Hey guys, I would like to shed some weight from my '98 F3 so I can throw it around a bit better in the turns. I've already switched out the steel exhaust for a carbon fiber one, which took off about 7 lbs. I figure I could lose some more weight by shortening the tail and swapping on one of the solo/race seat fairings from sharkskinz or air-tech. Since there'd be no rear seat I could take off the rear pegs which are a couple pounds, then just jerry-rid the exhaust mount. I was wondering if anyone else has any experience with this, or even just some reviews of the sharkskinz/air-tech race fairings? Also, if anyone could think of other ways to lighten the bike so it's more nimble, but still retains that 90's sport bike look, I'd appreciate the input.

 

Take a look at JNS-Racing's thread over on the f2 section called '93 f2 phase 2 mods'

He's got two f2's, although different, a lot of the stock items are the same and as his are race bikes his entire mission is weight Saving.

Should give you some good ideas.

 

Didn't know of that thread. Thanks.

 

If you are using a Shakskinz Superbike tail section with their bracket (which is the best!), there is a a lot that you can cut off. You can cut off a section of the subframe. I would leave the mounts for the right passenger peg for the exhaust mount. The tabs under the bike that are for a stand can be removed. Getting creative, you can cut off 5-7 lbs of misc items. Not to mention the rear pegs, fender, etc.

 

That's good to know. I've been looking at the Sharkskinz race solo tails. Not sure yet if I want to go with a version that keeps the stock seat or uses a foam pad. Do you know if I'll need to cut and fit a new brake light, or do they come pre-cut and all I need to do is re-mount it...?

Also, those pro-tek rearsets look like they could cut some weight. They are a bit costly, which gave me the idea to shave down the stock ones on the bike and switch out the pegs for some aluminum gp ones. I'm busy this weekend, but hopefully will have some time to tinker with it the following week. If it turns out nice I'll post some pics.

 

You can use the supersport seat and still use the stock seat. You would still be able to cut off the rear part of the subframe. You will however have to come up with a tail light configuration for the street.

I personally prefer the Woodcraft rearsets. The Pro-Teks are a little flimsy.

 

I just ordered a shorai race battery, aluminum handlebar mirrors and aluminum gp pegs. I'll be "trimming" the rearsets this weekend, and taking off the rear foot mounts as well.

As a side note, I doubt the air filter has been replaced since it rolled off the lot in '98. Thus I've been thinking about a K&N filter, but I could have sworn in the past I read it decreases power output. It had something to do something with the stock filter being specifically designed to create a desired pressure. It made sense when I read it, but can't find the forum. Does anyone have experience with that issue?

 

Lightweight battery is a good choice for cutting weight. Stay away from the K&N filter. If you really want one, I have one I will sell you real cheap.

 

So I took off the rear pegs and fashioned an exhaust stabilizer with my Dremel, then trimmed down the rearsets and put on new aluminum gp pegs. It looks more slim and I cut about 3-5lbs total. I didn't hav much time to sand the cuts, but once I do, I'll post pics. Also I picked up some new turn signals that sit flush with the fairing, and overall adds to the slimmer look. The biggest surprise is how much lighter the shorai race battery is. The bike is noticeably more agile/ lighter and well worth the extra money!

As a side note, does anyone have advice for lowering the handlebars? I've read some threads about putting the handlebars under the triple clamp, but then the bars jam into the fairing with tight turning. It seems like the recommendation is to lower the entire front end, but I'm happy with the current height. I just want more of that race bike feel where you hug the gas tank. Thus I've thought about raising the triple clamp 1/2" or so, then moving the handlebars underneath, hopefully avoiding hitting the fairing with tight turns. Any thoughts, or should I just go with lowering the front end?

 

I would recommend a good set of clip ons. Woodcraft makes a great set. I would not recommend putting the clip ons below the triples or lowering the front.