Beondwacko
Expert Class
Posts: 393
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posted February 16, 2009 05:53 PM
 Edited By: Beondwacko on 17 Feb 2009 02:03
First time at the track this Friday (maybe) with the 14
Alrighty,,,, as the title says, this Friday looks like it will be my first time at the strip with the 14.
Let me first start off with saying that this bike is almost like learning to ride all over again. Being that I came from a decent running 01' CBR1100XX (Best ET 10.32@135.91 / 6.74 in the 1/8 at 109 / best 60' on a pilot road 1.67) I know it's going to be a slow (excuse the pun) leaning curve initally. Everything on this bike is different in terms of feel, power and even balance.
My bike is set up exactly how I purchased it from OldKawGuy. -1 on the front sprocket, full Hindle/Brocks SS system with a 20'' Ti can, PCIII mapped to the bike, AFE filter, flies pulled, pair system eliminated, and a few other add on's non performance related. On thursday, I'm connecting the kill switch and I picked up a strap for the front end. Stock height and wheelbase, and even the OEM rear tire for the next few hundred miles. I also have to take some preload out of the rear shock and soften the rear compression a bit too.
I know for a fact that I'm going to have to start off slow and easy. I never had to be overly concerned with the XX on the launch. I almost never had traction problems, and wheelies were limited to first gear and I'd get a "hop" on the first to second shift only. I focused on staying "in the groove" and the only time I had traction problems was when I'd waiver out of that groove mostly in second gear and once or twice in third gear. I'd launch the XX at 5.5K - 6.5K rpm's. Anything more and I'd either wheelie or blow the tire away. I probably made over 300+ passes on the XX, so yeah, you could say I was used to it.
Now on friday(provided I get there and it doesn't rain) I'm mostly going to practice my launch and the 1/8 mile being that it's as hard as it is to keep the front end down in first and second. Actually, it's impossible to keep the front end down in first with anything more than 1/3 throttle. I'm expecting some high 1.8's for 60' times and maybe a 6.90 in the low 11teens for mph. From what I have read on this forum and another defunct ZX14 forum I should try to launch at about 3K rpm as a starting point. From there, a sensitive throttle hand to control the wheelies. If I somehow manage to break into the 9's, I'm gonna' catch some crap from the track being that i don't have a NHRA license yet.
Although I have asked this question before on the other forum, "what is this bike capeable of in this form with a 225lb rider w/gear" , the folks here are a little more versed in drag racing and I'd welcome opinions and advice. The track is at sea level and the temps should be in the high 60's - low 70's with moderate humidity. The rear tire has maybe 20% life left in it and traction at this track is good.
What do ya' think guys,,,,
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08' Atomic Silver, PCIII, Brocks pipe,BMC, -1, strapped front end
  
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rACeRs
Expert Class
Posts: 413
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posted February 16, 2009 06:07 PM
If the track is good, you will never have traction issues at stock length. And invest in some dog bones. They are cheap and will make a huge difference in keeping the front end down.
Congrats on the purchase. Give the track hell!
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tiwinder, lowered and strapped, pc5 w/ brocks pump map, 40t rear
9.1 @ 149 w/ 1.57 60' SWB
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smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted February 16, 2009 06:26 PM
Edited By: smokinZX14 on 17 Feb 2009 02:31
Ok first thing don't treat this like a cure for cancer ...It's just a motorcycle and a day at the track .... If you go into this all wound up you will just have to many things on your mind to make a good pass .... Face the facts that it's going to be many many trips to the track to get a handle on the bike .. Clear your head , relax and go have fun even if you only run 11s ..
The bike with 225 pounds will run mid nines...
Stage at 3500 ... Slide the clutch out slowly , when the clutch is fully out roll on the throttle ( slowly ) It should bog a bit but that's fine just keep it pinned ..If it is going to wheely it will be close to the top of first gear .. Be ready to trim the throttle if needed and shift to second gear ....The rest is easy shift at 11200 , tuck in tight and go for the ride . Make sure you pull your strap down real tight , you should have about a half inch or less between the fender and upper fairing..... Lastly do not look at the bike in the other lane , keep your eyes on your bike ....... Rinse and repeat untill clean ...
Just looked at your picture ...Your are not lowered so to get the strap down to a half inch will be impossible ... Just get it down as far as you can and that will have to do for now .. If you want 9s you need to lower the front and rear ...
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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Beondwacko
Expert Class
Posts: 393
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posted February 16, 2009 06:50 PM
quote:
Ok first thing don't treat this like a cure for cancer ...It's just a motorcycle and a day at the track .... If you go into this all wound up you will just have to many things on your mind to make a good pass .... Face the facts that it's going to be many many trips to the track to get a handle on the bike .. Clear your head , relax and go have fun even if you only run 11s ..
The bike with 225 pounds will run mid nines...
Stage at 3500 ... Slide the clutch out slowly , when the clutch is fully out roll on the throttle ( slowly ) It should bog a bit but that's fine just keep it pinned ..If it is going to wheely it will be close to the top of first gear .. Be ready to trim the throttle if needed and shift to second gear ....The rest is easy shift at 11200 , tuck in tight and go for the ride . Make sure you pull your strap down real tight , you should have about a half inch or less between the fender and upper fairing..... Lastly do not look at the bike in the other lane , keep your eyes on your bike ....... Rinse and repeat untill clean ...
Just looked at your picture ...Your are not lowered so to get the strap down to a half inch will be impossible ... Just get it down as far as you can and that will have to do for now .. If you want 9s you need to lower the front and rear ...
That's the kind of advice I was looking for. Ya' know,,, strange thing. With the XX, I had the front end strapped, and I was -1 on the front sprocket. I at one time had the rear of the bike lowered 1.5" and the front 1.25". With that set up, I was actually SLOWER. With the rear at stock height, and the front end straped down hard, I cut my best 60' time.
With the ZX, at 7K rpm in first, the front tire comes off the ground. In second, the front lifts at about 8K rpm in street trip. I'm dying to see how much the strap will help keep it down. On the XX it added .25 or I should say subtracted. I'll work at keeping the strap cinched as tight as possible. I know that the first time I break into the 9's they'll warn me to slow it down or schedule a licensing test. I'll have no problem with the physical because my wife is a doctor and will sign off on the papers.
I developed a good coordination with slipping the clutch on the last bike on the launch and the ZX has an even better feel for modulation. I'm looking forward to doing this already.
I also just looked at the forcast for Friday night and it's going to be cool out. Low 60's or so.
____________
08' Atomic Silver, PCIII, Brocks pipe,BMC, -1, strapped front end
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dcjens
Pro
Wet side of Washington
Posts: 1059
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posted February 16, 2009 07:05 PM
I also just looked at the forcast for Friday night and it's going to be cool out. Low 60's or so.
sounds bitter cold for sure! (6 months till spring here)
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Black 06
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Beondwacko
Expert Class
Posts: 393
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posted February 25, 2009 02:41 PM
Well, I never did make it to the track that night. It was actually cold for us here in S.Florida and I didn't get the time to install the kill switch.
I was looking overthe front end a little more closely and I noticed that there really isn't a decent way to attach the front end strap without the caliper brackets. Yeah, I could have used washers and spaced it out a bit on one bolt, but I didn't want that much stress on just that one caliper bolt. I just ordered the billet brocks brackets.
I may take the bike to the track this friday night, but I think it's going to be a waste of time without that strap in place. Wheelie city. We'll see.
____________
08' Atomic Silver, PCIII, Brocks pipe,BMC, -1, strapped front end
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted February 25, 2009 03:00 PM
I have my strap under just one bolt of the brake caliper, been that way since 2006, and run many times! I was to cheap to buy some brackets. Smokins hit the nail on the head. I was setup very similar to you except rear was lowered and I did
60 ft 1.61
1/8. 6.31
1/4. 9.60
Mph. 148
I weigh around 210 unsuited and live in south ga. So same weather conditions here. Good luck and be safe!!
____________
Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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pazx14rider
Zone Head
Posts: 953
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posted February 25, 2009 03:43 PM
I would say im an average racer i raced with that set up last year. With just that set up...now im around 170lbs, i went 9.68 and beleive it or not i had alot of wheel spin but im light also. I ended up around 17-18 psi in the rear helped out alot. Take Smokins advise he helped me out alot he knows his shit. The sooner you can get that clutch out and get on the throttle the better, you will see once the clutch is out and your just using throttle theres alot more feel for the bike, as in how much throttle you can give it and how quick till the front comes up. Try to keep leaned over on the tank and keep as much weight forward as possible. Let us know how you make out, and dont worry about those busas you will get them eventaully with a little seat time!
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Bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted February 25, 2009 03:46 PM
my first time to ever run a motorcycle down the dragstrip was last summer in texas. it was hot as balls, i was showroom stock, and ran a 6.76@113mph on my 3rd pass ever. the next week i went a 6.40 @117 w/ a 1.62 60ft here in cali at a track with good air. i would look for mid 6's @ 115 or so on your first trip out. as long as you can get the bike off the line, i think that you'll be surprised at how easy it is to get down the track.
____________
Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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LAB3
Needs a job
Posts: 2977
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posted February 25, 2009 06:43 PM
quote:
my first time to ever run a motorcycle down the dragstrip was last summer in texas. it was hot as balls, i was showroom stock, and ran a 6.76@113mph on my 3rd pass ever. the next week i went a 6.40 @117 w/ a 1.62 60ft here in cali at a track with good air. i would look for mid 6's @ 115 or so on your first trip out. as long as you can get the bike off the line, i think that you'll be surprised at how easy it is to get down the track.
Where in Texas? I live near Fort Worth.
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kaw-rick
Pro
Posts: 1167
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posted February 25, 2009 06:51 PM
I predict he will run 9.90.
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Bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted February 25, 2009 07:03 PM
Redline raceway in caddo mills (near greenville) I'm originally from paris tx.
____________
Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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LAB3
Needs a job
Posts: 2977
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posted February 25, 2009 07:08 PM
We drive thru Greenville when we go see the in-laws in Atlanta, Tx.
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slates
Expert Class
Posts: 377
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posted February 25, 2009 07:16 PM
quote:
Ok first thing don't treat this like a cure for cancer ...It's just a motorcycle and a day at the track .... If you go into this all wound up you will just have to many things on your mind to make a good pass .... Face the facts that it's going to be many many trips to the track to get a handle on the bike .. Clear your head , relax and go have fun even if you only run 11s ..
The bike with 225 pounds will run mid nines...
Stage at 3500 ... Slide the clutch out slowly , when the clutch is fully out roll on the throttle ( slowly ) It should bog a bit but that's fine just keep it pinned ..If it is going to wheely it will be close to the top of first gear .. Be ready to trim the throttle if needed and shift to second gear ....The rest is easy shift at 11200 , tuck in tight and go for the ride . Make sure you pull your strap down real tight , you should have about a half inch or less between the fender and upper fairing..... Lastly do not look at the bike in the other lane , keep your eyes on your bike ....... Rinse and repeat untill clean ...
Just looked at your picture ...Your are not lowered so to get the strap down to a half inch will be impossible ... Just get it down as far as you can and that will have to do for now .. If you want 9s you need to lower the front and rear ...
Smokin - great advice as always - technical and practical expertise...its great having you as a resource on this board...thank you!
____________
black zx14 - Brock's Gen3 Carbon, PCIII, no secondaries, Carrozzeria wheels, Sato rearsets, Pazzo levers, GPR V4 steering damper, Puig windscreen, Tiger Racing chain guard
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted February 25, 2009 07:35 PM
I actually just got to texas today, in dallas right now going to austin. Moving some people to minnesota.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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Rau
Parking Attendant
Love to ride not pose.
Posts: 30
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posted February 25, 2009 08:50 PM
1st time at the track on a 14, you'll do a 10.5 firs runt, I guarntee it! Keep us posted.
____________
To Ride or not ride, that is the question.
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smokehouse4444
Zone Head
XX to ZX
Posts: 648
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posted February 25, 2009 08:50 PM
eklipse, are you going to stop at SAR? I'm breaking in some new tires, so I may or may not be there Friday. Beond, I went from a '99 XX to an '08 Atomic Silver ZX. Definitely a big difference. My XX was bone stock. My 14 has gone through so many changes from my first ever bone stock track run to where it is now I have been constantly adjusting. I'm keeping it like it is right now for awhile, so looking forward to getting those times down. I do know that strapping it made a HUGE difference. I'm reminded how much everytime my street riding turns a bit more aggressive and that front end wants to touch the sky! Good luck, and just remember to have FUN!!!
____________
2008 Atomic Silver ZX-14, Brock's this and that, some other stuff, 260 in full gear, powered by Cheese
2005 Ducati 999 with all the goodies
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Rau
Parking Attendant
Love to ride not pose.
Posts: 30
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posted February 25, 2009 09:02 PM
I gotta admit, its painful reading these posts, the drag strip 20 mins from my house doesn't open until April!!! Kinda hard to race on snow and ice!
____________
To Ride or not ride, that is the question.
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Beondwacko
Expert Class
Posts: 393
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posted February 26, 2009 04:10 AM
quote:
1st time at the track on a 14, you'll do a 10.5 firs runt, I guarntee it! Keep us posted.
If I can only manage to pull 10.50's my first time out on the 14, I'll be majorly pissed off. Not at the bike mind you, but at me. It's been since last May that I have had a bike on the track so, yeah, I'll be a little rusty, and fridays are pretty busy so I have no idea how many runs I'll get in. I have been to this track prob' 40 times (only once though since it's rebuild) and fridays are crowded with the "Miami" racers. Sometimes I can get in as many as 10 passes, sometimes as few as 4.
If folks have bolted the straps to a caliper bolt with a washer and not had problems, I'll give it a try untill my brackets arrive. The straps on my XX were worth approx' .3 seconds.
I expect the following numbers but I wouldn't be suprised if I were slower.
60' - 1.75-1.80 ( I have no idea how well a stock well worn OEM tire will hook up.)
1/8 mile - 6.50's @ 112-115mph
1/4 mile - (this is an ugly guess at best!) 10.30's- 9.90's @ 140ish.
____________
08' Atomic Silver, PCIII, Brocks pipe,BMC, -1, strapped front end
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted February 26, 2009 04:56 AM
I ran my stock tire at 30psi and 1.6 60ft and never had a traction problem. I think you will be fine there.
Don't know what sar is smokehouse, but the only place we stop is to get fuel, and the shippers house to load up. I ride with the driver, so I kinda don't get too many choices of where I can go! Only gonna be here today (thurs) and we will be done early tomorrow and headed to minnesota.
____________
Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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Bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted February 26, 2009 06:53 AM
if you see one, be sure to stop and eat at saltgrass steakhouse. guarantee you it's the best steak you've ever had.
____________
Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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smokehouse4444
Zone Head
XX to ZX
Posts: 648
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posted February 26, 2009 11:42 AM
SAR is San Antonio Raceway. Outside of Austin and San Antonio. Enjoy your trip through!
____________
2008 Atomic Silver ZX-14, Brock's this and that, some other stuff, 260 in full gear, powered by Cheese
2005 Ducati 999 with all the goodies
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Beondwacko
Expert Class
Posts: 393
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posted February 27, 2009 09:13 PM
FINALLY !!!!
I got to the track tonight. I got in 5 passes, but one was a throw-away with a bit of a tank slapper while landing a first gear wheelie. Duh big suprise there.
Anyway, here's how it went.
Temp around 67'
Humidity......no friggin' idea but dew was forming on still vehicles by the end of the night.
My bike,,,,, 08', details in the first posting.
38 psi of pressure front and rear
Stock height , not strapped untill next week.
1st pass:
10.63 @143 with a 2.12 60' , 7.19@113 in the 1/8
2nd pass:
10.53 @142.42 mph , 1.89 60' time , 7.05@111 in the 1/8
3rd pass 10.31 @ 144.07 mph, 1.9 60' , 6.89 @ 114.42 in the 1/8
Last pass: 10.34 @142.9 mph , 1.93 60' , 6.94 @115.11 in the 1/8
I was thrilled when I got down to the 10.30's and even more with hitting 115 in the 1/8 and 144 in the 1/4.
Strapped is gonna be fun. I'm aiming for the 9's shortly.
____________
08' Atomic Silver, PCIII, Brocks pipe,BMC, -1, strapped front end
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pazx14rider
Zone Head
Posts: 953
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posted February 27, 2009 09:19 PM
Get those 60" down to a 1.6 and you will have a 9 second run, how did you do in elimenations?
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smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted February 27, 2009 09:26 PM
Damn good !!! First timer at 225 pounds and no strap !! You will get 9s next time out ...
____________
Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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