I decided to install my 520 chain & spocket conversion on my '05 ZX-6R today. I never do anything to any of my bikes without making some mods, so I thought I'd share what I accomplished.

After removing the rear wheel, chain & sprockets I cleaned up the area around the counter shaft sprocket, drilled the lock nut for safety wiring (I still use the lock tab that is already there) then applied the new 14T sprocket.


Next, since I'm so **** about secured nuts & bolts, I drilled the lock nuts that secure the rear sprocket to the carrier.


Lastly, I did something to the counter shaft sprocket cover that I've done to other race bikes I've owned. We stole the idea from HRC who did it to the CS cover of Nicky Haden's RC51 back in 2001. We named it, the Nicky mod. I think since the Haden boys ride Kawi's, I'll call this one the Haden mod, LOL.



You may wonder why I took so much material off the cover, well, I didn't intend to but this was the first one I've done and I will modify the design next time. The reason for doing this is because I hate to have to remove that damn cover every time I want to change the CS sprocket. The way it is now it's obvious there will be no problem and will be very convenient if you are at a track day. If you think this will reduce the damage of a broken chain I have considered that. The problem is this cover is plastic and won't offer much protection anyway. Besides, I think it looks pretty cool!

 

Dam nice post, I like being able to see and get to the front sprocket. Nice ties as well.

Where you racing and what are are your stats if you do not mind me asking?

Nice rear sets too. [sm=icon_flaming.gif]

 

Mike, thanks for the comp's

No, I don't mind you asking......

I'm a retired Superbike racer who's current stat's are track junkie/Instructor. I retired from competition in 1989 which is around the time allot of our members were born, LOL. I worked in the MC industry off and on for over 20 yrs. I've worked on, built, Rode and raced many different motorcycles starting with dirt track, 400 production racing, 250 GP, 750, 1000cc and modern Superbikes. I've held a racing license in the AFM, WERRA and AMA. I've ridden and or raced on mostly West coast tracks; Ontario & Riverside which no longer exist, Willow Springs, Sears (Infenion) Point, Portland International, Laguna Seca, and Firebird at Pheonix. I've ridden several other tracks including Barber Motorsports park since retiring. I'd race anything I could get my leg over so to speak but now I enjoy teaching people how to ride and work on their bikes, I guess you could say I like to give a little back to the sport.

The last race I rode in I won. It was actually a three lap sprint race for the Lance Keigwins intermediate racer school at Thunder Hill last year. I was there brushing up on my instruction technique. This is one of my favorite toys and the one I was on when I won.




As for the rear sets, the are made by a very good friend of mine, Katsuhiko Sato. Everything is made in Japan to the highest quality standards. You won't find a better product or service. Another Very good friend of mine, Dan Kyle is a West coast distributor for Sato. Their products are a bit pricey, but as stated, the quality and performance is un matched.

I have allot of Sato products on my toys which in my garage, it's pretty tight!



I hope this thread was informative if anything. I will do more threads on modifications if the members here want me too. If not I can always go back to lurking [sm=drooldude.gif]

Cheers! [sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

Damn, thats all i can say. Its good to have someone on here with your credentials. I dont know much about bike except i like them, and i have learned a lot so far, esp from posts like this. Keep up the good posts!

 

Wow, that is a nice resume [sm=hail.gif]; also I am loving your garage nice and clean.

Where are you instructing now?

I am considering signing up for the 1 day class at http://www.superbikeschool.com/schedule/ being held at streets of willow. Do you have any experience with them. I know about Keith Code and have read his books, which I think every rider should, but do not know any one who has gone to his school.

I have only done track days at Fontana on the ama course. I have been waiting to gain a little more experience before I head off to any straight track days at WS.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

I fill in as a guest instructor as needed for Lance Keigwin at Keigwins at the track: http://www.keigwin.com/ He has a great program for a very reasonable price. I don't think he does Fontana though.

Riding the AMA track at Fontana must be a blast! I know many who like it allot. As for Keith Code's school, I've done a couple many years ago and have two of his books. His philosophy on how to ride is interesting. I think there's something to learn from everyone and you may connect with his teaching methods. I really like Jason Pridmore's Star School, http://www.starmotorcycle.com/instruction comes from a top AMA superbike rider with a great staff. Very good one-on-one and lots of track time.

I think it's great that you are seeking instruction before doing too many track days. Many people tend to develop bad habits that are difficult to cure by going out with their buddies who are willing to teach them without any formal background. Very wise on your part!

Another thing to consider is doing a two day school. You get allot of information in one day and it's very difficult to apply so many new things in a relatively short time. When I work with a rider on a two day format, it takes allot of pressure off to go fast right away. On the second day we do allot of review and apply more technique as the rider advances. Typlically the most progress is made on the second day and the rider becomes more confident.

 

Banzai,

Nice job!

What gearing did you go to? Did you just drop one tooth in the front?

I thought the 05 636 had a 520 chain already, am I mistaken?

Sato is number one in my book too!

Thanks,
Mike

 

I would suggest doing either the two day Novice school or the two day Intermediate school that Keigwins puts on. Each class is limited to 30 riders and there are 20 instructors available to do one on one training threwout the day. You spend 45 min. on the track then alternate with a 45 min. class session. There is a one hour lunch in the middle. Keigwin is very selective on picking his instructors and it shows. His schools always run smoothly and he bends over backwards to make everyone feel comfortable. I am planning to purchase a ten day track pass next year which is at a very good price of $1500. Many people from Southern California come up and do his classes.

Mike

 

Mike,

You are correct, my bad. The '05 636 comes with a 520 pitched chain & sprockets...
At my age confusion is a great excuse! My '05 GSXR 750 came with a 525 pitch and I did a conversion on that bike.

On my 636 I went a little crazy and put a 14T front & a 44T on the rear for a ratio of 3.17 [sm=insomnia.gif] which is way lower that the stock 2.87. If I have problems keeping the front end on the ground, I'll switch back to a 43T rear.

 

Thanks Banzai and Greeteam,

I was checking out the other schools and one is at Button Willow which is not to far but looks like it is for A B riders, I am lucky to be a B- and probably just a high C. I will get to one sooner or later, the prices sure are reasonable.

Fontana is a fun track, I think it has 21 turns and a super fast banked front straight. It is very close to me so it is also very convenient. I will probably sing up for the 1 day school with Code, they say it will help fix the six wrong things that I am probably doing.

Have you ridden a lot at WS, I can get a day in there before I can go to Fontana so it is a consideration.

Adding to the gearing changes I ride my 2000 R1 -1+2 and it rocks. Some still tend to think an older bike is slower than there new one, until they see that they can’t keep up. You loose top end but who rides up there, on the street, anyway. The low and mid above 7500 is just explosive.

You guys should post when you’re doing track days or schools and maybe some members can hook up.

Looking forward to reading more, Mike