shouldnthave
Taze away, Yana...
I scooped up a 2016 FZ-09 about two months ago. I rode it down 36 once, and did a track day on it during the break-in. I HATED IT! HAAAAAAATED IT! The bike was trying to freaking kill me. The front washed out in every turn. The rear would squat under hard acceleration causing the front wheel to constantly be off the ground. Tucking, wallowing, and the front end full of slappers. :mad On top of all that, the throttle was flat. It was like riding a fat blubber filled pig. :thumbdown
In a last ditch effort I called up Nickie and Jim @ Catalyst Reaction for some help. They told me about my options having worked on the FZ numerous times, and I went to work on the forums reading experiences/tips. From everything I found their suggestion for the K-tech 20MM cartridges and K-tech Razor-R rear shock were the best bang for the buck, so I loaded up the FZ, and headed to San Carlos.
Two weeks later I have my new, NEW FZ-09 in the back of my truck headed back to Chico. When I scooped the bike up Jim was there to twist the knobs, and finish the setup. I also had them flash the ECU for me to accommodate the new Akra full system sitting on my shop floor.
It took a week or two to find the time to finish the build, but in about two hours I had the new Akra system installed, and a set of Lightech rear-sets for a GP shift configuration. It's nice to have all the motorcycles the same. The last thing I installed were the third best thing you can put on a bike, tank pads. Not just any tank pads, TechSpec 'X-Line' tank pads. These are pads they have been experimenting with for about a year, and I tell you, they are the best tank pad ever made. EVER. You can only get the X-line from their website as they are still in Beta, so go and check them out. You won't be disappointed.
Now to the ride report (sorry, I'm not one to stop for photos...). Took the new, NEW FZ-09 from Chico via 99 North (boooring), to 36 West, turned up 3 North to Weaverville, fueled up, and returned in reverse order (only 300 miles round trip). I was a bit timid at first with the memory of the bike trying to kill me, but by the time I got to the whoops on 36w I found myself more, and more confidant. Halfway to 3 North I switched the bike to 'A' mode, and just let 'er rip.
arty
I ran up and down 3 with my usual supermoto mid-corner speeds, but all while stripping the rubber off the stock Q3 that came with the bike. My exit speeds started to get a little... exuberant as I headed back down to pick up 36 East. The bike was running on rails!
The roads were wide open, minimal traffic as 36/3 are know for. Passed tons of motorcycles in the oncoming, everyone waving, enjoying the great weather, Barfers? A little new construction on 3, but nothing that slowed me down, or upset the bike much.
By the time I got to the Chevron in Red Bluff I had the dumbest grin on my face. I'm sure everyone around me thought I had lost my mind as I fueled giggling like a little kid. I'm absolutely in love with my new, NEW FZ-09! And to think I was about to walk away from this amazing machine.
If you have never had your bike setup by a pro, head on over to Catalyst Reaction and have Jim take a look at it. You may just need a quick setup, but I always recommend getting the bike tailored to your riding ability. It changes everything about your ride. That said, even a knob twist or two will wakeup your beast.
Now I just need a new seat pad, or better ass... :ride
In a last ditch effort I called up Nickie and Jim @ Catalyst Reaction for some help. They told me about my options having worked on the FZ numerous times, and I went to work on the forums reading experiences/tips. From everything I found their suggestion for the K-tech 20MM cartridges and K-tech Razor-R rear shock were the best bang for the buck, so I loaded up the FZ, and headed to San Carlos.
Two weeks later I have my new, NEW FZ-09 in the back of my truck headed back to Chico. When I scooped the bike up Jim was there to twist the knobs, and finish the setup. I also had them flash the ECU for me to accommodate the new Akra full system sitting on my shop floor.
It took a week or two to find the time to finish the build, but in about two hours I had the new Akra system installed, and a set of Lightech rear-sets for a GP shift configuration. It's nice to have all the motorcycles the same. The last thing I installed were the third best thing you can put on a bike, tank pads. Not just any tank pads, TechSpec 'X-Line' tank pads. These are pads they have been experimenting with for about a year, and I tell you, they are the best tank pad ever made. EVER. You can only get the X-line from their website as they are still in Beta, so go and check them out. You won't be disappointed.
Now to the ride report (sorry, I'm not one to stop for photos...). Took the new, NEW FZ-09 from Chico via 99 North (boooring), to 36 West, turned up 3 North to Weaverville, fueled up, and returned in reverse order (only 300 miles round trip). I was a bit timid at first with the memory of the bike trying to kill me, but by the time I got to the whoops on 36w I found myself more, and more confidant. Halfway to 3 North I switched the bike to 'A' mode, and just let 'er rip.
arty
I ran up and down 3 with my usual supermoto mid-corner speeds, but all while stripping the rubber off the stock Q3 that came with the bike. My exit speeds started to get a little... exuberant as I headed back down to pick up 36 East. The bike was running on rails!
The roads were wide open, minimal traffic as 36/3 are know for. Passed tons of motorcycles in the oncoming, everyone waving, enjoying the great weather, Barfers? A little new construction on 3, but nothing that slowed me down, or upset the bike much.
By the time I got to the Chevron in Red Bluff I had the dumbest grin on my face. I'm sure everyone around me thought I had lost my mind as I fueled giggling like a little kid. I'm absolutely in love with my new, NEW FZ-09!
And to think I was about to walk away from this amazing machine. If you have never had your bike setup by a pro, head on over to Catalyst Reaction and have Jim take a look at it. You may just need a quick setup, but I always recommend getting the bike tailored to your riding ability. It changes everything about your ride. That said, even a knob twist or two will wakeup your beast.
Now I just need a new seat pad, or better ass... :ride
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