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[Techniques & Customization for Lighter Handling] Three customizations for lighter handling and feel!

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     7 min read

    The reason racing machines are so lightweight is because a lot of money is spent on all of the parts, so it is tough for the average individual to take the same approach. That is why you should start with parts that give you more than just simple weight reduction!

    Customize for lighter handling and lighter turning!

    The parts that make up a motorcycle are mainly steel, aluminum, and plastic resin when in stock form. If they are replaced with lightweight materials such as titanium, magnesium, and carbon, the bike will definitely be lighter. However, lightweight materials are generally expensive. Therefore, it is more efficient to start with parts that have a large impact on the lightness of handling. You will definitely be able to feel the difference.

    As for the order, it is probably best to start with the exhaust, which contributes to mass centralization and gives the bike a customized look and sound. If you are looking for a lightweight exhaust system, a full titanium exhaust would be the best choice. Forged aluminum replacement wheels have also become the mainstream, and are more affordable than in the past. Lastly, lithium batteries are the most cost-effective way to reduce weight. We recommend thinking of the battery as a custom part, rather than a consumable, and replacing it right away.

    Weight reduction is expensive, enjoy it efficiently and logically!

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    Exhaust replacement also contributes to mass centralization

    The silencer on a stock exhaust is quite heavy, and if placed away from the center of gravity of the bike, handling when leaning will be sluggish. A replacement exhaust that uses lightweight materials, concentrates the relative mass and sharpens handling response.

    Reducing unsprung weight will let you experience improvement beyond the numerical values!

    The wheel weight under the springs determines the road-following performance of the suspension. The gyroscopic effect is diminished, which improves handling, of course, but also increases braking effectiveness. Wear and tear on sprockets, chains, and pads can also be reduced.

    [Wheels] Replacing wheels not only improves handling, but also increases braking effectiveness!

    When an object moves, inertia is generated in proportion to its weight. A heavy wheel generates a large inertial force, while a light wheel (at the same rotation speed) generates a smaller inertial force. In addition, many high-priced replacement wheels have reduced weight of the outer circumference. At the same speed, the bike can be slowed down without braking harder, making the bike feel lighter and more compact.

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    [Exhaust] Improve the look of your bike! Exhaust replacement is the standard in customization and weight reduction!

    High-performance replacement exhausts, which improve not only power and torque but also the ease of opening the throttle, have long been a popular customization method, as they offer a variety of looks and sound quality. Slip-on exhausts, which replace only the silencer portion, have been on the rise in recent years, and while they offer less performance change than a full exhaust, the weight of a titanium slip-on is less than half that of stock, so the weight reduction effect is significant.

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    [Battery] Did you know the most cost-effective choice for weight reduction is the battery?

    The battery is a heavy component of a motorcycle. However, by replacing it with a lithium-ion battery, which has been attracting attention in recent years, weight can be reduced in a flash. On average, SHORAI's lithium-ion batteries weigh only 1/3 of a conventional lead-acid battery; for a Z900RS you can reduce weight by about 2kg, and by about 3.5kg for the popular vintage Z1! Considering life and performance it is very cost-effective!

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    Yo
    Yo

    editor

    Yo

    Webike Japan's global merchandiser who is passionate about motorcycles. Born in Japan, and spent his childhood in the US. 25 years of riding experience mainly on the tarmac and motorcycle market. He loves products made in Japan and considers himself a "Japan Parts evangelist".