As mentioned in the first installment, we're preparing our Kawasaki ZX-6R to be ridden in the upcoming Super Streetbike Top Speed Challenge that will be held in September in Maxton, North Carolina. The venue will feature various divisions that will fit all major bike classes. This bike is being built specifically for the 600cc all-engine class, and in this "street rules" event, engine modifications (including overbore powerplants) are allowed, but we promise to keep our entry limited to bolt-ons.
The goal with this project is to build a bike that any home mechanic can do in his own garage with parts that can be found at any major motorcycle or parts dealer. Like most of you, our first upgrade was the replacement of the stock exhaust. With the new EPA rules dictating that bikes have catalytic converters, there is a lot of potential for power gains and weight loss. Our search landed us a Leo Vince SBK factory full system. Both the fit and performance are excellent. The system includes a mount to retain the stock taillight and aftermarket rear blinkers (if you so desire). Not only did we save almost 17 pounds of dead weight, we also picked up some big power gains.
A lowering strap in the fron...
A lowering strap in the fron twill keep the fron end planted under heavy acceleration.
The Leo Vince full system...
The Leo Vince full system saved 17 pounds and added big power.
Schnitz lowering links increase...
Schnitz lowering links increase stability and help get the power down.
As part of the performance-enhancing program we also added both a Dynojet Power Commander and Dynojet's new LCD screen. The Power Commander allows for complete mapping of the EFI system to get the best power out of the exhaust system as possible, while the LCD display allows several options such as onscreen display of rpm, injector duty cycle, and several other user-programmable options. Datalogging is another option if you're equipped with a memory card. It also allows you to store multiple maps on the LCD and switch them in and out as needed. While we were deep into the Dynojet catalog we also ordered a quickshifter that plugs into the factory stick coils and allows full power upshifts without using the clutch or backing out of the throttle.
With more power in back we needed to add some extra braking beef up front. Though the factory brakes are good, the new upgrade makes them even better. We dumped the stock rotors and replaced them with a set of Alth discs from Oncycles.com. Braided Galfer brake lines from Cyclebrakes.com were also added. We then replaced the brake and clutch levers with a set of adjustable Pazzo Racing shorty-style units. Not only is the lever feel more progressive, the braking power is better too.
Project Bike: Kawasaki ZX...
Project Bike: Kawasaki ZX-6R
Stock To Rock Our parts collection...
Stock To Rock
Our parts collection should help us get the 600cc title at Maxton
Dynojet's Power Commander...
Dynojet's Power Commander controls the fuel delivery.
In order to firm up the handling we bolted on a Scotts rotary stabilizer. The Scotts unit features three ranges of adjustment allowing you to tailor it to virtually any personal preference or circuit that you plan on riding. After riding the bike with and without it we can see why the ECTA rules require dampers-this one really makes a big difference and the adjustability is great.
In order to set up the bike for top speed we will need gearing flexibility, so we turned to Vortex Racing for its new "F5" hardcoated aluminum rear sprockets and several steel front sprockets. The sprocket coating is said to reduce drag as is the low-friction tooth design. For the drive chain we picked the EK-MVXZ premium Quadra-X-ring chain in stock size of 520. This chain has 9000 pounds of tensile strength and is available in Kawasaki green, which looks great on the bike.
Pazzo Racing's quick-click...
Pazzo Racing's quick-click levers allow for adjustments on-the-fly.
The Scotts steering damper...
The Scotts steering damper is crucial.
Vortex provides attractive...
Vortex provides attractive sprockets that help achieve the highest top speed possible.
We also wanted our bike to look smokin' hot so we installed a Hotbodies Racing hugger and a Hotbodies acrylic smoke windscreen. The new polymer used in the Hotbodies screens is more scratch resistant, which will hold up better in daily use and cleaning.
To complete our land speed bike a few more parts were needed. First was a set of fully adjustable rear suspension lowering links, then a front lowering strap and brackets as well as a deadman tether kill switch. We were able to source all of these items from SchnitzRacing.com.
In order to get the info out to you as soon as possible we did not have time to map the bike on the dyno, but as you can see we still picked up some impressive power gains just from bolting on the exhaust and Power Commander. We expect a few more ponies are hiding in there once we get time to fully map it. With this kind of power we are expecting some impressive top speeds come September.
Dynojet's quickshifter will...
Dynojet's quickshifter will save precious seconds during upshifts.
EK's colored chain adds performance...
EK's colored chain adds performance and a custom look.
A Hotbodies windscreen adds...
A Hotbodies windscreen adds looks and aerodynamic improvement.
So, if you think you have a fast 600 sportbike, bring it to Maxton and race against us. Each class winner will receive a cool jacket and be able to claim that you own one of America's fastest streetbikes.