Then and Now

[Falcon 269]

Hola amigo

The Akra full system went on at the same time as the R1 forks, which was Dec 2009.  Where did those couple of years go ... ?

Looks and weight-saving alone made it worth the swap and the absence of the EXUP makes no practical difference on the road.  Power delivery up to 4k rpm is a shade softer but is only felt in 4th gear and higher.  Snapping on full throttle in 5th/6th at 3k rpm results in audible resonance in the exhaust.  Answer?  Don't snap the throttle, roll it open and the motor will pull cleanly enough up to 4k rpm at which point it's hey-ho, we're off to the races!

I'm guessing with the R1 forks, Akra system and other bits removed (eg centrestand) that the dry weight of the bike is now comfortably under 200kgs, probably closer to 190kgs in fact.  Riding a mate's Gen 1 on standard suspension recently was a reminder to me of how mine used to feel.  Just pushing it around the garage the difference is clear.

The R1 front end does change the geometry a lot and it turns much quicker now.  For those of shorter inside leg like me, the R1 forks and R6 shock with Luke's dogbones helps lower the bike overall by about 1" at the seat.  If there's a compromise to ground clearance, I haven't found it yet.  The whole plot feels balanced and responsive.  I couldn't ask for more.

Cheers!

Mike

[Kosmic Kartman]

hey-ho, we're off to the races!

 

And very nicely put. Brought a big grin to me face.

[pitternator]

Ta mike, I was very taken by the lean rakish lines  of ur bike from one picture in particular.I will consider an akra for sure in time, but as my exup still Ok ( fingers well crossed)...no plans to change just yet. My fazer is primarily a tourer, so some of the mods guys look at doing dont always rock my boat , but anything to make the bike look cleaner and leaner  is always a good thing.
what I would love to do is  a custom paint job....probably change the color to blue with black and white speed blocks on the tank...its my next mod for sure.
 
As a total aside, I just got an email from Triumph telling me the new speed triple R is going to be selling at £11,300 OTR... feck , thats some cash !!... makes the ( really good handling ) stock bike look cheap at £8600!
 
and makes my fazer look a complete steal  for the performance from the money its cost me.!