Factory Pro jet kit VS Keihin FCR

[The Mad King Pepe']

Here's my dilemma: I have a 2001 750 which I'd like to wake up a bit. I also have a 900 with FCR carbs and they are awesome, so I'd like to put them on the 750 as well but ... they're expensive! I checked on ca-cycleworks and it's about $850 for a pair.

On the other side a Factory Pro kit is less that $90 so that's almost 10-to-1 cost difference. What I'm wondering is how much is it worth the cost. Yes I know FCR rule but is it worth the expense for my 750???

I'm also planning on putting some dyna coils (about $200) and thinking of high-comp pistons or big bore kit (both ca-cycleworks and Ferracci have them)... In an ideal world I would go with FCRs + big-bore kit + MBP headwork. In the real world I would end up with a divorce and I'd have to sell the bikes to pay the sharks 

So I humbly ask you wise member of the community for guidance on this matter.

[ducpainter]

A jet kit helps, but you'll never get the response like with the FCRs.

I can't say if it's worth the money to you.

[The Bearded Duc]

I don't mean to thread jack but I have an '01 750 as well, what's the purpose of the dyna coils?

[The Mad King Pepe']

I don't mean to thread jack but I have an '01 750 as well, what's the purpose of the dyna coils?

Short answer: better spark and better running engine (not just for the 750).

Long answer: see chris kelley's site for more details -> http://www.ducatitech.com/2v/aftermarket/dyna_kit.html

A jet kit helps, but you'll never get the response like with the FCRs.

Tell me about it, I still can't believe there's only 150 cc difference between the 750 and the 900!! They belong in two separate galaxies!

[junior varsity]

Dyna Coils: Bike behaves much much better.


Jet Kit: Waste of money

FCRs: Handful of wow.

[Howley]

I wouldn't say a jet kit is a waste. With an open airbox it's a noticeable difference.

[junior varsity]

I wouldn't say a jet kit is a waste. With an open airbox it's a noticeable difference.

Well, I do agree. When I rejetted my 900 for open air box and pipes, it felt better.


But...

when I put on the flatsides, I was really frustrated I hadn't just done it the first time instead of spending $100+ bucks for the jet kit (and installation before I got unlazy and did everything myself).

[Howie]

Chances are good if your bike runs reasonably well when cold and at low throttle openings it has already been re jetted.  Of course, if you do engine modifications, you will be changing jets again anyway.

[brad black]

what i've come to think after time playing with a few is that the more you do to the std carbs to make them respond like an fcr the more you become compromised by the lack of an accelerator pump.  you can make them much better with a jet kit, but you're moving away from what cv carbs do best sort of thing.

but, the 750 needs a lot more than carbs imo (it's a dog), so i'd be inclined to spend the money on compression, cams and valves and go with the jet kit until you can afford the carbs.  or just buy a 900 motor and fit that and love the extra gear.

or just ride the 900 you have and sell the 750.  now there's an idea.

fit new needle jets too if you go the jet kit.

[The Mad King Pepe']

First of all: Thanks to everyone who posted here and answered my emails.

Second, I forgot to mention that the 750 already has K&N pod filters and I've completely removed the airbox. Also come winter I plan to do some work on the engine: 6-speed gearbox (if I can find one for cheap); clean up the heads, and give the gears, the bearings and everything a good look through.

I don't want to turn the 750 into a 900, I know the bike's a dog and I'm ok with that. It's my daily commuter, and I like being able to switch between the two bikes. What I'm looking for is the improvements that will give me the most bang for my buck.

For example with $850 I can get a pair of FCRs from chris kelley OR a jet kit ($89) + high comp pistons ($419) + dyna coils ($200) + 6 speed gearbox ($ from eBay). Choices,  choices, choices ...

[ducpainter]

Do the high comps, coils and gearbox...

this year.

You can get the carbs later.

[The Mad King Pepe']

Do the high comps, coils and gearbox...

this year.

You can get the carbs later.

You're evil!

[brad black]

if it has pods it has already been jet kitted to some extent.  it wouldn't run with std jetting.

[Speeddog]

Pretty sure some 695 heads would swap right on.
Combined with some hi-comps, makes for a snappy 750.

Or swap in an 800 lump.
Not sure how that would work with the carbs.

[The Mad King Pepe']

Pretty sure some 695 heads would swap right on.
Combined with some hi-comps, makes for a snappy 750.

Or swap in an 800 lump.
Not sure how that would work with the carbs.

My main concern with swapping heads and putting in high compression pistons is head clearance and general reliability. And swapping a fuel injected engine for a carb'ed one is way more work and cost than I think is worth it. New wiring loom, ECU (which will eventually require a remap, PC and whatever), injectors ... etc. Better to just buy a fuel injected bike and start from there. If I do an engine swap it would be a 900 -- but I already have one -- or this built 750 I found on ebay

After reading from Brad the BikeBoy's site about how he improved a 750 engine I have put some thought into following his route. I already have pods and slip-on Arrow CF cans. Dynacoils, a jet kit and high comp pistons (and a good head clean up once I'm at it) should provide enough fun during my commute without breaking the bank (I'll wait for my tax rebates to buy the FCRs! )