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So, it's been a while since I've posted. Pretty much since I highsided my bike and busted up, then subsequently repaired, the signal generator *grin*
Thankfully, the bike (and me shoulder!) are all healed up, so I figured it's high time for improvements.
I haven't been posting, but God knows I've been reading! Thanks to everyone who contributed to threads on grips, heated grips, and jet kits. Side note: the carb jetting guide on motorcycleanchor.com (http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/katana/trinc/jetkit.htm) seems to be unavailable as of 2009.02.16, as is all of motorcycleanchor.com. Dunno if anyone here knows who runs the website or not, but I noticed CyberPoet's name in the guide credits.
So, in order of (my) utility, I'll list my most recent upgrades and what I like or dislike about them:
1. Symtec Heated Grips; price $USD33.95
[ http://www.casporttouring.com/store/...uct_code=16025 ]
The best 35 dollars I've ever spent. Easy to install (I ended up tapping the "Katana third eye"). The only downside is that I mounted the switch on the right side without thinking it through thoroughly, meaning I have to reach across with my left hand to toggle the settings if I'm moving >< Makes freezing days tolerable even with lighter autumn-grade gloves. Chilly days are like summer days! Go do it, trust me.
2. Ivan's Jet Kit; price $USD130 (139-ish with shipping)
[ http://www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/Kat600.htm ]
Awesome. If you're not proficient and confident with tearing your bike apart and laying into the carbs, have a mechanic do it. Personally, I thought it was a hell of a lot easier to do than I was expecting. Pros: better pull across the entire rev range. Smoother operation. Better sound. Easier starts. Decreased afterfire. Cons: temptation to utilize better pull across the entire rev range *grin* This one is probably tied with the grip heaters, but I've had the grips installed longer.
3. Grand Touring Grips; price $USD11.99 (18-ish with shipping)
[ http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...ing-Grips.aspx ]
New grips certainly make a bit of a difference. Pros: they're a bit fatter, so they heat more of my hands when coupled with the grip heaters (see #1, heh). The contour of the grips help relieve fatigue somewhat. Cons: They're made of harder material than the stock grips, so they seem to transfer a bit more vibration (which has been reduced since introduction of the jet kit!). Trimming of the grips was necessary to permit my bar end weights to fit properly.
4. Xeon headlights; price $USD10-something, if memory serves.
Much brighter and clearer. Makes a huge difference. No downside. Ultra-easy to install.
The next few items on my improvements list are an aftermarket clutch kit, recovering the seat, and repainting the bike. I'll post results when I'm done with 'em.
Yes, I realize I don't have pictures. Didn't occur to me to take any until after everything was done *grin* I'll see if I can post some of the completed work when I get a chance.
Rock on!
--B
Thankfully, the bike (and me shoulder!) are all healed up, so I figured it's high time for improvements.
I haven't been posting, but God knows I've been reading! Thanks to everyone who contributed to threads on grips, heated grips, and jet kits. Side note: the carb jetting guide on motorcycleanchor.com (http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/katana/trinc/jetkit.htm) seems to be unavailable as of 2009.02.16, as is all of motorcycleanchor.com. Dunno if anyone here knows who runs the website or not, but I noticed CyberPoet's name in the guide credits.
So, in order of (my) utility, I'll list my most recent upgrades and what I like or dislike about them:
1. Symtec Heated Grips; price $USD33.95
[ http://www.casporttouring.com/store/...uct_code=16025 ]
The best 35 dollars I've ever spent. Easy to install (I ended up tapping the "Katana third eye"). The only downside is that I mounted the switch on the right side without thinking it through thoroughly, meaning I have to reach across with my left hand to toggle the settings if I'm moving >< Makes freezing days tolerable even with lighter autumn-grade gloves. Chilly days are like summer days! Go do it, trust me.
2. Ivan's Jet Kit; price $USD130 (139-ish with shipping)
[ http://www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/Kat600.htm ]
Awesome. If you're not proficient and confident with tearing your bike apart and laying into the carbs, have a mechanic do it. Personally, I thought it was a hell of a lot easier to do than I was expecting. Pros: better pull across the entire rev range. Smoother operation. Better sound. Easier starts. Decreased afterfire. Cons: temptation to utilize better pull across the entire rev range *grin* This one is probably tied with the grip heaters, but I've had the grips installed longer.
3. Grand Touring Grips; price $USD11.99 (18-ish with shipping)
[ http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...ing-Grips.aspx ]
New grips certainly make a bit of a difference. Pros: they're a bit fatter, so they heat more of my hands when coupled with the grip heaters (see #1, heh). The contour of the grips help relieve fatigue somewhat. Cons: They're made of harder material than the stock grips, so they seem to transfer a bit more vibration (which has been reduced since introduction of the jet kit!). Trimming of the grips was necessary to permit my bar end weights to fit properly.
4. Xeon headlights; price $USD10-something, if memory serves.
Much brighter and clearer. Makes a huge difference. No downside. Ultra-easy to install.
The next few items on my improvements list are an aftermarket clutch kit, recovering the seat, and repainting the bike. I'll post results when I'm done with 'em.
Yes, I realize I don't have pictures. Didn't occur to me to take any until after everything was done *grin* I'll see if I can post some of the completed work when I get a chance.
Rock on!
--B
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