Kawasaki Concours Forum

Introductions - Tell us a bit about yourself => Introductions => Topic started by: Chuck on December 30, 2015, 08:23:47 PM

Title: New to Connies
Post by: Chuck on December 30, 2015, 08:23:47 PM

Hello. Just got my first Connie at couple of months ago. Always road Harleys and cruisers.  I like to custom build my own bikes. I picked up a 2004 ZG1000 with 10,000 clean miles for $600.00. Got it for a steal. Bike is mint.  Anyway I'm looking to make it tight and fast again.  I go to Tail of the Dragon every year with my Full Dress Harley. Time to take a tight chick down there.  So I need ideas. Tires, brakes, suspension. Where do I start. My hobby and life is my bikes.

Title: Re: New to Connies
Post by: gPink on December 31, 2015, 03:41:30 AM

Welcome to the forum, Chuck. Outstanding deal on the bike. Get a good feel for the bike and the Dragon will be a whole new experience.

Title: Re: New to Connies
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 31, 2015, 05:00:39 AM

Welcome!

Title: Re: New to Connies
Post by: tweeter55 on December 31, 2015, 05:23:23 AM

Welcome  :chugbeer: to the forum, Chuck.
You shouldn't have any trouble at all with ideas/help in 'farkelizing' your new purchase...and wow, what a purchase.

Title: Re: New to Connies
Post by: Swampcat on December 31, 2015, 08:24:30 AM

Damn. "A steal" is an understatement. Welcome!

Lots of ways to make that initial investment seem like it was only a downpayment if you want. My wife is found that out quickly after I got mine a couple of months ago, and it was already pretty well farkled out.

Title: Re: New to Connies
Post by: connie_rider on December 31, 2015, 05:32:48 PM

Welcome Chuck.
You'll like it here.
Couple of free things you can do to improve performance a bit.
  Free Power Mod: (ie: add a ground to the electronics)
  Baffelectomy; (ie: knock a hole in the inner baffle).
    We can go into details in another discussion. neither is difficult to do, both will help with low/mid range power,
    and bike doesn't get loud.

Tires, Radials for optimum cornering. Belted for optimum range.

Is the bike running? If so, any current problems?

Ride safe, Ted

Title: Re: New to Connies
Post by: Chuck on January 01, 2016, 02:54:14 PM

The bike runs great.  The transmission shifts loud like a Harley. Should it?  Where do I connect the ground to?  How are Avon 3D-MX tires? I want sticky. I'd rather replace them more often then replace my skin. I usually run Dunlops on my cruisers. New to this sport side of the hobby. But I do gotta say the Connie definitely gets up and goes stock.  Wondering how much more I can squeak out of it. Chuck

Title: Re: New to Connies
Post by: tweeter55 on January 01, 2016, 08:25:28 PM

As good as you think it runs, look this gentleman up:
http://sites.google.com/site/shoodabenengineering/home (http://sites.google.com/site/shoodabenengineering/home)
You won't regret it.

Title: Re: New to Connies
Post by: Chuck on January 03, 2016, 06:02:56 PM

Watching his videos on You tube is wild to say the least.  I never like leaving a motorcycle original.  Personalization is the only way to make it your own.  I'm going to do the wiring update this weekend. Another quick question, Is the 110/70-17 tire a lot better then the 120/80-17?