Larry's R3 Project Build

6722 Views 39 Replies 11 Participants Last post by R3Eddy, 8 d ago

R3larry

Discussion Starter · Jun 6, 2019 (Edited)

Hey everyone. Thought I would post pics of my new build. I happened to stumble across a pic of a bike some guy built in Japan and it looked so cool I decided to build one for myself. Then I found out it was a R25 which kind of bummed me out since I always thought of the R3 as strictly a beginner bike. But after reading how fun they could be with some mods I went ahead and sold my R6 I've been riding for 12 years and started looking for a used R3.

The plan was to replace the bodywork anyway so I started looking for one that's been down with cosmetic damage for cheap. I ended up finding a super clean '15 with only 750 miles for $2500. It had small hole and crack in the left fairing but that was it. Rode it 150 miles home. What a fun little bike. No where near an R6 powerwise but very nimble. Plus i'm only 135 lbs and 5'5 so it fits me great.

I've already stripped it down and got most of my parts in. Started with installing Vortex rearsets and clip ons last night. Once I get my wheels and a few brake adapter pieces back from the powder coater I'll start installing the new brakes and MC.

This forum has been very helpful when deciding if I should sell my bike to get an R3. Unfortunately the wife said there's only room in the garage for two bikes and my '82 Suzuki 1000 Katana isn't going anywhere

Larry

Reactions: 2

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R3larry

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jun 12, 2019 (Edited)

Part 2

I did some work on the lighting today. Mounted up the headlight bracket and installed a 7" LED lamp with running lights. Also installed Rizoma bar end blinkers. Very nice quality. And replaced the stock horn with a FIAMM low note horn. Much more 'serious' sounding than the 'meep meep' stockie. And a bit louder.

hey_tchap

· #3 · Jun 12, 2019

What fairings are those? Bike looks really solid so far.

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 12, 2019

I bought the GG Retrofitz body. I found they were located only 40 min from where I live. I've got the tank and tail on and I'll be test fitting the fairing today. Will post pics of that tonight.

kylerhsm

· #5 · Jun 12, 2019

Nice KATANA!

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 13, 2019 (Edited)

Thanks kylerhsm. I bought the Katana about 4 yrs ago and did a thorough 'reconditioning'. Nowadays I only ride it to classic bike or car shows a couple of times a year.

I mounted up the new fairing today. It needs some work before it's ready for paint. I'm debating on swapping out the tail section for something that looks more retro like the rest of the kit. Maybe one of the TZ style tails from Airtech down near San Diego. Once the bike is back on the road I'll probably take it for a ride and see if any will work without too much slicing/dicing and fiberglassing.

Wheels were ready today but I saw the gold was a little thin on a few spots where the spokes meet the rim so they agreed to add another coat. Should be ready tomorrow and pretty chip proof after that!

Larry

Reactions: 2

Kojiiro

· #7 · Jun 13, 2019

What size is that Brembo front? Looks like an M50? What mount did you use for it?

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 13, 2019

OEM Brembo from a 2015 Suzuki gixxer 750. Adapter is from Agras in Japan. I ordered it thru Webike. https://japan.webike.net/products/21865692.html
I had it powder coated black.

hey_tchap

· #9 · Jun 13, 2019

I’ve been eyeballing those fairings, too. Curious to see how you feel about them long term.

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 14, 2019 (Edited)

Got the wheels back from the powder coater. Back one was fine but the front has to be redone. They masked off the left side thinking it fits into another part. They forgot it was all black after it was sandblasted. Should have only masked where the rotor sits on the rim. I also put on the Over Racing Brembo 2 pot adapter and new caliper. You can mount it either underslung or the stock way up. Not sure which way I will go. Thoughts?
Those giant R&G axle sliders should protect it even mounted underslung. Not really digging the sliders on the rear. They look so big. I have them for the front axle too. I can't run frame sliders because of the new bodywork (I don't want to cut a hole in them) or bar end sliders so i'm not sure if axle siders will make much of a difference or make things worse in the event of a low side or tipover. Input from others is appreciated.

Larry

BluebirdR3

· #11 · Jun 17, 2019

Those bar end blinkers are really awesome! I might have to look into that mod. Question about your horn, I found I had to bend the stock bracket til the horn was horizontal instead of vertical so it would clear the frame. What did you do to mount yours?

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 17, 2019

Yup. The Rizoma bar end blinkers are top quality. And very bright. Most of the light is directed towards the front but it also shows on the side and from behind which I like. For the horn I didn't have to do anything. The new headlight mount or bodywork probably gives me more room for the bigger horn then the stock setup.

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 20, 2019 (Edited)

I'm about 90% done with the mechanicals. Added the TST chain adjuster/GP lifter on the swingarm. Works pretty good at keeping the adjusters in place when removing the wheel. Also got a Puig rear hugger. The only things left are to get the brake lines made for the new Brembos. Will get those at G&J Aircraft this weekend. If you're in So Cal (Ontario specifically) and need custom brake lines they are awesome. Then work on making some aluminum panels to cover those side openings to cover the wires. GG Retro sells one but they want $48 for a flat piece of black aluminum that you zip tie to the frame. No thanks.

I also still need to decide what exhaust to get. My plan is to ride it as is for the summer and shake out any bodywork issues. Then work on those and get it painted later this year (hopefully). Future work is to get a rear Ohlins shock and Axxion damper rod kit to update the suspension. Maybe add a larger rear sprocket.

Larry

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 23, 2019 (Edited)

I opted not to have brake lines made for me. It would have been too hard to figure out the exact angles from each master cylinder to the caliper. Instead I went and picked up a few feet of SS -3 line with a smoked plastic cover and speed seal Banjo fittings. Luckily Earls Performance Parts is only 20 min from me. I made the lines exactly how they needed to fit on each end. I was having trouble bleeding the rear so I picked up a pneumatic vacuum bleeder from Harbor Freight for $30. That did the trick! I definitely recommend one as long as you have a air compressor (recommended air pressure is 90-125 psi). For the front I'm waiting on a can of VHT gold caliper paint to arrive next week. If it doesn't look good it's back to the powder coater for a better match to the rear Brembo.

Larry

Reactions: 1

karizzle38

· #15 · Jun 26, 2019

R3larry said:
Got the wheels back from the powder coater. Back one was fine but the front has to be redone. They masked off the left side thinking it fits into another part. They forgot it was all black after it was sandblasted. Should have only masked where the rotor sits on the rim. I also put on the Over Racing Brembo 2 pot adapter and new caliper. You can mount it either underslung or the stock way up. Not sure which way I will go. Thoughts?
Those giant R&G axle sliders should protect it even mounted underslung. Not really digging the sliders on the rear. They look so big. I have them for the front axle too. I can't run frame sliders because of the new bodywork (I don't want to cut a hole in them) or bar end sliders so i'm not sure if axle siders will make much of a difference or make things worse in the event of a low side or tipover. Input from others is appreciated.

Larry

so clean, nice build! have you taken it out yet? curious to see if the brembos make a big difference given the light weight of the bike.

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 26, 2019 (Edited)

I just took it for a test ride in my complex to make sure everything is in working order. I think I need to bleed the rear again as it doesn't seem too firm. The front though stops great. Is it overkill? Absolutely. But it looks pretty cool! Unfortunately as soon I brought the bike home I tore it apart so I don't have a great memory of how it was braking when stock but it feels great now. But now it makes my front forks feel so mushy when it dives I might have to do my suspension earlier than I had planned.

I probably won't have time to do a proper test ride until next week.

hey_tchap

· #17 · Jun 27, 2019

Are you in the LA area by chance? I’d love to see this bike IRL.

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jun 27, 2019

I'm in the South Bay area.

hey_tchap

· #19 · Jun 27, 2019

South Bay LA or South Bay SF?

R3larry

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jun 27, 2019

South Bay LA

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