Smoked by a 2011 R1... Help!

[DailyDriver]

To quote a famous movie line - "A man's got to know his limitations." 

[vpfjames]

I appreciate everyones input, and it seems to be pretty unanimous.  Hearing it from the greatest FJ fans I know means I can trust that it cant be done.  You guys have saved me quite a bit of money as I was just talking to someone yesterday about getting that big bore kit, a different exhaust and jetting the carbs.  Guess I have to eat my pride and admit Ill need to get a full up crotch rocket to compete with the younger generation.

[Arnie]

Just compete on slightly different terms.
Go for a 500 mile ride and see who can walk to the pub at the end of the day.
If the young whippersnipper can make it, go 700 miles the next day.

The litre rocketships are F A S T, but overkill on the streets.
If he rides with any sanity, you'll keep up with him and keep going long after he's stopped for a chiropractor.

Arnie

[JMR]

Get the Hayabusa....it is a great bike. I just rode mine to and from Mid Ohio in a day (700 miles each way) and I'm in my mid 50's. My FJ has very close to 150HP to rear wheel but cannot keep up with a new R1, GSXR1000, R1000s etc. It is quick and fast for an FJ but time marches on.

[flips]

Ok , you guys helped me a few times with small issues, so im coming to you again.  Racing is my thing, however Im addicted to my FJ and refuse to change over to a newer sports bike, Although im waiting in line to get a hyabusa.  Heres the deal.  Typical raceday for me where every bike in the area wants to race the FJ because its old and has a middle age guy riding it.  This day however bested me, A 2011 R1 left me like im sitting still.

My bike 87 FJ1200, nothing custom other than keeping it well maintained, aftermarket brake rotors and K@N filter in the airbox.  Running on Avon Tires.

I dont like to lose, expecially when the outcome gets an 18 year old all fired up about how his bike is the greatest thing in the world and I should retire from riding. *even though my bike was bought by me, and not a grad gift from daddy*  Sorry, losing train of thought.

My question to you is this.  Can the FJ beat this bike.  If so, what needs to be done, and keep in mind that Im a driver, not a mechanic so I honestly have no clue how to do anything myself.  However I am going to throw about 2k to my FJ for upgrades.  I just need to know what route to take when spending that money to get the best results.

Look forward to your help guys.

Some sugar in his petrol tank and some sand in his sump might work...probably the cheapest way...
Ride safe and cheers 
Jeff P

[eddohawk]

Darling, its not the size that counts but the intelligent bum behind it.

[Klavdy]

Sugar in his petrol tank?
What would that do?

[Dan Filetti]

From what I'm to understand, it would gum the carbs/ FI something fierce...  May be an old wives tale, not sure, but it's long been said to disable a car [bike].


Dan

[ddlewis]

From what I'm to understand, it would gum the carbs/ FI something fierce...  May be an old wives tale, not sure, but it's long been said to disable a car [bike].

Dan

They tested this on mythbusters tv show a few years ago..  As I remember, the engine seemed to run better with sugar even after sitting over night with tank full of sugar-gas.

[rktmanfj]

From what I'm to understand, it would gum the carbs/ FI something fierce...  May be an old wives tale, not sure, but it's long been said to disable a car [bike].

Dan

They tested this on mythbusters tv show a few years ago..  As I remember, the engine seemed to run better with sugar even after sitting over night with tank full of sugar-gas.

I grew up being told that it would cause the engine to seize up.  But, having seen a car loaded up with a few pounds of sugar and driven away by its owner, and back to work the next day, I'd guess that it never works.

[FJTillDeath]

or you could just cut his fuel line, stick a skrew in his tyre but that wouldnt be the manly thing to do.. I agree with arnie take the youngster for a tour he will bail out very soon. But then again I have seen  so many R1s in accidents that I think this guy probably only has a few weeks to live maybe. they just arent practical for riding around town.

[oldktmdude]

  The old saying "horses for courses" seems to fit this situation fairly well.   Pete.

[Ganboy70]

Dude, try to look for comparable generation Superbikes and stick to that, keep your pride intact. 

Cheers,

[racerman_27410]

the new sport bikes dont launch from a dead stop as good as the heavy FJ...... just learn how to properly launch your FJ and then challenge him to a 0-60mph race   


KOokaloo!

[andyb]

Depends on who's on them.  Being 100lbs lighter is a definite plus.  Some of the literbikes went a little far in the short wheelbase contest and have started working longer again.  Good riders on them will surprise you!  

But that's assuming they've disabled the slipper, which usually screws hard launches all up. 

That said, with a typical rider (a non-pro, not hugely experienced drag racer), the FJ has a vastly easier sweet spot to hit for a launch compared most, making it hugely easier to be pretty good pretty consistently.