Topic: Heff's first track day at Sandia Raceway Oct. 26

[tsflstb]

Awesome heff.  You look good out there.

Wish you were closer so we could mix it up a little on the track.  The place I ran with only allowed passing on the straights in our group, so even with a good drive I had a hard time with a 100 hp deficit.  I picked off a few on the brakes, but I tried to remind myself it's just a track day.  My main goal was not to crash the first time out.

Next year I'd like to get my CMRA license.  They have a Ninja 250 spec class here that looks like a blast.  Cheap too.

[heffay]

i forgot to mention... we were running the track backward from the direction i am sure that it was designed for... technical, bumpy, unorthodox, hairy, etc.

[Really?]

i forgot to mention... we were running the track backward from the direction i am sure that it was designed for... technical, bumpy, unorthodox, hairy, etc.

Just like a nice tight set of twisties.  I shore liked running Angeles Crest, Mulholland Drive and Hwy when I was a teen - Laurel Canyon Blvd was kewl too (from North Hollywood to Hollywood).  Ran those mostly on a 400 Four and a XS1100 Standard.

[mlinder]

what class does your 400 fit into in your area?
In Oregon, theres no class it would fit into where it would be competitive. 

[heffay]

in AHRMA... pronounce it like a pirate!  matey... 

SECTION 10—REQUIREMENTS FOR ROADRACING CLASSES

http://www.ahrma.org/rulebook/sec10.htm


by my count... about one class.  maybe 2 although with the bump up option i'm not sure.  i plan to convince the girlfriend to donate a racebike to the cause too.  more classes = more fun

from what triffecpa says: SMRI (that's the sandia raceway club) is a bit more open to the 400f... the problem i've found is its a few years too new.     my opinion?  totally lame!

[mlinder]

in AHRMA... pronounced it like a pirate!  matey... 

SECTION 10—REQUIREMENTS FOR ROADRACING CLASSES

http://www.ahrma.org/rulebook/sec10.htm


by my count... about one class.  maybe 2 although with the bump up option i'm not sure.  i plan to convince the girlfriend to donate a racebike to the cause too.  more classes = more fun

from what triffecpa says: SMRI (that's the sandia raceway club) is a bit more open to the 400f... the problem i've found is its a few years too new.     my opinion?  totally lame!

In Portland, it would be racing against much newer bikes, just no class for it. I had considered turning mycb350f into a track bike, but it had the same problem as the 400f.
Thats why Im building the 350twin racebike, fits into the V5 class, and though they allow cb450t's now, I think I'll still be competitive. The stuff to make a 60rwhp cb450 costs 12k+, the stuff to make a 50rwhp cb350t costs only a few thousand.

Please keep us updated with your racing.

[heffay]

being only the first time out, my opinion may be a bit skewed.  but, i think track days could definitely keep me happy and entertained.
track days are nice because while you're still out there grinding corners, the bikes can be streetable the next day.
i just want to get out there and do it more... track day, race weekend, whatever!

In Portland, it would be racing against much newer bikes, just no class for it. I had considered turning mycb350f into a track bike, but it had the same problem as the 400f.

and a missing gear and ponies.     but you know that. 

[mlinder]

6 gears is too many for vintage racing
(used to have only 4 on my 71 r75/5 racebike..)

Was going to use a 400 head and have it done up nice by mike.

But as I said, there just wasnt a reasonable class for it in Oregon.

Track days will keep you busy for a while, but I'd be willing to bet that you will wanting to start competing.
It's lots of fun. I don't race any more, before my accident, I was out at the track every race day, with my racer Jon on his Duc, and helping dark horse racing with their sv650's. And, as I said, getting a 350t ready for the v5 class for Jon to race.
It's super addictive.
You may need to find a bike that you can race competitively with once you get into it. I like vintage because we can do a lot of the work ourselves, we arent going 200mph, and well, vintage bikes are cool as hell.

Enjoy yourself. looking forward to more of your track adventures.

[heffay]

6 gears is too many for vintage racing
(used to have only 4 on my 71 r75/5 racebike..)

still braggin' rights!   
but, you're right... at least at sandia.

You may need to find a bike that you can race competitively with once you get into it. I like vintage because we can do a lot of the work ourselves, we arent going 200mph, and well, vintage bikes are cool as hell.

wha?  i'm competitive on a trail 90 !   

[heffay]

Nice run Heffay.  Glad you passed those tank huggers, they were driving me crazy.

I have wondered how my XVZ12DN would do on the track.  It does real well on the three sisters in west Texas.

isn't that a yamaha venture?!   

[Really?]

Nice run Heffay.  Glad you passed those tank huggers, they were driving me crazy.

I have wondered how my XVZ12DN would do on the track.  It does real well on the three sisters in west Texas.

isn't that a yamaha venture?!   

Yup, first generation.  Fitted with a V4 1200 that gave birth to the VMax in '85.  She actually handles surprisingly well in the twisties.  The only problem they have in high speed sweepers, 75 mph+, is frame flex when the rubber mounts are worn after 20 years.  Solid engine mounts (all 6) generally clear that up.  I replaced them all on on mine and it takes a lot of work to just get to them to replace.  Glad I did though. 

[mlinder]

6 gears is too many for vintage racing
(used to have only 4 on my 71 r75/5 racebike..)

still braggin' rights!   
but, you're right... at least at sandia.

You may need to find a bike that you can race competitively with once you get into it. I like vintage because we can do a lot of the work ourselves, we arent going 200mph, and well, vintage bikes are cool as hell.

wha?  i'm competitive on a trail 90 !   

I dare you to take a trail 90 to the track! Hell, I'll PAY you to take one out there!

In Portland, you'd have to race against bikes like the vfr400 and bandit 400... and some very fast 2 strokes.
If theres a reasonable class where you are at though, I'm sure the 400 is fine.

Reminds me of that guy on the matchless g50 vs those modern bikes. Nutty stuff. Have you seen that video?

[Really?]

Thought you may find these interesting.  It is the MKII version of the first generation ventures.  I have the MKI version, not as bulky in the back and bit sportier looking.

That is not me, I believe it is a guy named DragonRider and he is on the Tail of the Dragon.  He is not pushing it at all.  He is just rolling it normally, they like to lay on their sides.

[ieism]

Great video Heff!

There was an article in Performance Bikes (UK) about a retro AMA Superbike class. They're a pretty big series there, and those bikes are awesome too (although our bikes are much cooler of course).

http://www.boyz-on-bikes.de/include.php?&nid=8

[scunny]

do you have bucket racing, it's a great low cost step into track riding.
http://www.bmrc.co.nz/FAQs/What%20Is%20A%20Bucket.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShJ8b46HfUM

[mlinder]

OMRRA (in Oregon) has the 160 class..

Only honda 160/175's are allowed. awesome class.

[mlinder]

For those that haven't seen the video of the matchless g50 i mentioned earlier,

These are mostly modern(ish) 400's. that the guys are riding.

However, check out the pro rider on the g50 at about 5:59. Awesome stuff.

If you get good enough, Heffay, maybe you can do the same thing with your 400f against modern bikes

[heffay]

by the way... the trail 90 comment was me being my typical sarcastic a$$.   

my new track!  http://www.highplainsraceway.com/  gonna take the bicycle to the track tour on nov. 22.   

[benly- ben]

6.15: you show off
Nice one!

[heffay]

i play waaay too much tourist trophy on PS2 

the cool replays are the best part!   

[benly- ben]

i play waaay too much tourist trophy on PS2 

the cool replays are the best part!   

lol

[heffay]

looks like its going to be a nice day here in  ABQ... Dad, Elizabeth and I will be on the track very soon.   
It will be Elizabeth's first track day.. should be FUN.

watch for videos, soon.   

[myhondas]

What kind of setup did you use to record that awesome video with?  I'd love to get some video when I get on the track at Mid-Ohio this summer. 

[heffay]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=19619.0 

works great... i've even added an office clip and a ziptie.