Tips on gearing a big v-twin for Loudon

[tsorfas]

It's ok, muffin.

But you're missing out. The big air cooled motors are the best street motors ever. Ever.

I'm not sure how long my decision to not ride street will last. But based on current models the comeback would be a Yamaha or Beamer. But a lot can change in two years.

[Ductard]

I'm not sure how long my decision to not ride street will last.

Mine either...but probably at least until I can stop buying parts for this damn Ducati and can actually afford a street bike again...lol.

I'm scared to get on a sportbike on the street now tho. Too tempting to throw it in to the corners like in the track. Prolly go with a cruiser or a supermoto if I got one now.

[jwm2k3]

Mine either...but probably at least until I can stop buying parts for this damn Ducati and can actually afford a street bike again...lol.

I'm scared to get on a sportbike on the street now tho. Too tempting to throw it in to the corners like in the track. Prolly go with a cruiser or a supermoto if I got one now.

My racebike is an 848, my streetbike is an 1198. I've done much more on the track this year, very little street riding.

I did however rent a big HD for Laconia bike week. THAT was awesome!

[GixerJockey]

There was a track map of Loudon gearing for big bikes, that had a 2 over the whole thing.
Somebody has to have that image somewhere.

TrickyMike posted that years ago. From his GSXR1000.

You are going through T3 in 3rd gear on a pani? You don't chug on your way out? Seems you are taking a crap load of speed through there in that case.

I am a bonafide Loudon newbie, so I am genuinely curious when Loudon gearing/braking threads come up.

For comparison... On my SV650:

4th from T1-t2. Downshift to 3rd for T3. Grab 4th going up the hill. Stay in 4th all the way to T11. One downshift into 11. Exit 12 in 3rd. Shift up to 5th on the front strait. One downshift into T1. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Pick up the pace man. If you're going into T3 in 2nd gear you're going at a snail pace, and are eventually going to high side yourself into the gas station parking lot when you pull the trigger going up the hill.

[burnham]

I ran 15-42 on my Aprilia RSVR. I think my KTM RC8 has 16-37 gearing now, I can check on that later. The Aprilis would have the shift light flashing in fifth gear at the end of the straight at Loudon. The KTM has the light flashing in fourth.

I downshift twice into second gear for T1
Upshift to third coming out of T2
Downshift into second into T3
Upshift into third in T5
Downshift into second on the way into T11

FIXED. So I guess I'm only using second through fourth to get around the track. Only the starts are in first. I thought I was going to need to re-gear my KTM when I got it, but its worked out really well for me so far. Maybe if I pick up the pace things will change.
+1 on being careful going up T4 in third gear. I'm not riding your bike, so maybe it's fine. I've tried it on my RC8, and it is pretty easy to get heavy on the throttle there and load up the engine. I put a more aggressive cam in the throttle, which keeps my wrist in a happier place. That made it easier for me to control the engine at the higher rpms. Seems backwards, but it worked for me.

[Mr. Kurtz]

Update: Nevermind, Shane got back to me - he referred me to Eric Wood.

I assumed his a answer would have been "I rode it with stock gearing, two flat tires, and the peg feelers on...and did 12's."

[Ductard]

I assumed his a answer would have been "I rode it with stock gearing, two flat tires, and the peg feelers on...and did 12's."

I assumed you would have said properly inflated Pirelli's were critical to doing 12's.

[GixerJockey]

I assumed you would have said properly inflated Pirelli's were critical to doing 12's.

... For everyone except Shane.

[csmutty]

15.5 on a crf450 pretty much just called out everyone as a bitch.

[Kurlon]

15.5 on a crf450 pretty much just called out everyone as a bitch.

When he beats my trap speed at Boxshop with that 450 I'll care. (Set with my 70.)

[Falko]

It's ok, muffin.

But you're missing out. The big air cooled motors are the best street motors ever. Ever.

My Guzzi was awesome for the street. Not quite the power of a Duc, but great motor and trans for the street.