cliby

so much depends on how you ride and what you feel are the biggest limitations in your bike right now. If you just want to start working on the bike more, being sure it is in great shape, changing radiator fluid, hydraulic fluids, checking valve adjustments maybe CCT replacement depending on mileage. If the chain is worn to limits a 520 upgrade and regearing is very noticeable.

The place to start is maintenance and then start on the things that annoy you. For me that was the brakes, the rear shock and the front fork and seat. Its a whole different bike after that. if your budget allows you can replace parts, cheaper alternatives include using Greg's services for forks and Jamie for the rear shock has gotten great reviews also. Braided lines and sintered pads make a world of difference too. But maybe you love the bike and are unaware of its blemishes? then spend the money on a track school. when your abilities expand and uncover areas that area problem then work on them.

good luck. I'm betting most mods you can think of has been written about here in detail.

D VTR RIDER

Without a doubt the front suspension needs sorting out first. It is dangerous in stock form. Change the front springs and while you're at it, install a compression gold valve. If you are primarily interested in street riding, go with the standard gold valve set up. If you plan on doing a lot of track days, go with stiffer compression dampening. Once that is done, drop the front 10mm in the triple clamps and install a 5-6mm spacer in the rear. Set up the proper front and rear sag and the Firestorm will then handle quite nicely, all be it a little portly compared to most modern bikes. Last year I changed out the rear shock with an Ohlins unit. I wish I had done so earlier. This made a tremendous difference. The only draw back is the expense.
Exhaust pipes, HH brake pads, SS braided lines, carb kit and a 43 rear sprocket would then be on the most do list. The mods you choose may be different based on your requirements and of course available $$.

shayne

One reduces your ground clearance and the other doesn't, so that is one reason why the shock spacer is a better option.

Also, lowering C of G on a bike is not all it is cracked up to be. You need to be able to turn the things, something Honda learned about with their grand prix bikes in the 80's. Minor issue here though methinks.

woodster

so are we to put the 5mm shim in and raise the forks or do one or the other?

Hawkrider

As I posted above, get the forks sorted first, then raise them in the triples 10mm. If you need more cornering clearance or want even quicker steering then raise the rear too.

RK1

Just installing substantially heavier fork springs will raise the front ride height.

The purpose of lifting the forks is to restore original ride height, not necessarily to lower it.

woodster

thanks hawkrider who do think has the best steel braided lines i was looking at seigel lines

Just_Nick

There really isn't a best, but Galfer makes nice lines.

uchi

i bought mine in august and my sig shows whats been done to it in the last month. havent had a chance to ride it yet but riding in stock form and having the chance to ride a couple super sport bikes ill tell you this, suspension first, then brakes. and then tires unless they need replacing now. the suspension is nice and soft for longer trips but once you get to ride an ss bike its night and day difference. also the brakes on most ss bikes are superior to these. this front setup feels soft compared to anything from an ss bike and as much as it works its more designed with people who just mash the lever in mind. i had a gixxer 750 setup done, was gonna run the 6 pot 1000 cc gixxer brakes but my buddy who races said alot of guys upgrade to the 750 brakes as they hold more fluid and wont fade out like the 6 pots will. mind you id likely never see any brake fade but to be safe i figured why not