Have you spent your hard earned cash on the bike of your dreams only to get home to scour the internet for modifications, upgrades and items of sheer indulgence?
Or have you had an inspirational moment about turning your present bike into something special, changing it from showroom or garage beauty into the beast that you ride today knowing and hoping that there probably isn’t another like it?
Who are you, how long have you been riding and what bike do you ride?
My name’s Charlie Brooks and I live in Meopham, Kent. I have been riding for 7 years. I ride a 2007 Kawasaki ZR750 brought from Laguna, Maidstone. It cost me £6000 new. It now has 2000 miles on the clock.
Where do you ride?
I am most commonly found at the Oakdene with my mates on our days off; luckily we do shift work so are able to enjoy the Kent and Sussex roads on weekdays when they are quiet and pretty much old inattentive car driver free.
Why did you choose this bike?
I previously owned a sports bike but since I had a small run in with a government money making machine I fancied something that may make me be a little throttle sympathetic and easier on the wallet. I wanted a bike I could modify fairly easily to give it a street fighter look. I love the straight out of the box bike but thought I could make it look more aggressive so I decided that this bike would be a good starting point.
What changes have you made to the bike?
I have had most of my work done by HM Racing in Orpington and as you can see they have done a fantastic job. I have added several mods to the bike which include Pazzo brake levers, bar-end mirrors, Ermax nose screen, Ermax belly pan and under tray (with indicators built into the fairing) Rear seat cowl, Akrapovic TI silencer with power commander and custom map, Gilles adjustable rear sets and a few other bits and bobs.
What’s your favourite modification?
My favourite mod has to be the silencer. The sound is so crisp and really gives it that aggressive street fighter sound. The power commander has provided a greatly enhanced power delivery across the rev range; this makes the bike a great street scratcher. I also think the bar-end mirrors give it more of a street fighter look.
Have you sneaked any parts into the garage whilst your partner was not looking or told them you won them in the great e-bay giveaway?
I haven’t really bought anything from E-bay or sneaked anything past the missus. She understands my love affair with my bike and since this is my only vice then she encourages me to buy the stuff, it keeps me out of the pub. I told her the Akrapovic zorst only cost me fifty quid.
Cost so far?
So far I have spent around £2300.
Any future modifications planned?
In the future I am hoping to do a few small jobs like customise the seat, change the handle bar grips. But for something bigger I may change the wheels, brake lines and discs. I will probably go along the lines of rim mounted discs, (Buell style). I am considering a customised tank job. I think the wish list will be never ending.
Did you do the work yourself or did you get it done professionally?
I don’t really have a mechanical head on me and things usually fall apart when I even consider working on something mechanical. All of the work was done by the chaps down at HM Racing in Orpington. Dave got all the parts together within weeks and the job was done within 2 days (Also sorted out a leak on one of my fork seals). The team are very professional and friendly and I wouldn’t go to anyone else for my biking needs.
Do you have any tips or recommendations for readers going down this route?
I have done this before with a GSX-R I owned. However, I took it to a dealer in Kent and they took over three months to get the parts in and another two weeks to fit. Always make sure that the workshop can get all the parts you want and that they have the equipment to fit it all. There is nothing worse then having a half finished product, which you didn’t expect.
Any other business?
No but thanks for giving me the chance to get my bike noticed. And no, it doesn’t matter what you ride I will always nod the head to other bikers.
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
