All motorcycles are fun to ride, but sports bikes are a whole other breed that every thrill-seeker just has to try out. These mighty two-wheelers differ from the rest of the motorcycle group because they're usually built for speed and agility. Unlike other types of motorcycles that you can take to the countryside, even the most comfortable sports bikes are better off on the highway or on the track.
They usually have the seats at a higher part of the bike so the driver can lean on the fuel tank to encourage better acceleration. The footpegs are also higher compared to other bikes because this makes riding more comfortable when reaching higher speeds.
Just like other rides, sports bikes can vary in engine size, speed, and price. But if you want a fast bike without spending your money on the more expensive models, you can always save up for mods. Here are some of the best aftermarket performance mods you can consider for a faster sports bike.
10 Always Keep Tire Pressure In Check
Tire pressure, whether in a motorcycle or a car, needs to stay in the safe levels. A good way to do this is to always have a tire pressure monitoring system stashed away when you need it.
Underinflated tires can make the bike harder to control and can highly affect the bike's fuel economy. On top of that, you are also making it harder for your engine to pour out the power necessary to turn the wheels. Tires with too much air, on the other hand, can spike a tire blowout.
9 Change The Chains
There are different types of bike chains out there. But most of the chains that come as stock with the bikes that people buy are versatile. This means it can work on almost every terrain and may not be performing optimally.
To make your bike work better for you, you can try changing your motorcycle chain. Most bikes come with 530 or a 525 bike chain as a standard. But you can opt to make use of a 520 chain since it's lighter and cuts down friction for increased speed.
8 Change The Gears
The gearing ratio, in layman's terms, refers to the teeth ratio found between the rear and front sprockets. This determines how the engine's RPM is converted into wheel spread. So if you want to make your bike faster, the gearing is one of the parts you would want to upgrade.
If you gear down using a bigger rear sprocket, chances are you'll have increased acceleration. If you gear up with one that's smaller, you are inviting a better top speed. Though this upgrade usually requires the help of a professional, it can be worth it if you need that extra boost. Plus, it's a bike mod that riders always get away with.
7 Customize Your Springs
As with many mass-produced bikes, the parts are dialed to accommodate all sorts of riders. But if you want your bike to perform optimally, you need to make personalizations to it.
We don't mean stickers and paint but more like the springs that carry most of your weight. If you're on the plus size team, your springs may not be dialed in properly to accommodate you. The right spring should feel comfortable and not feel harsh when you ride over road humps.
6 Ease Control With Rearset Kit
Whether you like to take your sportbike to races or you just want to make it look good, you can never go wrong with a new rear set kit. These usually don't cost over $200 but it all boils down to what brand and what type of rear set you decide to get.
Unlike standard footpegs, rear sets allow the driver to plant their foot creating a solid base for support using the legs. This is why these are one of the beginner mods that stunt bikers usually go for. This lessens the stress you put on your arms and creates better ground clearance for when the driver decides to lean the bike.
5 Get Better Brake Pads
Upgrading to better brake pads is one cheap mod you'll be thankful for. The stock brake pads that come with your two-wheeler may work fine. But there are options you can consider for better bike performance.
For example, organic brake pads do not heat up as easily as most other types. HH-rated brake pads, on the other hand, are way better at withstanding greater amounts of heat and friction. They also don't fade as soon as other brake pads while still giving that supreme stopping power you need.
4 Get The Best Tire Type
Standard bike tires are completely fine. But aftermarket tires are some of the most awesome upgrades you could get for your bike. Aftermarket tires are also the perfect mod if you want to turn heads.
Touring tires, for example, are flatter compared to other tire types since they need to withstand long driving mileage and traction. Racing tires, on the other hand, can have little to no grooves so they get more grip from the tire's maximum surface area.
3 Invest In A Lithium Battery
One of the heavy parts of a bike that riders don't usually notice is the battery. And although many know that the usual lead-acid battery is heavy, not a lot of drivers do much about it.
If you don't want your battery to add more drag to your ride, you can consider a lighter alternative than works just as fine which is a lithium battery. Depending on the brand you bought, some lithium batteries can be 70% lighter than regular ones. Did we mention it also improves the starting performance?
2 Upgrade Brake Master Cylinder
The brake master cylinder plays a vital part in making sure your bike is responsive when you want to stop or slow down. It works by converting the mechanical force exerted when the brake lever is squeezed and turns it to the pressure that applies the brakes.
If you'll join races often or just like to drive fast, you may need a brake master cylinder that can equal your bike's performance. There are plenty of aftermarket options out there. But you need to remember that a good brake master cylinder should be able to increase brake power and decrease stop time. Steel brake lines are also a cool bike mod.
1 Upgrade Your Sprockets
We already highlighted how being lightweight is important to sports bikes. But aside from all the stuff we listed, what else in your bike could be weighing you down?
The answer is the sockets. The problem, however, is that lightweight aluminum sockets have a bad rap for being substantially weaker than heavier varieties like steel. They are also known for wearing out faster.
A good solution to this is by picking out alloy sprockets. It has the perfect balance of lightweight and durability. But if you're not that serious about pushing your bike's performance, this mod is a waste of money.