Matt Wetherall - FWR Workshop and Shop Manager ( Part 2 )

Well here’s the first update on the team bikes.

I’ll be running a Suzuki GSXR 600 L4, not the most up to date bike being 7 years old already. Down on power in comparison to the latest Yamaha R6 and or the Kawasaki ZX 636.

Why? I can’t help it, I’m a Suzuki guy. Arguably the best gearbox/bottom end out of other manufacturers. So going into the Endurance I feel this may be a good choice. Also if you’ve ever worked on a bike before then the GSXR is without doubt one of, if not the easiest.

First Job was getting the K-Tech suspension out and off to MCT for a service and rebuilt to my weight. My first choice of suspension is Maxton but the Ktech was only 3 months old so funds don’t really warrant buying new until I’ve at least tried this first.

The bike is being prepped by our very own chief mechanic at FWR Ltd Barry Motton. His knowledge on all makes of bikes is phenomenal. His first job was strip out the loom of all non essential items. The weight saving is pretty surprising. Something Baz has been doing for me and a lot of other Minitwin riders for the last two seasons.

Baz’s 2nd job was to get the engine out and get the head off for some special work by Gavin Reed at MSG Racing Suzuki

With the engine out we were able to find some damage to the frame where the engine had been rattling around due to R&G crash protection being fitted and not tightened enough to hold the engine in situ.

I was able to get the frame completely cleaned up leaving no dirt anywhere before Baz began the rebuild.

The head came back from Gav, wait until you see the pics, you’ll see how Dan Diamond (MSG) prepares for the strip and rebuild of the head.

Meanwhile i got some nice bits for the bike, jet prime ignition eliminator, left and right hand switchgear. AS3 water hoses, RRG radiator guard. Bonamici rearsets. SES clip ons, Lightech chain adjusters to name but a few items.

Marcus Hill of MHP Exhausts has made a link pipe and titanium evo silencer to match to the Akraprovic headers and down pipes, not quite finished fitting it yet so the pic doesn’t do it justice as there’s a new motoholders subframe and MHP’s own exhaust hanger to go on.

So below is some pics of where it’s at so far, n quite finished but well on the way.