10/19/2017 11:20 AM
Edited Date/Time: 10/19/2017 11:28 AM
Well, it's over 60 hours and it's time to give the motor to Jamie Ellis to see how she's wearing.
This bike has been Extremely Inexpensive to operate. Well, "Inexpensive" by my thinking...
Fuel: I've been running Chevron Supreme mixed 1:1 w/ VP T4 or Leaded 110.
Average price of a mixed gallon: $8.15
When I'm pressed to run pump fuel it's Chevron Supreme w/ VP Octanium additive (3.2 oz/gal). $22 for a qt.
Average price for a mixed gallon: $5.50 gal. (Actullay 1 gallon and 3.2 ounces) 
Why do I always use additives or mix my fuel? Because, Claifornia pump gas sucks ass and I HATE when the bike pops. Absolutely HATE the "pop". Yech!
Oil: I've run Bel-Ray, Motul and Shell Rotella.
Yes! Rotella! As seen at Walmart for $13-17/gallon! And...guess what? It works really, really well. Shhhhhh. Don't let that get out!
Chain and Sprockets: as I talked about earlier...it really chaps my ass that they still deliver these bikes with the SHITTIEST Chains, chain-guides and rub-blocks...
Well, anyways...
I went with a Renthal Twin-Ring 51 rear (steel teeth on an Aluminum center), Ultralight Grooved 14 frt and their R1 520 chain. All of that stuff is lasting longer and with less wear-n-tear than I would've thought. If I was trying to go ABSOLUTLEY the smartest on my "dollars spent"? I'd run Renthal's "R3" o-ring type chain.
This Renthal stuff lasts.
I made a Carbon-Fiber chain block that's designed to run the stock rub-block; but, I'll be trying the TM Designworks stuff in there due to how awesome their stuff wears. Again, this is "stock" fitment. The carbon part I made is a lot like the PC/Factory Kawasaki part. It's a stronger, longer, deeper version of the stock design...made out of carbon-fiber. The rub-block on the swing arm has been replaced TWICE, already. That's gonna be a TM Designworks part, too. Same goes for the roller: TM Designworks.
Tires: the New Metzeler "Mid-Softs".
Simply...EXCELLENT!
They work and they last. I'm pretty sure they're priced like Pirellis (same company/slightly different profiles and compounds).
Tubes: I'm running MSR H/D tubes that're more like a "medium duty" ($15 frt/$19 rear at Cycle Gear. Yes, I bought some tubes).
Bibs: normally I run bibs; but, I'm trying to "take sides" with the average rider that's trying to make his dollars last. HOWEVER, if you take care of your bibs...they will last. Always store a bike with bibs on a stand WITH BOTH TIRES OFF OF THE GROUND.
I make this point because I'm going back to bibs. They're bullet-proof & I HATE GETTING FLATS! You can get bibs for about $100-$120 each if you shop around. They're not cheap...but...flats SUCK.
The seat: I run Guts brand seats and graphics. That's what you're seeing on the bike in these pics. Their stuff is light, bullet-proof and it fits perfect. Their Light-Weight seat foam lasts and their seat covers are awesome. The graphics take a beating...even when I was testing different knee-braces...their seat and graphics held up. I did peel-off part of the left side shroud graphics...always the left side...hmmmm. My bad. The graphics? Leftovers from RCH.
The bars, levers and grips: Renthal. Period. The IntelliLevers really are unbreakable and they provide excellent movement and leverage. Grey Medium 1/2 Waffles and I run a grip donut on the throttle.
Suspension: straight stock.
Fork: The media darlings and Internet warriors are idiots. These forks are fine...get a pump, get your flat-blade screwdriver out and get to work. I'm running "Kawasaki" settings and I'm usually between 170-180 psi between the inner + balance chambers and I run 0-8 psi in the outer. Use your REBOUND AND COMPRESSION adjusters! Btw, a new fork will take a few hours to break in and become less "sticky" (when the bike is brand-new).
There's a 2018 Kawasaki Video with MC that's all bout how to set-up the TAC's. Go watch it.
Shock: get your spring rate right and go. There IS NOT a better stock shock than the one that comes on the '17 RMZ. It's a production Showa "A-Kit" type design. I'll take this shock over the '18 shock all day. Don't run too much sag or you'll mess up amazing Suzuki handling.
The FMF pipe: more bark, more snap...sounds AMAZING. Weighs A LOT LESS than the stock boat-anchor, too.
So, there it is. 60+ hours and this bike shreds. Pics to follow...
Nobody ever told me, I found out for myself. You've got to believe in foolish miracles. It's not how you play the game, it's if you win or lose. You can choose. Don't confuse. Win or lose. It's up to you!
