Drag Racing

[Coomers]

A few buds and I are taking our bikes down to the drag track tomorrow evening. Although I have pulled the flies and run an Area P exhaust and love to let her go, I have never pinned it in first gear fearing it may go over the top on me. So I need to go practice a bit.

Any hints on getting a strong start off the line i.e. launch RPM etc?

Thanks,

[Mister Tee]

A few buds and I are taking our bikes down to the drag track tomorrow evening. Although I have pulled the flies and run an Area P exhaust and love to let her go, I have never pinned it in first gear fearing it may go over the top on me. So I need to go practice a bit.

Any hints on getting a strong start off the line i.e. launch RPM etc?

Thanks,

You might check out gsxr.com for the drag forum (http://www.gsxr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9).  I know that isn't a Kawi forum but a lot of people drag busas, and the techniques are going to be very similar.

[maxtog]

Any hints on getting a strong start off the line i.e. launch RPM etc?

Yes- turn off traction control

[connie and me]

I to would like to know how "light" front end gets on a full throttle launch in 1rst gear?? I only full throttle open in 2nd and above, I have never been able to ride wheelies on ANY bike, since 1980....

[BanditDude]

For your first run, I would recommend starting normally without traction control and try using all of first gear.  Lean over the tank, and don't worry about a burnout.  You'll have plenty of power to wheelie on throttle alone if you're not overly large.  Fill the gas tank if you're still worried.  It'll make a difference by putting more weight forward.

Just how easily will it wheelie?  I weigh 280, have the same basic mods listed and can do so in 1st if the tank is under 1/4 full.  The front will almost lift In 1st under all conditions. 

Anyone can lift the front by slipping the clutch a bit, but that shouldn't be necessary.  Just take it easy and have fun.  I've seen too many folks with more bike than brains dump or flip their ride at the line.  Trust me, we're not laughing with you at that point.   

[texrider]

Might be a good idea to strap down your fork, if you're really serious about hard launching it. 

[charles r]

weight, up high, is the biggest contributor to wheelies. (outside of raw power, of course) I'm a light 165lbs., so my bike was very easy to launch. I believe I was holding the revs around 3k to start a pretty drama free launch. I believe I got the front up when I launched at 4k. And one time, after I loaded the bike up to head home but did one more run, I spun up the rear instead of lifting the front.

my best... 11.05 @ 127mph

feel free to blast that away! 

[stevewfl]

This straight line phenomenon is interesting, please post up your bike's time slips 

[Coomers]

Thanks guys for all your advise.

I got to the track this evening only to find it closed from an earlier rain.

A little bit of a lunch box letdown, we may try again next weekend.

[dolomoto]

I've got several hundred runs down the 1/8th mile on three different motorcycles...unfortunately, I've not ran my C14.

A 60' time of around 1.5-1.7 is pretty good for most street bikes. I wouldn't worry about strapping the front end. IMO, it's more trouble than it's worth for bracket racing or just some rider trying to see what the moto will do.

I'll say that it's of minimal importance to do a smoky burnout on street tires. Dragstrips are incredibly sticky and spray the launch area with sticky compound every few runs. For sure, burnouts are fun but they just don't sink enough heat into a street tire to make a difference.

Concentrate on an even clutch release and keeping the revs near the middle of the peak power. Trying to launch at max power is a recipe to burn the clutch out, stall it or bog it . In my experience, for most of us occasional drag racers, it's more important to gradually improve the E.T. with each run.

Lower the air pressure in the rear tire down to the low 30's may help a bit with the launch (increases the contact patch, slightly). I never did though...and ran consistent low 7.0x in the 1/8th on a moto with just over 100hp.

Use the clutch on launch...smooooth engagement...and then, give it WOT. By the time you've fully released the clutch you'll probably be going 40mph or so and wheelies are less of a concern. Our C14's have A LOT of weight over the front. Keep your butt to the rear of the seat by lowering your upper body on launch. Be sure to be able to give if WOT by putting your hand in a 12'o'clock position. Launch smoothly, give it WOT and only let off to shift.

When street riding, I use the clutch to start out and rarely use the clutch when upshifting. On a dragstrip, I slip the clutch to launch and just slightly roll off when shifting...it's an acquired skill.

Keep your eyes focused on the lights at the end of the strip and resist the urge to make a steering correction by rolling off the throttle.

I've never burnt a clutch up at the drag strip (although I have blown a motor) and always rode my moto to and from the strip (except for that one time).

Give bracket racing a try...it's addictive.

This is from a few years ago...I make an appearance at :15 sec (red 'stich on a Bandit 1200s)

Motorcycle Drag Racing and Stunts

[Pokey]

Get a clutch re-build kit on order.

[Rhino]

Do you have to replace the glycol with water for most tracks?

[TRBN]

Take some pointers from this: 

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9570

Of course, I have no idea if I am doing it "right" ... but its fun as hell!

Aaron

[PH14]

Do you have to replace the glycol with water for most tracks?

Not usually. I raced for a couple of years and ran my streetbike with regular antifreeze.