Modifications
Dave Hodgkisson, England
Dave modified his '97 Blackbird with Micron racecans and a Dynojet kit.
The following text is an extract of a posting he placed on the CBR mailing
list (www.katana.com), regarding the
Microns.
When I swapped from the ZZR-1100 to the XX I was extremely disappointed
with the bottom end and midrange of the stock XX. Top gear roll-on from 2k
went like this: Gentle increase in speed; dies (1st dip in power band);
gentle surge: dies (2nd dip in power band @ 5k approx); then blast off at
7-8k. The carbs were fluffy just off the throttle stop, and throttle
response felt like the link to the carbs was a rubber band. Totally
unacceptable.
At this point the DynoJet kit was fitted. Much better. The first dip
had gone, leaving the infamous 5k flat spot. The midrange was improved,
and the throttle felt more direct. But still not 100% what I was after. So
for me, fitting the DynoJet was well worth it. Down side is reduced range,
about 145 miles to reserve, compared with 165 before, or 185 on the Zed.
 A
few weeks ago I splashed out on a pair of Micron carbon slip-ons. Mainly
for the looks (if I'm honest) and for some sound rather than the silence.
The carbon cans look real cool, complimenting the black frame of the XX,
and the sound is now a *muted* deep warble. They are not at all
offensively load. At last, I can now play tunes as I filter thro the
traffic.
If I was happy with the looks and the sound, I was *delighted* with the
transformation in the performance. If I didn't know better, I'd swear I
was riding a different bike!!! It pulls from 2k. Top gear roll-ons from 4k
are streets ahead of the Zed. At 90 mph (5k) the engine is barely getting
into it's stride; it feels so relaxed and laid-back. But twitch the
throttle and you get an
instant reminder of just how much power is still in reserve. It now feels
like it could pull a few more gears, whereas the stock XX felt like top
gear was an overdrive. Drive ablilty out of the corners is greatly
improved. To sum up: the engine now has the racers edge missing in the
stock XX. Oh, and the top end can now only be described as MANIC!! It has
taken me nearly 2 weeks to find the redline again, such is the daunting
impression the shear power gives. Unbelievable. I have never before ridden
such a powerful motorcycle.
But don't let this put off the tourers amongst you: the paradox is that
the improvements in the bottom end and mid range, together with the
improved drive ability, make this XX much easier to live with when
pootleing. So, fit a set of race pipes.
You can always send Dave
an email if you still have questions.
More modifications:
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