trees have a dropped lower clamp. If I hadn't already done these I would have checked into whether it is enough for the big piston forks. Oh well.

Great work. On your bike.

[ribbert]

What a great shot Jeff. It embodies everything I love about the FJ, the places it takes me!

Noel

[aviationfred]

I am assuming the wheels came with the original purchase? From my observation you have a set of smoking hot aftermarket wheels...... They appear to be this brand.

http://www.hardracing.com/carrozzeriawheels.htm



Fred

[jscgdunn]

Dan: Yes the zx14 is sprung for 150 pound rider...I am a "bit" more than that.  Race tech recommends 1.2KG/MM springs for more portly riders which I have ordered.
Noel: I am not a photographer but the light helps!  This is where I took the pics, about 10 miles form my place.  https://www.google.ca/maps/@50.8292723,-114.8138171,1195m/data=!3m1!1e3
Fred:  There wheels are stock zx14.  The front came with the parts I purchased. The rear I go from Cory brand new with factory tire.  He has a lot of brand new zx parts as eh parts out brand new ones.
http://402bike.com/ZX14parts/

[Pat Conlon]

Jeff, do you know the diameter of the front and back axles on the ZX14 wheels?

[jscgdunn]

Hi Pat, the zx14 Axle is 25 mm; same as the honda CBR 600RR.  The yamaha r6 r1 are 22 MM.