THE MODS TO MAKE
Later bikes are hindered by heavy exhaust systems with cats and lambda sensors, so the best thing you can do is lose all that dull weight with a full system. Yoshimura fits the bill nicely, and if you match 'em up with a Power Commander or Bazzaz Z-Fi fueling box (Dynojet jet kit for carbed models) you'll have a stack of extra ponies in the engine room, better sound, and up to 25 fewer pounds to haul around. The gearing tends to be a little too high, and while we love a 180 mph top-end, we also love instant drive and easier wheelies. Drop a tooth on your front sprocket or add a couple out back and lower the overall gearing. You'll feel the difference at lower revs and into the midrange.
Get some up-to-date tires. Spending for a set of new tires will give you loads more grip, better suspension performance and improved stability compared with old, mismatched or worn rubbers that are likely to come on a used bike.
Dynojet Power Commander: $359
WHAT BREAKS?
On all models, the EXUP valve in the exhaust header pipes can seize up if it's not maintained properly-the heat and acidic exhaust gasses attack the pivot point. A sticking valve can snap the operating cables, and will cause poor running depending on where it seizes. On the transmission front, the clutch can be wrecked by too many ham-fisted wheelies, and hard use can also cause gearbox problems that will dent your wallet to fix. Head bearings and fork seals suffer from half-assed wheelies too, and because rear wheeled antics are part of the nature of this bike you can expect them to need replacement.