VT Pitbike TRACKDAY Sept. 20th 2008

[markbvt]

Originally Posted by Doc

As for 14 inch wheels I think that is getting kinda big. The YSR and Ken's minimotard has 12's and I think that is about as big as it should go...

What are you looking at with 14's? XR/crf 100's?

You could try it but I think they might be too big.

The CRF80 actually has a 16" front/14" rear, and the CRF100 has a 19" front/16" rear. Obviously the 100 would be too big -- that thing's nearly the height of my Bonneville. But the 80 seems like it would be a decent fit for me, with enough room between the pegs and the seat for me to have just a little room for movement.

It's actually a little surprising how few bikes there are to choose from. Almost everything is either really tiny, like a CRF50, or a little too big, like the CRF100. The Yamaha TT-R110 might be a pretty good choice, except it has an automatic clutch, which I don't like. The TT-R125 might work, but the front wheel's a little on the large side.

Why do you think any wheel over 12" wouldn't work? Just wouldn't turn tight enough for that little track?

I dunno, in order for me to get a bike I'd fit on a little better, I might have to go with something like a TT-R125 and try to find a set of smaller wheels for it. That would be kind of cool, actually, because it would be fun to be able to swap between street tires and knobbies -- I bet a pitbike on a dirt track would be fun as hell too! And I know someone who might be into setting up a dirt pitbike track on his property...

--mark

[FTMS]

Doc- Any reason you say not to go with a KX65 for a pit bike? The reason I ask is that I have one sitting in a box, that I was going to part out but now I thinking of turning it into a mini motard. Dam that video of yours!!

If you want to get some people together for a day om mini dirt riding, I have a half mile dirt track at my house that would probally work well for you.

[Doc]

I am not the expert here. Any bike you get make sure you get the same size front as the rear.

Bigger tires I would think may have a turning problem but they may also give an unfair advantage (bigger contact patch ) and make it easier...

As to the KX65... I think a 4 stroke works better but there are those that like 2 strokes. Plus I think a 65cc may be too small (but then agian it is a different power delivery...) I'll have to get more info or an expert in here to discuss.

Check out Evil Empire Racing and see what they are running.

[markbvt]

Originally Posted by Doc

Bigger tires I would think may have a turning problem but they may also give an unfair advantage (bigger contact patch ) and make it easier...

Yeah, because those 5'8"/150lb dudes don't already have an unfair advantage over my 6'4"/250 fat ass. A slightly larger bike would just help to even up the odds a little for me.

So it sounds like I might be good with an XR80 or TT-R125 or something like that, and just get an extra set of 14" wheels for it. Put street tires on the 14s and knobbies on the original 16/14. I'll see what I can find (and afford).

--mark

[SVRACER01]

get one on a sunday and i may be able to go.

[SVRACER01]

Originally Posted by markbvt

Yeah, because those 5'8"/150lb dudes don't already have an unfair advantage over my 6'4"/250 fat ass. A slightly larger bike would just help to even up the odds a little for me.

So it sounds like I might be good with an XR80 or TT-R125 or something like that, and just get an extra set of 14" wheels for it. Put street tires on the 14s and knobbies on the original 16/14. I'll see what I can find (and afford).

--mark

you can make those "50" motors as big as 150cc.

[Doc]

Originally Posted by markbvt

Yeah, because those 5'8"/150lb dudes don't already have an unfair advantage over my 6'4"/250 fat ass. A slightly larger bike would just help to even up the odds a little for me.

So it sounds like I might be good with an XR80 or TT-R125 or something like that, and just get an extra set of 14" wheels for it. Put street tires on the 14s and knobbies on the original 16/14. I'll see what I can find (and afford).

--mark

GOOD POINT! An XR80 would work. I am not as familiar with the TTR. All you would NEED is the 14" front.

[Kurlon]

Traditionally, the definition of a 'pitbike' has been:

Single cylinder horizontal air cooled four stroke motor in an open cradle frame, with a rear wheel no larger than 12", and a front wheel no larger than 14".

Most organizations break it down further, with 'minis' being 10" rear wheel machines, 'midsizes' being 12" rear wheel machines, and various levels of engine and suspension work in between, depending on turnout numbers. This is what Craig of the Evil Empire does. A good chunk of why is the track size he has, larger bikes just can't make a couple of the turns, even putt putting.

Then you get places like SEMRA that organize 'mini' racing, not pitbike racing. They've got classes based strictly on motor, so you see everything from near stock CRF50s to way built CR250s. Those organizations tend to run on larger tracks, and the 'hot' machine is normally an 85cc two stroke due to it's class flexibility, ability for most to 'fit' on it, cost and crazy power even stock. Even within those groups you'll see people running 85s and CRF150Rs with 12" wheels laced up, as they turn quicker, and have better rubber options than 14" or 16" wheels provide. Some go right to 17" wheels, but they only fare better on larger, more open tracks where the quicker steering 12" setup isn't as much of an advantage.

Based on the pics and vids, it'd be a pretty low lap time, but I can see an 85 with 12" wheels laced up hammering along just fine on that track. But it'd be a one trick pony as there isn't any other place to road race it right now in the area. Same with a 65, or an XR80, etc. All we've got up here is 'pitbike' based racing at the moment. If I can find a place in southern ME or NH to setup a larger track, I'd like to get some proper 'mini' racing going, but so far I'm striking out.

[Doc]

So chimes in my "Expert" So I guess Pitbike is the right term and not Mini Roadracing.
I think the 12 inch wheels are gonna work... If you can find 14 inchers and rubber for em and the bike works for you then I say no problem! Go for it.

Looking for a bike... Try here. Pit Bikes :Thumpstar, SDG, Sikk, MX & SSR: Pit Bikes Xt Power Sports

I gotta get Kurlon up here to ride the track and to help with the molding of the series.

No need for a bigger track, If we want that we go to NHMS.

Oxx... We are working on Oct 5th to be an exhibition of sorts. The Kart racing guys want us to come and do a couple races in between their karting day. (They run all day sunday, hence my doing Pitbikes on Saturday's)

[Kurlon]

Oct 5th is also a 106 RacePark day. If you haven't ridden at an Evil Empire Racing series event, think transition from track day to LRRS and that'll be just what it's like coming from VT to NH. : )

[markbvt]

Out of curiosity, Doc, would you be interested in throwing on a set of knobbies once in a while and riding on a dirt track? Because I know of at least one local option where that might be a possibility.

--mark

[Doc]

Originally Posted by markbvt

Out of curiosity, Doc, would you be interested in throwing on a set of knobbies once in a while and riding on a dirt track? Because I know of at least one local option where that might be a possibility.

--mark

Yep. I would do that.

[Doc]

Another site for Pitbikes

Orion Pit Bikes - Pit Bikes

[SVRACER01]

i LOVE 106. that track is VERY technical. it needs a chicane on the back straight. it would also be nice if the track was 3ft wider. theres just no place to pass.
the track in VT looks fun also, while not as technical, it does have elevation changes and seems to be much wider to give room for passing.

[Doc]

Passing is very doable on the Rocky Ridge track.

[Kurlon]

If you haven't been to 106 lately, they are running in reverse, with a revised layout. Passing everywhere. : )

[SVRACER01]

reeeeeaaally?

[Doc]

Vermont Pit Bike Racing! : Motorcycle-Vermont - Vermont's inside edge for motorcycle routes, rides and events

[vt625]

Ok Doc, I got my KX65 - when's the next track day?

[Kurlon]

Nicely done Doc! I'm working on getting the 'A' bike revived for next year, 'B' is in pretty good shape other than needing brake pads, and the X4 Motard is ready for night riding. : )

[FTMS]

Doc- Any plans for another fall trackday? I have got my kx60 just about set up for dirt, other than needing a new rear fender, Would like a chance to see how it does on pavement

VT625- What are you running for suspension on your kx65?

[jcbell1007]

I'm still looking for the right bike to purchase. Keep your eyes open for me, looking for the $500 range or so.

[vt625]

VT625- What are you running for suspension on your kx65?

Bone stock for now. The only plan I have is heavy springs and heavier oil. No need to spend crazy money.

[FTMS]

Originally Posted by vt625

Bone stock for now. The only plan I have is heavy springs and heavier oil. No need to spend crazy money.

That was plan. I found heavier front springs that I will pick later. I am running an XL250 shock body with a Yamaha Warrior ATV rear spring for the back. Just some stuff I had laying around. It works pretty good. A little stiffer spring would be good. The stock spring for the XL was way too stiff.

[Doc]

Originally Posted by vt625

Ok Doc, I got my KX65 - when's the next track day?

We can go tomorrow....