Sports Bikes. THE best performance modification, ever !
Discussion
I couldn't help but chuckle, when we met a group of bikers on Sunday down in Penzance and two of the riders were talking about the changes they had made to their bikes.
One was a Suzuki GSXR1000 and the other a Ducati 999S.
Lovely bikes, of course, but they had both spent a ridiculous amount of money on weight-saving carbon and other parts to improve performance.
The guy with the Suzuki had managed to shed almost 10kgs, which is quite an achievement on the 2007 model, already very, very light from the factory.
But why oh why didn't he keep the circa £2000 and simply LOSE WEIGHT HIMSELF?
He was 20 kgs overweight, at the least, as was the other fella with the 999.
A couple of years ago, i noticed that i had crept up to 12 stones, so started eating better and working out at the gym and to this day, i've kept my weight at 11 stones.
The best performance modification in the world is to lose weight from you!
It's win-win-win, because you are healthier, the bike becomes lighter and the weight is lost from the top half of the bike, which is much better than losing it, say, from the exhaust system or engine cases, etc.
One was a Suzuki GSXR1000 and the other a Ducati 999S.
Lovely bikes, of course, but they had both spent a ridiculous amount of money on weight-saving carbon and other parts to improve performance.
The guy with the Suzuki had managed to shed almost 10kgs, which is quite an achievement on the 2007 model, already very, very light from the factory.
But why oh why didn't he keep the circa £2000 and simply LOSE WEIGHT HIMSELF?
He was 20 kgs overweight, at the least, as was the other fella with the 999.
A couple of years ago, i noticed that i had crept up to 12 stones, so started eating better and working out at the gym and to this day, i've kept my weight at 11 stones.
The best performance modification in the world is to lose weight from you!
It's win-win-win, because you are healthier, the bike becomes lighter and the weight is lost from the top half of the bike, which is much better than losing it, say, from the exhaust system or engine cases, etc.
Training isn't a performance mod. Not really. "Performance" is power to weight ratios, and gearing for accelleration. Oh, and you're brakes. Re-cogging the bike is the most cost effective performance mod, and upgrading brakes to cope with that extra speed, etc.
Don't get me wrong, training/experiance is what allows you to use those mods.
Losing weight is never a bad idea, mind, and is something i'm working on.
My tuppence.
Don't get me wrong, training/experiance is what allows you to use those mods.
Losing weight is never a bad idea, mind, and is something i'm working on.
My tuppence.
I love performance mods... Cause IMO it adds individualism and adds a bit of a personal touch to your bike...
Yeah i'm sure the most cost effective things for better laptimes are me losing weight and training but i love the odd cream cake and snazzy wheels and carbon fibre will be there every day when i go to oggle my bike
Yeah i'm sure the most cost effective things for better laptimes are me losing weight and training but i love the odd cream cake and snazzy wheels and carbon fibre will be there every day when i go to oggle my bike
Beemer-5 said:
I couldn't help but chuckle, when we met a group of bikers on Sunday down in Penzance and two of the riders were talking about the changes they had made to their bikes.
One was a Suzuki GSXR1000 and the other a Ducati 999S.
Lovely bikes, of course, but they had both spent a ridiculous amount of money on weight-saving carbon and other parts to improve performance.
The guy with the Suzuki had managed to shed almost 10kgs, which is quite an achievement on the 2007 model, already very, very light from the factory.
But why oh why didn't he keep the circa £2000 and simply LOSE WEIGHT HIMSELF?
He was 20 kgs overweight, at the least, as was the other fella with the 999.
A couple of years ago, i noticed that i had crept up to 12 stones, so started eating better and working out at the gym and to this day, i've kept my weight at 11 stones.
The best performance modification in the world is to lose weight from you!
It's win-win-win, because you are healthier, the bike becomes lighter and the weight is lost from the top half of the bike, which is much better than losing it, say, from the exhaust system or engine cases, etc.
I reckon, rather than spending money on gym fees and simply working really hard at it you could be even more smug One was a Suzuki GSXR1000 and the other a Ducati 999S.
Lovely bikes, of course, but they had both spent a ridiculous amount of money on weight-saving carbon and other parts to improve performance.
The guy with the Suzuki had managed to shed almost 10kgs, which is quite an achievement on the 2007 model, already very, very light from the factory.
But why oh why didn't he keep the circa £2000 and simply LOSE WEIGHT HIMSELF?
He was 20 kgs overweight, at the least, as was the other fella with the 999.
A couple of years ago, i noticed that i had crept up to 12 stones, so started eating better and working out at the gym and to this day, i've kept my weight at 11 stones.
The best performance modification in the world is to lose weight from you!
It's win-win-win, because you are healthier, the bike becomes lighter and the weight is lost from the top half of the bike, which is much better than losing it, say, from the exhaust system or engine cases, etc.
.rsv gone! said:
I know you're being tongue-in-cheek but by losing weight from the top of the bike, you worsen the ride.
And a couple of extra pounds never hurt the times of the late, great David Jeffries.
The best performance mod is additional training.
Nope, seriously, you lower the centre of gravity by losing weight at the top of the bike.And a couple of extra pounds never hurt the times of the late, great David Jeffries.
The best performance mod is additional training.
Other than unsprung weight, the best weight you can lose is from the rider.
dern said:
Beemer-5 said:
I couldn't help but chuckle, when we met a group of bikers on Sunday down in Penzance and two of the riders were talking about the changes they had made to their bikes.
One was a Suzuki GSXR1000 and the other a Ducati 999S.
Lovely bikes, of course, but they had both spent a ridiculous amount of money on weight-saving carbon and other parts to improve performance.
The guy with the Suzuki had managed to shed almost 10kgs, which is quite an achievement on the 2007 model, already very, very light from the factory.
But why oh why didn't he keep the circa £2000 and simply LOSE WEIGHT HIMSELF?
He was 20 kgs overweight, at the least, as was the other fella with the 999.
A couple of years ago, i noticed that i had crept up to 12 stones, so started eating better and working out at the gym and to this day, i've kept my weight at 11 stones.
The best performance modification in the world is to lose weight from you!
It's win-win-win, because you are healthier, the bike becomes lighter and the weight is lost from the top half of the bike, which is much better than losing it, say, from the exhaust system or engine cases, etc.
I reckon, rather than spending money on gym fees and simply working really hard at it you could be even more smug One was a Suzuki GSXR1000 and the other a Ducati 999S.
Lovely bikes, of course, but they had both spent a ridiculous amount of money on weight-saving carbon and other parts to improve performance.
The guy with the Suzuki had managed to shed almost 10kgs, which is quite an achievement on the 2007 model, already very, very light from the factory.
But why oh why didn't he keep the circa £2000 and simply LOSE WEIGHT HIMSELF?
He was 20 kgs overweight, at the least, as was the other fella with the 999.
A couple of years ago, i noticed that i had crept up to 12 stones, so started eating better and working out at the gym and to this day, i've kept my weight at 11 stones.
The best performance modification in the world is to lose weight from you!
It's win-win-win, because you are healthier, the bike becomes lighter and the weight is lost from the top half of the bike, which is much better than losing it, say, from the exhaust system or engine cases, etc.
.It was just an honest observation.
For decades now, sports bike makers have been getting the weight of a bike as central and as low as possible. For a very good reason.
Extra rider weight hurts everything from traction, to acceleration, to braking.
A GSXR1000 will go, stop and turn way better, with someone 10/11 stones on board than 13/14 stones.
Extra rider weight hurts everything from traction, to acceleration, to braking.
A GSXR1000 will go, stop and turn way better, with someone 10/11 stones on board than 13/14 stones.
Beemer-5 said:
Nope, seriously, you lower the centre of gravity by losing weight at the top of the bike.
Other than unsprung weight, the best weight you can lose is from the rider.
If high (placed) weight is a problem, why do sportsbikes carry theirs higher than cruisers?Other than unsprung weight, the best weight you can lose is from the rider.
And by having a heavier rider/bike combination, your unsprung weight reduces as a proportion of the total weight. Traction can be improved.
It is not as simple as just losing weight off the rider.
Yeah it probably is true about losing weight, but to be honest...
I wouldnt want to be 11-12 stone. I have many friends who're around this weight and they look scrawny & lanky!
When we're out they also get picked on a lot as they're smaller build than most the other guys even though they're 6ft!
I'm 6ft & weght 15 1/2 stone, i dont get s
t off many people, admittedly i have a bit of a beer gut but thats from many nights out on the razz'm'tazz with the lads!
I wouldnt mind being about 14 1/2 but wouldnt want to go any lighter, my new Gixxer 600 is fast enough for me & will still hit top speed with me on it so thats fine for me
Plus adding/taking bits away from your bikes makes it individual
I wouldnt want to be 11-12 stone. I have many friends who're around this weight and they look scrawny & lanky!
When we're out they also get picked on a lot as they're smaller build than most the other guys even though they're 6ft!
I'm 6ft & weght 15 1/2 stone, i dont get s
t off many people, admittedly i have a bit of a beer gut but thats from many nights out on the razz'm'tazz with the lads!I wouldnt mind being about 14 1/2 but wouldnt want to go any lighter, my new Gixxer 600 is fast enough for me & will still hit top speed with me on it so thats fine for me
Plus adding/taking bits away from your bikes makes it individual
RSVGONE
I suggest you speak to the top GP riders and ask tham about diet and weight.
As far back as Ricardo Tormo and as recently as Valentino Rossi, i have heard how diet and weight is ever more important, for the best overall bike/rider performance on the track.
It stands to reason, that acceleration and braking are going to be harmed, when you add 20 or 30 extra kgs to a bike which weighs 175 kgs!
Bike makers have been reducing the weight of their fastest sports bikes at great expense for a reason!
I suggest you speak to the top GP riders and ask tham about diet and weight.
As far back as Ricardo Tormo and as recently as Valentino Rossi, i have heard how diet and weight is ever more important, for the best overall bike/rider performance on the track.
It stands to reason, that acceleration and braking are going to be harmed, when you add 20 or 30 extra kgs to a bike which weighs 175 kgs!
Bike makers have been reducing the weight of their fastest sports bikes at great expense for a reason!
Edited by Beemer-5 on Wednesday 6th August 12:09
lawrence567 said:
Yeah it probably is true about losing weight, but to be honest...
I wouldnt want to be 11-12 stone. I have many friends who're around this weight and they look scrawny & lanky!
When we're out they also get picked on a lot as they're smaller build than most the other guys even though they're 6ft!
I'm 6ft & weght 15 1/2 stone, i dont get st off many people, admittedly i have a bit of a beer gut but thats from many nights out on the razz'm'tazz with the lads!
I wouldnt mind being about 14 1/2 but wouldnt want to go any lighter, my new Gixxer 600 is fast enough for me & will still hit top speed with me on it so thats fine for me
Plus adding/taking bits away from your bikes makes it individual
That's fair enough, Lawrence, but a bit of a different issue.I wouldnt want to be 11-12 stone. I have many friends who're around this weight and they look scrawny & lanky!
When we're out they also get picked on a lot as they're smaller build than most the other guys even though they're 6ft!
I'm 6ft & weght 15 1/2 stone, i dont get s
t off many people, admittedly i have a bit of a beer gut but thats from many nights out on the razz'm'tazz with the lads!I wouldnt mind being about 14 1/2 but wouldnt want to go any lighter, my new Gixxer 600 is fast enough for me & will still hit top speed with me on it so thats fine for me
Plus adding/taking bits away from your bikes makes it individual
Another forum for that subject, methinks.
(The kick-box instructor at our health club is 5ft 8" and female, but would likely kick your butt, believe it or not!)
Beemer-5 said:
I suggest you speak to the top GP riders and ask tham about diet and weight.
I think this goes hand in hand with fitness. I did 9 laps at cadwell at the weekend and was knackered. The GP boys are full on for 35-45mins, that takes an awful lot of concentration and fitness, irrespective of weight.Beemer-5 said:
RSVGONE
I suggest you speak to the top GP riders and ask tham about diet and weight.
As far back as Ricardo Tormo and as recently as Valentiono Rossi, i have heard how diet and weight is ever more important, for the best overall bike/rider performance on the track.
It stands to reason, that acceleration and braking are going to be harmed, when you add 20 or 30 extra kgs to a bike which weighs 175 kgs!
Bike makers have been redcuing the weight of their fastest sports bikes at great expense for a reason!
I agree that fitness is important and that power to weight ratio governs acceleration and braking.I suggest you speak to the top GP riders and ask tham about diet and weight.
As far back as Ricardo Tormo and as recently as Valentiono Rossi, i have heard how diet and weight is ever more important, for the best overall bike/rider performance on the track.
It stands to reason, that acceleration and braking are going to be harmed, when you add 20 or 30 extra kgs to a bike which weighs 175 kgs!
Bike makers have been redcuing the weight of their fastest sports bikes at great expense for a reason!
I'm just throwing into the discussion that a heavy rider (who might still be fit) doesn't necessarily mean poor (overall) performance of the bike. On a bumpy road or course like the TT, having a bit of weight actually helps the bike stay settled. Some of the finest road-racers have been a bit chunky. David Jeffries was a big bloke but at the time of his death was fastest around the TT.
Yup, weight and fitness is paramount in GP, WSB, F1 cars even.
Weight IS the real enemy of high performance.
I have just bought a car, with a 210 bhp engine, which 'wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding' if it was put into a 7 series BMW.
But, since the car it is in weighs 525 kgs ready to roll, it always feels punchy and gaaaddammitt fast.
Weight IS the real enemy of high performance.
I have just bought a car, with a 210 bhp engine, which 'wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding' if it was put into a 7 series BMW.
But, since the car it is in weighs 525 kgs ready to roll, it always feels punchy and gaaaddammitt fast.
RSV, fair point there, about weight 'sometimes' helping.
But, as you know, generally, the less weight carried, the easier time the tyres have, the easier time the brakes have and the easier time the suspension has.
If you took, say, a new model R1, with, for argument's sake, 175 bhp and 175 kgs.
The bike would be a better track tool, with 175 bhp and 150 kgs than it would be with 200 bhp and 175 kgs.
But, as you know, generally, the less weight carried, the easier time the tyres have, the easier time the brakes have and the easier time the suspension has.
If you took, say, a new model R1, with, for argument's sake, 175 bhp and 175 kgs.
The bike would be a better track tool, with 175 bhp and 150 kgs than it would be with 200 bhp and 175 kgs.
Yoda954 said:
RSV...I'd imagine the higher COG on sports bikes is down to greater ground clearance over a cruiser.
That aside I have to agree with Beemer in that rider weight has to be an issue, not the only one of course, but an issue nevertheless.
Too true, Kenny Roberts (Senior) used to say that 'the best tuning mod is less junk food and booze'!That aside I have to agree with Beemer in that rider weight has to be an issue, not the only one of course, but an issue nevertheless.
He used to home-build all manner of off-road bikes, with modest power but very light weight, he probably still does knowing him!
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