Spending Money! Help and Suggestions

[AJC]

Okay, so I have purchased a new bike. Now in the past I would have spent every last penny I owned on the bike. Then once I got it I would have enough to put fuel in it, put oil in sometimes etc, you get the idea. However this time I can actually buy some new bits. I want to get the right stuff first time, or more to the point abuse everyones knowledge of what I actually need and where to get it.

Firstly luggage, pretty set on buying a Kriega US 40 set up. Heard it's awesome etc but when considering I already have some luggage is it actually worth the money? I mainly like how neat it is, i.e no bungees etc which I currently need about six if to hold on my current set up!

USB, iPhone 5s holder etc. Any suggestions on best USB power adapter thingy set up? iPhone case (looked at "lifeproof"?) which is waterproof. Also mounts to put said iPhone on the bars? Oh and bluetooth things to listen to said phone? Intercomms?

Fairing protection? Where? How much etc. Only thing I have found is this:
http://chipguard.co.uk/motorcycle-protection/honda/honda-cbr-1000-rr-fireblade-2006-2007-diy-full-kit.html which seems quite pricey. Any cheaper options which are neat etc?

Seats, have looked at Corben etc. But does anyone have any experience with a fitter taking current seats and putting Gel pads in them? How much does it cost if so?

Rearsets? Are chinese CNC cheap ones actually any good, or for that matter worthwhile putting on?

Lastly, and most importantly, opinions! I am highly considering changing the fairings to after market items straight off, to make my bike which looks like this:

http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u472/fac83ajc/IMG_2066.jpg (http://s1069.photobucket.com/user/fac83ajc/media/IMG_2066.jpg.html)

to looking almost exactly like this one (cept my frame/swingarm is black):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CBR-1000-RR-7-Repsol-2007-NOW-SOLD-/141590661137?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item20f7760811

Anyone done the aftermarket fairing thing? Are they a nightmare to fit?

Any other suggestions welcome. Apologies for many questions but you dont have to answer em all. Basically I am too lazy to search, plus want up to date answers etc :)

Cheers

[dkid]

From reading many many threads on 600rr.net I have found that the vast majority of people who go for afternarket fairings report that quality and fitment are nowhere near oem.

Don't go cheap on a bike like that mate, rearsets I'd look at Gilles etc and not unbranded Chinese copies. I also recently invested in some Kreiga luggage and I'm really pleased with the quality.

Get yourself on 1000rr.net for some good advice first hand from fellow owners.

[AJC]

Fair point on the rearsets, cheers. They were a complete afterthought and way down the list anyways so I will likely just scratch that idea.

Yeah I expect the fairings to be a bit poor but hoping someone has gotten good ones from a certain seller at some point and might be worth a go.

[Nutsinatin]

These guys (http://www.sussexmotorcycles.com/elite-comfort-motorcycle-seats.html) put memory foam in my SV seat, was very comfy for 20,000 miles, it's the bit I most want back most from my old bike, bit far away from you but they can do work by post. I've got a Kriega US10 which works great as a tank or tail bag and I'll definitely get some more of the modules when I need them, definitely better than using bungee cord and it doesn't rub on the paint like bungee either.

[AJC]

Cool, that's the sort of thing I am looking for. Yeah the Kriega kit is almost a certainty, just whether to buy new (bout £185) or try to grab second hand is the question! Love that it's modular, just add more later if needed.

[carelesschucca]

Why do you want to change so much on the bike?

I know it sounds daft asking but you haven't really ridden it yet, wait and see how you like it over a period of time before changing anything... Having said that what you should really buy is a trackday, preferably on the 16th July at Croft, then you can play with Ron and I... ;)

[AJC]

To be fair apart from fairings it's mainly just little add ons, actual changes to it's equipment may (or may not) happen later. I do however need a decent run on it to see if it's comfortable etc before I spend on new seats and things.

Ooh trackday! which reminds me, crash protection! haha

[Nutsinatin]

Cool, that's the sort of thing I am looking for. Yeah the Kriega kit is almost a certainty, just whether to buy new (bout £185) or try to grab second hand is the question! Love that it's modular, just add more later if needed.

Kriega is dear, but you do get a 10 year warranty when you buy new.

[Bibio]

AJ i know you like the look of the repsol but please consider that you will have to tell DVLA of the colour change and most importantly it makes it more of a target for the sticky fingered scrotes. i think your bike looks bloody lovely as it is.

if you want to spend money then do it where it matters, suspension work and servicing. forget about the bling bling that is like shiny stuff to magpies.

as for plugging USB and stuff in well you know my answer is going to be the Gizmo.. lol

Kreiga is nice kit but the liners dont come with the guarantee. i have the US10 and a 30L dry sack that i secure by using the US10 on top. the dry sack is not Kreiga and was about £30 IIR and its been 100% dry.

[Bibio]

AJ i know you like the look of the repsol but please consider that you will have to tell DVLA of the colour change and most importantly it makes it more of a target for the sticky fingered scrotes. i think your bike looks bloody lovely as it is.

if you want to spend money then do it where it matters, suspension work and servicing. forget about the bling bling that is like shiny stuff to magpies.

as for plugging USB and stuff in well you know my answer is going to be the Gizmo.. lol

Kreiga is nice kit but the liners dont come with the guarantee. i have the US10 and a 30L dry sack that i secure by using the US10 on top. the dry sack is not Kreiga and was about £30 IIR and its been 100% dry.

[littleoldman2]

I used this chap to put a gel pad in for the SV http://www.tonyarcher.co.uk/ . Transformed the bike on a long day.

[AJC]

AJ i know you like the look of the repsol but please consider that you will have to tell DVLA of the colour change and most importantly it makes it more of a target for the sticky fingered scrotes. i think your bike looks bloody lovely as it is.

if you want to spend money then do it where it matters, suspension work and servicing. forget about the bling bling that is like shiny stuff to magpies.

as for plugging USB and stuff in well you know my answer is going to be the Gizmo.. lol

Kreiga is nice kit but the liners dont come with the guarantee. i have the US10 and a 30L dry sack that i secure by using the US10 on top. the dry sack is not Kreiga and was about £30 IIR and its been 100% dry.

Yeah I just love the repsol look I guess, but most have said it's a bad idea. And it's not like I don't like the look of the bike as it is :) So with fairings being at least £350 I reckon it could well be spent better elsewhere. I can always put them on after I inevitably drop it ha!

I also have a 30l roll top drybag thing which seems pretty good, just takes bungees to attach and still moves around a little.

Can I buy a 'Gizmo'? Cheers Bibs

I used this chap to put a gel pad in for the SV http://www.tonyarcher.co.uk/ . Transformed the bike on a long day.

Cheers LOM, shall have a look.

[JamesMio]

Massive +1 for the suspension. Getting that upgraded or at least refurbed and fettled for your weight and riding style will far outweigh any benefits from shiny bling.

MCT down in Suffolk did a top job with my old blades forks & shock if you're looking for a place to start.

Posted the bits down after a chat on the phone, got them back a few days later.

[AJC]

I think a first I would be up for finding someone nearby and getting the suspension professionally set up for myself. Give it a go then maybe later get new bits. I assume you had new springs etc put in?

[Bibio]

AJ there is nothing magical about setting suspension up. the biggest problem is knowing whats wrong in the first place. there is no point sending your suspension to places like MCT unless you can tell them what you want done to the valving etc.etc

i know you like the look of the repsol but please consider that you will have to tell DVLA of the colour change and most importantly it makes it more of a target for the sticky fingered scrotes. i think your bike looks bloody lovely as it is and a bit different to the hohum power ranger bikes. personally i would cut about 6'' off that can but its your bike not mine.

if you want to spend money then do it where it matters, suspension work and servicing. forget about the bling bling that is like shiny stuff to magpies. how about investing in changing a few of the fasteners to SS (stay away from titanium and rip off probolt)

as for plugging USB and stuff in well you know my answer is going to be the Gizmo.. lol

Kriega is nice kit but the liners dont come with the guarantee. i have the US10 and a 30L dry sack that i secure by using the US10 on top. the dry sack is not Kriega and was about £30 IIR and its been 100% dry.

[L3nny]

I've got these panniers for my Fireblade, much easier to fit and remove than other luggage and nothing is actually strapped on the bike so doesnt scratch the paint

http://www.motohaus.com/acatalog/SW_Motech_BLAZE_Motorcycle_Pannier_Sets.html

[SIII]

Kriega is top notch kit, totally waterproof and no trouble from any of my kit which has been used for nearly 5 years. My original US10 is still going strong and that gets used pretty regularly thru the biking season. I added bits on at a time and now have 2x US10's , US20 & US5. Wee one is handy for accessing the bits you need when you stop, camera, wallet , sweeties etc. Free postage if buy from Infinity Motorcyles. Don't go second hand, cost nearly as much as new, not much saving IMHO.


Don't go Repsol, will look like a copy, Your blade looks nice as it is.


Ultimate Mobiles - do a nice range of hardcases and hard wired charge cables, paired up to a bibio gizmo -works a treat.


Chinese levers - good, work a treat, make sure got brass inserts at pivots - rearsets !!! Not for me either.


R&G crash bungs for when you drop it in a gravelly car park - it will happen !!!


And most importantly - TRACKDAY @ Croft with me & Chucca !!!!!

[TheRamJam]

First thing i'd do is a complete fluids change. That includes coolant, brake fluid and a suspension fluid refresh. Once that's done set the suspension back to its standard settings and work from there. So you'll want to set the rider SAG etc. Once you're SAG is dialed in, take it for a spin and see where it needs fettling.

As far as seat covers go, speak to this go on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/tophills/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
He's based in Falkirk and does great work at reasonable costs.

Not sure why you wan't new fairings, just put some venture shield on her.

If you think you need rearsets then have a look at Area 22. Again good value and well made.

Hope this helps

[carelesschucca]

Got nothing against Kriga but I think L3nnys idea would be better for you.. You've got the governor to think about you can't do pillion with stuff on the back seat.

Not that you'll be taking a pillion on a track day @ Croft. :cool::p

[AJC]

Cheers lads top advice there.

Fairing change has been ditched, use the cash elsewhere (like a trackday! Ha). Cheers L3nny, like chucca says that luggage would likely work best as I often carry a pillion. Still likely to get the Kriega tank harness so I can use one of em as a tank bag.

Crash bungs are on order, might add some other bits. Bike already has what are probably Chinese levers and seem fine. Will check out your mobile phone bits SIII. Ramjam My brother had also suggested getting the suspension to standard so I'll have a look at that and also the eBay seat lad. Will also check out the venture shield again.

Fluids were all done at a dealers just over 7 months ago according to the service receipt so I reckon they will be fine for the summer. Also got a rad guard on order. Was thinking probolt SS fairing bolts etc as they have a 33% off deal at the mo but you can still get em cheaper off eBay. Anyone tried eBay stainless bolts?

Cheers!

[TheRamJam]

If your after bolts then speak to Phil at Competition Fasteners. Great guy and so much cheaper than Pro Bolt or Race Bolt.

I got Titanium caliper mounting bolts, brake disc bolts, pinch bolts, M6 button head screws, top & bottom yoke pinch bolts, and clip on bolts for the blade. All top notch stuff mate

[AJC]

Nice, do they do fairing bolt full sets or do you just give the lad a call? I'd likely go stainless cos I am a bit cheap :)

[TheRamJam]

He doesn't do sets mate. If you're willing to do the leg work then search through this site
http://www.lingshondaparts.com/honda_motorcycle_parts_selection_pfk.php?block_01= 13MEL401&block_02=F__3701&block_03=502
and find your bolt sizes and then order them up.

[carelesschucca]

ah Colin I think your mad just think how much petrol money you've spent on bolts that no one will notice. No one being me I just see bolts :eek:

if you really wanna go bling that no one will see and that does make a difference you want to start changing to ceramic bearings. I was listening to one of the guys at Doune. He's involved with a BSB team and he says the difference in rolling resistance was huge. dunno how much to believe mind you. He's lovely but slightly mental...

[Bibio]

RamJam your a fekin star m8, i have been looking for someone local to cover seats :-)

AJ http://www.aruncas.com/acatalog/index.html knock yourself out.

[AJC]

It's like bolt porn!

[carelesschucca]

Its like this forum, full of nuts!!!

You booked Croft yet?

[TheRamJam]

RamJam your a fekin star m8, i have been looking for someone local to cover seats :-)

AJ http://www.aruncas.com/acatalog/index.html knock yourself out.

+1 for Aruncas i've ordered from them before.

No worries Lance, loads of guys on the 1000RR forum use him and say his works great. Going to get a gel insert on the blade at the end of the month. Ar5e should be comfy for the NW200 trip in May :-)

[johnnyrod]

Suspension set-up you can get done at a track day, they often have someone there and for about £30 you can use their knowledge all day. Well set-up bouncy bits are the best.

Also the best is some training. The one thing that's made me faster in the last few years is being told what to do.

[SIII]

RamJam - what's yer man charge for fitting a gel insert ? Could be interested in making the gixxer a wee bit more tour friendly. OK up till 200+ miles but any improvement would be welcome.

[TheRamJam]

RamJam - what's yer man charge for fitting a gel insert ? Could be interested in making the gixxer a wee bit more tour friendly. OK up till 200+ miles but any improvement would be welcome.

60 notes mate, with a choice of coloured piping.