Making the Upgrade: The Smart Road to Speed

Motofool · April 25th, 2013, 09:16 AM

Just published by Motorcyclist magazine and in complete agreement with my long-sustained and humble opinion:

"You’ve had your new bike for barely a day, and already your riding buddies are telling you what’s wrong with it. According to them, the cutting-edge suspension, brakes, exhaust, and tires are actually cheap, disposable junk that’s holding you back from fulfilling your true destiny as a canyon-carving god. You know they’re full of it, right?
..........
Everybody seems to want more performance, and replacing the stock exhaust with a free-flowing aftermarket system has been a popular way to get it. A couple of points here: First, today’s stock exhausts are incredibly good, and the gains with just a simple slip-on have become razor thin (if you just want it to be louder, say so; don’t lean on the performance crutch).
..................
The best advice is simply to wait and experience the bike in bone-stock form before throwing down for performance upgrades. And remember that the ultimate performance limiter is the component holding the handlebars. Unless your last name is Hayes or Hayden, odds are you can’t use all the performance your bike has anyway. Rather than pop for more horsepower, invest that money in a riding school."

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...g_the_upgrade/

Xoulrath · April 25th, 2013, 03:01 PM

I believe that was the first article I actually read when I got that issue. It was a great read. Soend money to make the rider better, because the bike is already plenty capable.

CC Cowboy · April 25th, 2013, 04:18 PM

But people like to personalize their bike their own way. Riders want to be unique.

I agree with the performance of the stock bike (all you really need). I agree with learning how to ride better will be faster than anything you can do to the bike. I agree with going to school to learn how to ride better. I also agree it's your bike do what you want to it. Just don't expect to get that money back when you sell it.

backinthesaddleagain · April 26th, 2013, 05:48 PM

My bike is so stock it still has the premium gas and wear a helmet sticker on them. Only upgrades are better tires and track days. And always upgrading my gear.

fmx · April 30th, 2013, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

My bike is so stock it still has the premium gas and wear a helmet sticker on them. Only upgrades are better tires and track days. And always upgrading my gear.

Gear is where it's at. Well, protection over fashion. I'm done messing with my bike. I plan to keep it slick and shiny and upgrade to the 650 next Feb.

subxero · April 30th, 2013, 11:56 AM

I definitely think upgrades on most bikes are a waste of money and yes never expect them to increase your resale value, more likely lessen it. But i agree with the cowboy on this one. It can be a fun way to personalize your bike and making it your own.

All the mods i did to my 250 i dont necessarily consider them "upgrades" just changes geared towards my wants during that split second when i decided that i needed to have that and can not live without.

Isn't that what it is all about? Spending money on a snap decision for something completely stupid that in reality you don't need but for some reason you can't live with out it until it is yours. My list is long... so much want

alex.s · April 30th, 2013, 03:31 PM

for sale: low-viscous-friction stickers. only $20 each! adds 0.25hp equiv in air flow reduction/streamlining. PM me for order info.

current graphic designs on the "speed stickers":
- hanna montana
- power puff girls
- prince purple

allanoue · April 30th, 2013, 03:43 PM

THINKING ABOUT IT

Xoulrath · May 1st, 2013, 01:07 PM

The Powerpuff Girls kick ass.

IdRatherDrum · May 1st, 2013, 08:17 PM

Great article. I couldn't agree with it more.

Soujyu · May 2nd, 2013, 12:07 PM

Seriously, don't touch/modify the exhaust at all. How many times have I told folks on the tech forums and started flame wars because of that?

A day at a riding school in a closed environment (or a track day) makes a much better performance bang for your money.

BRad704 · May 2nd, 2013, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

for sale: low-viscous-friction stickers. only $20 each! adds 0.25hp equiv in air flow reduction/streamlining. PM me for order info.

current graphic designs on the "speed stickers":
- hanna montana
- power puff girls
- prince purple

No Bieber? #marketingfail

Good article though. That is the type of mindset that I wish more people had...

JohnnyBravo · May 2nd, 2013, 12:35 PM

Some folks just want an exhaust or a Farkle, glad it's not a hanging offense

BRad704 · May 2nd, 2013, 12:53 PM

Says the guy with $11k in his Ninja 300....

(that IS you, isn't it?)

Reswob · May 2nd, 2013, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

First, today’s stock exhausts are incredibly good

I don't know about all that. Today's strict emissions controls really strangle an engine's air flow.

That said, I think the aftermarket exhaust thing is idiotic. I've yet to see one that isn't butt ugly, and unless you're racing do you REALLY need any more hp on something that already has the power/weight ratio of a supercar?

KawiKid860 · May 4th, 2013, 03:00 AM

I like the aftermarket exhaust on my F4i because it sounds sexy and looks extremely sexy (highmount FTW) and the carbon fiber is super nice because it looks great and doesn't get hot so I can still use my saddlebags. It's also way lighter than the stock can which I could probably work out with. That being said, it came on the bike so I didn't pay for it lol, but I doubt I'd take it off to throw the stock can on for any reason. I have no clue if it adds horsepower or anything, I honestly don't care this bikes like 10-15hp down from newer 600s and it still scares the **** out of me and can do power wheelies when I pin it in first so.

If I were to buy a new bike tomorrow I'd probably get a slip on for it too for sound alone, but I'm not going to lie about it and say "yeh brah I got like 4 moar horseponies frum dis 2broz motogp exhast my bikez faster than urz." Besides, then I'd have two stock exhausts laying around and that's a pretty good start to a home gym lol.

choneofakind · May 4th, 2013, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRad704

Says the guy with $11k in his Ninja 300....

(that IS you, isn't it?)

no, that's David, not Rob.

Motofool · May 10th, 2013, 10:34 AM

A complementary article:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/fe..._suzuki_dr650/

ZackoFF96 · May 10th, 2013, 10:54 AM

my bike is so stock my friends are calling me pussy for not changing the exhausts.

i agree with the article, though

NevadaWolf · May 10th, 2013, 11:32 AM

Mine had an aftermarket exhaust on it when I bought it. That lasted a whopping 60 miles. I like the stock exhaust, though I am tempted to go with the 300 exhaust simply for esthetic reasons. Looks better IMHO.

All my mods are farkles that I just felt I wanted or had some aspect that I felt I needed (flush mounts to not pop in the fairing, etc).

"Performance" upgrades are going to be very very very far down the road when I get bored with track days (say, in 50 years or so...)

Motofool · May 10th, 2013, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZackoFF96

my bike is so stock my friends are calling me pussy for not changing the exhausts.

i agree with the article, though

Your friends could not see the smile on your face while riding all those extra kilometers that the saved money has bought you.

lgk · May 10th, 2013, 11:39 AM

sometimes performance is measured by smiles.

do whatever makes you happy.

April 25th, 2013, 09:16 AM	#1
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Making the Upgrade: The Smart Road to Speed Just published by Motorcyclist magazine and in complete agreement with my long-sustained and humble opinion: "You’ve had your new bike for barely a day, and already your riding buddies are telling you what’s wrong with it. According to them, the cutting-edge suspension, brakes, exhaust, and tires are actually cheap, disposable junk that’s holding you back from fulfilling your true destiny as a canyon-carving god. You know they’re full of it, right? .......... Everybody seems to want more performance, and replacing the stock exhaust with a free-flowing aftermarket system has been a popular way to get it. A couple of points here: First, today’s stock exhausts are incredibly good, and the gains with just a simple slip-on have become razor thin (if you just want it to be louder, say so; don’t lean on the performance crutch). .................. The best advice is simply to wait and experience the bike in bone-stock form before throwing down for performance upgrades. And remember that the ultimate performance limiter is the component holding the handlebars. Unless your last name is Hayes or Hayden, odds are you can’t use all the performance your bike has anyway. Rather than pop for more horsepower, invest that money in a riding school." http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...g_the_upgrade/ __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

April 25th, 2013, 03:01 PM	#2
Xoulrath ninjette.org sage Name: T Location: U.S. Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): Current: '11 ZX-6R; Previous: '09 Ninjette; '08 ZX-6R (Ex-Wife '09 TU250X) Posts: 981	I believe that was the first article I actually read when I got that issue. It was a great read. Soend money to make the rider better, because the bike is already plenty capable. __________________________________________________ R.I.P EthioKnight (Alex)
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

April 25th, 2013, 04:18 PM	#3
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	But people like to personalize their bike their own way. Riders want to be unique. I agree with the performance of the stock bike (all you really need). I agree with learning how to ride better will be faster than anything you can do to the bike. I agree with going to school to learn how to ride better. I also agree it's your bike do what you want to it. Just don't expect to get that money back when you sell it. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

April 26th, 2013, 05:48 PM	#4
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	My bike is so stock it still has the premium gas and wear a helmet sticker on them. Only upgrades are better tires and track days. And always upgrading my gear.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

April 30th, 2013, 03:31 PM	#7
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	for sale: low-viscous-friction stickers. only $20 each! adds 0.25hp equiv in air flow reduction/streamlining. PM me for order info. current graphic designs on the "speed stickers": - hanna montana - power puff girls - prince purple __________________________________________________

April 30th, 2013, 11:56 AM	#6
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	I definitely think upgrades on most bikes are a waste of money and yes never expect them to increase your resale value, more likely lessen it. But i agree with the cowboy on this one. It can be a fun way to personalize your bike and making it your own. All the mods i did to my 250 i dont necessarily consider them "upgrades" just changes geared towards my wants during that split second when i decided that i needed to have that and can not live without. Isn't that what it is all about? Spending money on a snap decision for something completely stupid that in reality you don't need but for some reason you can't live with out it until it is yours. My list is long... so much want

April 30th, 2013, 03:43 PM	#8
allanoue 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	THINKING ABOUT IT

May 1st, 2013, 01:07 PM	#9
Xoulrath ninjette.org sage Name: T Location: U.S. Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): Current: '11 ZX-6R; Previous: '09 Ninjette; '08 ZX-6R (Ex-Wife '09 TU250X) Posts: 981	The Powerpuff Girls kick ass. __________________________________________________ R.I.P EthioKnight (Alex)

May 1st, 2013, 08:17 PM	#10
IdRatherDrum ninjette.org member Name: Chase Location: California Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225	Great article. I couldn't agree with it more.

May 2nd, 2013, 12:07 PM	#11
Soujyu ninjette.org sage Name: W Location: Austin, TX Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (sold), 2012 Tuono V4R Posts: 512	Seriously, don't touch/modify the exhaust at all. How many times have I told folks on the tech forums and started flame wars because of that? A day at a riding school in a closed environment (or a track day) makes a much better performance bang for your money. __________________________________________________ 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - "Aria" (sold) 2012 Aprilia Tuono V4R - "Perrine" Proof that Harleys and Ninjettes are friendly with each other
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

May 2nd, 2013, 12:35 PM	#13
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Some folks just want an exhaust or a Farkle, glad it's not a hanging offense

May 2nd, 2013, 12:53 PM	#14
BRad704 Big Dreams, Small Wallet Name: Brad Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R (Sold), 93 VFR750F (In Pieces) Posts: 508	Says the guy with $11k in his Ninja 300.... (that IS you, isn't it?) __________________________________________________ ~BRad

May 4th, 2013, 03:00 AM	#16
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	I like the aftermarket exhaust on my F4i because it sounds sexy and looks extremely sexy (highmount FTW) and the carbon fiber is super nice because it looks great and doesn't get hot so I can still use my saddlebags. It's also way lighter than the stock can which I could probably work out with. That being said, it came on the bike so I didn't pay for it lol, but I doubt I'd take it off to throw the stock can on for any reason. I have no clue if it adds horsepower or anything, I honestly don't care this bikes like 10-15hp down from newer 600s and it still scares the **** out of me and can do power wheelies when I pin it in first so. If I were to buy a new bike tomorrow I'd probably get a slip on for it too for sound alone, but I'm not going to lie about it and say "yeh brah I got like 4 moar horseponies frum dis 2broz motogp exhast my bikez faster than urz." Besides, then I'd have two stock exhausts laying around and that's a pretty good start to a home gym lol.

May 10th, 2013, 10:34 AM	#18
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	A complementary article: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/fe..._suzuki_dr650/ __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

May 10th, 2013, 10:54 AM	#19
ZackoFF96 ninjette.org member Name: Zacko Location: Asia Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R Posts: 84	my bike is so stock my friends are calling me pussy for not changing the exhausts. i agree with the article, though

May 10th, 2013, 11:32 AM	#20
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Mine had an aftermarket exhaust on it when I bought it. That lasted a whopping 60 miles. I like the stock exhaust, though I am tempted to go with the 300 exhaust simply for esthetic reasons. Looks better IMHO. All my mods are farkles that I just felt I wanted or had some aspect that I felt I needed (flush mounts to not pop in the fairing, etc). "Performance" upgrades are going to be very very very far down the road when I get bored with track days (say, in 50 years or so...) __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

May 10th, 2013, 11:39 AM	#22
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	sometimes performance is measured by smiles. do whatever makes you happy. __________________________________________________ Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700

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