Suggestions for suspension, tires & brakes

[ancosta]

I am about to pull the trigger on having GMD Computrak setup my bike for me. As much as I'd like to do it myself, I simply too busy, never did suspension work before, and want it to be right the 1st time.

I need bike setup for novice 2nd year rider (1 trackday & 5500 mi exp.). Also, I am 6'2" 215# and would like the bike to be a notch higher.

If all goes as planned I hope to log between 5-10k miles and 3-5 trackdays/schooling this year. Bike will be ridden on mix of highway, twisties and in-town commuting.


Here's my plan:
~~~~
Replace D220s with Pilot Powers - 120/60 and 160/60 (stock size)
Install used Penske 8981
SV fork setup by GMD
Front stainless brake hoses
Replace stock bars with SM2 bars (done already)

GMD tells me that the height of the bike will be a bit higher since there's lots of trail to work with, and that he can optimize suspension around the stock 60 front tire, so there is no need to do a 70 tire. I'd like to keep the stock height to keep the speedo accurate.

I asked about a stainless rear hose, but said I figured it would be useless since I don't plan on standing on my rear brakes anytime soon. I never used the rear brake at all on the track at the advice of several racers. Peter at GMD told me not only does he use a rubber rear hose, he introduces a small amount of air in the system, so that he can stand on the brakes if needed and not worry about locking the rear - interesting!

What do you think of this setup? I would like to do a GSXR front swap but time & money is tight, and its not like I'd be able to out-ride what I'll get out of the SV forks. Peter said that the setup above would allow the bike (again, not me personally) to blow circles around a stock GSXR. Using that as a reference point that sounds like a lot of fun to me

Ideas are appreciated...also can someone suggest where to get the pilot powers? GMD doesn't get a break on tire prices they said, so I was going to Froogle them.

[Jank]

Just keep listening to Peter and you'll do great!
He know his stuff... he better, he gets paid too!

I think we know someone who can hook you up with Pilots... just can't remember... I remember... I remember... He has something to do with food...

I'm sure he'll post up. Soon.

[RandyO]

I find less speedo error on my SV with 120/70's (0% to -1%)than I do with 120/60s (+11% to + 5%) speedo error can vary quite a bit depending on brand of tire (profile) and tire wear, less error with new tires

if you really want to know how fast your going accurately, get a bicycle speedo you can calibrate, or a GPS

if you run a sport tire you will go thru 2 sets of tires per year + in my opinion based on your projected riding, don't base your opinion of sport touring tires on Dunlops, they haven't updated their sport touring tire technology in a couple of years, Z6s, Pilot Roads, Azaro STs are stickier and last longer

[mycirus]

I had Peter work on my bike and thought his prices were good. I have yet to ride it but I was happy with his work. Just ask him not to put the stickers on your forks if you dont want em. The glue was a pain to clean off.

Bruce

[ancosta]

Randy - thanks for the good info. I know what you are saying regarding sport touring vs. street tires. I heard so many good things about the pilots that I figured I'd give them a shot. My motox buddy tells me to get some ST tires for the road and racer take-offs for track days. If the most squidly thing I do is get the pilot powers I think I am doing OK so far

Interesting note on the margin of error with 60 vs 70 rubber. What leads you to run the 70-series up front - for accuracy only or other reasons?

I posted same question on svrider.com and I got this response:
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if you paying for what they call 'sweet numbers' you waisting your money.
first sweet numbers dont exist and second ride hights for sv are known.
this ride hight numbers are free and are only base set up.after that you dial it either way untill you feel comfortable with bike.
there is no sweet number that works for everybody.

I am not sure what he is talking about other than maybe setting the ideal sag, etc. I have a feeling that Peter is going to set it up as close as I need at this point of the game, and then as I get used to it & get more exp. my needs will maybe change....?

Jankster - where can I get the Pilots for cheep cheep? I was going to try terra-powersports.com. They have 120/70 for $102 and 160/60 for $119. Wonder what the shipping will set me back...?

I'll have to see what those stickers on the forks look like too before they get slapped on there

[ancosta]

Talk about different priorities...from a phone call I had last wk...



[me] Hey I am having my bike setup in a couple of weeks.

[Friend] Yeah? What are you going to do?

[me] I am going to have the suspension setup and put in this really kickass adjustable shock out back, and get some decent rubber on there. You should check these guys out, I bet they could set up your GSXR real nice.

[Friend] Hey I just got my bike back too! I got the swingarm and the foot pegs chromed, and then I went 1 down in the front and 2 up in the back.

[me] Wow, nice. But you'll top out around 150ish now I bet instead of 170 I'd guess.

[Friend] Yeah, kinda sucks but what you gonna do?

[Jank]

Heh... I thought he'd jump all over this.
Shoot Karaya One a PM. He's the Mich'lin man around here!

[Jank]

Originally posted by ancosta

I'll have to see what those stickers on the forks look like too before they get slapped on there

[Rice-rocket1]

Originally posted by Jankster

Guess I don't have to go take a pic of my forks now. Got my bike back from Peter recently. Haven't had a chance to ride due to weather but can't wait to try out the new suspension. Best thing is I have a friend with an identical bike with stock suspension to do a back to back comparo with. But just sitting on the bike to move it around, it feels much better.

[RandyO]

Originally posted by ancosta
Randy - thanks for the good info. I know what you are saying regarding sport touring vs. street tires. I heard so many good things about the pilots that I figured I'd give them a shot. My motox buddy tells me to get some ST tires for the road and racer take-offs for track days. If the most squidly thing I do is get the pilot powers I think I am doing OK so far

Interesting note on the margin of error with 60 vs 70 rubber. What leads you to run the 70-series up front - for accuracy only or other reasons?

in summer I run Azaro ST's 120/60
but in winter I run motard tires Pirelli MTR60's not available in 120/60, only 120/70

I don't make any changes to suspension or ride height, the difference, 6mm is not noticable to me