Post by ZRX Gremlin on Mar 3, 2009 19:34:17 GMT
Well, after replacing the entire exhaust system and then modding the airbox and carbs the difference in performance was simply amazing.
I already know that Mr Kawasaki has already done all he can to get the best possible performance out of this 500 twin so that's about that.
:hmm: Or is it??
Well, no. There is something else I could try.
In fact I already went and did it. I fitted an ignition advancer.
This one isn't as simple to fit as the one on the Rex which simply involves replacing a metal plate on the end of the crankshaft. This one involves removal of the flywheel to fit an offset key which advances the flywheel itself and of course the magnets that sit on it. Might have been easier to move the pickup itself but there ya go.
Initial roadtest showed yet more improvement in performance but I reserved judgement on that as it was only a quick blat with a cold engine, old lid and no earplugs. The extra noise alone could have been enough to fool me into thinking I was going faster.
Second roadtest, later in the week was a lot longer and with all my bike gear that I'm familiar with on.
VERDICT:
It's definately faster.
That's it as far as trying to get any more oomph out of it is concerned. It feels more like a 600 now anyway.
I've already beefed up the suspension at both ends and got decent boots on it so now it goes, stops and handles as well as it's ever going to. Not too bad for an underrated 500 twin commuter bike so I'm well pleased.
I did find a 'mercan website where I can get hold of oversized pistons and even liners which would allow it to be rebored to either 540 or 600cc max but I'm leaving that well alone.
I already know that Mr Kawasaki has already done all he can to get the best possible performance out of this 500 twin so that's about that.
:hmm: Or is it??
Well, no. There is something else I could try.
In fact I already went and did it. I fitted an ignition advancer.
This one isn't as simple to fit as the one on the Rex which simply involves replacing a metal plate on the end of the crankshaft. This one involves removal of the flywheel to fit an offset key which advances the flywheel itself and of course the magnets that sit on it. Might have been easier to move the pickup itself but there ya go.
Initial roadtest showed yet more improvement in performance but I reserved judgement on that as it was only a quick blat with a cold engine, old lid and no earplugs. The extra noise alone could have been enough to fool me into thinking I was going faster.
Second roadtest, later in the week was a lot longer and with all my bike gear that I'm familiar with on.
VERDICT:
It's definately faster.
That's it as far as trying to get any more oomph out of it is concerned. It feels more like a 600 now anyway.
I've already beefed up the suspension at both ends and got decent boots on it so now it goes, stops and handles as well as it's ever going to. Not too bad for an underrated 500 twin commuter bike so I'm well pleased.
I did find a 'mercan website where I can get hold of oversized pistons and even liners which would allow it to be rebored to either 540 or 600cc max but I'm leaving that well alone.