Long-Term Update
Long-Term Update
Suzuki GSX-R1000 Track-prep how-to
IF YOU'VE READ OUR SPORTBIKE AN nual (on newsstands now), you already know that our long-term GSX-R 1000 competed in the Toyota 200 endurance race at Willow Springs. We made safety and handling a priority by replacing the bodywork, wiring all the necessary nuts and bolts, and going to town on suspen sion setup. About the only thing we didn't touch was the 161-hp motor. Why mess with a good thing?
In a previous update we lamented the Gixxer Thou’s lack of rear ride height and related suspension issues. To remedy the problem, Dave Cieselski of Chassis Dynamics {www. motorcy clechassisdynamics.com) lent us his custom-valved Penske shock and stiffer Eibach spring. To match front to rear, GP Suspension (www. gpsuspension.com) sent us compression and rebound re-valve kits as well as Ei-
bach springs for the fork. Included in the kits were a new piston, needles and shim stacks. The needles feature a more gradual taper, increasing range of adjustment. Together, both modifications changed the handling and “setup-ability” of the bike for the better. Visit www.cycleworld.com and check out the “Web Exclusive” article for a more cost-effective solution for the rear shock-a revalved stock unit-complete with shock dyno charts and specs.
How’d we do in the race? Not bad, 14th overall against some really good teams. The bike’s now back in street trim and logging miles.
$10,849
Honda CRF 450X Last Bike Standing
USING OUR 2005 HONDA CRF450X long-termer as CWs official offroad racebike is becoming customary around the office. Soon after the X completed two endurance races, OffRoad Editor Dudek needed a bike to compete in Red Bull’s “Last Man Standing” extravaganza (see Race Watch, this issue). The X looked to be a perfect mount; it was already set up with a killer lighting system and had proved durable as an anvil in its first 42 hours of hard riding. No joke, race prep amounted to cleaning the air filter, changing the oil, oil filter and tires-that’s it.
If there was ever a race to put dirtbikes through the test cycle, the LMS is it. Our X was abused all day and most of the night, smashing more rocks than a lifer at Leavenworth. Even though most corn-
petitors used lightweight two-strokes, the Honda Thumper held its own, working almost flawlessly for the entire race.
Heavy use of the clutch caused a little fade, a problem fixed back at the office with a new set of Genuine Honda clutch plates (friction and steel, $156). Postrace, the X still suffers from a bent rear brake pedal and broken exhaust mount, probably the effects of tumbling down more than one hill.
$7199
Suzuki DR-Z400SM Super-smooth moto
SINCE INDUCTING THE 2005 SUZUKI DR-Z400SM into our long-term test pool last fall, the supermoto-style streetbike has displayed absolute reliability. Far from your stereotypical paintshaker Single, Doc Z’s silky, smooth-revving, 398cc four-stroke Single chums out its power with amazing grace. Thus far, miles have been accumulated with the engine in a standard state of tune without a missed beat or any chassis parts jumping ship.
After chewing through the set of redcolored Tomahawk retreads detailed in the last update, we mounted stock-fitment Dunlop Sportmax D208 SM radiais ($358) for some track-day fun. Associate Editor Mark Cemicky and our little Suzi gave
the bigger sportbikes fits around the busy circuit by way of banzai braking and putting the long-travel suspension to good use on the rough track surface.
Off-Road Editor Ryan Dudek prefers a tall and lean street machine, taking a shine to our DR-Z, on record in the log book naming it a perfect commuter. He’s also not the first to note that the bike’s gearing feels short, having added the following entry as well, “I found myself running though gears ultra-fast, and after 65 mph the bike is like reaannnnnnnnnnnnn! Let’s just say it is up there in the revs.” Sounds like a smaller rear sprocket is in order.
$6099
