Updating F4i Brakes
I have a 2005 CBR-F4i, and I want to change the brakes to a radial-pump master cylinder and six-piston calipers (vs. the four-piston). I've heard the six-piston calipers off of the GSX-Rs bolt right up to the F4i, but don't know about the radial-pump master cylinder. I'd really like to get more braking power from the bike, and am thinking this through before I buy the steel-braided lines.From the SR message board
Rather than change the calipers and master cylinder, you'd get more of a performance increase for less money by updating your Honda's brakes with aftermarket rotors, good pads and some stainless steel lines. Braking, Galfer and EBC all make excellent bolt-on rotors with matching pads for your bike, which should provide you with more than ample stopping power. Only then should you consider swapping to the six-piston calipers. You can fit a radial-pump master cylinder, just be sure to match the piston size to whatever calipers you end up with.
Cold-blooded R1
I'm the second owner of an '01 YZF-R1 and I'm located in northern Michigan, where it can get pretty nippy. I've got two problems with my R1, which are probably amplified by my operating environment. With an ambient temperature of about 60-degrees Fahrenheit, the bike runs a coolant temp of about 160 degrees when moving along down the highway, which seems a little on the cold side to me.
Additionally, the bike is impossible to start if the ambient temperature is below 50 degrees even with ample battery power, but when it warms up a little more the bike starts like a champ. I'm looking for a little feedback before I have a closer look-see at my thermostat and the fuel-enrichment circuit on my rack of Mikunis.From the SR message board
In cool weather, most bikes run between 160-180 degrees, so although you are at the bottom of that range there is nothing to worry about. As for your bike not starting, we've never had problems with any carbureted R1 or FZ1 on cool mornings. Check first that your choke lever fully opens all the enricheners; that is the most likely culprit. If that's not the case, then check that the fuel screws haven't been tampered with by the previous owner, then check inside the carburetors for clogged pilot jets.
Yes, Ducati Made The 916 In Yellow
While there seems to be a lot out there about not putting a too-large tire on a too-small rim, I am wondering about the opposite. I have a 916 Ducati with a 6-inch rear rim. Is it OK to run a 180/55 tire on this rim, as opposed to a 190/50 or a 190/55 (which is probably ideal except that only expensive "race" tires come in this size, it seems, and I'm cheap)? I ride this bike only on the street, and I would like to keep turn-in quicker. I know a 190/50 on a 5.5 rim is slower than a 180/55. But I don't know how a 190/50 on a 6-inch rim compares to a 180/55 or the more expensive 190/55. Can anyone there shed some light?Via SR Mail
According to specifications in our back issues, all years of the 916 (and 996, 998 and 999) Ducatis have come equipped with a 190/50 tire on a 5.5-inch rim. While we know that is not a combination we recommend in general, the factory designed the bike with that setup and you would be fine to stick with that. We've had mixed results running 180/55 DOT race rubber on Ducatis, and I would recommend a 190/50 street tire, especially if you are riding on the street only. For quicker steering, experiment with raising the rear ride height in one-turn increments.