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If you are interested in more info about the hardracing.com project ZX-6R motorcycle I have put together on the show, then read on:
Background on this project: I wanted to buy a new bike for the street and to do track days with. My choice came down to two motorcycles... the 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6R (636cc's) and the brand new 2006 Suzuki GSX-R 750. The choice was made for my by availability of the motorcycle in the color I wanted. I would have been happy with either motorcycle.
With that said it must be noted that the new 2006 CBR 1000RR would have been a great choice as well as the Yamaha R1. However, I just did not want a 1000 at this time and a regular 600 is just too small for me to have a relaxed bunch of fun on the track. I am just about 6'2" tall and weight about 205... for a smaller rider a 600 would be perfect and for someone who has an outright need for speed the 1000's... all of them (CBR, GSXR, R1, 999 and ZX-10R)... are great track bikes. For me, this time the extra low end of the 636cc or 750 would be perfect.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS TO MAKE SURE ALL THESE MODS ARE STREET LEGAL IF YOU ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO RIDE YOUR MODIFIED MOTORCYLE ON THE STREET.
So I went to a local dealer, Mid-Carolina Powersports, and purchased the ZX-6R. From that point on I have been working on and modifying this awesome motorcycle ever since. Below is a list of things I have done and why.
All of the mods made to this bike can be purchased through hardracing.com
Phase 1 - This step is to show you what I think the minimum you should do to a stock (straight from the showroom floor) motorcycle to get it ready for a track day.
Dunlop Qualifier Tires - From the variety of tires I have ridden, the Qualifiers are the most comfortable street/track tires I have ridden. The fronts are crazy good and it makes my motorcycle very stable.
Galfer Brake Lines - If you ride on the track, hard steel braided brake lines are a must. I have been using Galfer lines since 1995 and I think they work great! Great feel and your brakes will not fade late in the session. As you use your brakes more the head generated by the pads touching the rotors causes the brake fluid to get very hot, and this can cause the factory rubber lines to expand a bit. This can cause what is known as brake fade... a vague feeling from the brake lever or perhaps just not enough stopping power.
GPR Steering Stabilizer - It helps with the tank slappers!! This is a must for a track or aggressive street rider.
Performance Friction Brake Pads - AWESOME Pads that work way better than stock pads! They get the job of hauling you down done!
Euro Turn Signals - This step was taken just in case of a crash. I have the factory turn signals set aside so if/when I sell this bike I can put them back on and have a great stock look. It also helps to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Fender Elimination Kit - This is really about drag from the rear of the bike. I don't care so much how it looks, but I also need to keep the license plate on and visible. I am not a big fan of the "under the fender" kits. I don't want to give the police any excuse to pull me over... it's not worth it.
K&N Air Filter - Better air flow in the air box means more power. K&N does that, and at a good price. This is a no brainer, and a great first step in power boost.
Phase 2 - At this point I wanted to get to the other parts of the motorcycle which I needed changed because of my size. Although these options can be pricey, there are other options available to you.
Ohlins Shock - The stock shock is great, but since I am a former racer I need a little more adjustability and longevity in the back end of my motorcycle. Ohlins is the premier maker of aftermarket suspension components. No matter what you hear about other products Ohlins is the best... just ask the AMA Factory Honda squad... or perhaps Valentino Rossi. I'm just saying...
Ohlins Fork Kit - This kit replaces the entire fork internals. It is awesome!
Pit Bull Front Stand - Keep the front up. This is for changing tires, working on the front end and most importantly at the track... you can put the tire warmers on the front tire.
Pit Bull Rear Stand - Same as the front, only for the rear.
Pit Bull Jack Stands - For further maintenance, like changing the shock.
Phase 3 - The ZX-6R has a good bit of power, but it never hurts to add a little more. With DynoJet's Power Commander and accompanying accessories I figured this would be a great addition to the bike. Also the fact that the Factory Kawasaki Roadrace team uses this part means a great deal to me.
DynoJet Power Commander - Adds adjustability and extra power. This is a track mod only. I will unplug it when I ride on the street.
DynoJet Ignition Module - This is a must
DynoJet Quick Shifter - Read about this feature... it is so great on the track!
Phase 4 - The final touches to complete the ZX-6R. A little bit for comfort and a little bit for piece of mind.
Woodcraft Rear Set Foot Pegs - High quality product. This mod allows me some adjustability in the ergo department. They are great, BUT... they are only for track use if you feel you need the rear brake brake light activation switch. If you don't need the brake light to activate when you touch the rear brake then I would not worry about it. I ALWAYS use the front brake, so to me it is not big deal.
Chickenhawk Tire Warmers - Keeps the rubber warm.
Leo Vince SBK Exhaust - More power and sound baffle to boot.
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