2017 GSX-R1000 S2B: Episode 9 (P2) – Front End Lowering

The classroom theory is over, and it’s time to sling wrenches! In Episode 9 (Part 1,) Brock discussed the procedure to prepare Gixzilla for stock wheelbase drag strip use and the theory behind the preparation. In E9.P2 Brock applies this theory to the task of lowering the front end, but runs into some problems. Check out the (somewhat controversial) decisions that must be made between going as quickly as possible in the ¼ mile vs. doing what should not be done to circumvent a conflict with the OEM front fork tube design. The #stupidfast world is full of compromises… do the best you can and move on. Brock also addresses the use of a front end lowering kit and tie down strap vs. front end lowering only.

We hope you enjoy ‘2017 GSX-R1000 S2B: Episode 9 (Part 2) - Dragstrip Prep – Front End Lowering’.

The details :
Bike: Brock’s Performance “Gixzilla” 2017 GSX-R1000L7 Standard model (not the ‘R’ version) purchased from Fun For All Motorsports in Elizabethtown, KY
Traction control: Motion Track Traction Control Standard (TC=OFF during testing)
Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS): Power Mode=A (max power selected during testing)
Fuel used during the test: 89 Octane Shell
Rear tire: Stock Bridgestone Battlax RS10 190/55/ZR17 – 35 PSI Nitrogen
Motor oil: Alisyn Pro Drive 21 Less than 0W (full synthetic)
Additive: Petron Plus 4-Cycle Lube
Power Commander: PCV with Brock’s Performance Track Map 1 or Zero Map, per video requirements
5th gear pulls

Dynojet Model 250I dyno using DynoWare RT, Power Core C3 and WinPEP 8 dyno control - displaying the SAE scale (unless noted otherwise in the video)

0:10 – Video Introduction
0:45 – Slotted Brake Lever… It’s ALL in the Details!
2:40 – Removing Mirrors / Hardware Advice
4:05 – Bodywork Removal Time-Lapse
4:51 – Ran Into a Snag… Fork Taper Issues
6:45 – Other Examples of Fork Tube Tapering
8:20 – Clamping On a Taper… Yay or Nay?
9:12 – Loosening Clamp Bolts Time-Lapse
10:00 – Using a Scissor Jack to Support Bike
11:30 – Lowering Jack to Adjust Fork Height
12:40 – Setting Fork Tube Height Evenly
14:15 – Fine Adjustments Using Rubber Mallet
15:19 – Tightening Bottom Clamp / Cycling Suspension
17:40 – What Front End Straps Actually Do
18:50 – Preventing the ‘Slide Hammer Effect’
21:03 – How the Front End Lowering Kit Works
22:50 – Do You Leave the Strap On All the Time?
23:48 – Using OEM Manual / Final Bolt Torque
25:11 – Video Conclusion / What’s Next?

[hammerlanediesel]

As a young drag racer I look up the sports history and I love how you have evolved and decided to bring us all along on your journey of making this sport better

[madmax]

Brock is a living legend.. Thanks for all the knowledge you share, you really don’t have to, & I appreciate that.... Burn rubber not your soul. 🙏🏾

[kevinfeliciano]

Did brenntuning just dislike the video again? Who the hell dislikes this mans work!? Always so professional and by the book can’t wait to buy my next bike and do all you did to yours bc I know you’re doing things right thanks for the video as always !

[traxxk]

Love your videos. Here in germany drag racing isnt that big by far like in the us. We are more into short circuit racing. But its really interesting to see what modifications make up really fast drag bikes. Most people think they are just stupid stretched and slammed sportsbikes but its cool to see that its much more than that. Keep up the good work ;)

[malibu]

Nothing beats a good set of straps for keeping the front end down as you launch (wheelie bars excluded). For a quick trial setup to lower my road bike I would often reduce the spring pre-load adjusters on the forks and rear shock then increase the rebound adjusters to the max. It appeared to work quite well, also with lower tire pressures and a cut down seat foam. Handling remained good at the 200+ kph (125 mph) speed range that the bike would make going into the braking zone at the end of the 1/4 mile.

[khaleelinamdar]

I learned many things from you Mr. Brock
And thanks for the experience that you were sharing continously with us. I like to watch the upgrades to you do. I want to see some 2020 s1000RR's Dyno, flashing, upgrades, pulls and launches.

[krishchandran]

Master Brock delivering the goods again!!! I lovee ittt!!! My bike was lowered at the front 2.25 inches, i found it got soft so we added 3 caps full of suspension fluid into each side! It was much nicer and not so musshy feeling! I never knew it helped top speed, but my mechanic said the same thing u said, it helps cut air better with the front lower, And yesss, my bike amongst the others of the same make was alot stronger at the top end! By alot!!!

[BrockDavidson]

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[highonwheels]

I’ve got so much of knowledge with this one video. You’re so good at explaining it, I feel like bringing my bike to you but that’s not possible as I’m in India

[apexhunterk]

Great video Brock. I just have 2 things to add. First, when using a torque wrench, please folks don't go run out to your nearest harbor freight store and buy on of theirs thinking it's gonna be precise. Get yourself a quality torque wrench. If ypu look in the side of it or on the case it comes in, it should tell you the accuracy +/- ft lbs. The lower the better obviously. 2nd after owning numerous gsxrs, when reattaching the clip ons with the pin underneath. Push the clip on all the way forward or all the way back for both so your alignment will be the same on both sides. There is a little wiggle room that can throw off your alignment of the clipons.

[khmerghost]

Yup after adjusting the rear its only logical to adjust more of the front fork. This is by far the cheapest free trick you can do to have a better center of gravity goes to the front a bit without disturbing other parts or replacing anything..

[gaddy]

Man I just enjoy learning a watching these educational motorcycle videos from ya Brock.! I believe I went 3/4 in lowered on my (exoctice cycle top clamp for side to side clearance isuses) 08' Gen 2 because I spotted that taper section like you described. You didn't have a top clamp availble at the time. But, Its good to see you see have Chronic.That bike was an huge inspiration towards my Busa build. I remember seeing Kieth Shine set that record 8.99 pass. Man those were some good times, but things get better as we all know. But, No matter how much I know or not from you. I just appreciate the time you take to educate and (confirm what I already know) us on bike related information.

[jemill]

Brilliant video Brock!! Always great learnings from your vids

[shaneboyington]

Made the mistake of not knowing to use a jack to lower mine, but after a lot of sweating and cussing I finally got it right where I wanted it.

[stewy]

He's no rookie! Love seeing you do all your own work on the bike.

[PlayscBricks]

picking up my brand new 2017 gsxr-1000r in glass sparkle black on thursday . Christmas 2019 will be a Brock Christmas I guarantee. Thanks for the how to. one of the reasons I chose this bike. I can wrench without these but it's always nice to have a little preview of what you're in for. might see you on the drag strip.

[yamakawirodebike]

"Pay attention to the details, the details will get you killed" Most of my family are MARINES   learned that truth as a kid !   Great as always Brock  Thanks.

[blainehouser]

I’m watching this because I’m too short for my 2020 ZX6R. I don’t race. HELP!

[minitruckmike]

What’s the opinion on lowering it to look better and to be able to flat foot, can you daily something lowered like that?

[orlandoflores]

I am not interested in drag racing my "09 fz6r. But I am interested in lowering the front end. What would be the pros and cons of doing this to my bike?