Sportbike Performance Handbook

How to maintain, modify and set-up every component and correct common flaws.

Maintenance and preparation for competition bikes, and tuning tips.

The suspension expert’s illustrated, comprehensive troubleshooting guide for dirt, street, and supermoto—with a solution to virtually any problem. Suspension is probably the most misunderstood aspect of motorcycle performance. This book, by America’s premier suspension specialist, makes the art and science of suspension tuning accessible to professional and backyard motorcycle mechanics alike. Based on Paul Thede’s wildly popular Race Tech Suspension Seminars, this step-by-step guide shows anyone how to make their bike, or their kid’s, handle like a pro’s. Thede gives a clear account of the three forces of suspension that you must understand to make accurate assessments of your suspension’s condition. He outlines testing procedures that will help you gauge how well you’re improving your suspension, along with your riding. And, if you’re inclined to perfect your bike’s handling, he even explains the black art of chassis geometry. Finally, step-by-step photos of suspension disassembly and assembly help you rebuild your forks and shocks for optimum performance.

This thorough how-to manual helps the off-road motorcycle enthusiast get the most out of their machine. This one-stop reference covers everything from basic maintenance to performance modifications, including: • Engine rebuilding• Transmission rebuilding• Clutch repair and rebuilding• Big-bore kits• Cam kits and valve timing and tuning• Tuning stock suspension• Suspension revalving and kits• Jetting and tuning carburetors• Tuning electronic fuel injection• Wheels, tires, and brakes• Chains and sprockets• Cooling systems • Electrical systems

This authoritative book, elegantly written in highly digestible style by the foremost expert on the subject, provides in-depth analysis of classic motorcycle race engines spanning eight decades, from the 1930s Guzzi 500 120-degree twin to the latest Yamaha YZR M1 in-line four. Packed with technical detail, the book provides an absorbing insight into the technology employed in a wide variety of motorcycle engines, investigating the diverse approaches taken by various manufacturers over the years in the search for race-winning performance.

This is the first how-to guide for riding a big bike, with clear information on differences in equipment and handling, steering, positioning, powering up, braking and carrying a passenger.

"Sportbikes today handle better than pure racebikes did just a few years ago. Their sophisticated, versatile suspension offers countless combinations to find the handling that's right for you. This book will help you hone and perfect your suspension for high-performance street riding and track days. Discover the right way to set spring and damping adjustments, and adjust ride height for greater steering responsiveness and traction. Suspension specialists from professional racing and the aftermarket also offer their insights on useful modifications."--Publisher description.