DynoPro Racing recommendation
Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:16 am
I have an L1 which is now 18years old with 35K miles on the clock. So I decided that it was time for a major overhaul. I started with the rear suspension which appeared in reasonable condition, and had passed the MoT. But when it was finally dismantled (refer to “Having problems? – L1 swinging armâ€) it revealed shot bearings and worn surfaces. Fortunately I know someone in the trade who sourced parts, together with new chain and sprockets, braided steel hoses, brembo pads, and a specially commissioned rear shok by Nitron, which looks as though it has been sculpted from an aluminium billet and then anodised (well it was £285….+ VAT).
The next item was the engine. I wanted to change the cam chain, but was mildly disturbed by reports of lumps that needed grinding off castings to facilitate removal and replacement, and chain guides dropping or jamming. I also wanted the bores and pistons checked, but was not thrilled with the prospect of replacing the barrel over all four pistons and squeezing rings to engage the bores. I was also interested in some mild tuning, so I looked for recommendations on ZXR world, and found DynoPro Racing at Chester. I sent an e-mail detailing the work I wanted done: gas-flowed head; new cam chain; shim the cams; check bores; new plugs and oil filter; cure oil leak; change water pump and thermostat. I received a reply within a couple of hours, with prices which I thought were reasonable. So I took the engine to them, and met Chris Nield, who is very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and practical. He told me that the bores would be OK, but recommended new piston rings. He also recommended that the bottom end should be checked. Since most of the engine would be stripped, the extra cost and work involved would be worth it. I’m glad I did, because some of the shells had started to pick up and others were showing signs of wear which would have rapidly worsened.
When I collected the engine I was given the old shells and rings as proof of work. Chris didn’t consider it necessary to replace either water pump or thermostat, and confirmed that the clutch plates were acceptable. I was also given advice on running-in the new parts, and even bedding in the gaskets. The gas flowing of the ports was superb. Chris mainly works with race bikes, so he is familiar with the requirements. I was very impressed and pleased with a professional job, and think I had value for money.
Do I hear you cry – “How much?â€
Remember – this is quality work.
Gas flowing the head = £180. It isn’t a case of using a reamer to open the ports because they are kidney-shaped. There are eight inlet and exhaust ports, each of which splits into two, so there is a great deal of fine hand fettling required. Also, it’s not a case of carving out lumps of alloy. The expert knows where and how to shape. So that price is a bargain.
Strip, inspect and rebuild top end (including shimming of valves) = £200
New cam chain = £27
New valve stem seals = £65
Piston rings = £102
Strip, inspect and rebuild bottom end (including checking the gearbox) £150
New shells = £70
You might think that was a lot of money, but look again at the parts alone and check the prices. I now have a new engine which will give me a lot of riding pleasure. Oh, and I intend to spend more money with Chris. Once the bike is rebuilt I will take it to him so that he can run it in and set up the carbs on the rolling road. Chris is that versatile that he can tune them for low, mid-range or top-end power as I prefer. I have seen too many topics posted on ZXR world complaining of “won’t start when hot/coldâ€, “no mid-range powerâ€, “splutters at top end†etc which are very likely due to carb problems.
So – how did I pay for all this? I saved. 50quid a week for six months generated a significant pot of money.
One more thing – Chris works a 7day week, so he is busy. Please don’t waste his time, and be prepared to wait. My engine sat on the shelf for two weeks before he could start work on it, and then it required two more to complete.
But it was worth it.
The next item was the engine. I wanted to change the cam chain, but was mildly disturbed by reports of lumps that needed grinding off castings to facilitate removal and replacement, and chain guides dropping or jamming. I also wanted the bores and pistons checked, but was not thrilled with the prospect of replacing the barrel over all four pistons and squeezing rings to engage the bores. I was also interested in some mild tuning, so I looked for recommendations on ZXR world, and found DynoPro Racing at Chester. I sent an e-mail detailing the work I wanted done: gas-flowed head; new cam chain; shim the cams; check bores; new plugs and oil filter; cure oil leak; change water pump and thermostat. I received a reply within a couple of hours, with prices which I thought were reasonable. So I took the engine to them, and met Chris Nield, who is very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and practical. He told me that the bores would be OK, but recommended new piston rings. He also recommended that the bottom end should be checked. Since most of the engine would be stripped, the extra cost and work involved would be worth it. I’m glad I did, because some of the shells had started to pick up and others were showing signs of wear which would have rapidly worsened.
When I collected the engine I was given the old shells and rings as proof of work. Chris didn’t consider it necessary to replace either water pump or thermostat, and confirmed that the clutch plates were acceptable. I was also given advice on running-in the new parts, and even bedding in the gaskets. The gas flowing of the ports was superb. Chris mainly works with race bikes, so he is familiar with the requirements. I was very impressed and pleased with a professional job, and think I had value for money.
Do I hear you cry – “How much?â€
Remember – this is quality work.
Gas flowing the head = £180. It isn’t a case of using a reamer to open the ports because they are kidney-shaped. There are eight inlet and exhaust ports, each of which splits into two, so there is a great deal of fine hand fettling required. Also, it’s not a case of carving out lumps of alloy. The expert knows where and how to shape. So that price is a bargain.
Strip, inspect and rebuild top end (including shimming of valves) = £200
New cam chain = £27
New valve stem seals = £65
Piston rings = £102
Strip, inspect and rebuild bottom end (including checking the gearbox) £150
New shells = £70
You might think that was a lot of money, but look again at the parts alone and check the prices. I now have a new engine which will give me a lot of riding pleasure. Oh, and I intend to spend more money with Chris. Once the bike is rebuilt I will take it to him so that he can run it in and set up the carbs on the rolling road. Chris is that versatile that he can tune them for low, mid-range or top-end power as I prefer. I have seen too many topics posted on ZXR world complaining of “won’t start when hot/coldâ€, “no mid-range powerâ€, “splutters at top end†etc which are very likely due to carb problems.
So – how did I pay for all this? I saved. 50quid a week for six months generated a significant pot of money.
One more thing – Chris works a 7day week, so he is busy. Please don’t waste his time, and be prepared to wait. My engine sat on the shelf for two weeks before he could start work on it, and then it required two more to complete.
But it was worth it.
