After the first track day with the new subframe back in April, I discovered a couple of minor things that needed to be addressed. The subframe itself was perfect, but I needed to do some work to the rear shock. Traxxion Dynamics in SC did a very nice job of rebuilding the old FZR400 Fox Shock I had on there. He also sold me a used compression damping adjuster for it that he had in stock. I took it back to the racetrack yesterday and it rode flawlessly. The bike really handles like magic on the track.
I also needed to do something to keep my left heel off the chain, so I picked up a used set of FZR400 heel guards on eBay. After quite a bit of work bead blasting and refinishing them, they work great.
The remote bottle for the cooling system needed an overhaul since I wasn't happy with how it was feeding. I dug up a stainless steel water bottle and added some quick disconnect fittings to make it work.
Finally, the chain guide needed a little work, to make sure it wouldn't move around (it was touching the inside of the left frame spar ever so slightly). I also decided to order a bunch of stainless steel nuts & bolts to replace the old zinc plated stuff. They hold up much better to the elements (which was good since my first session or two yesterday were in the rain). I ended up getting them from Fastenal. You can pick that stuff out on their website and if you've got a local store, have them order it for you so you can just pick it up the next day.
After all that, I had the subframe powder coated by Final Touch in Spring Lake, NC. The guy that owns it (Roger Blanchard) does impeccable work and I highly recommend him. He's the one that did the frame, wheels, engine covers and subframe on this bike. He did the bead blasting and powder coating in 6 days for $65. I'm sure he'll take work shipped in from anywhere and he specializes in bike stuff.
Here's the subframe in its current configuration:
Now that I'm satisfied with the subframe, I'm going to make a few more changes to the tail section and then get it painted to match the tank. After that, it's time to go back into the motor. I was having what felt like a fuel delivery problem coming out onto the back straight away and the engine definitely wasn't pulling like it should be. It's probably a combination of factors (low float height, main jets a touch too small and a modified airbox that's too open), but I think I'm going to try to find a set of Keihin 33mm FCRs to put on it rather than spend time working on the stock CVs. Anybody have a set they want to part with?