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Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archives 001 » Archive through May 19, 2011 » Free and/or Cheap Mods for a stock 1125R/CR « Previous Next »

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Mcfly
Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - 06:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

This could also just be "stuff to do", doesn't have to be a "mod". I have time on my hands, but not a lot of spare money (think: wife and kids). Should be simple DIY mods/things that the average rider can do with average tools. Anyone have any ideas? Please post with your rough cost (keep it under $100).

I've thought of the following:

Free - Adjust Suspension setup
Free - Remove Rear passenger footpegs/brackets
Free - Clean/Polish bike frequently
Free - Cut/dremel hole under tail-lamp for the below Fender Eliminator

$68 - Jardine Fender Eliminator
$50? - Oil change / filter change
$? - HID low-beam bulb? kit required??
$? - crazy special fluids or anything?
$? - Buell or Punisher stickers on radiator pods?
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Jrfitzny
Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - 06:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

HID kits are super cheap. I bought mine off the classifieds section for about 25 bucks.

A lot of people would say that the ECM is a really cheap way to improve performance. 250 bucks

The rubber grips for the frame keep your thighs from burning up, offer better traction for your legs against the frame, and I think they look pretty cool. ~45 bucks
http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/16146.html
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Jrfitzny
Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - 06:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Additionally, I'm going to strip off the blue paint from my black '08. It's super cheap to do with paint stripper and some steel wool. Elbow grease is expensive though (I've heard). I just don't think the blue really matches with black....looks like a bruise.
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Syonyk
Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - 07:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I like the rear passenger footpegs/brackets.

They do a nice job of keeping the rear off the ground in a lowside. : )
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Brumbear
Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - 07:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

disconnect the NOID
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Mountainstorm
Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - 10:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Free mods:
Remove Inner Air Box Cover and Plastic filler neck trim for more air flow and noise.

Trim pillion seat cover and stretch strap over it to extend your seating position for full tuck if you are tall and ride solo.

Almost free mods:
Remove the moth-antenna mirrors if it's an R and cover the locations with self adhesive turn signals and glue them in with silicon ($15 if that). If you do that...

You'll need bar end mirrors which you can get buy the pair for about $15 or you could go digital for about $50 with a back up camera mounted to your license plate.

Mid-Price Mods:
EBC HH Front and Rear Brake Pads. You'll have do some online window shopping to find a reliable vendor with a good price. American Sportbike are as reliable as it gets and have a fair price for these pucks. They will improve your overall brake feel for street riding.

Cycle Pirate 360 peg relocators and pegs. I forget what I paid...something like $140. Excellent investment if you want to change your peg position. Completely adjustable. Much better ergos for me to move around the bike.

Taller Wind Screen. I'm a big guy and I cannot tuck behind a small screen. The Zero-Gravity Sport Tour was just right. Discontinued but available on Amazon and elsewhere for about $85 or so. Huge improvement if you are getting tossed around trying to top out in 6th gear.

Serious Mods:
Erik Buell Racing Race ECM ($250). I cannot express my gratitude enough to the team at Erik Buell Racing for putting the time into the one thing that makes the 1125 run the way it should. It will completely transform the machine.

Barker Slip On Exhaust ($400). There many great exhausts to choose from but only one wins the best bang for the buck award due to it's low price and excellent quality. You can spend more (almost double) and have one hand built for you. You could spend 4 times as much and put on a full race kit, but it would be too loud for the street.

Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Front and Rear. (about $300 mounted or more depending on mounting charges). Even if you have brand new Italian rubber on there now the French Rubber will instill more confidence and make the bike turn in as God and Erik Buell intended.

There are always more and more mods. It's up to your wallet and imagination.
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Bwbhighspl
Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - 11:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I did the bird shot in the handle bars to drop the vibration. It was free, and boy does it work.
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Freight_dog
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 07:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The American Sportbike quick release seatpins were pretty cheap and one of the most useful mods I've done. I've also done the HID's and love my Erik Buell Racing stickers. Everything else I've done has been a bit more costly.
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Avalaugh
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 07:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

DIY quick action throttle, still loving mine : )

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/603783.html?1289870422
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Catalan42
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 11:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Definitely get the American Sport Bike quick-release seat pins! Installing their rear axle slider is cheap insurance (and really works!).

I also like their 1" raised handlebars, paired with Ulysses 1" lower footpegs.
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Kinder
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 12:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I like my brake modulator. Basically when you apply the brakes the brake light flashes a few time then stays on.

great way to get drivers to notice you when behind you.

http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/16051.html
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Rpm4x4
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 01:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I did the bird shot in the handle bars to drop the vibration. It was free, and boy does it work.

Hmmm. Never heard of that. While I dont think the 1125 has a vibration problem, Im always interested in making things smoother.
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Zac4mac
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 01:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Get a couple of small, heavy ziplock bags.
Put 4-6 Oz in each bag, roll-up and insert in bar.
It works like a dead-blow hammer, beats a solid chunk hands down(and not numb).
<edit> I used #8 shot, smaller is better...

Z

(Message edited by zac4mac on May 04, 2011)
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Sprintst
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 03:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Free performance upgrade?

Lose weight!


(you, not the bike)
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Drawkward
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 04:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Don't BUY the quick release seat pins, MAKE them for less two dollars!!!

Rpm4x4: If you're not feeling the vibes your Rpms aren't high enough, LOL.
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Rpm4x4
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 04:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Im used to off road buggies. Motors are solid mounted in the frame. Thats engine vibration...1125, not so much!
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Chessm
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 05:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

ride the damn thing
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Drawkward
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 06:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Still, get this thing on the track and you'll feel the vibrations, they suck.

Now, compared to my M2...not as bad.
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Bwbhighspl
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 11:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I did the bird shot in the handle bars to drop the vibration. It was free, and boy does it work.

Hmmm. Never heard of that. While I dont think the 1125 has a vibration problem, Im always interested in making things smoother.

I think this link will help:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=site%3Awww.badweatherbikers.c om+bird+shot
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Rpm4x4
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 11:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I think this link will help


Really?
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Mcfly
Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2011 - 08:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

OK gentlemen... let's get back on topic. This isn't about whether the 1125 vibrates too much or not enough... just cheap/free mods.

Keep 'em coming!!! I'll try and post a comprehensive list of what everyone comes up with by next week, that way we have a nice consolidated list of mods/things to be done for under $100.

- Mitch
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Jdugger
Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2011 - 08:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

5 tanks of 93.
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Sportster_mann
Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2011 - 08:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

How about some heat reflective or insulating material under the seat for the summer months ?

I'm also going to open up the tail section at some point to let more hot air out.

And if I can find a second hand rad fan cheap enough I may try to fit it in the undertray to draw out more hot air.

Others have fitted PC fans to the regulator to cool it down a little.

I've also got XB Lightning pegs on my 1125R to give a little more legroom - fitted Uly pegs to the CR.
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Zac4mac
Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2011 - 08:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My favorites -
1) generic metric aluminum bar-ends, multiple colors - 10-15 bucks.
2)Polish the head pipes - cheap-free depending on what you have in the garage. (cooler right leg)
3)rear header heatshield - flat black top, polished inside(looks good, polishing makes it stay cooler)
4) Replace mirrors with Firebolt mirrors, run turn signal to marker lights.
5)Replace clear W/S with Kick-Ash or one from ZG
6)Birdshot in bars
7)Axle sliders
8)Kuryakyn LED Voltmeter
9)Signature by The Man somewhere on your bike
10)DIY tail liposuction.
11)nice valve-stem-caps
12)Black Ulysses footpegs for rider, remove passenger pegs and mounts
13) find someone to swap wheels for different color.
14)billet side-case pucks for clutch/ignition covers

Don't forget the cheap Chinese levers... ; )

Zack
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Mountainstorm
Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2011 - 10:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I forgot about the axle sliders and quick release seat pins. Those are good mods and I did them.

Tail Tidy can be a good DIY almost free project. Forgot that too.

I have not got around to polishing the head pipes. As much as I ride and in all weather it would not last long. But it is free : D
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Hybridmomentspass
Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2011 - 11:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

how does polishing keep a pipe cooler?
"2)Polish the head pipes - cheap-free depending on what you have in the garage. (cooler right leg)
3)rear header heatshield - flat black top, polished inside(looks good, polishing makes it stay cooler) "
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Zac4mac
Posted on Friday, May 06, 2011 - 10:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

By polishing you reduce the surface area available to radiate heat so the head-pipe radiates a little less.
By polishing the inside of the heatshield, it absorbs less heat, reflecting much of the IR.
Making the outer surface flat black radiates more heat away from the heatshield, end result is it stays cooler by radiating more than it absorbs...
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Mcfly
Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2011 - 12:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Anyone have a write-up or how-to on removing the passenger pegs/brackets? Just wondering what tools I'm gonna need and what all I'm gonna have to do.

(Yes, I did use search, but people are only talking about the fuel vent hose)
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Mountainstorm
Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2011 - 01:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You will need an allen wrench or socket. I think it's 7 mm. Nothing to it.
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Mcfly
Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2011 - 02:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You will need an allen wrench or socket. I think it's 7 mm. Nothing to it.

Great! With a breaker bar, easy peasy... now I just gotta figure out what to do with that fuel-line-vent-hose-thing.}

(Message edited by McFly on May 08, 2011)
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