consolodation

From here on in, please go to my manitoba supermono site for updates -- 3 separate blogs is a bit silly... see y'all there!

Still waiting...

On the upgraded brakes -- new pads and lines are in transit.  My zx6R ignition switch came in today -- I had to fiddle with some wiring to get it to work but it does.  Its required for the quick turn throttle kit, as that item does not come with any switches.  Painting the new front upper, whose fitment is far simpler than the first version.  Will likely clearcoat it and the bellypan on Wednesday if the weather cooperates.  Tires are in at Pop's so those can be mounted at the end of the month when they come for a visit.  Hopefully I've got the error codes sorted out -- still need to figure a way to do some top speed testing prior to going to Gimli, but not at Souris due to the huge amounts of gravel on that runway... will hole my radiator for sure!

makin' it legal

I've gotten a taste of racing in the 'states (or elsewhere, for that matter), and to do so, depending on the sanctioning body, requires certain provisions.  An oil retaining bellypan is mandated, even at Gimli, even though it is not enforced by tech.  Regardless, I now know firsthand the delays caused by blown engines, or more commonly, failed oil filters.  Short of a full fairing, the only oil-retaining bellypan available is in the UK.  And so, with my trusty VISA card, I made a call to the mother country.  After a short delay, this arrived via fedex:

As usual, I've got a coat of primer and one coat of Key Lime applied already.  Should hold far more than the 2L of oil that the ex crankcase holds.

While I was at it, I also ordered the only thing that passes for case covers for the ex.  Granted, some diligent ebaying would have found me spare alternator and clutch covers for a similar price, but with no extra protection.  NRG used to be the go-to company for these things, but I'm not sure they are in business.  Last part I bought from them was a set of covers for my zx6R racer back in 2002 -- so these came with the bellypan; one for the clutch side (pictured) and another for the alternator.

That is real carbon fibre -- impressively light, and thick.  In a crash, it will grind away first before we get into the oil-retaining parts of the engine.  I've simply glued it via epoxy.

The power commander has also arrived.  It, a ride on Doug's bike, the FI light trouble, and the shape of the oil retaining bellypan has necessitated what I hope to be the final "major" expense of the project -- a Muzzy full system.  Doug has had one on his bike for years.  There is a dedicated map for it available from Dynojet (which will save time on the dyno coming up with a map for my home-made system) and will also fit with the bellypan (which my current mockup will not).  It too is backordered (no one is stocking anything in this economy), but I did get a good deal on it from an online warehouse... under $400 for a complete system -- not a bad price!  This is what it looks like:

Note the reverse megaphone shape.  There is a removable baffle inside, and the header pipes are larger for less restriction.  Again, far lighter than stock as well, and Doug's machine is quicker than his son's bike, which has just a LeoVince slip on.

So, no excuses then... proper tires, full system, correct map... it's down to me now... as rusty as I am!

1st try

Had the ex out at the track this past weekend -- just wanted a quick 20 min session to see where it was at to date.  In hindsight, it wasn't that the bike was dangerous, but for real racetrack riding, I had rushed it a bit.  I learned that:
1.  The 2CT tires were not suited to the bike.  They have a super low profile and not much edge to them -- very round, and are dimensionally so different from what I was used to, the didn't even properly fit in the trailer "saddles" -- too small by nearly an inch.  Made for an unsettling ride through the corners, and a "moment".  Need to find better tires!
2.  I pushed the brake issue -- OLD as in "wafer thin" pads left, and rubber hoses -- after 5-6 laps, the lever was coming back to the bar, and I'm not a late braker!  Still waiting after 3 weeks for replacement pads!  Stainless lines are also on order.
3.  I hadn't run the bike much at all prior to getting to the track.  Took it out Friday night for a rip along an access road at the track, and the FI light came on.  Bike really didn't run a whole lot poorer, but wouldn't rev out till redline, or much past 9000 rpm.  Could be a number of things -- the removed subthrottles, the map I downloaded, or some other fault.  Doug has the proper Kawi diagnostic tool, so perhaps he can shed some light.  I didn't like the on/off throttle response anyway, so the subthrottles have gone back on to the machine.  Its doubtful, but that also might be the source of the error code.

In all, a good indication of where the bike was at, but I did push the issue a bit.  Should be much better for September.

Monday saw another part arrive, a supermoto-style water overflow catch can.  Going "nekkid" with the bike leaves a plastic overflow tank exposed sans fairing.  If the bike were to go down on that side, it would no doubt be damaged or destroyed and I'd have to park it.  This item, while marginally heavier is also more durable.  I've also tucked it in a bit profile wise, as well as move it to the other side of the bike, and lower.

As all mods do, it required some fabrication on my part, but it seems to work OK where it is.  More updates to come.

steering damper, tires, and swingarm

Made use of the many brackets that come with a stock streetbike...

Left over steering damper from another project... bolted to one of the frame brackets -- fork mount was yet another steel 90 degree bracket that I fabricated to mount to the fork clamp.

Pilot power tires "borrowed" from the supermono.  Hope to take this bike out to the track this upcoming weekend -- needed something better than 4-year old Pirellis.

Analogue lap timer mounted.  I may be getting a bit ahead of myself, but curiosity might get the best of me...

Winter project -- Versys swingarm.  Yes, I will update the cost breakdown soon... sigh...