| Author | Message | ||
     Lornce |
Snowdave, Sounds like you know the risks and seem prepared to accept the possibilities. Go for it and see what happens. If you ride as well as the bike makes power, ya might silence a few nay sayers in your next 10 lap race. If not, well, you gotta' put up with some 'told you so's'. But ya did it your own way and found out for sure. And yer not likely to forget the lesson.... Oh yea, maybe change yer handle from Snowdave to Bravedave.... Ride FAST and take chances! Lornce | ||
| Blake |
Dave, Yeah man, I'm lazy much like you. I'd probably leave the 13:1 pistons in but turn the limiter down to 7 grand; eight grand is just silly. Ben, Gold's Gym, that was funny. I agree, bump starting ain't bad if you are headed downhill. Use 2nd or 3rd gear though; 1st will just skid the rear tire. I cannot imagine always having to bump start though. That would seriously suck on a hot day of riding around town. | ||
| Sportsman |
If you're planning on running with the Hal's, Hoban, Kosco, crowd. All of what you're talking about is needed, and a whole lot more. I was told stock cranks need to be replaced every 3-4 races with the compression they're running. Like I said, that whole bunch is very serious about winning. Most of the really fast guys have a crew member with a starter cart. Make sure you're going to have a "REAL"crew at every race if you're going to do that, but think a second. Bryan Bimisderfer is a Big boy, like 190lbs or so, Mike Barnes is maybe 140 tops. 2 races they finished 1/2 second apart after 10 laps. That 5lb starter isn't going to make that much difference unless you're at that level. The altanator does make a noticable difference, personally for me, it's worthwhile to use a battery charger, but I'm still carring a starter because of the pit crew, or lack there of. I guess what I'm trying to say is, You are going to learn learn learn in the first season. And it is a BLAST. But it's comlicated enough without added distractions like where's my girlfriend with the stand and cart? Set yourself up to be self contained, ready to go right now, and it's a whole lot easier to concentrate on what you're supposed to be doing. After rider ability, next is tires and suspension, then comes weight and horsepower. But I guess every little bit helps. | ||
| Benm2 |
Sportsman: You're right, of course. Engine tuning tricks & weight savings should be later on, but they're interesting to talk about nonetheless. I have had to bumpstart the bike a few times before, and its not too bad if the bike is in second gear (dead battery, long story). But, I had help and a small hill. I sent an email to Hoban about the catch can, and they responded and said that they run a really small battery (so there's plenty of room for the catch can) and no starter. So, I asked here, to see what others have done. Blake, I don't think the bike will see much street time again. Its stripped almost bare now, and my work commute sucks, all highway around Philly, which is surely more dangerous than racing. I won't get nearly as much riding opportunities, but I might get more time per weekend; we'll see. Right now, I'm waiting for warmer weather, and for my new leathers to arrive (gift from wife & son, custom set! My wife designed a set that's black & blue. How appropriate! My son designed one that looks like some sort of Pokemon creation..) Still need to finish the rearsets & chain conversion, but its cold in the unheated garage... So, for the time being, bench racing will have to suffice. Ben | ||
| Aaron |
My philosohphy closely mirrors Mr. Sportsman. Simplify your life! You have plenty to think about without doing things to your bike that increase the hassle factor and reap little or no return in lap times. | ||
| Sportsman |
As a Bueller, we were born to tinker. I was just trying to keep snowdave from getting in too deep too fast. I ran a stocker in 2001 and a real race bike in 2002, it didn't make that much difference and I had to accept it's me. Ben, did you ride with Battlefield HD this year as a sponsor? | ||
| José_Quiñones |
Doug, What's the latest on the rules, are you going to race FUSA Thunderbike this year? | ||
| Benm2 |
Sorry, this year will be my FIRST season racing. All past racing experience has been on bicycles, and my only sponsors are in my wallet. I will be easy to spot for any of you at the tracks this year; I'll be the one in last place! Ben | ||
| Sportsman |
I'd put money on not. I'm guessing you're planning on running CCS at Summit. If you've done a couple of track days there you'll do fine. Especially with bicycle experience, running a smooth line in traffic is going to seem familiar. There's plenty of SV's to beat up on. Hi Jos'e, From what I understand, Stock XB's are legal for LWGP with 1000cc limit, LWsuperbike is still 1205cc limit, and about everthing else is unlimited displacement. Thunderbike, to be compettitive is going to be expensive, dual disc, big bore kits, full fairings. I may run it with CCS, but the boys will be flying at formula races and I don't want to be in their way. | ||
| Sportsman |
Ben, I don't know what you've got done to your bike, but the first thing is gearing. At Summit the belt drive will carry you to the starter tower and that's about 1/2 of the straight and you'll be looking for 6th, so convert to a chain if you haven't already. Next would be raise the footpegs. I don't want to insult you or anything, but I don't know where you're at, so I'll shut up. May be you know more than me already. But if you think it'll help, be glad to. | ||
| Benm2 |
That's okay, I'll take all the help I can get. The bike is being converted to chain, and I went slightly taller than stock, if I remember right. I'm in the process of making rearsets, after hacking off the passenger triangles (and kickstand mount). I'm moving them up about 4", back about 4". Also, I've fit pilot race softs, and safety wired more stuff than I needed to. I'll post some pictures eventually... Ben | ||
| Sportsman |
Good Man! Rearsets are stupid expensive for all that there is to them. I made my first set from steel and then I sprung $10 for a hunk of aluminum for the set I run now. 4" might be a little dramatic, make sure your feet can still move around while you're sitting and arn't too tucked up under that you can't lift your leg off the peg. Don't forget the bellypan! I bought that though. | ||
| Benm2 |
Does anyone have any comments about back protectors? I just got a Bohn pro-racer, and its not what I expected. The pictures show carbon pads on the back, and I was expecting hard shell pads. But, they're carbon cloth. I'm debating whether to keep it or return it, and get a hard-shell protector. Does anyone have feedback on this? Ben | ||
| Eeeeek |
Results from my first road race: I played it very conservatively as I was on a new bike on a new track and found myelf in last place. After about 4 laps, I felt very comfortable and started wicking things up. The result after all 6 laps were done was 15 out of 19. I very happy about the results and am now ready to get serious from the drop of the green flag  Here are some pics that Bcube snapped. Thanks again, Brian!     Vik | ||
| Blake |
Vik, Your SV is gorgeous. Are you racing in "Expert"? I ask because the white number plate background would indicate so in CCS/CMRA. | ||
| Mikej |
Blake, He posted over on SacBORG that the white plates are normal there, I think he said he's starting out in novice class for his region. | ||
| Bomber |
EEEk! COOL BEANS . . .congratulations! | ||
| Rick_A |
Looks like you're going out there with a pretty serious effort. The SV looks fierce. ahhh...someday...when I have more than change to spare... | ||
| Henrik |
Eeeek; congratualtions on a successfully completed race BenM2; I have a Bohn back protector, and like it. I think it's a matter of opinion, whether you need the hard shell or not. The shell helps to prevent piercing injury, and to distribute impact over a greater surface area. Softer back protectors, like the Bohn, use carbon/kevlar "fabric" to prevent piercing (similar to bullet proof vests), and use foam to help absorb the impact. The foam used in some protectors (TF2 for instance) claims to change firmness depending on the force of the impact: they feel soft, but with impact the foam supposedly firm up and distribute the energy over a larger area. I guess it's just two ways to try to achieve the same thing. What you choose will mostly be a question of taste. And if you choose a reputable manufacturer, you will likely get good protection. That said, Bohn pulled a stunt with their back protector. Action Station, who sells Bohn, used to be the distributer for Knox back protectors. Knox is a British company, and their gear is CE tested and approved. Then Action Station started their own line of protection (Bohn), which has a remarkable resemblance to the Knox products. And the kickeer is, that the Bohn (not tested, not CE certified) back protector for a long time was sold with a small "CE" label on it. That is until Roadracing World called them on the scam. Their excuse was that the Bohn protector was designed similar to the Knox protector ... Anyway ... buy good gear from reputable companies, and you will likely get the best protection you can get. I like the Knox/Bohn shape because of the kidney and tail bone extensions. Henrik | ||
| Eeeeek |
Blake: One of the reasons I chose to start with WSMC is how they treat the novices. They run novices in their own classes: Under 501 cc 501-650 cc over 650 cc That puts the SV at a little disadvnatage, but it keeps the brand new guys out of the way of the experts. It also helps the novices build up confidence. Since the novices are no co-mingled with the experts, they don't have to run a yellow plate. You get one point for starting a race, one point for finishing and then extra points for placing in the top eight (15 for first, 13 for second, etc). After you get 10 points, you can move up to expert. After you get 30 points, you HAVE to move up. I'll also be running in AFM and if I havent' moved up to expert in WSMC by then, I'll need to run a yellow plate in their club. I'm planning on taking their new racer school; but, they've told me that they may let me run my bike as is with an "R" beside my number. I'll figure that out when the time comes. Vik | ||
| Hans |
Congratulations Vik with your achievements to bring it that far in so short time. Hans. | ||
| Benm2 |
Henrik: Thanks for the info. Interesting stuff about Bohn, though. Roadracingworld is pretty good at the "spade is a spade" thing, but Bohn still advertises in it, and it seems alot of people use the protector. I suppose since I already have one, I'll keep it. Vik: Congratulations! Good luck on the rest of the season. How'd you fit the Buell motor in that little SV frame? Ben | ||
| Ezblast |
Coolness Vic - just luv them knee draggers! - lol - great job! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Eeeeek |
It was easy, Ben. I sold my X1 and put all of the money into the SV  | ||
| Road_Thing |
Way to go, Vik! ...where'd ya get them cool yellow tires?  r-t | ||
| Snowdave |
Since I am too stupid to figure out how to post in the engine-mechanical section, I thought I would post here where everyone is aware of my 13:1 compression issue. Will I see excess oil consumption from switching back and forth between my two sets of pistons? I would expect that pistons and rings break in to a set of cylinders and mixing and matching would cause higher oil consumption and more blowby. Any thoughts? I just don't have the money to buy a second set of cylinders, so I am finally giving serious thought to just throwing in the other pistons. Thanks, Dave | ||
| Blake |
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| Sportsman |
I have a feeling Thunderbike is going to be a hot contest this year. Anybody know who's riding Hal's bikes? | ||
| X1glider |
Alright Vik! Great looking ride too! Time to turn up the heat, but not via a leaky radiator! hehe | ||
| Li8ning |
I have read the digests but, although many have posted they have done a chain conversion, I can't find any details other than "Buy it from ASB". I did that, but I really want a larger front sprocket. Tat sells a 22, and I can't find one bigger. Any help? I want a 23 and a 24 just for yuks. Also, has anyone tried to widen the rear wheel to 5.5" It's getting hard to find 170's and I don't like the way the 180's wear. |
