As is my standard operation procedure, I did a fair amount of research on the 2011 GSXR before I made my purchase. There are a few mods I want to make, but #1 is definitely the suspension. Issue #1 is that Japanese bikes seem to be suspended for Japanese riders, I weigh roughly the same as two Japanese riders, so I knew I'd need to at least get springs. Issue #2 is that the 06 and up GSXR 600/750's seem to work best with some geometry changes (raising the rear and the front to increase swing arm angle). I read a bunch of stuff on the WERA and Gixxer boards from a few guys (Goodmatt78 and others) that are much faster and have way more experience setting up GSXR's than I do. The general consensus was that the new 2011 chassis also likes to be raised front and rear, but not many guys are racing / setting up 2011's just yet. They all told me same thing though - "talk to Thermosman".

We started trading emails weeks before I bought the bike. He was very responsive and put up with my 1,000 questions. I've never sent suspension out for work before, but since Mike put up with all of my questions, I figured it was only fair to send my business his way. I stripped the forks and shock off my bike Sunday evening and shipped them out on Monday. I have to say that so far, the GSXR seems to be nicer to wrench on than the RR. I haven't done much to it yet, but so far it seems like it's a bit easier to work on.

I went to Staples and Wal-Mart and couldn't find a suitable box to ship my stuff out in. I did find a Rubbermaid container at Wal-Mart that was the perfect size though. I figured the Rubbermaid container would protect my stuff better than a box right? I bubble wrapped my forks and shock to death, taped up the Rubbermaid, and slapped an address label on it.

I went over to drop it off at the Post Office on Monday and they were closed - WTF? I don't think I'd ever have figured out why except someone else made the same mistake and said "Columbus Day" - Doh!!! I found the closest UPS Store and hit them up. They didn't really love my Rubbermaid set up and said they would put it in a box for me (for a charge of course). If I had to do it over again, I'd go there first, have them make a box for me, package it up myself, and then have them ship it.

Mike signed for my stuff on Wed and sent me an email to let me know that he's at Daytona this weekend and will not be able to dig into my stuff until next week. I asked him to perform any required maintenance (oil / seals / bushings) and re-spring the forks and shock for my weight / riding style. I also asked him to install fork extender caps on the forks and re-valve the shock. I'm hoping to get it back later this month / early Nov.

Cool stuff Matt! What are fork extenders? I've heard the term (and can sort of guess, doh) but I've never gotten a proper description or image.

_________________


Ἢ τὰν ἢ ἐπὶ τᾶς

www.WickedRacing.com - Go Fast Parts & Gear for Riders and Their Motorcycles
PM me for "TrackWhore" special discounts

Mike - A picture is worth a thousand words...

http://www.traxxion.com/ExtendedShowaForkCap.aspx

Waiting to get my forks / shock back from T-Man.





Spiegler SS brake lines

Yosh case guard and M4 GP slip on



Yosh case guard

Matt,

Is there a reason you went with Spiegler brake lines instead of other brands like Galfer or Goodridge?

Spiegler was the only option for the 2011 when I ordered from SBTG. I checked Galfer and it didn't seem they had anything available for the 2011 anywhere. I did not check Goodridge. I don't think there's much of a difference between brake lines and would go with whatever I can get the best deal on...

And I thought Nate was anal retentive

When are the goodies coming back?
You and Pat should come to Jennings!

_________________


Ἢ τὰν ἢ ἐπὶ τᾶς

www.WickedRacing.com - Go Fast Parts & Gear for Riders and Their Motorcycles
PM me for "TrackWhore" special discounts

I tried to set it up so I could bleed the brakes without the forks, but it didn't work out. Tightening the upper banjo bolt is a PITA, as the brake lines move with it. I can't keep them form pivoting into a position that will interfere with installing the forks, so I gave up.

I should get them this week. He shipped them either yesterday or today. Looking forward to no longer having my bike spread out all over the garage!