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Progression of Lunacy....a pictorial documentary and random discussion

Here ya go Adam. I just got back upstairs from the garage. The Washer/Bolt combo works perfect! I see no problems whatsoever using this method. It holds perfectly and you don't even need a shorter bolt. The 16mm length works great. Like I said before, if you want you can cut out a 2" diameter circle from an old inner tube to use as a backing for the flat washer but its not necessary. The fairing can't move once the mount comes through the fairing. Here are the pics. All ya gotta do is paint the washer and bolt and your in business.

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There you go. I am definitely keeping a couple of sets of these myself just in case. If you can't find the hardware, just PM me your address and I'll throw some in an envelope and get them out to you pronto.
 
Guess I need to get back in touch with my "what do I have readily available to fix it" roots

That is a great idea, and alot cheaper alternative to having some machined. between 75-125 w/o material.....

Thanks again Billy :tup:

Adam
 
X-mas is coming early......the parts will be here tomorrow -- I just need to remember to snap some pictures before I tear into things.....

Adam
 
are my eyes focusing correctly today -- is mamaYama now offering a silver engine in the '09's? Everything I'm seeing is still coming up black except the attached photo below...

Adam

yamaha_fz1_8147-3.jpg
 
I don't know -- looking at blacking out (parts) of the Gen I -- just thought that If I do enough to make a change on the Gen I -- that if I should ever opt for the Gen II -- I can try to pass it over on my wife (and yes I know that it'll never happen) but it is a thread about Lunacy!! :wilynily::gagged:
 
va_rider said:
I think it depends on where you get it... I've seen other pics posted with Silver engines on '09's.... but overseas...
Click to expand...

That is correct. Silver engine never available in the US on the Gen II bikes. I've seen a black one with silver engine and wheels and it looks really sharp.
 
As far as the technical aspect -- I'd be interested to know what you and Lee talked about.

As for my thoughts, this came up from the "other" forum at a decent price and in talking with some of the members over there, it would reduce some of the shake that I was experiencing...

Now, part of that shake was probably from having the rebound/compression setting too hard -- but this is first bike and having to go through the learning curve. An exit ramp that would be a FANTASTIC right hander (if they ever resurfaced) was all but a slight vibration after the install of the superbrace.

Suspension -- major factor -- fork brace ?? (doing a test to see how things improved from suspension to fork brace -- both done at the same time so no data available other than it is a helluva lot better than before!)

Adam
 
Here ya go

Years ago, fork tubes were very small diameter (35-37mm) and not very flex free. These fork tube dimensions were used on bikes that weighed anywhere between 350 and 600 lbs or more. A fork brace generally helped by minimizing flex between the lower triple clamp and axle. Depending on the motorcycle it was installed on, improvements were sometimes noticed and sometimes not. Most of the time, any improvement in feel was entirely dependent on the rider and how the bike was used or ridden.

With most modern forks, they seem to be fairly rigid and flex free. Installing a fork brace can make the front end feel different. They might provide a bit more stiffness to the front end but the difference would be so small on most bikes that it just isn't worth the cost. Many fork braces will not work with OEM fork guards. Very few fork braces are made with their own version of fork guards. The lack of fork protection is a significant drawback and IMO, not at all worth the slight difference in feel. This leads me to what we are most likely feeling when we do notice there is a difference in \"feel\". Since the fork brace is mounted to the lower legs, we are adding the weight of the brace to the \"unsprung\" weight category. This will affect the performance of the suspension unit simply because of the laws of physics. An object in motion tends to want to stay in motion. Increasing the weight of that object in motion is going to make it more difficult for it to stop and change direction. Suspension components are changing direction nearly constantly. Each time a fork changes from compression to extension the fork changes direction. Changing the weight of the accumulated fork parts that are changing direction will only make the valve assemblies less effective. Each time there is a direction change, there is also a dead zone for actual damping. It takes time and suspension movement in order for pressure differentials to build for damping to take place. Couple this with poorly manufactured cartridge bodies and valve assemblies that have significant leakage points and you could have a dead zone - hysterisis (lack of any damping at all) that could be significant in height. A bad design could have a dead zone of 1 to 2 inches before sufficient damping is available to control wheel or suspension movement. A good design with a leak free cartridge might have a dead zone of 1/2 inch or less. During the time the suspension is in the dead zone, additional unsprung weight might make the forks and wheel feel heavier. It's this heavier feel that makes some riders believe the fork brace has made an improvement. The heavier feel does not effect turn in. The heavier mass of unsprung weight is preventing the suspension from allowing the wheel to accurately follow the surface of the pavement or road. Anyone that has mounted up light weight wheels can attest to the improvement in the way their suspension works and how it feels. The overall point I was trying to make is this... There are a few penalties to be paid regarding the use fork braces. Those are: increased unsprung weight and the loss of fork guards or fork tube protection.

I remember several years ago when I put a fork brace on my '02 FZ1. I liked the way it felt. I didn't like the loss of fork protection. I then started working here at Traxxion Dynamics. I upgraded the suspension and did not put the fork brace back on. I didn't miss it one bit. I've since had several owners ask me my thoughts on fork braces installed on the FZ1. I've told them every time to save their money.
Click to expand...
 
I mean.... I'm not saying take the brace off.... I was just wondering what you thought of it.... maybe pull it off and see if there is any noticeable difference....


but... if it doesn't make a difference for you.... then... I could see you pulling it off and selling it... make a few bucks...

19 COVER
4TX-2331G-00-00 1 $3.89 @ PartShark.com --- Motorcycle Parts, Accessories, Apparel, & Merchandise.
 
No -- not jumping the gun -- but I would need to order new boots anyway to be able to do just that -- recoup some money if/when I sell....

I'll do some testing now that I'm becoming a bit more bike savvy -- but everything that Lee has shared with me to date -- has been pretty much spot on -- Sooooo I have no reason to doubt that your post is valid as well...

As I said, first bike, you gotta pay to play and learn some of this anyway....

Adam
 
OK -- got the painted parts over the weekend --- :wow: It has the "yamaha" stickers provided but not installed yet. Anyone got a line on factory stickers, mainly the "tuning fork"

all I seem to be able to find are the gel coat stickes that go on the fron upper fairing....

Adam
 
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