2024 JAGE Cup Round 3 Z650 progress and next steps

The Z650 is being built without major modifications, with the goal of being able to go on tours at any time and to participate in gymkhana.

Since changing the rear spring rate the machine’s movement has improved dramatically so we aimed for a high ranking in the third round of the JAGE Cup.

The suspension setup was originally for an American-made Q5, so during the JAGE practice the day before, we fine-tuned the suspension set for the domestically-made Q5.

Compared to American-made products, the compound is a little harder and the case is a little softer, so I think the grip of the compound is a little inferior for domestic products.

I think the overall grip level is good enough for use, but I will be changing the setup (including the air pressure) as if it were a completely new tire.

I think it is necessary to do so.

First Heat

This course had a lot of turns, so I thought a lighter, narrower machine would have an advantage.

The Z650 is slim enough, and I thought that its powerful engine would make up for any shortcomings, so I gave it my all and rode it hard.

Result: Finished the first heat with the 5th fastest time in Class A

I think this is a good ranking considering that the machine is 50kg to 80kg heavier than the top A-class machines.

I think this is a testament to the quality of the car and engine.

Heat 2

Was the rider a bit weak? He lost his rhythm in the second heat.

I tried hard to move forward even a little, but the turning ability still didn’t improve.

During the setup at JAGE training, the front suspension bottomed out, so as a countermeasure

I took measures by applying preload. I also applied pressure, removed rear preload, and lowered rear pressure.

I tried a lot of different things, but this time I chose the preload setting which had the fewest drawbacks, but it seems like the front is running a little higher.

It felt like I was running while losing my ability to turn.

In the end, I improved my time but dropped down the rankings.

Personally, I think that while using a domestic Q5 that other riders don’t use,

It gave me a lot of confidence to be able to compete quite closely with the monster machines at the top.

Maybe if I continue setting it up I can get a little closer?

And here are the changes to the setup:

1. Change the muffler to a MIVV muffler that is JMCA approved, and the improved exhaust will result in faster acceleration.

It looks like it will be about 4kg lighter.

2) Change to a lithium-ion battery. This is expected to reduce the weight by about 2 kg.

3) Changing the front suspension setup, specifically adjusting the oil level.

The oil level, which was previously 130mm (Ohlins specified oil level), has been changed to 120mm, eliminating the bottoming out problem.

I think you can also loosen the preload at the same time.

I would like to aim to increase the car’s potential by improving its overall cornering ability and acceleration.

It’s only been three months since we started setting it up, but I think we’re already seeing faster speeds than we expected.

I hope that I can continue to refine my skills and perform well next season.