2008 Kawasaki ZX-6R
MILES RIDDEN: 2600
MODIFICATIONS: Two Brothers exhaust, CTS Moto rotors, Galfer brake lines
After loaning it to the "Size Matters" test last month, I finally got my Two Brothers pipe back and was able to mount up the slip-on exhaust. A good sounding exhaust is usually the first thing I try to put on any new bike, and I'm shocked I was able to make it this long on a stock pipe.
This happens to be the third time I had to install this pipe and it went on really easily. The supplied instructions are very detailed, but require you to remove more parts than needed. The kit comes complete with everything you'll need: a license plate bracket, LED taillight and turn signals. My only complaint is the supplied signals required tapping into the stock wiring instead of having factory plugs. I hate wiring, so I reused the stock signals in place of the ones supplied for a more factory appearance. The local law enforcement is getting savvy, so I had to bend a little. I also had the PowerTip sound suppresser installed to help keep out of the po-po's earshot. The sound is mean and the bike finally growls.
With the extra go added, I needed to upgrade the whoa. To improve the braking I swapped out the stock brake lines for Galfer stainless steel lines with gold fittings. After properly bleeding the system, the power was vastly improved. Instead of a spongy feeling when I grab the lever, the pressure is strong and stable.
My favorite upgrade this month was the rotors from CTS Moto. They're the perfect example of beauty and function. The carrier and button colors are totally customizable for the ultimate in looks, and in my opinion, they are the best looking rotors on the market.
What really surprised me is how well they performed. The combination of the full floating and wave design significantly increased stopping power. Working with the brake lines, stopping has been reduced to a single finger function. I can't wait to see these fitted to the aftermarket wheels going on soon.
With braking upgrades completed and a little bit of power added, the next order of business is the Gregg's Customs single sided swingarm to complete the custom look. Waiting on a swingarm ... deja vu.
CONTACT INFO:
TWO BROTHERS RACING EXHAUST
$599.98
POWERTIP SOUND SUPPRESSOR
$31.98
www.twobros.com
GALFER STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE LINES
$108.00
www.galferusa.com
CTS MOTO BRAKE ROTORS
$799.00
www.ctsmoto.com
COMING NEXT MONTH: Gregg's Custom swingarm, Performance Machine wheels, Dunlop tires, Vortex sprocket