EDSBK is a blog about a small group of sports bike riders, the places we go in search of our ultimate road and the motorbikes we ride..

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Showing posts with label Kawasaki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kawasaki. Show all posts

Eco Challenge

Every year while on our road trip we do an Eco Challenge. This means everytime we fill up with fuel I have to write down how many litres of fuel each of us drew.
 The fuel used ranged from 55.1 MPG to as low as 36.4 MPG over the 6 days.
We all took the same amount of luggage and used the same Oxford Hump Back soft luggage.
 Our trip was 905 miles which included a good mixture of roads and steep hills, a fair bit of stops to take photos, eat, drink, repair and dry off. 400 Miles were on Motorways and the rest A or B class roads.

Loaded

Col on the Honda Fireblade with a 900cc engine recorded the best MPG at 55.1, this is down to the combined weight of the bike and rider being the lightest which gives a good power to weight ratio. He averaged 48MPG over the trip. His average MPG when wearing his waterproofs dropped by 4MPG

Rich with the Kawasaki ZX636 a 600cc machine got 52.7MPG at best and averaged 47.6MPG over the trip.His average MPG when wearing his waterproofs dropped by 1 MPG

Phill with the Yamaha R1 a 1000cc machine got 50.8MPG at best but averaged 45.3MPG over the trip.His average MPG when wearing his waterproofs dropped by 2.5 MPG

Jon on the Suzuki GSXR another 1000cc machine got 48.7MPG and averaged 43.6MPG over the trip.His average MPG when wearing his waterproofs dropped by 3 MPG

Ed is the average of the 4 of us.

 For 3 journeys we were wearing waterproof over suits, which have a lot of loose fitting areas and flapage, when on these journeys the bikes average MPG dropped by 1-4 MPG.

 This year I have scored it in the same method as the Olympics, counting the amount of Golds, Silvers and Bronzes for the 5 catergories below.

  • Average MPG
  • Best MPG
  • Tolerance (The difference between best and worst MPG)
  • Best MPG compared to MCNs figure
  • Difference between biggest and smallest amount of litres bought

 Results 
                                         Gold            Silver        Bronze
Best Average MPG           Col              Rich          Ed
Best MPG                         Col              Rich          Ed
Tolerence                          Ed               Phill           Jon
Better than MCN              Rich             Phill           Ed
Difference between fill ups Col              Ed             Phill


 Col - Honda Fireblade  3x Gold    0x Silver    0 x Bronze
 Rich - Kawasaki 636    1x Gold    2x Silver    0 x Bronze
 Ed - LAW of Average  1x Gold    1x Silver    3 x Bronze
 Phill - Yamaha R1         0x Gold    2x Silver    1 x Bronze
 Jon - Suzuki GSXR       0x Gold    0x Silver    1 x Bronze

2012 EDSBK Road Trip. Part 1 (Moffat)

  We set out on Sunday 8th July headed for Moffat in Scotland, about 50 miles from the border with England. Col arrived first followed by Rich who was already wearing his water proofs and Jon arrived a few minutes later. The sun was trying to make an appearance as we set off and the odd patch of blue sky appeared on the horizon. We stopped for a cuppa and fuel and Rich said he was too hot, so took off his waterproof suit and we headed off. As we approached the climb up Shap in the lakes district the heavens opened and gave us a few minutes of rain, we decided to wear the water proofs until we arrived in Moffat.

The Buccleuch Arms Hotel
The garages
  Moffat is just off the A74 (M) at junction 15.
The Buccleuch Arms Hotel was our destination in Moffat. We were met by the owner David, who showed each of us to our own garage for the bikes, then to our rooms in the hotel. (EDSBK Recommended)
 The following morning we decided over breakfast to follow a route that was recommended by a website called
  Motorcycle Scotland, through Dumfries to Galloway Forest following along the coast roads. After a while we needed a coffee so pulled in at Carsluith Castle over looking the bay towards Wigtown where we stopped and had a look around. We could see the clouds were once again getting dark and heavy so water proofed up in preparation for the next part of the ride.

Along the A712


Carsluith Castle
 We mostly avoided the rain only seeing a few seconds worth just before we reached a town called Newton Stewart, we headed through Galloway Forest along the twisty A712 until we came across Clatteringshaws Loch where we stopped for a few minutes to admire the views. Then we headed towards the village of  New Galloway where we found the A702 and followed it as it again twisted and dipped and climbed its way through the landscape. The route made it into our list of ultimate roads.
 We arrived at Thornhill not seeing any rain from the again threatening skies. Drumlanrig Castle was only a few miles away so we went off route to go and have a look.
Drumlanrig Castle
Clatteringshaws Loch




Once getting back on route (A702) we followed the road up through the valley which was Cols favourite section of road and then the heavens opened and it absolutely threw it down for the last 20 minutes of the ride, we headed back to the Hotel and parked the bikes back under cover and left the water proofs to dry out. Luckily the radiators were on in our rooms so all the wet clothing got dried overnight.

 The next Morning we awoke to more rain, that got heavier as we ate breakfast. We were heading to Kendal after dinner for the 2nd part of our trip, to the Lake District.
  David from the Buccleuch Arms had talked to us about a short route he used that went around an area known locally as The 3 Locks and The Devils Beef Tub, we thought it sounded an interesting route and long enough to give us something to do before heading off to Kendal. We put our now dry clothes on, packed our bags to collect later and set off along the A708 towards St. Mary's Loch and as it rained all the way we stopped at Glen Cafe for a drink.
Glen cafe looking towards Loch of the Lowes
 The rain carried on as we set off along the A708 and took the first road on the left heading towards Meggets Reservoir and Talla Reservoir linking the A708 to the A701. The road was steep, windy,  slippery from the covering of a mixture of sheep dung and slime, had loose gravel, puddles and was flooded in places, not really a sports bike type of road at all, but the scenery was beautiful.
 At the end of the road we turned left onto the A701 and rode through the forest, a winding fast section of tarmac, it felt good to be back on an A class road again, even if it was soaking wet.
The water proofs brigade!

 We had been told that the Devils Beef Tub is so called as it was a place that Scottish cattle rustlers used to bring the cattle from England too. The English used to chase after the cattle to get them back and the Scotts then attacked, killing the English and keeping the cattle. We stopped in a layby and looked down the valley at the Beef Tub and could see how the natural shape of the land played a part working in the favour of the Scotts.
The Devils Beef Tub
 We went back to the Hotel and collected our luggage then set off to Kendal.


2012 EDSBK Road Trip. Part 2 (Kendal)

 We were already soaked from the ride in the morning around Moffat.
As I got on to the motorway my feet, collar and gloves felt damp, and I thought if this rain would stop then they may dry out enough to stop me thinking about how soaked I was and wondered if the others felt like  I did? As soon as we entered England the sky was lighter and the rain stopped, thank goodness for that I thought. Forty minutes later the rain was back, but harder than the mornings effort. My drying boots, collar and gloves gave up any water proofing they had left and left me with soaked feet and hands and I could feel the water occasionally dripping down the insides of my Jacket on the inside of the water proof over suit.
 We arrived at the services ten minutes after the rain had stopped for a rest, Jon and me took our boots off and rang out our soaking socks, while Col and Rich talked up their boots that hadn't leaked at all.
I didn't bother to put my socks back on, it wasn't worth it.
 We left the motorway at the next junction after the services and followed the A684 into Kendal which turned out to be an unexpected bit of road offering some fun for the last 12 miles of the journey.
Just after a soaking on the services at Shap
Sundial Guest House
 We had stayed at the Sundial Guest House before and were made most welcome by Sue and Andy the owners so stayed there again this year. (Everyday Superbike Recommended) We arrived at the Sundial dried off then found The Miles Thompson for some food. Rich has relations in the area so went for a visit, leaving the rest of us to drink too much beer and talk about who has done the best in the Eco challenge, the best of the roads we had ridden so far, leading into the 5 pints later who of us is the biggest biking hero conversation which normally arises, with tales of who's seen the biggest speeds, who's had the most air, who's got the best cornering lines, endo's, wheelies, other shenanigans and who had had the closest of close shaves, all story's to be taken with a pinch of salt and have a laugh over!

 The following morning we awoke to some hope of dry weather and blue patches of sky. Unfortunately the heating in the Sundial was off so our damp boots, gloves and leathers had stayed damp so hoped the wind as we rode along would dry them out for us. We set off with water proofs bungied to the rear seats in case we needed them.
 The route was made from a list of recommended roads that we had strung together, being mindful of the few dark clouds towards the north we did the route backwards and headed south. Rich knew the area reasonably well so led for a while until we came across the A5804 which became a most entertaining bit of road that twisted a lot and eventually went along the side of lake Coniston.
 We turned left following the A593 and A595 both roads were fun to ride, until I gave my bike a big handful of throttle and the exhaust came apart. We stopped in a layby and assessed the problem, nothing major just a screw clip had come loose, so I did a roadside repair and we carried on eventually reaching Penrith as the A686 and the Hartside Cafe was not far from there. We arrived at Melmerby the start of the climb up the Hartside Pass and the clouds were dark and meaningful, looming above the hills. I think we had all guessed that the road was going to be damp. Luckily the rain didn't start while we were there, however there was a lot of water running off the hills and across the road, more than enough to spoil our fun, limiting us to a more careful accent. The menu in the cafe was the same as last year so we had Mars Bar cake and a coffee, Mmm yum!

We set off back down and the roads were still covered in water but Col and I exchanged the lead on a few occasions as we dropped back into Melmerby. Then finding the A6 towards Kendal we hit our next problem. Col pulled over and thought his chain was slapping as it went over the swing arm, he adjusted the chain, but it made little difference, we stopped again and re adjusted the chain but again it made little difference but Col said it seemed better than the first time we had stopped, also his Fireblade felt strange when braking and a warped front disk was suspected. The A6 turned out to be a nice route offering some good fast sections and some good corners. I passed Jon who seemed to be messing with something on the side of his bike and about a mile later pulled in to wait for the others in another layby. Col turned up shortly after still with a problem from the chain, then a few minute went by and Jon and Rich turned up. Jon informed me that his Mini DV camera had come off at 70 mph and he had had to go back to fetch it, luckily it still worked but looks battered!
We returned to the hotel and messed with the bikes, and I discovered my exhaust end can had rotted through around the area that meets the pipe, it was wobbling around but was not going to drop off.
The following morning we headed home and 2 of us were contemplating some unexpected repairs.
  Once at home I changed my exhaust can and now my R1 has the standard can refitted until I can afford to replace it. Cols Fireblade had crushed bearings in the rear wheel and a warped front disk, both problems have been repaired and our bikes are back on the road.

Summary
Date:- 8th - 12th July 2012
Weather:- 1 dry days, 4 raining
Hotels:- The Buccleuch Arms (Moffat) / Sundial Guest house (Kendal)
Miles:- 860.
Fuel cost per litre:- 1.36p to 1.39p a ltr (8 petrol stations)
EDSBK Riders:- Phill,Col,Jon & Rich
Aim:- 
Ride the best roads around Galloway, visit a Scottish Castle, have another go along the A686 Hartside pass and explore the area in search of more ultimate roads.
We decided as we had enjoyed the lake district in 2011 to return and explore the area to the south as we had not tested any roads down there, also Galloway has featured in articles I've read in the past so I thought why not combine the two areas into 1 trip.

Kawasaki ZX636 Ninja




 This is Rich's Kawasaki ZX6R.  This the 2003 model has the slightly bigger 636cc engine than the previous version of the ZX6r. The engine sounds great, its sporty with the noise from the ram air intake and gives a good midrange and top end, offering speeds of up to 163MPH. If ridden with less gusto then fuel from the 18 litre tank can last into the 40-50 MPG range, however the manufactures figures of an average 39MPG is a reasonable figure to live with.
 Looks wise the 2002-2003 model pictured dosen't look out of place with the newer machines when parked on a Sunday morning at the cafe carpark with its pleasant paint scheme.



Controls
The Instruments are of the Analogue type, having a speedometer, rev counter and temperature gauge in a nicely layed out dash. On the speedo is an odometer and a trip gauge and the usual lights for indicators and neutral. The bars are positioned quite low and the pegs quite high giving an aggressive riders position but feels roomy. The seat is comfortable enough for touring and the rear seat can come off to allow access into a small storage space or be swapped for a seat cowl. There is room under the seat for the tool kit a chocolate bar to eat and a drink. There is twin headlights on the ZX636 that can be switched on or off.

 Riding it
 As it has a 636cc engine you would not expect it to keep us with the 1000cc sports bikes on the track, but on the road it can hold its own, though you have to give it a lot more throttle and drop a gear more often than when on the bigger bikes.

Stats
  • Engine Size - 636cc
  • Top Speed - 163mph 
  • Power - 116 bhp
  • Weight - 172kg
  • Fuel Tank - 18ltr
  • Average MPG - 39 (we have regularly seen over 40mpg)
  • Tank range - 150miles
  • Insurance group 14
  • Tyres - Front 120/65 17, Rear 180/55/17
  • Suspension - Rear fully adjustable, Front fully adjustable


Rich after a long day in the saddle

Febuary

Another cold month out of the way means spring is nearly here and our weekend bike trips will soon resume.

 The last weekend of Febuary was into the double figures on Saturday but cooler on Sunday.
Rich, Jon and Me decided to have a ride out on Saturday morning. It was the first time Rich had been out with us so he wanted to try group riding. We decided the Petrol Station was going to be our first stop which was a good idea as my fuel light came on just as we entered Bridgnorth and Jons had been on from home. I couldnt believe how much it cost to fill the tank. £18.45 I ve not spent that much in one tank before, 3 years ago I struggled to get more than £13.00 in there.
  After a quick coffee and the usual text of aggrevation to our less fortunate biker mates who were stuck at work we decided on a ride along the B4363 & B4199 a local favourite route of ours, with a good mix of corners, gradients, farm hazards and 3 hairpins for good measure. Smiles all round!
  I noticed the other day Rich still had the bung in the exhaust on his Kawasaki so suggested we remove it, the difference in sound was impressive. The bike gave a much deeper growl and sounded proper sporty.
Rich's ZX6R, Looks and Sounds great.
 The following morning Col suggested a ride so I thought great lets go. Rich and Jon unfortunately had other plans. I backed my bike out only to find it wont start, after a bit of experimenting I found I could start it if I pulled the clutch in and everything seemed fine until the stand went down and the engine cut out. (See Post Below)
 Because of this problem, I was busy thinking of all the grief this could cause me so ended up more of a cruise rather than the usual hunting for the best lines.

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