July 7th, 2016, 08:02 AM | #1 |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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Improvements on transmission or engine
So I did a sort of 'mod audit' and realized that largely only three systems are stock on Saturn:
1. brakes (except the lines) 2. transmission 3. engine Everything else -- exhaust, body work, controls, etc. -- has been tinkered with. The brakes are straight forward -- getting a new master cylinder and caliper. But what about the tranny and engine? Getting the transmission dogs undercut is one thing I've heard but otherwise no idea what might be a good idea. Any ideas or suggestions? |
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July 7th, 2016, 08:42 AM | #2 |
Vintage Screwball
Name: B
Location: Washington
Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250, 2008 Ninja 250, 2019 KTM 1290SDR, 2017 FZ10 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '16
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Go see Nels at 2 Wheel Dynoworks in Auburn. Install an aftermarket air filter and then have him tune your machine. It's not just for more power, it's also for smoother throttle and smoother power.
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Goin' fast on slow bikes! |
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July 7th, 2016, 09:16 AM | #3 |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
July 7th, 2016, 09:31 AM | #4 |
Vintage Screwball
Name: B
Location: Washington
Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250, 2008 Ninja 250, 2019 KTM 1290SDR, 2017 FZ10 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '16
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Ah, on the Ninja 300, sure! It's fuel injected so not a problem.
If you've done that and an exhaust, you definitely need a tune! Give him a call and talk to them a bit, it's worth every penny, IMO. All of my bikes, including my old carbed race bikes, have been tuned by him. Downside is you'll probably need a PowerCommander which is a few hundo, then the tune will be another $150+. Can't remember exact price. He's an authorized DynoJet dealer so he can take care of your PowerCommander needs as well as any issues you have with it.
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Goin' fast on slow bikes! |
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July 7th, 2016, 10:41 AM | #5 |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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I've already got a controller on it and have tuned a few times, though I suppose a check up could help.
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July 7th, 2016, 10:45 AM | #6 | |
Vintage Screwball
Name: B
Location: Washington
Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250, 2008 Ninja 250, 2019 KTM 1290SDR, 2017 FZ10 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '16
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Quote:
Otherwise, I'd just leave the engine alone. Unless you're having shifting issues or it pops out of gear, I don't know that I'd worry about the transmission. That requires complete engine disassembly and IMO, unless it's broke, don't fix it. Might want to try some upgraded brake pads and a rotor if you're doing the braking system. Vesrah VD 250 RJL pads are a sweet upgrade in addition to braided lines. Not sure why you're doing caliper and master cylinder though? I'd honestly just start with a pad and rotor upgrade with braided lines. Then, if that isn't enough, spend the extra moolah on the caliper and master.
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Goin' fast on slow bikes! |
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July 7th, 2016, 10:51 AM | #7 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Here... I am going to color outside my normal lines for a little bit.
NO! Don't change a thing unless there is a safety concern your dealing with. You're mid-stride riding track on your own, learning to apply what your have been instructed previously and making REAL tangible progress. Changes are just going to throw it off, reset or just slow down your progress. Isolate your skills from the bike's abilities so you can keep track of "YOUR" progress in a good way. There is a reason CSS sets up their bikes the same way for every single school. Do you have a list/thread of mods you have done to your bike? If you want a list of things to work on/adjust to promote your progress, then THAT is the list I would love to see you asking for and getting.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
July 7th, 2016, 10:57 AM | #8 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Hmmm, lemme ask you this? With additional mods are you trying to address a ridability or skill concern?
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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July 7th, 2016, 11:03 AM | #9 |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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Mod list:
OEM Wheels, powdercoated, 2 sets Ohlins Cartridge Fork swap Powerbronze front screen Woodcraft clipons with risers Pazzo adjustable levers Core Moto Stainless Steel Brake Lines Sintered Brake Pads EBC Rotors TechSpec grip pads Corbin seat Pods instead of airbox Carbon Fiber Inlay Fairings All bolts replaced with ProBolt, engine/structural pieces with safety wire drilling Area P Exhaust Fuel Controller (Fuel Moto tuner) Moth Rearsets with Lightech folding pegs Yoshimura Fender Eliminator Ohlins Rear Suspension swap I'm SURE some things are slipping my mind but that's the list other than things that are swapable (e.g. tires) or trivial (e.g. adding rear stand spools) |
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July 7th, 2016, 11:07 AM | #10 | |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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Quote:
As for my own skills, that list is a notebook on it's own but I tend to summarize it in my track day threads/updates. I've got a list to give Misti next week, but usually I try to make that secondary to her observing/suggesting. Also there's a bit of a story -- the brakes/engine/transmission are the three systems that I haven't touched. They're also the three systems that let me down at the track on July 4th. There will probably be a post/update from myself and/or EternalNewb about that soon. |
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July 7th, 2016, 11:32 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Unless you're dealing with a maintenance issue or have run into some of the bike's limits that are holding you back, I'm wondering what would really be worth it on the items you mention. If the transmission isn't broken, you're all set. Intake/Exhaust/Tuner already installed? You're within a few percentage points of the max power the bike would ever make, at any cost.
Any dollars that would be spent on making the bike more competitive/capable in those areas, would go much, much further on another platform. As context, most folks racing this bike get it in a competitive state of being with much less invested than you've already put in Saturn. There is no additional headroom on top that will allow them to go much faster, or for you to learn quicker, faster, better, more fully, whatever. If you do run into those limits (and you certainly might at some point) it's time for another bike on track anyway. If it is about making the ultimate 300 in every capacity, then that alone makes it a bike that you might not want to be risking at frequent track excursions.
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Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
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July 7th, 2016, 11:36 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Al
Location: York, Pa
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '14
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After seeing this and your insurance question, I am glad to see you both posting.
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Keep calm and ride on -Motofool Never quit on a rainy day -ally99 |
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July 7th, 2016, 11:47 AM | #13 | |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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Quote:
HP/Torque are no longer in the realm of perceivable improvements short of something like an actual full engine swap.
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"most folks racing this bike get it in a competitive state of being with much less invested than you've already put in Saturn." - Alex |
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July 7th, 2016, 12:12 PM | #14 | |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Quote:
Now, as a tinkerer... There is no problem at all with modding things just to make you "happy" just because. Honestly, I just wanted to throw in a check and balance to ensure your working toward goals or just modding for sh*ts and giggles. The difference is pretty major, imho. Have you ever thought about this mod, how about getting a spare set of wheels with rains mounted up? So the rain days are just as much as a benefit as the dry days. How about wheels with stickier tires so you can push some of your buttons and the bike soak up any errors that might be made. If your just scratching the itch to make things better, might I recommend some pit bull restraints to make the loading/unloading much easier. There are tons of mods that can be done to make your experience much better. Levers optimized for your usage? Maybe put the stock seat back on and shave it to what works better for you at the track. You happy with your grips? Can you feel the swingarm moving around? Do you even want to feel that? Perhaps take off the heel rest on your rear set so you can put your heel directly on the swingarm to feel it. Maybe you want more feel for steering? Tapered bearings are NOT the be all and end all, but they ARE an improvement. Since you have put $$$ into tuning of the power bits, how about the suspension bits? You have aftermarket shocks/springs but have you had them tuned to what works best for YOU? How about your gear? Maybe there is something there that you could optimize to make your experience better? And quite honestly, going to and from the track is something left out much of the time. I didn't really understand it fully, until I got a new sled that was quiet and comfy that had plenty of pulling power. Or.... maybe a new trailer is in your future since you're becoming more of a "track day rider". Don't arrive tired like I did for so long... even seat covers with more padding go a long way, and in more ways than one. The list of things to spend your money seems endless, deciding what you really want is the hard part.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
July 7th, 2016, 12:25 PM | #15 | ||||||
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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Quote:
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"most folks racing this bike get it in a competitive state of being with much less invested than you've already put in Saturn." - Alex |
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July 7th, 2016, 12:26 PM | #16 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: S
Location: CA/MA, usually
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2007 Ninja 650R, 2001 F650 Dakar Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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July 7th, 2016, 01:49 PM | #17 |
n00bie to wannabie
Name: Bill
Location: St Ives, BC (Shuswap Lake)
Join Date: Sep 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R (Red), 2005 VFR800A (Red), CRF450X (Red), 2012 F800GS (Wants to be Red!) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '15
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It has been my experience that by far the best money I have spent that produced the best results was directed at coaching and track time.
I weigh far more than other riders and racers so really I should be far behind but with great coaching and practice; I have been able to hold my own and if it's in the rain; I'm in front! There is a long list of stuff to throw your money at as noted above but if you really are interested in results: spend your money on continuous coaching, track time and physical fitness. We have a racer you may know of: Steve Crevier. He can hop on any piece of junk and spank everyone! It's not the machine. Certainly not at the level of most of us mortals! However; make sure your bike is red because it's the fastest!
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The Smart Money: #1 - ATGATT, #2 - Training (machine skills and survival skills), #3 - The bike; whatever floats yer boat with the money you have left over |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
July 7th, 2016, 03:10 PM | #18 | |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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Quote:
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"most folks racing this bike get it in a competitive state of being with much less invested than you've already put in Saturn." - Alex |
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
July 7th, 2016, 03:21 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
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Maybe you just need another bike to tinker with.
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My Ninja 300 |
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July 7th, 2016, 03:38 PM | #20 |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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I'm impatiently waiting for my new Z125 to arrive from Japan
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"most folks racing this bike get it in a competitive state of being with much less invested than you've already put in Saturn." - Alex |
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July 7th, 2016, 04:31 PM | #21 | |
n00bie to wannabie
Name: Bill
Location: St Ives, BC (Shuswap Lake)
Join Date: Sep 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R (Red), 2005 VFR800A (Red), CRF450X (Red), 2012 F800GS (Wants to be Red!) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '15
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Quote:
Just a thought: if you have cash burning a hole in your race leathers: I'm always willing to be sponsored!
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The Smart Money: #1 - ATGATT, #2 - Training (machine skills and survival skills), #3 - The bike; whatever floats yer boat with the money you have left over |
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
July 7th, 2016, 05:33 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
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Oooh I kinda want one of those. I will be waiting to hear what you think of it!
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My Ninja 300 |
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July 7th, 2016, 05:36 PM | #23 | |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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Quote:
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"most folks racing this bike get it in a competitive state of being with much less invested than you've already put in Saturn." - Alex |
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July 7th, 2016, 07:49 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
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I just want a fun little toy
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My Ninja 300 |
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July 7th, 2016, 08:59 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
July 9th, 2016, 12:00 PM | #26 |
EX500 full of EX250 parts
Name: Bill
Location: Grand Rapids-ish, MI
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): '18 Ninja 400 • '09 Ninja 500R (selling) • '98 VFR800 (project) • '85 Vulcan VN700 (sold) Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Aug '15
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I thought of something else, if you absolutely can't stop tinkering. Quickshifter. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/b...-300-2013-2015
Rather expensive for what it does, but it's another thing that you could install.
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*** Unregistered, I'm not your mom and I'm not paying for your parts, so do whatever you want with your own bike. *** |
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June 6th, 2017, 07:42 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: red
Location: KL, Malaysia
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250r Posts: 34
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you could superfinish your gearbox, install ceramic bearing and also blueprint your gearbox.
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