Horsepower & Speed

[Dan Hodges]

I can't believe posting a question about camshafts,carburetors and ignition timing could generate so much controversy but it has. Everyone seems to have their own personal experience. I have owned more motorcycles in the last 30 years than I care to think about however there are four that really stand out as my favorites and here they are. V-Max, FJ 1200, Kawasaki 900 Ninja and my X.S. Eleven. They are listed according to how quick they were. And finally, I know how quick a 600 R-1 Yammie is. And to prove I'm not prejudice, I'll admit to having committed the unforgiveable sin of having once owned a Harley and it only gets worse, I actually let people see me riding about on the thing.

[John]

So Dan, let me ask your opinion...Would it be worth my while to change out the cams and ignition governor assembly in my bike? Here is the list of mods I have made thus far: 1179cc Big Bore, dissasembled valve train and cleaned all components of carbon, lapped valves, Installed carbs from a 78E and jetted them to 140, and set pilot screws at 3 turns and a Jardine 4-2 header. It idles and runs very smooth. I realize that I may never match the performance of that Damned FJ1100, especially seeing as how I am so frugal (cheap), but I would like to be able to maybe compete. Would would you recommend?

[pgg]

Shave the crankshaft wafer thin and port the head to buggery.

[chevy45412001]

thanks ppg

about time some one KNOWS were to get hoss power. FLOW,an engine with a set of valves can only flow so much.Even with all the jetting you want the heads can only flow what they can. OPEN em up a bit and see what a difference you get. Theese bikes HAVE a decent cam that will take a good port and polish. Why do you think nascar invests millions into devloping a good set of heads? Thats were the power is.Just be warned also a good lighting on the crank can help too,just dont get carried away,your timing chains and rods are NOT the best in the world.But will take a good old fasioned beating now and again.

[pgg]

Chev, I've devised an even easier way to increase speed. It's incredible no one here has thought of it before. Remove the glass from the rev counter, and, using a small paint brush, black out the red line and re-paint the numbers at double value. Replace glass. The bike will now easily power through to 17000 revs in top gear. 17000 x 15.8 m.p.h. in 5th equals 268 m.p.h. That FJ won't have a chance.

[Wildkat]

Mechanics for Dummies

That would work... but an even EASIER way... take off the glass and simply paint a 1 (or higher) in front of all the numbers on the speedometer. While you would only be adjusting your speed from 99 to 199... anything past 100 will have you traveling at speeds in excess of 1100. Easy way to make a new land speed record... just watch out for that loud bang. How would a bike handle breaking the sound barrier? *shiver*

(sorry Dan... I couldn't resist... slipping quietly from the post)

[John]

How's about changing to a metric speedo, and paint over the K in KPH and make it an M for MPH? Easier and less work than painting a 1 in front of each number.

[Wildkat]

*slipping back in*

I tell you what, Hon... you go buy a new plate with km and I'll get the paint pen...
When you get back, I'll be done...
:P

[rover]

Why not just drive off a very high and steep cliff? Just before you hit the bottom, you will be FLYING!!!!!!

[strom]

R1 is a 1000 cc.... R6 is a 600.

LP

[Dan Hodges]

Alphabet Soup

I know that an R1 is 1000 and a R6 is a 600 and that an R1 puts 158 horses to the ground according to what I have read. So sorry about the typo, R1,R6,ZX11,FZR and XYZ. I'm getting drowsier and drowsier and have begun to see J.D. all over my computer screen. I think I'm gonna go and find out what it is.

[Jerry]

I can make my XJ go a lot faster, just swap in a 160 mph speedo face plate in place of the stock 85 mph face plate. Quick way to double your speed!