I'm liking it...a lot!

After years on Kawasaki Ninja 4's I'm really starting to get into my recently acquired Speed triple. I was happy when I picked it up but realised that some personalisation and maintenance would improve it. It doesn't and never will have the shear "shove" of my 9R and 7/9R but the power is more than adequate and the torque is more than enough. I've checked the ECU map with the Tuneecu software and found it was the correct map for the high level TOR can. The fuelling wasn't perfect but after balancing the throttle bodies it is now seamless from idle to redline at all throttle openings. Whilst doing this I replaced the plastic fuel couplers in the tank.

Maintenance had been a bit lax from previous owners so the rear linkage was removed and given a good douse of grease. Half the pad pins needed drilling out as they were seized so these were replaced along with new pads, my favourite SBS sintered. All calipers were dismantled, cleaned and serviced so all pistons now move freely and with fresh fluid and a new rear hose the brakes are fantastic.

A new DID X-ring chain and sprockets were fitted with the front sprocket been -1 tooth less to give a it more urgency. Better quality bulbs went in the headlight to make myself more visable along with LED bulbs in the speedo to make especially the idiot lights more visable in bright light. I've improved the looks (I believe) by fitting an aftermarket bellypan and factory radiator cowls and single seat cover.

My two favourite mods funnily were free. The gear lever peg for me sits too near the footpeg so I cut an inch off and fabricated and new peg, drilled and tapped the lever and now the peg fits further forward. My other mod was to reduce the amount of throttle twist as standard much preferring a more "quick action" throttle. I fabricated a ring which was shaped to fit over the cam on the throttle increasing the cams diameter from 31.5mm to 38.5mm. Once the cables were adjusted I can now access full throttle movement without having to take a second grab of the grip.

There's still some other tasks I want to undertake including fresh fork oil but I have to say I'm enjoying riding the triple every bit as much as anything I've ever owned and my only regret was why I waited so long to move on from sportsbikes.

 

I bought it from a chap 120 miles away not that it makes a difference because I do my own servicing. I've always taken pride and spent time on any bike I've owned so it's difficult for me to understand folk who don't and even more so so called professionals not doing a proper job.