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Our
CBR900RR 954 Honda FireBlade
...one
of the bikes used for testing everything
we supply to you |
Fast
Bikes journalist and racer, Mike 'Boothy' Booth, tested
our 954 in 2019 and said...
"A brilliant sportsbike to head to the South of France on, very decent performance and even decent-er practicality. And with them carbon wheels, don't think it would embarrass itself on the track, either."
Download the PDF and read the full article
now.
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Performance Bikes journalists Emma Franklin and Bruce Dunn, tested our 954 again in September 2013 and said...
"The way this bike steers and rides the bumps means it should be held up as an example of how to perfect an already brilliant bike."
Download and read the full article here.
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Fast
Bikes journalist and racer, Al Fagan, tested
our 954 in 2007 and said...
"arguably
the best FireBlade I have ever ridden...this
is how a 'Blade should be."
Download the full article
here.
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At HPS most of our customers are Sportsbike Owning, Track-Day Focused, Adventure-Touring Riders. And, because we need to be sure we are always giving the best advice about the solutions for your needs, we test as many of the key products we supply as we can.
This testing takes several forms, but there's no real substitute for getting on and using stuff - so that's what we do - using a variety of our own bikes - on the road, on race circuits and at the Nürburgring too.
To keep our "old" 954 up to date, we're constantly modifying it and - depending on whether is being used on road or track or both at any give time - here are some of the recent parts being tested or used...
- MRA X-creen Sport add-on/Removable Adjustable Screen Spoiler
- MRA Vario Touring Screen
- 2004-2007 CBR1000RR forks with K-Tech 20SSK Piston/Valve Kit and Springs
- EBC GPFAX race sintered brake pads (in Tokico Radial Monoblock Calipers - as fitted to current CBR600/1000RR and CB1000R as OE)
- Brembo Serie Oro High Carbon Steel Front 320mm and Rear 220mm Brake Discs
- ISR front Six-Piston Radial Front Brake Calipers
- ISR High-Carbon Steel Narrow-Track Brake Discs
- HEL Front Brake Lines
- GiPro Digital Gear Indicator
- Braketech Floating Rear Disc
- Bazzaz Z-Fi TC system Traction Control, Quickshifter and Fuel Injection
- Bazzaz Z-AFM Fuel Injection self-mapping module
- ServoBuddy H-VIX Exhaust Valve/Airbox Flap Servo Motor Eliminator
- Nitron Rear Shock Hydraulic Preload Adjuster
- HID Headlamp
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One
of the bikes used for this is an '02 Honda
CBR900RR 954 FireBlade, which has almost all
of the parts we import or retail, fitted to
it.
This bike's not just a track-focussed tool
though, but a true user-friendly, multi-purpose
mount which is just as happy being used as
a track day instructor's mount at Donington
Park, while also still being comfortable when
used for week's 1,700 mile round trip into
Europe visiting some of our primary suppliers
- and at the same time testing suspension
and braking components on the Nürburgring
Nordschleife.
The inspiration for this came from us asking
ourselves how could we create a bike, which
combines the favourable attributes of two
of arguably the best bikes ever produced at
opposing ends of the motorcycling spectrum.
We wanted to combine the lightness, flickability
and excellent feel on the brakes of a Honda
NSR250R and at the same time incorporate the
comfort, practicality and relaxed feel of
a VFR750F.
The 2002 CBR900RR 954 was chosen as the basis
for this as it was the lightest of the litre
class fours when it came out, and is a fair
bit lighter (11kg) than the first 1,000cc
Blade, making it easy to manhandle and manoeuvre.
The 954 is by no means a bad bike out of the
box but it has a fairly crude fuel-injection
system compared to the latest bikes with dual
throttle butterflies and one of the main objectives
was to eliminate the snatchiness some fuel
injected bikes have when coming back on the
gas from a closed throttle - which can really
spoil how a bike rides on, for example mountainside
hairpin-bends where throttle adjustability
is so important. After over 100 dyno runs
throughout its development we think we got
it about as good as any bike with this type
of fuel injection can be.
It's not just about power, although
we have got some…
The winner of many magazine group sportsbike
tests - based on its all-round abilities -
and subsequent recommended used bike articles,
we've continued with the 954 as it highlights
our belief that you can take a good all-round
bike and continually improve it further, without
just following blind alley of 'power at the
cost of all else'.
The common thread to the changes we've made
to our 954 is that they had to improve its
functionality or usability without adding
complication and with full reversibility -
where appropriate. But, in addition, virtually
all of the parts fitted, or modifications
made, we have made sure could be done by the
average user.
We were happy with 148 rear wheel horsepower
its engine was making after the few small
mods of disabled Airbox flapper valve, Akrapovic
full exhaust system, Factory Velocity Stacks,
Power Commander III USB, combined with lots
of dyno runs, but after a gearbox fault developed
- meaning a strip down was required - the
engine was blueprinted and gas flowed by 2KTT
and is now making a respectable 159.7 rear-wheel
BHP.
Underseat exhausts – or underseat storage?
After having seen so many riders stranded
at track days or at the roadside miles from
home for the want of a simple part - such
as a levers or a footpeg after a small off
- we tend to carry all sorts of spares and
tools in the bike. This goes back to being
taught to give a full service to the unreliable
road bikes of our teens at the roadside when
miles from home – using only the tools
we carried with us – as a way of ensuring
we could pretty much cope with most breakdowns.
You don’t want to carry all this stuff
in your luggage, though, as it’s quite
heavy so decent size underseat storage space
is needed which is another reason why we’ve
been less tempted to buy a newer bike with
underseat exhausts.
Parts/Modifications
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TomTom
Rider Sat-Nav
(1)
The TomTom Rider has always been a fantastic
GPS solution just for bikes and the
brand new and enhanced TomTom Rider
V3 Urban Pro has just been released.
After having tested it on-bike this
weekend, I can say the new 3D motorway
lane guidance screens with the more
logical and simplified menus make it
much easier and more responsive to use
and the wireless Bluetooth headset -
with its twin earpieces/helmet speakers
- make hearing instructions at higher
speeds far better.
The unit can be operated away from for
bike for advanced route planning and
then just clipped into its supplied
passive cradle - which you mount on
your bike - when you’re ready
for the benenfit of having directions
delivered straight into your ears.
After having been using the TomTom Rider
since the first version was introduced,
I can honestly say it's transformed
the trips I take into Europe when visiting
suppliers, circuit or when simply touring
and, by removing all the pressure of
having to use a normal map to navigate,
it allows you to just focus on the road
ahead. Plus, it virtually eliminates
the chance of getting lost (always stressful
when time is short) and its many other
features - including points of interest
and Safety Camera warnings - add to
feeling that you can just relax and
enjoy the ride!
The new V3 Rider is available from HPS
now with the free added benefit included
of our full bike knowledge and tech
support to help you get the most from
it. Lastly, we strongly recommend the
optional on-bike active charging dock
to ensure your TomTom never runs out
of battery power on longer journeys...
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Akrapovic
Road/Legal Race Complete Exhaust System
(2)
There’s
no doubt Akrapovic is the world’s
leading exhaust maker, so in our opinion
there’s no need to look any further.
Without any other mods, the full system
(with its road legal baffle removed)
takes the standard bike from 131.5 HP
at 11,200 RPM to 141.5 HP ay 11,600
RPM, and saves 3.45 Kg over standard.
Download
a PDF file (approx. 1.8MB)
This exhaust is now a discontinued part
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Bagster
Luggage Systems
We all know there’s loads of luggage on
the market and some is very good too, but we
honestly don't think your money can buy a better
than Bagster (of Baglux as it’s often
more commonly know in the UK).
All their products have been specifically and
carefully thought out for the needs of the long-distance
or adventure-touring Sportsbiker.
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Bagster Protective
Fuel Tank Cover with Tank Bag Mounts
(3)
Bagster tailored and colour matched
Tank Covers are available for a massive
range of bikes and covers normally become
available for new bikes very soon after
their release.
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Protect
your tank from scratches and minor
dents on road and track |
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Provide
secure attachment for Bagster Tank
Luggage |
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Bagster
Tank Bag Luggage
(4)
Massive range available, with
various models encompassing the following
features:
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Small,
Medium or Large Bags, expandable
up to a very sizeable 34 litres |
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Specially
profiled rears keep bags out of
your chest when in the riding position
induced by clips-ons to minimise
the maneuverability restrictions
conventionally profiled bags can
cause |
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Clever
detailing of the overlapping zips
means this lower-rear profile can
be retained even when semi-expanded |
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Massive
(full footprint) map compartments
- means you can ride further between
the stops necessary just to refold
your map or route plan - accessed
from inside to provide maximum water-resistance
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Easily
accessible external pockets - ideal
for small tools, keys, tickets,
change for tolls, credit cards etc.-
or certain bags’ own two detachable
carrying straps which can be used
single-shoulder or rucksack style |
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Integral rucksack style straps on
some models |
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Internal
document compartments |
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Rubberised
carrying handles |
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Rugged,
durable and water-resistant vinyl
or Nylon fabric main outer constructions |
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Detachable
fully waterproof cover |
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Non
magnetic to avoid paintwork scratches
– attaches to Bagster tailored
and colour-matched protective vinyl
tank cover system (required and
available separately) |
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Available
in several colour schemes to compliment
your bike |
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Bagster Whoppa Tail Pack Luggage
(5)
A great rear luggage solution which eliminates
the need for using large Bungee Straps
(which always seem to get filthy with
chain lube) to hold the Tail Pack in place
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32.5
or 35 litre capacities (bike and
fitting kit dependent) |
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Single
semi-rigid large compartment for
easy packing/unpacking – makes
it ideal for lifting items in or
out using a large plastic carrier
bag liner |
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Double
closing – zipped and clipped
top lid flaps |
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Excellent
rubberised carrying handle |
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Rugged,
durable and water-resistant Nylon
main outer construction |
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Attaches
and detaches easily to bike specific
underseat kits – which fold
neatly away when not in use |
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Does
not require/use bike’s Bungee
hook points |
| • |
Ideal
for bikes with Underseat Exhausts |
| • |
Four
external attachment loops for rucksack
straps can be used for Cargo net
providing additional external additional
storage if required – ideal
for carrying waterproof clothing
etc. |
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Call 01773 831122 for details
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Bike
Design Crash Protectors
(6)
CNC
turned from Ertacetal - a carefully
developed synthetic material with a
set of special and ideal properties
(as opposed to Nylon or Teflon, which
many other kits use) and which gives
an excellent machined finish - Bike
Design bobbins are designed to resist
shattering and stay firmly in place
when needed. In addition, for many bikes
where the engine mounts are concealed
by fairing panels our Bike Design kits
avoid the need to cut holes by the use
of carefully designed brackets which
fit behind the bodywork.
More
information...
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ISR
front Six-Piston Monobloc Radial Front
Brake Calipers and High-Carbon Steel
Narrow-Track Brake Discs
(7)
The Fireblade's standard brakes were
already superb, but weighing-in at only
approx. half the weight (538 g each)
of the stock calipers and with four
more pistons, with the ISRs installed
we were able gain even better braking
from smaller diameter discs - thus saving
even more weight.
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Braketech
Rear Floaters
Unique in design and appearance,
this all-new range of patented AXIS
Design Rear Floaters are a limited premium
line for late model European and Japanese
Sportsbikes. Incorporating the patented
floating architecture which is the hallmark
of Braketech's renowned AXIS front floaters,
these lightweight 100% billet units
weigh at 10-35% less than the OE units
and provide considerably improved control
and modulation at the brake pedal (as
well as reducing brake drag). Please
call us for further details of the fitments
for your bike.
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BST
Carbon Fibre Road Approved/Legal Wheels
(8)
As
numerous racers and journalist have
commented, the most important parts
on your bike to be as light (but as
strong) as possible are its wheels.
The only way to achieve maximum lightness
and and strength is with Carbon Fibre.
The benefits are massive with, lighter
handling, better grip, faster turning,
increased acceleration, shorter braking
distances and lower tyre wear.
More
information...
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Brembo
Brake pads (9)
The
best pads you can buy, or your money
back*...
At
HPS we test pads to the limit on road
and track (you'll even find us changing
between different pads set in car parks
when on our travels) so we can give
you the very best advice.
When we installed the Brembo SC compound
front pads into our 954 we were amazed
at just how much better they were than
pads we'd previously rated as the best
- and when Performance Bikes magazine
subsequently tested them, they agreed
when they said "the difference
is [with the Brembo pads fitted] there
was no fade at all."
Whether
Road, Track Day or Race, we always advise
of the right pads for our customer's
needs from our wide choice of sintered,
carbon ceramic or organic compounds
- so please give us a call now so we
can find the best pads for you too.
More
information...
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CRG
Roll-A-Click Adjustable and Folding
Levers (10)
With
CRG levers you really can alter your
brake and clutch levers’ spans
while riding, to compensate for brake
fade or extreme engine temperatures
on the track (or when touring in hot
climates) which can cause your clutch
to drag. We really recommend the folding
or “Shorty” versions to
minimise the chance of breakage if you
drop your bike on the track (or up a
remote mountain road, after midnight,
in the rain!).
Call 01773 831122 for details
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GiPro
Digital Gear Indicator
(11)
Ride
more safely by avoiding over-revving
your engine on downshifts, or locking
your back wheel, and find neutral more
easily.
Plus... avoid the irritating "changing
in to 7th" syndrome!
More information...
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Datatool Turn-Alert
Audible Turn Signal Indicator
(12)
Call 01773 831122 for details
Dynojet Power Commander
III USB (13)
Call 01773 831122 for details
Factory Evo Transmission
Star/Detent Kit (14)
Call 01773 831122 for details
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Factory
Intake Velocity Stacks
(15)
Call 01773 831122 for details
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Gilles
Adjustable Rearsets
(16)
Founded
in Germany, Gilles make products of
the highest quality with superb attention
to detail and (very importantly, in
our opinion) excellent after sales backup
and spares availability. There rearsets,
chain adjusters and other components
are second to none.
Call 01773 831122 for details
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Gilles
KTS Chain Adjusters and GP-Style Paddock
Stand Hooks (17)
It’s
not only important for your bike’s
chain to be properly adjusted but also
for its rear wheel to be correctly aligned
too. Gilles KTS chain adjusters make
ensuring this easy, and if you add the
optional GP-Style Lifters they make
getting your bike onto its’ paddock
stand much easier and more secure.
This part has now been discontinued.
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Gilles
Shift Holder for Gear Lever Shaft
(18)
The
gearchange shaft on this bike is very
long and protrudes approximately 60mm
unsupported from the gearbox - far more
than is desirable. When pressure is
applied to the gearlever, the shaft
is put under radial load making the
gearchange action notchy and stiff,
leading to excessive wear on the external
lever bush and linkages. Solidly located
onto the Side Stand mounts Gilles’
Shiftholder gives support where it’s
needed at the outer end of the shaft.
We no longer supply this part.
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Honda Heated Handlebar Grips with Auto
Low-Voltage Cut-Out
(19)
Heated
Grips – one of the best things
on our bike! There are many heated grips
on the market but Honda’s high
quality aftermarket kit offers: grips
which are not too much bigger in diameter
than the originals, automatic low voltage
cut-out (to stop your battery draining
when the engine’s stopped or at
tickover), variable temperature settings.
Call 01773 831122 for details.
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Inforad
Safety Camera Visual Alert Alarm
(20)
Inforad
warns you via its LED display as you
are approaching a speed camera and if
you are over the speed limit for that
particular location.
Easy to fit, it uses satellite GPS technology
to pin point your speed and location,
and compare it with its onboard database
of UK and European fixed site speed
cameras.
Shown here are the tail mounted GPS
Receiver, underseat mounted Control
module and flexible stalk mounted warning
LED.
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K-Tech
Fork Conversion
(21)
When Fast Bikes Magazine's
Al Fagan said our bike was "arguably
the best FireBlade I have ever ridden...this
is how a 'Blade should be."
...much of this could be attributed
to its handling and the K-Tech front-end
contributes enormously in this department:
" ...for thrashing around UK
roads and a trackday or two, the internal
[K-Tech fork] fondling has made an ideal
set-up ....producing a superbly balanced
bike"
Fast Bikes magazine
HPS supply the entire high-quality and
race/championship-winning K-Tech fork
internals (from only £229.00 inc.
VAT, exc. fitting), spring kits, complete
forks (and K-Tech's
superb 35DDS shock too) for your
road, track or race bike. Please call
us for full details.
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MRA
Adjustable Vario Touring Screen
(22)
With
its six-position aerofoil allowing you
to tailor your bike’s airflow
to suit your particular height, riding
stance, helmet’s noise characteristics
and typical cruising speed, I wouldn’t
want to do long journey without one
of these.
More
information...
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Nitron
Track Rear Shock
(23)
| • |
Fade
free for consistent high performance
operation |
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Cures
"Porpoising" of stock/standard
rear shocks when bike used on track
or when heavily laden |
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Low
friction rose-jointed eyes where
applicable |
| • |
Adjustable
in length for ride-height changes |
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Fully
CNC machined with light, hard-anodised
corrosion-resistant Aluminium body |
| • |
Very
easy to adjust with independent
compression and rebound damping
- supplied complete with preload
c-spanner |
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Hydraulic remote preload adjuster
option |
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Produced
by an established UK manufacturer
with an outstanding in reputation
motorsport and with UK based servicing
available |
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Pipercross Air Filter
(24)
Call 01773 831122 for details
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SW-Motech
Mirror Mount Wideners
(25)
Call 01773 831122 for details
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Sargent
World Sport Touring Rider’s Seat/Saddle
(26)
Our comment: Never thought I'd say this
about a seat but it's probably the best
single modification on our bike... With
the standard seat I was finding that after
about 50 minutes' riding time I was starting
to move around on the seat to try to get
comfortable again and after just over
an hour was finding painful “numb-bum”
had set in causing me to constantly think
about the where the next stop would be.
With the Sargent seat the only limit to
the journey leg length now is fuel range
and comfort is no longer an issue at all.
You can ride further and more safely when
you’re comfy, so this type of seat
has got to be one of the best buys for
any regular long distance rider. Giles.
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Unique
'Atomic Foam' core requires no bedding
in period - more durable than Gel-Seats |
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Very
comfortable - makes long journeys
far less fatiguing |
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Complete
replacement unit - fits in place
of standard item (no recovering
required) meaning you can resell
it separately when you change your
bike |
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Optional
matching rear seat cover for bikes
with separate pillion pad |
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Available
in all-Black or with colour matched
piping |
| • |
Makes
your Sportsbike feel like a tourer
and your time in the saddle a pleasure! |
Call
01773 831122 for details.
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Scottoiler
Automatic Drive Chain Oiler with Dual
Injector (27)
The
original automatic chain oiler and,
in our opinion, still the best - essential
for long journeys in varying weather
conditions.
Shown here is the very compact Dispenser,
unobtrusively mounted behind the seat
cowl near the battery and also the Dual
Injector which applies lubricant to
both sides of the sprocket and chain.
Call
01773 831122 for details.
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Sigma
Slipper Clutch
(28)
Not just for racers, this Sigma clutch
offers benefits to the roadgoing or
track-day rider too. After fitting one
it's easy to think "what difference
has it made?", but when you get
back on a bike without one and realise
how much more you have to juggle clutch
and revs again during fast down shifts,
you quicky realise how much easier this
makes riding your bike.
More
information...
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Sprint
SXC Adjustable 916-Style Steering Damper
(29)
| • |
Extremely
effective - completely overcame
'Blade's tank-slapper inducing characteristics
of minimal trail |
| • |
Low
stiction - doesn't affect low-speed
steering |
| • |
Simple
to install – no drilling required |
| • |
Easy
to use and adjust while riding |
| • |
Advanced,
yet uncomplicated design |
| • |
Entirely
UK developed and manufactured |
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More information... |
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Techtronics
PQS3 Digital Quick Shifter and Programmable
Rev-Lights (31)
The Fully-Digital Techtronics PQS3 System
can acheive the smoothest shifts under
all conditions (from full-on track riding
to sedate road use) by actually collecting
engine speed and road speed data from
the bike's own sensors - to identitfy
which gear is being shifted from and
to, combined with what revs the engine
operating is at - and automatically
lengthens or shortens the kill time
accordingly.
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Talon
Aluminium Alloy Gold Rear Sprocket
(32)
From
a World Championship winning company
with over 30 years’ experience
- Talon sprockets are of the absolute
highest quality.
These race proven sprockets are used
by many top flight teams - both competin
around the world and in the British
Superbike Championship and the world
famous Isle of Man TT races.
More information...
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