Motorcycle Racing Forum

Racing Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: Absolute on April 16, 2004, 06:59:38 PM

Title: another thunder bike question
Post by: Absolute on April 16, 2004, 06:59:38 PM
Anyone suggest a legal thunderbike??

i have heard of the sv650 what years are acceptable and feel free to post any othersuggestions...

Thanks

Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: Woofentino Pugrossi on April 16, 2004, 08:15:23 PM
basically anything that would had been HW sportsman legal.

Personally I wish they'd keep t-bike for older bikes that have no chance against newer bikes.
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: Baltobuell on April 16, 2004, 09:18:17 PM
BUELL, BUELL, BUELL. The XB's are really where it's at, but the tube frame older bikes still rock if you're on a budget. The SV's already set up are found pretty easy if you're on a real tight budget. How fast you wanna go?
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: Mark Bernard on April 17, 2004, 06:49:01 AM
QuoteHow fast you wanna go?

Scarry fast!!!!  :o
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: stephenr928 on April 17, 2004, 09:07:10 AM
Absolute,
The advantage of running an sv650 in t-bike is that you can run that same bike (competitively) in several other classes.  If you want track time (have the $) then this is the way to go.
But....
I'll tell you to go buy an old Honda F2 (cbr 600).  They're cheap, parts are plentiful (see ebay), and with a good set up & tires you can be competitive.  Don't let the rulebook fool you, any year F2 is eligible, not just 91 & 92.  The 93 is identical to the first two year models, while the 94 has upgraded forks.
The downside to getting this bike is if you'd like to run in other races you'll be in the modern 600cc classes, & you're gonna be outgunned.  (With a bit of luck, those CCS rule makers will allow the F2 to race in GT lights next year.)  On the other hand, passing any other racer on any 2001 model 600cc bike (or newer) gives me a sense of nirvana like nothing else on the planet!
Good Luck,
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: Woofentino Pugrossi on April 17, 2004, 12:02:34 PM
Quote (With a bit of luck, those CCS rule makers will allow the F2 to race in GT lights next year.) ,


And we'll still get our asses handed to us.
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: Super Dave on April 17, 2004, 12:44:18 PM
QuoteAnd we'll still get our asses handed to us.

No, you need to work on your set up.  A decent F2 should be more than capable of doing 13's at Blackhawk with the current track ridden well.  That's faster than you're gonna see in an SV with a supersport configuration...and I don't know of anyone saying how fast Ed went on his full on Thunderbike.

The SV is easy.  All years are applicable.  Newer FI models apparently make better HP, but you'll pay more for them.

The F2 is cheap.  Trying to build an H1 myself.  Need a lot more time.  I should spray the frame today....
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: Absolute on April 17, 2004, 05:19:30 PM
Thanks for all the replies...

I currently run an 03 6rr in ss gtu etc.... b ut i want to run the fusa thunderbike etc....for fun without worrying about a 10000+ bike...

One more question and i have all the info i need... can you run an older than 90 bike if you want..... the rule book says 90-92... thanks for the indight on the 93's it will widen my search....Thanks for the in depth response it will help me with my decision...and hope to see you all in thunder bike soon..

Roy Cadoo
#980
www.absolutecycleperformance.com
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: stephenr928 on April 17, 2004, 07:40:45 PM
Absolute,
Dave Meyer out of St. Louis runs a 1989 GSXR 750 in T-bike.  It's a beautiful machine, with some trick parts.  (Modified swingarm + custom spacers to allow for modern wheels & tires, built motor, sweet suspension, etc.)
He's done a few races in the past, but this is his first full season....We'll see how it goes.
(Not a very good start, he munched the tranny at Topeka in round one.  I don't know if it's up & running yet for RA.)
Cheers,


Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: H-man on April 17, 2004, 09:00:11 PM
QuoteDon't let the rulebook fool you, any year F2 is eligible, not just 91 & 92..

Stephen is this for real? :o

Whoo Hoo! ;D  I've a '94 F2 and I thought I wouldn't be eligible.  Alexa was just talking to me about the T-bike class this past week as being a fun one to ride (if I get up the nerve - Super Dave, that's where you come in to assess and help in May  ;))

H-man
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: stephenr928 on April 17, 2004, 09:35:35 PM
H-man,
I wouldn't lie.....
But(!), email Kevin Elliot to get his blessing in writing!   (Print out his okay, then carry it with you like your race season depended on it!)
Definitely get some schooling.  It's money well spent.
It may be blasphemy, but look into racing your F2 with CRA, in their medium wt sportsman class.....It's an excellent environment to start racing.  Having said that, come out and race in the CCS thunderbike class, too.  At the amateur level it's fun, relatively easy going and a great place to learn to race.
I'll be at RA.  If you're there, stop by & say hi.
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: H-man on April 17, 2004, 10:04:39 PM
Most excellent news stephen! :D

I'll follow up on your advice about pinging KE.

I'm a relative newbie to motorcycling let alone racing.  On top of that, I'm fairly long in the tooth (i.e., Formula 40 material).  So, I gotta think long and hard before I venture out onto the track.

Aside from the costs (tires, time off from work, repairs, registration, medical?) there's the explanation to family as to why Dad's vacation time and the family's funds are going toward his hobby versus the college fund. ::)

Thanks for the info about CMA too.  I've read that Brainard is a blast to ride.  But Lake Woebegone is a bit too far from SE Michigan.  If I take the plunge, I'll stick to Grattan, Gingerman, Nelson Ledges and occasionally BHF.

If you'll be at BHF 8-9 May, then I'll make it a point to swing over to introduce myself :)

Peace bradda 8)  
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: Super Dave on April 18, 2004, 06:29:34 AM
QuoteOne more question and i have all the info i need... can you run an older than 90 bike if you want..... the rule book says 90-92... thanks for the indight on the 93's it will widen my search....

My H1 is an early 70's model.
 ;D
Title: Re: another thunder bike question
Post by: Woofentino Pugrossi on April 18, 2004, 01:41:28 PM
QuoteH-man,
I wouldn't lie.....
But(!), email Kevin Elliot to get his blessing in writing!   (Print out his okay, then carry it with you like your race season depended on it!)

Thats what I did for my 93 F2. I still have the email he sent me.:D:D