Project 2501
Well-known member
Just curious what the trackday/race crowd sets up their EX400s for gearing wise at the standard north AFM circuits. I have one with OEM chain & sprockets.
Thanks in advance,
-cr.
Thanks in advance,
-cr.
Ninja 400 gearing Thill - Sonoma
- Thread starter Project 2501
- Start date
motomania2007
TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
Unless you are very experienced B group or A group rider, it doesn't matter what gearing you use, within reason of course.
Project 2501
Well-known member
Thank you. I'm not. I'm incredibly slow and shouldn't ever change stock anything. My wife may ride it, she probably meets the description you provide and would benefit from a track oriented gearing but we can chat at some kids in the paddock as well.
motomania2007
TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
Deviating from stock gearing is something you want to do when yo are really pushing for lap times and refining handling and things. Not really much of a concern for typical trackday ride.
At this stage, focus on your riding technique. Work on being consistent, smooth and keeping relaxed on the bike and keeping your eyes out ahead of you.
And above all, have fun!
At this stage, focus on your riding technique. Work on being consistent, smooth and keeping relaxed on the bike and keeping your eyes out ahead of you.
And above all, have fun!
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Project 2501
Well-known member
Yep your truth is real , validated, and very appreciated. Since the bike will be raced by a person who’s raced and been recognized as sorta good at that racing I will continue to post in racing related forums in hopes to achieve technical answers to my silly questions. But thanks again. I’ll instead just walk the pits at an afm race and talk with our peers who may be on the same bike. Your help has been invaluable.
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sckego
doesn't like crashing
:laughing
You handled that very well.
I run stock gearing, but then again I'm a slow novice on a rental bike. Try posting in these groups, you tend to get a lot more (and better) responses.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/120698108335486/?ref=share
https://www.facebook.com/groups/714756715313364/?ref=share
Also try pinging Dave or Pat from Feel Like A Pro, they are setting up the bike for Marc Edwards, who is at the pointy end of the expert 400 field, and is DEFINITELY not running stock gearing...
thedub
Octane Socks
Look at the fucking sub-forum you are posting in.
It's not "very experienced B group or A group corner". It's RACERS CORNER, he is setting up a RACE bike, for, you know, RACING.
Tumbleweed
rollin' right along.....
:rofl
Project 2501
Well-known member
Thank you. I appreciate it. I'm having a bit of fun putting the bike together and proper contacts help.
CasualSteve
Well-known member
Bring extra clutches!
Before gearing I would recommend either replacing the clutch friction plates with either Barnett plates or visit www.spearsenterprises.com or www.gravesport.com to see about replacing the entire clutch with a slipper. I highly recommend the external clutch return spring that goes on the cable nearest the engine. It helps to provide feel to an otherwise non-existent feedback.
The clutch is a known weakness and will fail long before you get around to selecting a rear sprocket. Another weakness is shifting and Spears or Graves have solutions for this.
Keep in mind that at the press release, the writers were able to get down to 1:56's noting that the brakes were not that good (read as replace with steel braided set). If you replace the stock brake pads, keep in mind that that may warp the front disc if at the pointy end of hard braking.
If it is going to be raced, I would also recommend cartridge kits up front and a shock. I like the GP Suspension kits and if you can find an Ohlins shock, but a Penske is a good second option. So you could reach out to either www.gpsuspension.com or Mike Canfield MC TECH up in Sac area (916) 344-2453 https://www.facebook.com/pg/mctechusa/about/ .
Sorry I didn't answer your gearing answer, but there are definitely some major things to worry about the 400 platform before gearing if you are going to go racing. And both Spears and Graves have plenty of experience with that platform.
The clutch is a known weakness and will fail long before you get around to selecting a rear sprocket. Another weakness is shifting and Spears or Graves have solutions for this.
Keep in mind that at the press release, the writers were able to get down to 1:56's noting that the brakes were not that good (read as replace with steel braided set). If you replace the stock brake pads, keep in mind that that may warp the front disc if at the pointy end of hard braking.
If it is going to be raced, I would also recommend cartridge kits up front and a shock. I like the GP Suspension kits and if you can find an Ohlins shock, but a Penske is a good second option. So you could reach out to either www.gpsuspension.com or Mike Canfield MC TECH up in Sac area (916) 344-2453 https://www.facebook.com/pg/mctechusa/about/ .
Sorry I didn't answer your gearing answer, but there are definitely some major things to worry about the 400 platform before gearing if you are going to go racing. And both Spears and Graves have plenty of experience with that platform.
Project 2501
Well-known member
This is all great. I've actually already got the spears transmission fix kit (haven't installed anything but the return spring yet) and an updated rotor based on some discussions we had in the paddock at Sonoma. (Installing an updated rotor I stripped a bolt badly, damaged the front wheel, and am sourcing a replacement while a machinist fixes my sh1tty work..). I will get a replacement clutch and once she has some time on the bike and if she likes it I will throw money at every other component because it's fun for me. I cant ride fast so I like to look at pretty parts on cool bikes.