| Author | Message | ||
     Texastechx1 |
So I took my 02 X1 to the track today to do a few runs. the whole time she was running like she was brand new! but my times make me think other wise... 13.587sec @ 101.18mph 14.707sec @ 100.78mph, Just plain humiliating... 13.929sec @ 99.30mph 13.474sec @ 100.93mph, BEST! 13.972sec @ 94.85mph These are the five passes I did. A couple of the worst ones that you see here are a combination of a bad 60' time and a missed shift  . My best 60' time was 2.265 and my research of other people's times makes me think I could do better. oh and this... The track is located 3165ft above sea level, the temp was 82 deg., and the humidity was 38%. what do ya'll think of all this, is there something a miss? | ||
| Ratbuell |
I don't know firsthand how the altitude would affect it, so you may be dead-on running fine. The bike seems consistent as hell, which is usually an indicator of either good running condition, or an obvious problem. "Gremlins" tend to give you wonky run times and no consistency in my experience. More bike info? Miles? Mods? Full timeslips (60', 1/8, etc)? How are you shifting? It's been y*e*a*r*s since I ran my M2, but I always speed shifted at the strip and my brain may be way off, but I'd swear that bike was running in the high 12s...I know I was running faster than my Satellite, which at the time was turning dead-nuts 13.40s every single pass. But speedshifting can shave a good bit off the ETs, not only because you're not taking the time to clutch/shift/release clutch, but also you're not losing the engine momentum during the process. Put a toe under the shifter with slight pressure. Shift time, just *twitch* your right hand off the throttle and the gears will change. Drop your toe and brace it for the next shift. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Might get your bike dynoed to see what HP is for a baseline. I am running a bone stock S-1W with just a Mikuni and a Force pipe. I have a launch box and wheelie bar with chain conversion at 24/54--IIRC----ran an 11.96 this weds but still not geared right,with a 1.77 60 foot--and I really suck at the light,this is my second outing. your launch and 60 ft time is critical | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Don't be too down on yourself+bike The X1 chassis is too damn stubby for drags. The X1 was made to humiliate squids in the curvies. Play your strengths  | ||
| Jstfrfun |
Besides that it dosen't shift right for that kind of run unless you do some mod's on the tranny. It's a curves bike. | ||
| Djkaplan |
There are plenty of Buells being used in drag racing. They are more common at the All Harley drags than Sportsters now. It's probably the cheapest way to get into AHDRA racing. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
No reason you cannot have fun at the drags on any Buell. They launch and shift fine. I am not sure what the correction for altitude should be, but I think you should have been able to run at least mid 12's. I've run an 11.66 at 114 mph at sea level on a 99 S3 with nothing more than a front end strap - same wheelbase, same engine. That is a very good 60' FMJ. | ||
| Texastechx1 |
I had a shit load of fun! As I usually do on my buell, I just thought that my times would be better like somewhere near the high 11's. you guys are right though, the bike is way too stubby to launch like a 1000 or busa, buells are known for their effortless wheelies. | ||
| Djkaplan |
"I've run an 11.66 at 114 mph at sea level on a 99 S3 with nothing more than a front end strap - same wheelbase, same engine." That's pretty impressive. I saw an X1 take the 11.50 index class the last time I was at the drags. | ||
| Igneroid |
Dont feel bad Tex. We have 8th mile drags here at the airport and my 60 foot times sucked the big bannana. But the crowd loved me cause it was a tad exciting watching a 53 yearold coffin dodger wheelie a cherry M2 for about a hunnert feet, I was O.D.ing on Geritol and Ben-gay(is Ben really gay??) Scotts frontend strap is an idea Im gonna try next time. And Im gonna pump up the rear tire to see if I can get a little wheel-spin. Some one who knows someone yadda yadda- take it for what its worth- said that some guy who was built like a coffee table pulled an 11.38 on a X1 with only bolt on mods, and the same freak did an 11.7 on a 2002 M2. Im thinkin there must be some validity to this but ya gotta know how to do it(launch) | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Those numbers are entirely possible Percy. I think on the right day I could get in the 11.5's as is, now add an air shifter and you might be there. If not, put a solid link in place of the shock that allows you to lower the bike and slide the fork legs up in the triple trees to drop the front end. Now you should be there. I do not recommend increasing tire pressure to induce wheel spin. This is a recipe for inconsistent runs and even possible losing control of the bike. Instead, you need to make more runs to gain experience and slip the clutch more. Trust me it can take it and trust me again, it takes many runs to get it down (if you don't have a lot of experience at the drags). The throttle and clutch need to be treated like rheostats - not toggles! I slip the clutch until I know I can let it out the rest of the way without the front end coming up more. That's right, even with, or maybe especially with the strap, a nice 6" wheelie that you ride out gives me the best 60' times (1.70's when I'm on). Also, you should be as far forward on the seat as you can be and lying on the tank. Forget about saving weight - gas up! That extra weight will help you keep the front end down on launch more than the weight will hurt you down track! I know that sounds contrary to the idea that a lighter bike is quicker, but that basic math doesn't get you launched! Shift early! I know the bike is still pulling at redline, but shifting early with a wide gearbox puts you back in the meat of the powerband. I shift at 6200, but am experimenting with other rpm's. I also do not use the clutch to shift! Again I know people will tell you not to, but done right it causes no more harm than the rest of the beating we all put on our bikes. Quickly roll slightly off and then back on the throttle to unload the gearbox. At the same time snick the next gear - it goes right in! DO NOT preload the shifter, I believe this is where you will stress the transmission! Don't worry about doing all of this on your 1st run or even your 1st time at the track. Since you have your doubts and it takes practice, try it on the street or at the track going from 3rd to 4th gear 1st. Once you can do it there, work your way down. Don't worry if this is too much at 1st, once you have enough runs, time starts to "slow down" enough to allow you to do these things to happen. We have a 1/4 mile, but most of the fun is over at the 1/8 anyway. Here is a link for the strap. You guys with XB's need to mount it through the front axle with allthread. http://www.pingelonline.com/front_end_lowering_strap.htm  (Message edited by scott_in_nh on June 17, 2008) (Message edited by scott_in_nh on June 17, 2008) | ||
| Djkaplan |
You need a good left hand for a decent launch, especially on a stock wheelbase bike with no wheelie bars. "I also do not use the clutch to shift! Again I know people will tell you not to, but done right it causes no more harm than the rest of the beating we all put on our bikes. Quickly roll slightly off and then back on the throttle to unload the gearbox. At the same time snick the next gear - it goes right in! DO NOT preload the shifter, I believe this is where you will stress the transmission!" This is basically what a compressed air powered shifter does, except much faster. I wonder how much it would shave off your 11.66? | ||
| Djkaplan |
Do you do a burnout before your runs? | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
An airshifter should be good for 1 or 2 tenths! | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Do you do a burnout before your runs? Yes, for fun! It is not needed on our bikes for traction. A little dry hop to get any crud off is all you need. I take it easy until my tire is getting down there and I have a replacement ready, then it is time for some fun! ![: ]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif)  | ||
| Djkaplan |
What tire do you run? Do you have a favorite tire size? | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
This is my 3rd season on the bike and it had fresh Dunlops when I bought it, so I've only changed rubber once. I currently have Metzeler M3's on it and am very happy with the traction and wear. Since I have the PM wheels with the wider rear I run a 180 on the back, but the 170 Dunlop hooked up just fine too...... | ||
| Texastechx1 |
All advice appreciated Scott (and from everyone else). I agree, I just need some more practice! |
