Building a vintage track bike

[Guest]

Hey guys,

I'm slowly acquiring parts to build an 8 valve 750 track bike for the VRRA, I will be using a Katana 37mm front end with fork brace, shortened rear swinger off an 1100E that was professionally done for a GS550, GSXR 750 18" front and rear rims with rotors,77 GS750 frame and engine to keep me in P3 middleweight.

I'm not planning on racing until next year and I have my first child due in a few days so money is tight right now.

My question is regarding the 1100E swinger, it is about 0.5" shorter than the stock 750 tube one. I know this will affect straight line stability but will be quicker in the corners, what do you guys think? Should I sell it and get the stock length 1100E one or can I use this shortened one?

looking forward for everyones input,

cheers

[one_civic]

here are a couple pics

[one_civic]

[azr]

Subscribed.......... If you need a regular length 1100 swingarm I'm got a few of them, including one that has all the tabs taken off in prep for the track.

[one_civic]

thanks Azr, right now this is just a quick mock up, I'm going to have bushings machined to use the stock pivot bolt, I'm more curious about the handling characteristics of using a shorter swingarm, and I have to have the tabs intact for using a chain guard as per the VRRA rule book

[mmattockx]

My question is regarding the 1100E swinger, it is about 0.5" shorter than the stock 750 tube one. I know this will affect straight line stability but will be quicker in the corners, what do you guys think? Should I sell it and get the stock length 1100E one or can I use this shortened one?

What do I think? Unless you are AMA Pro fast (and maybe not even then) I think you won't notice the difference on a heavy, flexy, moderately powered vintage bike like this. Add an extra link or two to the chain and run the axle near the rear limit of adjustment and it will be so close as to be indistinguishable. Unless you are looking for an excuse to get a stock length 1100E swingarm, then ignore what I just said.


Mark

[one_civic]

Thanks mmatockx, that's exactly what I wanted to hear, lol. I would rather use the parts I have since they cost me nothing and I'd rather use that money for brakes, dyna coils, etc

[Buffalo Bill]

Sure, you're only talking theory now.
About the long term refinement of your race bike, that's what it is.
Get on the track as soon as you can, and begin the development your track skills. Along the way you will continuously refine your skills and the bike's mechanical tuning.
That's what the whole experience is.
Keeping yourself from being swallowed up by the hobby, is a biggie.

[limeex2]

What do I think? Unless you are AMA Pro fast (and maybe not even then) I think you won't notice the difference on a heavy, flexy, moderately powered vintage bike like this. Add an extra link or two to the chain and run the axle near the rear limit of adjustment and it will be so close as to be indistinguishable. Unless you are looking for an excuse to get a stock length 1100E swingarm, then ignore what I just said.


Mark

In regards to vintage racing rules, If a person is not following the rules, is NOT winning, the bike is safe and tight, can it still be run? If your not winning would it matter? Example, 4v 1100 have many rules and restrictions. 2v 1000 is like carte blanche.

[one_civic]

Not too worried about winning since there is not really any money in it, more for a hobby and getting on the track,if anyone wants a quick read on the rules, bike eligibility and restrictions here's the VRRA website,

http://www.vrra.ca/

I'm doing this more for fun but will keep your advice in the back of my mind Buffalo Bill

[steve murdoch]

I will also be following along.
Heck, maybe in '17 they will add Calabogie to the schedule and you will have home field advantage. haha.
When you say the modified swinger is .5" shorter than a stock 750 , do you know how much it was shortened altogether?

[one_civic]

No, it was given to me on a parts swap, I roughly measured it compared to the stock one. All I know is that it came off a GS550. I actually marshal at Calabogie so yeah, I know every corner by the back of my hand, lol And yes,the VRRA will be at calabogie this year in setpember for the final round.
Do you race as well steve?

[steve murdoch]

No racing for me, just a fan.
Hopefully get to Mosport in August but it always seems to conflict with family vacation.

[mmattockx]

In regards to vintage racing rules, If a person is not following the rules, is NOT winning, the bike is safe and tight, can it still be run? If your not winning would it matter? Example, 4v 1100 have many rules and restrictions. 2v 1000 is like carte blanche.

Since no one else has answered, I will give it a shot. My experience with racing organizations (not extensive, just local) is that they aren't willing to let you ignore rules if it is obvious, regardless of where you are finishing. None of your competitors may care about it if you are in the back half of the pack but the scrutineers won't let things slide that they notice. What rules are you thinking of not wanting to follow?

What you are describing sounds a lot like a track day to me. It sounds like you just want to get out, ride the track and have fun, which is what track days are for. I don't know if you have raced or not, but it is a very different experience than open track time.


Mark

[Buffalo Bill]

The amount of time on the track racing is greatly reduced from track days. Like down to 8-10 laps per race day, or for the whole race weekend.