In the spring of 2010, I parted with my trusty KLR-650 and went back to a ZX-6R. There was a pricing deal at the local dealership that was too good to refuse, and I’ve missed my old ‘6R ever since parting with it in 2005. I’ve never had a non-red bike before and used to say I didn’t like the traditional Kawi green, but I must admit it’s growing on me.
More to follow after I collect some riding experience and photos.
Simple modifications can make your bike more comfortable and give it a more personal touch. Here are some small changes I’ve made. A basic set of tools is needed, but nothing here is very complex.
While chatting with the dealer in arranging the bike, I mentioned in passing that I now regretted giving away my carb-synch gauge — which I gave away under the impression that I would never have another multi-cylinder bike. He gave me a “sympathy for the old fool” look and said, “apparently you have forgotten that this bike is fuel-injected”. Sigh. So, there will be no carb-synch instructions here.
Track days and track-based riding schools are great fun, and the best way I know to improve riding skills. This is why I have never spent significant money on performance upgrades for a bike (more open exhausts, etc.) — if I have a spare $600 and want to make my bike faster, I take another track course. I’ve never had a bike that was the limiting factor in how fast I can ride — it is always my riding skills, so that seems clearly the best place to invest.
I’ll do up journals, photos, etc., of track events as time permits. For now, this is a photo (by Flair Photo) of my 2010 FAST school, which I was able to take on one of their bikes identical to my own ‘6R. By next year I hope to be organized enough to take this course again, or a similar one at Calabogie, on my own bike.
