Topic: Bike prep for a newbie racer

[bwaller]

At this point our assn. doesn't require. For the USCRA I bought some from Jegs?? Then at Laconia I noticed no one else had anything so last time there I didn't either!

I made my bellypan out of cardboard & ductape then adjusted it until it fit well, finally made it out of aluminum. It's 1/2" wider than the frame rails.

[turboguzzi]

at several racing people's request (mine included), airtech made some FG belly pans for vintage I-4s

ask at the site to see a picture and dimensions

[Tintop]

One of these should do - http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/vintage/vintagebellypan.htm

[Kickstart]

Everyone... Thanks for all of your help!

I got back from the event last night.  I had a great time, and met some really great people.

Tech inspection went super smooth. 
A friend of mine made a pan for me out of some aluminum sheet metal that worked out OK (although we made it a little too large).

For most of the first day I thought I was the only guy there with a CB750 SOHC, but at the end of the day I bumped into Andrew (with the ChiVinMoto group) who was racing a 76 CB750K.  We were both happy to meet another CB750 racer (If I can call myself a racer now)... and he had some good tips and general encouragement for me.  I think he might be a member here.  We both raced in the Novice Production Heavy races on Saturday and Sunday.

I've got to say, not that I have much to compare it to, but the CB750 seems to take a lot of effort to get around turns/switchbacks.  I noticed Andrew was really hanging off his bike, so I tried to do the same thing, and that seemed to help... I was exhausted at the end of each practice and race.

Oh, the "race class" I took on Friday was really lacking technical training.  It was mostly focused on flags and procedures.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for suggesting the "A Twist of the Wrist II" book.  I didn't get a chance to read it before going down (boy I wish I did), but after not getting the instruction I was looking for I stayed up Friday night and read as much as I could.  I realized I was doing SR1 and SR2 all day.  So I spent the rest of my practice runs (and races) focusing on throttle control and lightening my grip... and just doing that made a huge difference.  I went from panicked turns to really enjoying myself in the more challenging turns trying to improve myself each run.


Attached is a picture of my bike (the spray painted black one) and Andrews (but that's my friend Ted in the picture)

Thanks again... I've caught the bug, and I'm now trying to figure out how I can make the trip to Barber

[Tintop]

Does sound like your hooked, bet the cheeks still hurt from the grin.

Any chance your going to make it to Mosport for the VRRA Vintage Festival??

[RAFster122s]

Congrats on the school and track time.  Just need to dub Stones "Paint it Black" in any videos you do for the bike...

[gschuld]

I made it out on Sunday.  WAY TO GO KICKSTART!  It was cool watching two cb750S romp around the track .  It seems that the twin cylinder bikes were out front  though(weight advantage I suppose) 

It would be great if there were more vintage events in our area.  Virginia and New Hampshire are solid 5-6 hr road trips.

[Old Scrambler]

Kickstart..............Good on You! 

[70CB750]

Way cool, Chris!

I don't think I will ride with you again, you will be too fast for me 

[bwaller]

Glad you made it out Chris, most fun you can have with your leathers on huh?

Often here there will be a trackday (run by an independant company) just before the race event so when possible I sign up for those. A few extra bucks and gas = plenty extra seat time. Practise, practise, practise!

Well done man.

[Lostboy Steve]

Everyone... Thanks for all of your help!

I got back from the event last night.  I had a great time, and met some really great people.

Tech inspection went super smooth. 
A friend of mine made a pan for me out of some aluminum sheet metal that worked out OK (although we made it a little too large).

For most of the first day I thought I was the only guy there with a CB750 SOHC, but at the end of the day I bumped into Andrew (with the ChiVinMoto group) who was racing a 76 CB750K.  We were both happy to meet another CB750 racer (If I can call myself a racer now)... and he had some good tips and general encouragement for me.  I think he might be a member here.  We both raced in the Novice Production Heavy races on Saturday and Sunday.

I've got to say, not that I have much to compare it to, but the CB750 seems to take a lot of effort to get around turns/switchbacks.  I noticed Andrew was really hanging off his bike, so I tried to do the same thing, and that seemed to help... I was exhausted at the end of each practice and race.

Oh, the "race class" I took on Friday was really lacking technical training.  It was mostly focused on flags and procedures.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for suggesting the "A Twist of the Wrist II" book.  I didn't get a chance to read it before going down (boy I wish I did), but after not getting the instruction I was looking for I stayed up Friday night and read as much as I could.  I realized I was doing SR1 and SR2 all day.  So I spent the rest of my practice runs (and races) focusing on throttle control and lightening my grip... and just doing that made a huge difference.  I went from panicked turns to really enjoying myself in the more challenging turns trying to improve myself each run.


Attached is a picture of my bike (the spray painted black one) and Andrews (but that's my friend Ted in the picture)

Thanks again... I've caught the bug, and I'm now trying to figure out how I can make the trip to Barber

I'm going to have to grab that book and read it. I would love to run my 550 around the track.