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number
16 is alive |
With
the cylinder head refresh completed by Phil, the engine
work was then finished and the unit was soon back in the
frame. It was a relief to hear it fire up, first time,
and after it was warmed completely through everything was
checked and seemed in order.
Next for the bike was a few runs on the dyno to check that all was well and that
it was still producing the power. Thanks to Podge at SBS for his time and quick
service - every was fine!
Finally the immaculate fairings could be fitted and the job was complete.
All I need to do now is book some tracktime so that I can finally get out on
bike. |
 ready
and willing. |
it's
a bit boring! |
The
season is moving on with out us and although I knew deep
down I would not be able to compete this year, I never
predicted that Alan would give up also.
My race bike is still in many pieces and the head is still with Phil (hopefully
coming back soon!) and Alan has actually sold his R6, much to my disgust!
The best I can hope for this year is a bit of trackdaying on the R6 or maybe
even the ZX6R if I can get enough bits together for it. In the meantime I am
down to an old BSA Bantam made in 1970 to play with. |
Wheels, exhaust system and freshly painted bodywork with nowhere to go. |
the
Snetterton round in March |
You
are never sure what you are going to get, racing at Snetterton
in March, and it certainly gave us a good variety of weather.
Friday test day was a mix of sun and showers but very windy, Saturday it mostly
poured with rain and Sunday was sunny but not exactly beach weather.
On Friday we had unexpected guests in our garage, the British Super Bike team
run by Nick Morgan - MSS Kawasaki. They were testing their 2009 ZX10R with current
world endurance champion Julian de Costa. We also had British Super Stock rider
and tip for the future, Jess Traller with us for the weekend.
Alan's weekend did not go as well as expected, struggling to match last years
times and a small off on Saturday did not help much.
It is unsure when Curry Fishball racing will return to
the bemsee paddock, and a break is quite likely now, but hopefully a few testdays
can be fitted in soon. |
Alan
eyes up the superbike 'bling' |
finally
out...... |
Some
jobs end up taking a lot longer than you anticipate, and
this was one of them. I had removed this engine a few times
before and all of the fuel and electronics do not worry
me, but the simple act of removing the final 2 bolts before
the motor would drop proved to be an extended task. Lots
of cursing, a bruised hand and nose (do not ask!) and a
few hours later the race engine was out.
The head will now be removed and stripped, and then a trip to see Phil Seton
for a check up and bit of TLC, after which new valves will be fitted. |
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wet,
dry, cold and sunny at Brands. |
More
new suspension settings had been applied to Alans R6 for
this weekend in hope to finding the missing times. He ran
in both the superstock and sport classes which gave him
plenty of track time along with some decent length races
on the Sunday (14 laps each). He tried harder and harder
but the times were not coming down on the Saturday, with
some average race results even after making some gearing
changes.
Sunday morning was better and Alans times started to drop, matching the end of
last year. Had it not started to rain that afternoon, then we feel a pb was on
the cards - roll on Snetterton.
|
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to
good for a race bike? |
With
all the bodywork, including the fuel tank, back from the
painters work can now start on the mechanical side of the
bike - mainly the engine. Big thanks to Doddy at Leewards car
body repair for such a great and quick job.
Alans test at Brands Hatch had mixed results but was generally positive with
progress made on the new WP suspension setup and Michelin tyres. The datalogging
system is now fully functional and is enabling us to see exactly what is happening
and where. It isn't long now until the first meeting of the season at Brands
Hatch Indy circuit. |
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