Upgrade Strategy/Cost Effective Weight Loss

[Triple J]

I think your estimates for revalving and springing a Marzocchi equipped bike are low Triple J.

Possibly. I've had 3 bikes done and they all came in about that price, but they were all sportbikes (748, 749, R6) with adjustable suspension. I assumed it'd be the same for about any bike, but I'm by no means an expert.

[ducpainter]

Possibly. I've had 3 bikes done and they all came in about that price, but they were all sportbikes (748, 749, R6) with adjustable suspension. I assumed it'd be the same for about any bike, but I'm by no means an expert.

The Marzocchi equipped bikes pose a different problem in that the valving isn't user friendly.

The bikes you mentioned were all Showa equipped and components are available...not so with the Marzocchis.

[jcmjrt]

OK, so now you have me looking at BST CF wheels (and selling a kidney or cornea or sumpin'). Dave Moss and some Keigwin track days look really interesting too. I'm just not sure I have enough time...although I'm willing to try. I've committed to sailboat racing this season so every other Sunday is getting eaten up....but those track days with suspension tuning and training and just having some good fast fun sounds like it may have to happen at least once or twice this year. I've never been to thunderhill. Is it a fun course?

Anyone taken any of the one-on-one training or suspension school? Is it worthwhile for someone who isn't experienced at the track? I did some mini bike racing a couple years ago and ride street but I'm DEFINITELY NOT some big fast track maven...more like old with breakable bones...but at least a little foolish 

You gentlemen are giving me some good reading and ideas for fun!

[BK_856er]

Thunder Hill is a great track, especially if it's your first time.  Lots of safe run-off.  Plenty fast and plenty challenging, too.  I can highly recommend the Keigwin 2-day novice school.  You'll get all the 1:1 you want, plus basic setup and a superbly organized event.  Go with a buddy or two for added fun.  I think the suspension school you refer to is geared to the advanced track rider/racer and has a minimun lap time requirement.

BK

[Triple J]

Keigwins puts on fantastic track days, and T-Hill is definitely a fun track.  

[BastrdHK]

Track days are the next step up from practicing emergency stops and defensive maneuvers you can't, legally, perform on the street.

Super +1 on light wheels,  I was fortunate enough to put BSTs on my 900 and it changes everything.  The biggest difference for me was not acceleration gained, but the ability slow down much faster, especially corner entry.  I have put 5k miles on the new wheels and I am still getting used to how deep I can brake into a corner.

I would definitely spend money on suspension next.

Then work on going light on all your rotating and unsprung mass: 

- Tires Michelin Power Pures, 2lbs lighter than previous Pilot Powers (as a set) which is equivalent to 6-8lbs of weight saved on the wheel (not sure how other brands compare, so too each his own...I am Michelin for life) due to the tire being the furthest from the axis of rotation.

- My Superlite Aluminum Sprocket is holding up very well (granted its only been 5k mi), but steel will likely outlast your ownership of the bike.  If the Superlite lasts 20k miles, it will have cost me less than half a cent per 100mi.  I can live with that.

- Flywheel makes a significant difference, I went from 4lbs to 9oz.  and also saved a bit of weight on the clutch side.  Turn in effort is greatly reduced, also aids ability stop faster as engine braking is increased.  It will hurt your low speed operation, i.e. you will have to feather/work the clutch more.  Personally, I am happy to overcome that detraction.

- Battery and other weight savings from the top down to lower your center of gravity.  My 900's battery was high, under the tank.  I went with a 12cell Ballistic Evo and it made quite a difference!  Taking 8lbs from the top of the bike was immediately noticeable, so work your way down the bike with priority going to the heaviest, highest items.

Rotational mass reduction significantly improves deceleration/acceleration and reduces turn in effort.

Suspension increases stability, traction and your confidence (most importantly) through corners.

General weight reduction/lowering COG improves how "light" the bike feels.

Sorry for the ramble, but I am a devout follower of "lighter is better"!  You are asking the right questions and the investment will transform your bike.  I literally feel like I am pushing a pedal bike out of the garage now, and as you refine your bike it will become more of an extension of your body, until you only think and it reacts.