At last, perfect harmony!

[Mark Jackson]

There have been times over the last 3 months and 2k miles when I questioned my wisdom in buying my Tracer. The main problem was the seat and the clutch basket, they really spoiled the whole experience but there were other things creeping in like the uncomfortable angle of the handlebars, I prefer more sweep back and also the aluminium footpegs, on a touring bike! I knew about the gripes about the suspension so had already budgeted for that but I seemed to be spending a lot more money than I intended.

I knew what I wanted to do to the bike, I liked the Tracer but also the MT09 and the MT10. My intention was to combine the comfort of the Tracer with the 'street fighter' look of the other two bikes. Renthal Fatbar 845's replaced the OEM bars with Kawasaki bar end weights helping to damp down the vibes. I had to cut the FACO screen down twice to get, for me, the perfect balance between wind noise and wind protection (I suffer from tinnitus so need to get the wind noise down to a minimum) FJR footpegs for both rider and pillion help a lot. The Nitron on the bike transformed the handling at the back and, I have to admit, I find the standard front end fine for me, I just set it up to Yamaha's 'standard' settings and I'm good. I fitted a Lextek header with 'loop' and put a Black Widow 370mm end can on. I found the standard baffle was a tad louder than I anticipated and it made low speed fuelling a bit glitchy. Adding the Black Widow inlet baffle as well seems to have sorted both problems, I'll get it on the dyno later. 

Next, the big one, the clutch basket. Helped by my mate it was sorted in under an hour and it just transforms the bike! lastly I bit the bullet and ordered the standard Luxe Bagster seat. Still getting used to it but it's certainly better than standard and looks great although the overall fit of the seat area is well dodgy, I'm looking at you Yamaha!. I tended to other little details like taking the pannier brackets off and putting a Tech tail tidy on the clean up the back end and crash protection etc

So there it is, I'd waited a long time to get one, had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do. After buying it I suffered massive dollops of 'buyers remorse' made worse every time I took out my super smooth '77 Z1000 and '01 ZRX1200. But here I am now after sorting everything out to my own satisfaction and I love it! The handling, power and looks have really got me hooked, it's certainly a keeper now and I've banished the 'buyers remorse' forever. I would like to mention how much of a help this forum has been, from information already out there and the replies I got to some of the queries I had, top notch! And best of all the weather here in Scotland is getting better, WooHoo!!

Edited May 31, 2022 by Mark Jackson

[Heli ATP]

Just love it when a plan comes together. Maybe the seat will improve with age? Congrats to you. 

[2and3cylinders]

Which exact pn low mount Lextek header did you buy that Fitz your Fastest Red 15 that works with the center stand?

 Do you know the header outlet diameter

Thanks

[nhchris]

Now off to the Isle of Man with you Mark.

Mad Sunday is just around the corner!

Edited May 31, 2022 by nhchris

[Kenny A.]

Glad you've got sorted out to suit you. 👍  Now get out,and dodge the expected rain showers this weekend. 😊😊

[Mark Jackson]

Cheers guys. 2&3, I'd originally bought the Black Widow High level exhaust headers and can. The system seems to work for the low exhausts but I found it impossible to get a good fit with the higher version, I particularly wasn't happy with the 3 into 1 junction rubbing against the sump. I spent hours trying to get a good fit and just couldn't get a good line between  the link pipe, 3-1 section and can. Hats off to Black Widow, they gave me a refund on the headers, I kept their can and got the Lextek (see pic) It's in two sections and I fitted it in minutes. It's nice quality and with the can and baffles it's just the right side of a 'fruity' sound without being offensive or a hassle on long rides. It's the standard 2" pipe at the end.

nhchris, unfortunately no TT for me this year, I've been 25 times since 1982 but it just gets harder and more expensive each year, I will return but have other things I want to do. Fortunately the internet provides me with constant coverage so I'm not missing out totally.

Kenny A. I'm heading up North at the weekend for four days of riding so hoping the weather stays as good as it is this morning, but you know Scotland 'four seasons in a day' 🤣

 

 

[JonnyB]

Hi Mark. Sounds like you have the bike sorted nicely.  Can you elaborate on the clutch work? I did see a good post by someone in USA who swapped the original assembly for the newer style slipper clutch. I priced up the parts here in UK and as usual the cost was twice that of the USA, so didn't take this any further. I have put a R1 cable on my Tracer which does have a better feel in comparison to the original part. Regards, John 

[Mark Jackson]

Hi Jonny, I bought the clutch basket from Fowler’s, it cost £550 plus £50 for the gasket and nut. It was the newer version as verified by the parts number. I bought a clutch basket tool for £18 off eBay, it just makes the job easier. I’d looked at the Extreme creations option but by the time it got here including post then the hassle of putting new rubbers in there was only about a £100 saving. The bikes a keeper so I thought long term it was best to spend the cash and do a proper job. It transforms the bike, much smoother and quieter so I’m a happy chappie🤓

[nhchris]

On 6/2/2022 at 4:56 AM, Mark Jackson said:

Cheers guys...

nhchris, unfortunately no TT for me this year, I've been 25 times since 1982 but it just gets harder and more expensive each year, I will return but have other things I want to do. Fortunately the internet provides me with constant coverage so I'm not missing out totally.

I did TT in 2011 and worked as a course Marshall stationed at St Ninnian's crossroads atop Bray Hill.  Was there for practice and race weeks. The sight of John McGuinness and Michael Dunlop flashing past my post at 170 mph still gives me chills.

Most amazing motorcycle racing insanity I've ever witnessed. Absolutely unbelievable.  I hope to get back some day.

 I also want to see the Northwest 200 and Ulster GP.  Same concept just many more bikes in the mix at one time.

And I love your country as well. Climbed the Ben back in the day via Tower Ridge and felt quite at home in the Glen Nevis pub.  Great stuff!

Enjoy your ride.

 

Edited June 3, 2022 by nhchris

[JonnyB]

Hi Mark.  Thanks for the reply.  Ride safe. Cheers, JB