The Hotbodies Racing bodywork...
The Hotbodies Racing bodywork took some time and effort to install and prepare for paint, but the work paid off: John Reeves’ CBR looks fantastic with this retro paint job that recalls the HRC Interceptors from the early ‘80s.
In part one of our Literbike Mods series (July 10) we featured John Reeves’ 08 Honda CBR1000RR and the Bazzaz Z-Fi system, which we installed and set up for use. The purpose of the project was to experiment with the Bazzaz system and its traction control module, which is almost infinitely adjustable, to find more speed at the track. Much of our experience with traction control in the past has shown that it results in slower rather than faster lap times, and it is obviously not the magic go-fast aid that many riders wish for. Since that first installment, we’ve added some chassis modifications to the CBR, attended several track days, and made good progress with the traction control.
Since John planned to attend track days regularly, we gathered up some appropriate modifications for the CBR with that in mind. Many riders feel that the stock steering damper, which adjusts electronically based on road speed, is too stiff even for the race track. We ordered up a GPR Stabilizer V4 Sport unit, which mounts in place of the stock damper and offers a wide range of 20 adjustment clicks. The $495 stabilizer is available in five colors, installed quickly and easily, and provides damping from barely any to more than enough for even the roughest track.
The aluminum oil filler cap...
The aluminum oil filler cap is made by Sato and is predrilled for safety wire. The Akrapovic exhaust canister is titanium-wrapped and has a carbon endcap and carbon mounting bracket.
We sent the CBR’s forks and shock off to RG3 suspension to be freshened up and modified to better suit track use. The $479 service involves revalving the stock components, installing springs matched to the rider’s weight and ability, and refilling everything with Maxima fluids. This is a cost-effective alternative to a replacement shock and fork cartridges, and the improvement was noticeable immediately after bolting the components back on the bike. The suspension is now noticeably stiffer, but more compliant over rough pavement. While we were impressed with the RG3 upgrade especially considering the price it’s worth noting that keeping the stock shock limits setup options as there is no way to adjust the Honda’s rear ride height. With most bikes you can use shims in the top mount to change ride height, but not with the Honda’s Unit Pro-Link setup.
The Sato rearsets offer plenty...
The Sato rearsets offer plenty of adjustability and their knurled pegs are plenty grippy. Shifting can be changed from street to race simply by moving the lower attachment point of the shift shaft. Note Sato engine cover on this side as well.
While the suspension was out being serviced, we bolted up a set of Sato Racing’s beautifully made rearsets and the company’s engine slider kit. The $595 rearsets, offered in black, gold or silver, are adjustable to 12 positions and work with either street- or race-pattern shifting. The footpegs are deeply knurled for extra grip and the pedals mount with bearings to make shifting (and braking) effortless and sure. The $199 Sato engine covers mount over the stock covers, making installation a snap and adding some security for the engine. The sliders have replaceable nylon sliders on anodized aluminum mounts, are nicely machined and look plenty sturdy should the CBR end up on its side.