I found a set of used ZX11 cams

[joe6pack]

with about 28K miles on them on ebay for about $200 shipped. They looked OK in the pictures, but the ad said the surfaces could use polishing. Does this suggest these are a cadidate for pitting? Should I take them to a machine shop and have them polished? Can I just bolt up the existing sprockets and stick 'em in the journals and assume they'll be happy, or should they be plasiguaged and measured and fussed over? What about replacing the valve springs? I most certainly do not want to remove the head, but haven't I seen people bend valves without the double springs? My bike is essentially new, with just 3000 miles - sucks having to re-engineer it.

I'm thinking of the cams, a Hole Shot header that will allow me to retain my stock can, and a stage 1 or 2 jet job. I like it quiet, but don't much like the way it trips over it's skirt in the upper revs. Should've bought a 1200.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-...Q5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-...Q5fAccessories

[ZrexRich]

Let me start by saying "WELCOME!" Having owned a 99' 1100 and a 03' 1200 I can honestly say I liked the 1100 better, so you shouldn't have any feelings of regret for not getting a 1200 (others will be quick to say the 1200 is better, blah, blah, blah... just ignore them ). Besides, the 1100's are cheaper to mod when it comes to cams and big bore kits .
IMO, $200 for a set of ZX11 cams is steep. These days, a set(complete with sprockets) can ususally be had for $100-$150, sometimes less. You don't need to change the valve springs unless you do the ZX11 CDI mod(you'll need to get ZX11 double valve springs due to the higher redline the ZX11 CDI provides). The ZX11 cams are a drop in deal(you'll need to check the valve clearances though after they're installed and will very likely need some different shims). The cams will work fine with the stock 10:1 compression, but they'll work even better with more compression. Stock ZX11 pistons are 11:1 and the same size as your rex pistons, or you can get a 1109 kit which includes 2mm bigger pistons and compression in the 12:1 or more depending on the brand of kit.
As for exhausts, there's power to be gained and weight to be lost by ditching the stock header and muffler. The Akropovic systems seem to be the quietest among the aftermarket full systems, and they also make good power. As for jet kits, you'll need to deceide if you want to keep the airbox(and use the stock filter, a K&N stock replacement filter, or something bigger like Factory Pro's 2.5 kit) or remove the airbox and use individual pod filters. Each type has their pros/cons. Happy modding!

[MJJCREW]

I bought a complete zx 11 head with no pits for $130 shipped, keep looking and welcome!

[smart3900]

I have several sets of cams for less than $200 pm me if your interested.

[joe6pack]

I been looking at the Muzzy table of dyno results for these at various states of modifiction - it seems that cam's just make 'em more cammy and kill the low end without the full-on intake/exhaust treatment. There is the fact that I sold my VTR1000 to buy this thing for a long trip I'm planning this year and (surprise) this will never be one of those and one of the keys to enlightenment is to graciously accept things as they are. And they're not bad, it's a new green motorcycle with only 3000 miles and I look good on it. Poser special.

So I'm open to suggestions. Should I start by looking for a pipe and stage 2 kit and re-assessing from there? Should I jump on the cams, knowing that I'll eventually want 'em futher on down the mod road? Or should I just stick with plan A and modify it by riding alot and not washing it too much? That's the problem with motorcycles, the one in your head never seems to match the one in your garage.

Ken

[ZrexRich]

Should I start by looking for a pipe and stage 2 kit and re-assessing from there?

Ken

Yep!