first time Suzuki drag racing

[red1100]

My first ever attempt at motorcycle drag racing was a circus. Being a fairly successful car bracket racer I figured bikes can't be all that hard. My ride in the summer of 74 was a highly modified and lightened 73 gt 250. Built in the 70s cafe style.A local RD yammy builder took on the project of massivally modding the docile power band to where it ran 15ohs and would run dead even with the rd 350s of the time.However being a car racer I really didn't know how to launch a 12,000 rpm 2 stroke. My rt's were.23-.25. So my time trials were spent watching the rear tire of somebody already gone.Lots of fun though had a great day meeting new folks I've seen before but never raced.That little Suzy ran flawlessly and at the end of the day I rode it home,just like I got there.

 

[gtem]

I've always wanted to try my hand at the drag strip on a bike. Here in Indianapolis we have he Lucas Oil raceway and they have "Wild Wednesdays" "run what you brung" sort of weeknight racing. Ironically enough the new Helmet I just bought is *NOT* Snell rated which is a requirement.

 

[Rob S.]

That's why I only raced on the streets. :triumphant:

 

[Suzukian]

Snell is a car Helmet racing standard. The European tests test more points to simulate actual motorcycle crash conditions. I look for the European approval over the Snell ones, especially, when a few years ago, Snell wasn't testing the helmets like they said they were. The video below explains it better than I can. I used to be a total SNELL person, but after reading many articles, and seeing many videos, my opinion on SNELL has changed. I do not look to them as any kind of measurement to motorcycle helmet safety. Their duplicitous standards to stay relevant is disturbing. My 2 cents worth, and only my opinion (and the opinion of many others).

 

[Michael Graziosi]

In the U.S. for NHRA sanctioned tracks, motorcycle helmets need to be not more than 10 years old beyond the original Snell dated approval. I'm not aware of what Suzukian mentioned about the Snell rating but frequently the same helmet has other agency ratings. In 2021, I purchased (new) a Shoei model RF1400. It is DOT approved, FMVSS No. 218 certified (is this the European agency?) and Snell rated M2020D. The track I frequent (when possible with my '78 GS750), Lebanon Valley in NY, they focus solely on the Snell rating. They rarely check my helmet each time, but at least I know that it'll be good until 2030, assuming that it never touches the ground!

 

[twowings]

FMVSS No. 218 - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard # 218 - set by the US Gov. Used for DOT approval.

 

[Michael Graziosi]

Thank you twowings. And now your comment has me looking for the CE label or something indicating meeting European standards, either of which I can't find under the liner. Hopefully I'm well protected and I hope it's not the 45 year joke my old riding buddies would say...full face helmets provide for an open casket!

 

[Suzukian]

In the U.S. for NHRA sanctioned tracks, motorcycle helmets need to be not more than 10 years old beyond the original Snell dated approval. I'm not aware of what Suzukian mentioned about the Snell rating but frequently the same helmet has other agency ratings. In 2021, I purchased (new) a Shoei model RF1400. It is DOT approved, FMVSS No. 218 certified (is this the European agency?) and Snell rated M2020D. The track I frequent (when possible with my '78 GS750), Lebanon Valley in NY, they focus solely on the Snell rating. They rarely check my helmet each time, but at least I know that it'll be good until 2030, assuming that it never touches the ground!

I don't think Shoei knows how to make a bad helmet. Always one of my favorite lids.

 

[JMHJ]

I almost ran the GS700 one time. Bought a thrift store leather jacket especially for that ($15 bucks I think, lol). Got to the track, and they wanted leather pants too. Never tried again, though I've had a couple of bikes since, that are significantly quicker. I think high 11s was claimed for that.

I ran my LS-powered Formula Firebird (have it no longer) for a few passes though, about 10 years ago, and that was fun. High 13s and just over 100mph (stock) on the first try, with a half-hearted burnout.

 

[Don R]

A few years ago I was at the US Nationals and approached a helmet maker, when I asked for one that was good for running my dragster and my bike, they looked at me like they had never heard the question before. I got a new snell rated helmet so I could fake my way through both. So far I've done neither, my daughter drives the car and that keeps me busy at the track and so far haven't run a bike on the track.

 

[Don R]

My brother was in a bad motorcycle wreck in Japan in 62'. A dump truck backed out from an obstruction into his path. He had a skull fracture and twice broken jaw. He survived with a few lasting effects and actually did ride a lot afterwards. He worked at Honda/Suzuki and Kawasaki shops.
A couple years ago I met one of the guys he was stationed with working on WB50 aircraft. He told me he ended up with my brothers helmet, it was made of a single swath of fiberglass wound around and around and when it de-laminated he could hold it straight out by one chin strap and the other end could touch the ground.
I guess helmets have come a long way. He has a K2 CB750 set up for his height but hasn't taken it out except a test ride. At his age of 84, I don't mind if it stays here although I do miss riding with him.