Everyday Superbikes EDSBK

Kawasaki ZX10R

Marks 2004 Kawasaki ZX10R

This is Marks 2004 Kawasaki ZX10R. Kawasaki built this bike to rebuild their reputation of having the fastest and best handling superbike. It has lots of go from the engine, however it can be a bit of a beast to handle.

Controls

All fairly typical here. Kawasaki didnt feel the ZX10R needed any engine modes. Although a lap timer on the right hand cluster is a nice touch. As with all bikes of this year there is no option to turn the the headlights off only using high and low beam controls. The dash is an all in one unit having the rev counter build up around the speedo and tacho. The idiot lights are around the outside of the unit utilising the indicators, high beam, neutral and fuel injector light and also an adjustable shift light.

The Ride

The 2004 ZX10R has a superb engine with great power characteristics giving a great surge of power when required. The handling is very stiff but does give in return, great feedback. The fuel consumption is not great though, only averaging between 29 and 38 mpg. The brakes as standard, I felt needed upgrading ( see modifications ) as I found they suffered a lot with brake fade, however once upgraded they are excellent. All in all the Kawasaki ZX10R is, once sorted a fantastic and exciting bike to ride.

Stats and Everyday Superbikes stats

Engine size - 998cc
Top speed - 180 MPH
Power - 181 BHP
Weight - 170 kg
Fuel tank size - 17 ltr
Average MPG - 38
Tank Range - 146
Insurance group - 17
Tyres - Front 120/70 x17, Rear 190/50 x17
Suspension - Fully adjustable

MODIFICATIONS

Brembo RCS master cylinder with braided lines

Zero gravity double bubble screen

BOS tri oval pipe ( with dyno read out of 152bhp at rear wheel)

Harris riser bars 50mm higher at the ends

R&G tail tidy

Radiator guard

No double yellows here! its photoshopped

Reviewed by Mark

Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade

This was Cols Honda CBR900RR Fireblade. The MK1 Fireblade is the bike that shaped the future of sports bikes. Back in its day the Honda fireblade was the lightest sportsbike on the market, which made it out handle any of the competition.
The Fireblade has a 16 inch front wheel which gave it a reputation for having dangerous steering which was replaced with a 17inch front wheel on the newer models.

This picture was taken in a white out!

Controls
The Instruments are of the analogue type, having a speedometer, rev counter and temperature gauge. On the speedo is an odometer and a trip gauge, also the usual lights for indicators and neutral are underneath. The fuses are under the twist grip which is a handy place to get at. The bars are set quite low and the pegs quite high giving an aggresive riders position, but causes wrist,neck and leg ache. The seat is very hard and Col is usually the first to suffer with uncomfortable pains on long journeys. The rear seat is on a hinge that lifts vetically to allow access into a huge empty space. There is room for the tool kit, disc locks 4 drinks cans and some dinner, the most impressive of all the bikes we have owned between us. There is twin headlights on the fireblade that can be switched on or off.

Riding it
As it has a 900cc engine you would not expect it to keep us with the more modern 1000cc sports bikes but you would be wrong, when its given a handfull of throttle it can easily make the same pace as the younger bikes on the roads along the straights and as its so light can handle very well through the corners. Also when we are adding fuel it always uses less than the 1000cc bikes.

Cols Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

CBR 900RR on our trip up the horseshoe pass to the Ponderosa Cafe

Stats

Engine Size - 893cc
Top Speed - 160mph (we have seen 160mph still with a bit more available)
Power - 128 bhp
Weight - 180kg
Fuel Tank - 18ltr
Average MPG - 43 (we have regularly seen over 45mpg)
Tank range - 160miles
Insurance group 16
Tyres - Front 130/70 16, Rear 180/55/17
Suspension - Rear fully adjustable, Front Preload and Rebound only

Settings
                    Standard Honda settings
                      Front:- Preload - 4 lines showing
                                  Rebound - 1.5 turns out from full in
                      Rear:- Preload - Position 4
                                  Rebound - 1 turn out from full in
                                  Compression 1 turn out from full in
                                   Tyre Pressures F 36 : R 42

                       Performance bikes recommended road settings which we also like:-
                       Front:- Preload - 4 lines showing
                                   Rebound - 1.5 turns out from full in
                       Rear:- Preload - Position 4
                                   Rebound - 1 turn out from full in
                                   Compression 1 turn out from full in
                                   Tyre Pressures F 34 : R 39

Mods
Col has changed his end can for a scorpion system, added a rear hugger, changed the large indicators for some smaller ones and added a clock.

As New

Fireblade by Bala Lake

Theres room for a pair of boots, helmet, jacket and 2 cheese and pickle sandwiches under the seat!

Honda CBR900RR Fireblade,
With a typical load when touring.

Yamaha Thunderace

The Yamaha Thunderace, was designed as the bike to beat the Honda Fireblade in sales and on the track. It failed. However the Thunderace is worth a look if your a road rider like us.
Both Jon and Me owned the Thunderace above and loved every minute of it. I would still have it now if Jon hadn't have wanted to change his R1, the bike I always wanted. The only thing missing for me was a 6th gear, but the bike certainly is no slow coach, it can still cut it amongst the Fireblades, Gixers and R1s. I have riden this bike at over 155mph on the Nurburgring circuit, it felt effortless and at home both at high speeds and touring around the countryside. Personally I think the design has aged well looking more modern than some other race bikes designed in the same era.
The bike was made from 1996 to 2003 and was unchanged through the 8 years. We owned a 1996 model for 5 years between us.
The bike was made from 1996 to 2003 and was unchanged through the 8 years. We owned a 1996 model for 5 years between us.

Controls
The speedo and revcounter are of the analogue type, which include an odometer and trip counter, there also is an engine temperature guage. Across the bottom of the clocks are the usual array of warning lights, for neutral,indicators, low fuel,oil and main beam. I found the clocks were set rather along way back under the screen which could make it awkward to read them. The mirrors also seem to be in the wrong place somehow. Not enough to be a problem, but enough to feel to close and gave a good view of your elbows. The rear part of the seat comes off and there is plenty of room underneath for a u lock, the tool kit supplied, sandwiches and a bottle of cola. The bike has twin headlights that can be turned on and off.

Riding it
The ride though was nice. The bike originally designed as a superbike for the race track is actually better described as a sports tourer and does a good job of it. The seat is comfortable and well positioned.The pegs are slightly back and the handle bars being low gives a racey position.
Unfortunately Yamaha only gave the Thunderace 5 gear. 1 down 4 up, I think that having a 6th gear would have enhanced the mpg and the engine would have not reved quite so much when touring.
The suspension soaked up the bumps nicely but needed to be stiffend up for my liking.

Official Stats and Everyday Superbike stats

Engine size - 1002cc
Top speed - 165mph ( we saw 155mph)
BHP - 145
Weight - 198kg
Fuel Tank - 19 ltrs
Avg MPG - 35 (we saw 42)
Tank range - 180 ( at about 150 the light comes on)
Insurance group 16
Tyres - Front 120/70 17, Rear 180/55 17 on Bridgestones avg 6000 miles on front & 3000 rear.
Suspension - is fully adjustable.

Modifications
On the Thunderace we had was a tinted screen, a Blueflame end can, Dynojet stage 3, K&N filters and Uridium spark plugs. The exhaust gave a nice racey sound and it kept up with the R1 and Fireblade with no problem.

Yamaha Thunderace, with Blue Flame exhaust

In many ways you can see how the R1 took over from the Thunderace, they have similar riding positions and share some designs. Overal a very underated, fast, comfortable, ridable bike.

Typical load for a long weekend ride

As New

Suzuki GSXR 1000

Jons Suzuki GSXR 1000 K7

The GSXR K7 model has the indicators built into the mirrors

This is Jons Suzuki GSXR 1000 K7. The model was released for 2007 - 2008. Suzuki have always made class leading motorbikes and this is no exception. The power was raised to 185 BHP and was the first main stream bike to have a power mode switch that lets the rider select between full power, medium for economy and a wet weather mode. Suzuki have fitted twin pipes on their 1000cc model which is different from the other manufacturers who make superbikes.

Controls
The Clocks have a rev counter, with a gear indicator, a Digital Speedo with 2 trip counters and odometer, temperature guage and clock. the usual array of lights surround the left side of the rev counter, and a rev limit light is set just below. The handlebars are a nice distance away and slightly higher than the Yamaha, and the foot pegs are adjustable, giving the rider a choice of aggressive or relaxed seating positions. Suzuki has removed the indicators from being stalks sticking out the fairing front and back, but have gone for indicators in the mirrors and built into the rear body, this gives a sleeker look and reduces wind drag. Suzuki have only one centre headlight, so if the bulb goes when your out theres no 2nd light to get you home.The rear section of the seat comes off and there is room for a tool kit, wheel lock, a drink and a Kitkat, but if you replace the seat with the plastic seat cowl there is enough extra space for a packet of crisps!

Riding it
There is plenty of power from the engine when in A mode and after 8000rpm in B mode. All Suzuki engines have a sporty sound to them and this one sounds great. The handling is very good, turning in when you lean into the corners. The bike makes you feel in control at whatever pace your going. Because of the adjustable foot pegs you can have as much room to move as you set it too. The suspension is fully adjustable so can be set for any sized rider.

Stats and Everyday Superbikes stats

Engine size - 999cc
Top speed - 186 MPH
Power - 185 BHP
Weight - 172 kg
Fuel tank size - 17.5 ltr
Average MPG - 38
Tank Range - 146
Insurance group - 17
Tyres - Front 120/70 x17, Rear 190/50 x17
Suspension - Fully adjustable

Mods

Jon has added 2 Arrow end cans, and a power commander to his bike.
Carl has had fitted a 2 into 1 straight through exhaust, and had the bike lowered at Revs suspension (revsracing.co.uk) ,who did a great job of setting the bike up for him to ride.

Before a lap of the Ashwood Triangle

As New

Carls GSXR K8 Has slight update to paint scheme

Jon with his GSXR

Yamaha R1

Yamaha R1 / YZF R1 series 3 2002 - 2003

The Yamaha R1, or if you prefer the Yamaha YZF R1.
This model is the Yamaha R1 5PW 2002 - 2003 version, it is the first major update Yamaha did to the R1 and is regarded by many as its best looking.
The update included the addition of fuel injection, which delivers as much fuel as the engine needs at the given rpm.

Controls
The Instrument display lights up in blue, has a rev counter and a large digital read out of the current speed. The select button scrolls through 2 trip counters,the Odometer and if held for 1 second displays the time. The rev limit light can be adjusted to illuminate at your desired rev limit. When the ignition is first turned on the rev counter needle is used as an indication to problems the computer diagnostic might find, and the bike makes some impressive servo noises as it goes through its checks. The bike has twin headlights which cannot be turned off and was the first version of the R1 to have a rear light made of LEDs. The rear section of the seat lifts off to reveal a compartment big enough for the tool kit, a drink and a KitKat !

   Riding it

  The seat is nicely padded, and the reach to the bars is not too far. The foot pegs are quite high and back giving it an agressive feel. On longer journeys or sitting in traffic can cause wrist and shoulder/neck ache as for me at 6 feet tall the handlebars could do with being a fraction higher, but sitting close to the tank helps this a bit. Out on the road the bike has a lot of punch when you open the throttle, turns quickly, yet feels stable at the same time. Pirelli Diablo Corsa tyres give great grip and feed back giving confidence through the bends. I found the best tyre pressure for me is 31psi in the front and 40 on the rear.

Official stas and Everyday Superbikes Stats

Engine size - 998cc
Power - 150 BHP
Top Speed - 165 MPH (160 seen)
Weight - 175 Kg
Fuel Capacity - 17 Ltrs
Avg MPG - 38 (42 seen regularly)
Tank Range - 149 miles (but only if you have spent a long time in 6th gear)
Insurance group - 16
Tyres - Front 120/70 17, Rear 190/70 17
Settings - I like 31psi in my front tyre and 40psi in the rear.
Suspension is fully adjustable, One must do, is to stiffen up the rear shock.

Settings Standard Yamaha settings
          Front:- Preload - 6 lines showing
                     Rebound - 1.75 turns out from full in
                       Compression - 1.5 turns out from fully in
          Rear:- Preload - Position 4 / 9
                    Rebound - 2 turn out from full in
                      Compression 2 turn out from full in
                      Tyre Pressures F 36 : R 42

Performance bikes recommended road settings which we also like:-
           Front:- Preload - 4 lines showin
                       Rebound - 0.75 turns out from full in
                      Compression - fully in
            Rear:- Preload - Position 5th or 6th
                       Rebound - 0.75 turn out from full in
                       Compression 1 turn out from full in
                       Tyre Pressures F 34 : R 39

Modifications.

My bike has got a Power commander, a Blue Flame exhaust can, K&N air filter and oil filter and I have replaced the brake hoses for a set of braided ones.
I have made an aluminium spacer to raise the front seat by 7.5mm which helps my knees and added Crash Bobbins incase it should fall on to its side.
I have a double bubble screen which makes a small difference when touring, though I like the look with the original screen better.

Common Problems.

Gearboxes have an issue going from 1st into 2nd gear this is most common on bikes that have been wheelied alot. If you have this problem its not a cheap fix. Expect to pay between £450 and £500 to get this sorted out but it can be done in a couple of days.
Also the Exup valve can seize up, symptoms are the bike feels as though it is lacking power at low revs. Its a problem Jon had when he owend the Yamaha Thunderace. Its not too hard to fix and normally can be done with a bit of effort and some WD40.
The Regulator / Rectifier / Stator, this is to do with an electrical / charging problem. Common fixes are to add a pc fan to cool it down.
Neutral switches can stick but can be easily fixed with some WD40.
The wiring loom has a big white connection block at the front end of the bike, this can get corroded and cause electrical problems, but its not a major problem to repair.

Check the R1 owners forum for information that may help solve any issues you may have.

Problems I have Encountered

The few problems that I have had, was with the neutral switch click to see more, and the Stator/regulator rectifier
Also the auto choke seized up so again with some WD40 the problem was sorted out.
I had a low speed accident when pulling out of a junction avoiding a pot hole in the road, which damaged the clutch case/cover and edge of the exhaust can. The clutch cover was expensive, so thats the reason for fitting crash bobbins.

Newer versions.

On the newer versions of the R1, Yamaha have kept a similar riding position, adjusted the position of the exhaust, added some googlie eye headlights and added an array of electronic wizardary, however you will need to find out about those bikes elsewhere.

Phill