After a brief hiatus my S1000RR is now ready for the 2017 trackday season. Here are a few pictures of my BMW and new alpha Racing parts following its repair and minor off-season updates.
I purchased this as a good friend of mine who I do a lot of trackdays with has recently bought a 2D transmitter which allows multiple receivers to be used with it. Whilst the use of timing equipment is generally frowned upon on UK trackdays it isn't on ACU test days or on some European trackdays. It plugs directly into the BMW's wiring loom and automatically displays lap times on the dash. It's simple, effective and extremely accurate as it doesn't rely on a GPS signal to function.
No offence, but that rain light looks a bit out of place amongst the carbon. I guess its functional rather than aesthetic. The rest of the bike looks beautiful but that rain light would niggle the tits off me (those phillips pan head screws - urgh!)
The HP engine case protectors performed extremely well during last season's lowside but I've just added a bit more crash protection to the engine. I've taken the opportunity to fit an alpha Racing Timing Chain Cover that should further protect the engine casing in the event of a crash.
Every now and then you find a bargain on eBay which results in an impulse buy. This was no exception and I managed to win a genuine HP carbon fibre airbox cover a couple of months ago. The part itself is immaculate and after a brief email exchange with the seller it's from a brand new 2016 S1000RR that was written off with barely 100 miles on the clock.
I wouldn't normally have even considered buying one of these as I quite like the original metallic Lupin Blue cover of the road fairings but listed at just ?45 (RRP is ?447) for a quick sale I clicked 'Buy It Now'. Like the HP front and rear mudguards the quality of the carbon fibre is very good and interestingly on the reverse the branding states it's been manufactured by Akrapovič on behalf of BMW.
alpha Racing Clip-ons w/ 7? Offset & Retractable Clamps
Instead of replacing my slightly bent clip-ons with another OEM pair I've opted for a set from alpha Racing. This particular set are fully adjustable and have a more aggressive 7? offset. They also feature quick release retractable clamps and the handlebar tubes are much stronger that the OEM ones. They offer a huge amount of adjustment in terms of ergonomics and more importantly every individual part is replaceable. They are also far cheaper than replacement BMW items.With the help of Lind Motorrad I've had them set up whilst sitting on the bike but only when static. However, it won't be until the first trackday of the season in April that I will really know if everything is in the correct position. I fully expect to have to make a few small adjustments once I've ridden the bike again.
I've replaced both brake and clutch levers with parts from alpha Racing. The HP levers are very good and survive well in the event of an off. However for the cost of a replacement HP brake lever I've purchased a complete set of alpha Racing levers. First impressions are that they are very good and extremely well made. No surprise really as they are made by TWM.
The clutch lever does lacks the adjustability of the HP lever that it replaces but given that the only time I use the clutch is to engage first gear when leaving pit lane this is not an issue at all. That said the shorter span width is better than that of the OEM clutch lever as it sits closer to the clip-on.
The brake lever on the other hand is infinitely more adjustable for span width than the HP item which is fantastic. Like the clip-ons every individual part is replaceable making them far more cost effective should the worst happen again. I can't fault the HP levers at all but first impressions are that the alpha Racing levers should be just as good.
Following fitting new clip-ons and levers I've also taken the opportunity to fit a remote brake adjuster. Installation is fairly simple and given the level of adjustment available this should be quite useful on track. That said I've not experienced any form of brake fade since using Castrol SRF brake fluid at the start of last season.
I've also fitted a replacement brake lever guard. I've used these for quite a few seasons now and have been involved in a couple of unfortunate incidents on track where a brake lever guard has saved me from some very expensive repair bills. Suffice to say I won't ride on track without one fitted.