Description
Tokyo Joe has built a stonking MotoGP replica Suzuki. We think it deserves to be a featured bike here at LB. Here's what he has to say about the when, why and how:
Improving the Boss… I bought my K5 in May 2005. After reluctantly parting with my K3 I took delivery of my new Gixxer on a wet Friday afternoon, so my initial ride was unlikely to allow me to realise the potential of the bike. I had liked my K3, but never really fell for it in a big way, it was good but not spectacular and I would never consider throwing any serious money at it.
Over the last 23 years I have had many bikes, all of them sports bikes and a very select few have had a chunk of money spent on them. Those that made the grade were:
· 1984 Yamaha 350LC
· 1986 Yamaha 350 YPVS F1
· 1987 Yamaha 500 LC
· 1992 Honda FireBlade RRP
· 2000 Ducati 996 SPS
The next bike that I considered a worthy base for improvement was the K5 GSXR 1000. This was a bike that offered a huge performance envelope wrapped up in a taught, sharp chassis with lightweight and excellent manners road or track. The mods that I have made are really to suit my personal riding style.
For the brakes I wanted single finger operation in all situations. The standard front forks compromised my corner entry style on the track, as the damping performance was not brilliant. The rear shock was actually pretty good as standard, but on the track I felt it lacked feedback when I was on a hot lap and kept me from early throttle roll-on mid-corner (another feature of my riding style).
The wheels were part style and part performance; my goal from the start was to refine an already good package so I was looking for a small incremental improvement, which is exactly what they delivered.
Was I successful? Yes! The bike steers more quickly, the suspension is supple, but firm and has transformed the feel of the bike. The brakes are stunning, borderline over the top for the road, but offer the kind of performance that really complements a Gixxer 1000 engine. Next… a new zorst, PCIII and filter to liberate a few more BHP.
Thanks to:
Neil at Cornerspeed for his patience and skills with spanners.
www.cornerspeed.co.ukSteve at FBI for the great paintwork.
www.fastbikeimagery.co.ukRoger at Midlands Superbikes for sourcing parts for the right price.
www.midlandssuperbikes.co.uk
