ZX-4RR prep questions

[feralchimp]

I have a bone-stock ZX-4RR that I *think* I'd like to trackday a bit this calendar year.

I haven't even had it chipped, due in large part to not wanting to pull the tank at home to get at the stock ECU.

My current thinking is "maybe I should just drop it at a shop and ask them to trackify it" up to some minimum standard.

I'm willing for it to be loud as a last resort, but would prefer to keep it as respectful as possible around the neighborhood. No interest in a full system but maybe a slip-on?

Would prefer to avoid track bodywork. Mine isn't a 40th anniversary so the stock bodywork can get scraped imo. Should I reconsider that position for other reasons?

I *might* be 160lb these days. Slow as the day is long, but would prefer to be less so.

Aside from the ECU flash, what else would y'all do right away?

- tires? replacement on stock wheels, vs. spare wheels and super-stickies? I have warmers.
- brake attention? pads/lines?
- will "lots of front preload" git'er done suspension wise, or will I really want new springs?
- lever guards?
- rearsets? I do have a hankering for some GP shift pattern, but the stock pegs feel probably-high-enough if I unscrew the feelers?

Penny for your thoughts, hive mind-

[boosten lebaron]

Run it as. See what needs attention afterwards.

[Kurlon]

Reflash, pads and tires to taste as needed, and see what you like/don't like as you ride it to dictate further changes if needed. You're not racing, so no need to spend like a GP team if the goal is some giggles. If you find you ARE pushing, upgrade where you find deficiencies.

[OneCheekRider]

I take it you've been to the track before since you have warmers? If the goal is to go out and improve your overall riding and not outright laptimes, I wouldn't stress about an ECU flash, tires, brakes, etc. As said above, run it as-is. There is typically a suspension person/business at the track; assuming there is one there, see if you can work with them all day -- around here it's a set fee but can go to them to fine tune adjustments between sessions to fit your needs/wants. They may suggest a respring/revalve or perhaps given your weight and riding style, none may be needed. I still put a lot of faith (and money) in my suspension guy.

Assuming you continue to ride at the track, you'll figure out pretty quickly what you may or may not want to do and any additional parts/changes can be made with a lot more knowledge rather than throwing parts at it. Since you've mentioned street riding in the neighborhood, you'll also want to think about how much street focus you want vs track focus. In my experience, a more track-oriented setup is much less comfortable for day-to-day cruising.

[tls25rs]

You could ask @572shawn on instagram he is a Cyclesmith Track Days instructor that has one and has been through whatever there is to be gone through getting his set up for the track environment.

Also Paul_E_D here participated in an endurance race in FL recently on Billy Saine's (sp?) bike so he may have some feedback for you.

[xrocket21]

I mean, minimum, you gotta flash it.

[Paul_E_D]

I agree, at a minimum, flash it and run it. If you do find you want to track it more than street it, I have a lot more info for you. The heaviest front spring you can get for it is a 9.0 and I would go straight there. a rear shock, and tires is nice. Learn how to get the traction control turned off and set that as the default for race mode. It really need stiffer clutch springs when ridden hard. Spears has some for it.

[Kurlon]

If heavier front springs than what the market is stocking are needed, call up Cannon Racecraft, they'll custom wind you whatever you need.