Topic: Manufacturer's Cup Dragbike Series Finale. SGMP, Valdosta GA)

[dragracer]

Indeed, Wilbur bogged at the light..........my opinion after watching his launches is he should increase his RPMs before the green and slip the clutch another foot or five down the very tacky strip. The bike performs well from very low RPMs and the air-shifter works great. Saturday evening temps were in the forties...........but Sunday was well into the 60s at Wilbur's launch time. The rider standing in #3 position uses the same pump gas as Wilbur and showed a 13.6 AFR on his run...........he also went home in the AM.

I rode my RE Himalayan from Melbourne FL and tented each night. Yeah, it was cold but I was comfy in my 27-degree duck-down bag. Neighbors provided coffee and one offered his roomy trailer, but I declined the dog-hair.

Dennis, i agree the launch rpm could be bumped up a bit. I think Wilbur has figured out with the short wheelbase he can only tach it up so high before it wheelies. The cooler weather/leaner jetting condition is zapping the horsepower he's used to in warmer temperature, so it bogs now. Increasing the rpms would compensate on one hand but create rideability issues on the other.


 Given a need for more launch consistency, I'm hoping Wilbur will find time in the off season to install the longer aluminum arm i gave him a few years ago. A few inches increase in wheelbase can make a big difference.

[madmtnmotors]

I think Wilbur has figured out with the short wheelbase he can only tach it up so high before it wheelies.

Exactly. Pointing the front wheel at the sky is a little unnerving!   

[dragracer]

I think Wilbur has figured out with the short wheelbase he can only tach it up so high before it wheelies.

Exactly. Pointing the front wheel at the sky is a little unnerving!   

Your life on the dragstrip will be much more pleasant with the longer swingarm. You aren't trying to turn the world upside down with this modification. You just want to keep the front end on the ground so your launches are more consistent in all conditions. You're on the minimum edge rpm wise now before a bog happens. Consequently,  the longer arm with slightly higher rpms alleviates the mental stress so you can concentrate on cutting a better light and as a bonus, you might have a quicker pass.

[dragracer]

As a reminder, i started drag racing an SOHC Honda 750 using the same platform.  The struggle is real on a short wheelbase 750. Even after lowering the bike, adding the sidewinder,  cutting the seat and installing dragbars it was still a handful. And now you know why my F model was built.

[Don R]

 I've been riding the Rat Race with a 2 or 3" longer stock type swingarm. Honestly, it handles and turns like what I am used to. I have twin cam Honda shocks laid down on the stock mounts. It needs new primary chains so I've been unwilling to really get into it. This winter I plan to split the cases to replace the chains primary tensioner and 836 kit.

[madmtnmotors]

As a reminder, i started drag racing an SOHC Honda 750 using the same platform.  The struggle is real on a short wheelbase 750. Even after lowering the bike, adding the sidewinder,  cutting the seat and installing dragbars it was still a handful. And now you know why my F model was built.

And if all I had to do was work on the bike it would already be done! I did mange to get the air shifter installed and working well, the bike is lowered front and rear with piston stop spacers up front, a 79' swingarm in the rear that adds about an 1-1/2" in length as well as lowering the rear since the lower shock mounts on the 79' arm are further back. Other chores this season (other than working full time plus as much OT as I can handle) included:

>Rack and pinion replaced in the Mustang
>AC replaced in the Mustang
>Front suspension and steering components on the Suburban
>New axle bearings in the suburban
>New driver's door and fender on the Camry
>New drum rollers on the clothes dryer
>Two hurricanes, one of which passed directly over the house
>Sticking brake calipers on the Mustang

Life keeps getting in the way of my leisure pursuits!


Current to-do list:
>Add O2 bungs to the exhaust for AFR carb tuning
>Mount sidewinder exhaust
>Longer rear swingarm
>Undercut trans
>Mike Reick stage 2.5 cylinder head with Weisco 10.5:1 836 slugs
>Complete assembly of a couple other bikes for re-sale
>Straighten up the garage. This particular item will likely carry over into retirement!

[madmtnmotors]

I did manage to finish sixth!

https://www.racemancup.com/points (Street ET)

[RAFster122s]

I did manage to finish sixth!

https://www.racemancup.com/points (Street ET)

Congratulations Wilbur!
David

[dragracer]

Congratulations Wilbur. You dedicated yourself to the series this year and did very well. 

Now get busy on the drag bike list. The new season will be here before you think.

[dragracer]

Looks like i was able to stay in the top 10 in pro ET in spite of missing a few races. I locked down the #9 spot. I did finish 18th in street ET,  my worst showing in years for that class.

Lots of maintenance to do to get our bikes ready for 2025. I'm already in the shop working when time allows.

[madmtnmotors]

Oh yeah:

>The Suburban needs rear suspension bushings
>Race trailer needs a new fender
>Race trailer needs a new torsion axle. There's not much torsion left in the current axle which I believe contributed to at least one of the trailer flats on the trip back from Darlington last month. The construction on I-95 South though South Carolina gave the trailer (and my kidneys) a real beating.

Non-stop party! 

[Medyo Bastos]

Great job fellas! You guys rock!


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[dragracer]

Oh yeah:

>The Suburban needs rear suspension bushings
>Race trailer needs a new fender
>Race trailer needs a new torsion axle. There's not much torsion left in the current axle which I believe contributed to at least one of the trailer flats on the trip back from Darlington last month. The construction on I-95 South though South Carolina gave the trailer (and my kidneys) a real beating.

Non-stop party! 

The average person doesn't realize the extra preparation we go through just to race.  Not only does the race bike need attention but our tow equipment must be properly maintained as well.  If we can't get there,  we can't compete. And no one wants to leave their entire race operation broken down on the side of the road. Now thats a helpless feeling to say the least. We definitely don't do this because of the money. Its a passion bordering on addiction  that most non-racers will never understand.  Problem is there is no rehab for dragracing.  Its like a gang, once you're in, you die trying to get out. 😅😅😂

[Medyo Bastos]

Blood in blood out!


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