06redzx14
Pro
Posts: 1022
|
posted February 17, 2010 08:27 AM
launch RPM
I know this has been covered 100s of times, but as time has gone by we've found different ways of doing it.
at what RPM do you launch?
4K with 16/45 netted a best of 1.45 once and 1.47-1.51 consistant 240 suited
5K with 16/44 currently nets 1.51-1.54. The head on my bike may have taken away some low end power.
____________
06 alien head, no flies, PC+hub, 16/45 44 43, air shifter, dry shot
  
|
Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 17, 2010 08:29 AM
I've launched everywhere from 3500-6000 with about the same 60 foots. I think the tendancy as the launch rpm comes up is to be easier with the throttle on the break.
I look more at the 330'.
|
06redzx14
Pro
Posts: 1022
|
posted February 17, 2010 08:50 AM
what are you leaving at now shane?
____________
06 alien head, no flies, PC+hub, 16/45 44 43, air shifter, dry shot
|
Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 17, 2010 08:53 AM
Around 5500. It wants to wheelie if I go any higher.
|
06redzx14
Pro
Posts: 1022
|
posted February 17, 2010 08:55 AM
my 330's are consistant 3.97-4.0s so I know I can get more agressive with the throttle or clutch just haven't figured it out yet
____________
06 alien head, no flies, PC+hub, 16/45 44 43, air shifter, dry shot
|
kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
|
posted February 17, 2010 08:56 AM
quote:
I think the tendancy as the launch rpm comes up is to be easier with the throttle on the break. .
Bingo. The lower rpm I launch I see that I have a tendency of flashing the clutch wacking the throttle open too quickly before ever completely letting go of the clutch lever. Makes me wheelie a lot.
____________
Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
|
CraigChrist
Pro
BAWLS
Posts: 1043
|
posted February 17, 2010 12:07 PM
7k is my magic number with the shitty air at my track and the 16/46 gearing. My best 60ft of 1.42, but last time I was at the track I averaged a 1.46-1.48. With my riding style I usually only carry the wheel about 6-8" off the ground. My times aren't really a good judge of what anything should be running though.
____________
60ft-------1.42
1/8th------5.97
mph-------119
|
Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
|
posted February 17, 2010 12:14 PM
SWB here....
I set my launch RPM around 7k and as the tree comes down I preload the clutch which brings RPM down a bit...roll on gas, off front brake and clutch comes out all at the same time....wheelies are rarely an issue with me, even SWB
____________
SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
|
Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
|
posted February 17, 2010 01:17 PM
 Edited By: Some Guy on 17 Feb 2010 21:18
Are all you guys driving stretched bikes? I can't imagine launching my stock-length 14 at 7000 rpm. I still haven't raced at the track, but I do try and practice launching quickly so I don't look like total loser when I finally get my first crack at it.
____________
'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
|
Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
|
posted February 17, 2010 01:30 PM
quote:
Are all you guys driving stretched bikes? I can't imagine launching my stock-length 14 at 7000 rpm. I still haven't raced at the track, but I do try and practice launching quickly so I don't look like total loser when I finally get my first crack at it.
SWB=Stock Wheel Base=not stretched
If you go up to the line and set your rpm at 7k and dump the clutch you will find yourself upside down. It ain't that easy and I don't suggest anyone that has not done this before to do that.
Get to the line and leave the tree like you are leaving a stop-light and go like you stole it. As you get more experience, you will find better technique and your skill set will grow as you get more seat time at the strip.
____________
SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
|
Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 17, 2010 01:31 PM
quote:
Are all you guys driving stretched bikes? I can't imagine launching my stock-length 14 at 7000 rpm. I still haven't raced at the track, but I do try and practice launching quickly so I don't look like total loser when I finally get my first crack at it.
Some people launch the bike under 3000 rpm at stock length. Like I said, it all depends on how aggressive you are. In my case, my bike would go vertical launching at 7k rpm...and I'm at almost 65".
|
Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
|
posted February 17, 2010 01:38 PM
Edited By: Some Guy on 17 Feb 2010 21:39
That's what I thought. I've never launched any more than 3000 rpm yet. On my old 900 I'd get it up to 4000-5000 with not much of a wheelie...
But man, I gotta get it to the track this year. Looking at some of the threads I can see what to expect. I get all my fun getting on the freeway everyday. One of these days I'll probably be arrested...
____________
'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
|
14nooby
Zone Head
Posts: 987
|
posted February 17, 2010 02:01 PM
quote:
SWB here....
I set my launch RPM around 7k and as the tree comes down I preload the clutch which brings RPM down a bit...roll on gas, off front brake and clutch comes out all at the same time....wheelies are rarely an issue with me, even SWB
I respect many peoples riding styles but why the front brake? That seems like alot going on and to worry about.
|
Beondwacko
Expert Class
Posts: 393
|
posted February 17, 2010 02:24 PM
quote:
quote:
SWB here....
I set my launch RPM around 7k and as the tree comes down I preload the clutch which brings RPM down a bit...roll on gas, off front brake and clutch comes out all at the same time....wheelies are rarely an issue with me, even SWB
I respect many peoples riding styles but why the front brake? That seems like alot going on and to worry about.
The reason he's grabing the front brake is so that when he gently preloads the clutch, he also keeps his position in the beams.
I also am at SWB and I launch between 4-5K rpm. I modulate the throttle to keep the front down once the clutch is let out, and since I lowered the bike, I find myself rolling the throttle on to about 80% as speed increases in first gear.
Don't ask about my 60' times though. In comparision to most of the other guys here, I'm terribly slow at high 1.6's. I'm expecting some improvement once I really get used to the lower ride height, but I've only launched the bike 7 times so far lowered. It's going to take a lot more seat time for me.
____________
08' Atomic Silver, PCIII, Brocks pipe,BMC, -1, strapped front end
|
Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 17, 2010 02:32 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 17 Feb 2010 22:33
Typically you wouldn't want to have to use the brake to keep the bike from moving. At that point you are just heating up the clutch. But everyone has their own style, and what matters is how it works for you. 
Me, I lightly drag the clutch to get the 2nd beam, and then ease off just a hair.
|
eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
|
posted February 17, 2010 03:22 PM
quote:
Typically you wouldn't want to have to use the brake to keep the bike from moving. At that point you are just heating up the clutch. But everyone has their own style, and what matters is how it works for you.
Me, I lightly drag the clutch to get the 2nd beam, and then ease off just a hair.
+1! well said.
I launch at 6,000-6,100 at 66" wb 16/48 gearing. The last 5 or 6 trips to the track my 60fts have been steady 1.3's with running 1.35's a small handfull of times.
What I have figure out that works best for me is when you leave, the first 5ft need to be exploded, getting the bike moving, then release the clutch as soon as possible and wot asap.
Everyone is different but it has been very sucessful for me.
____________
Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
|
kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
|
posted February 17, 2010 03:32 PM
John Fernandez stages with the brake held if you watch the videos. I did it for a solid year and the only reason I quit was reaction times were bad. As soon as I quit I was redlighting like a mf'r...
____________
Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
|
eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
|
posted February 17, 2010 04:48 PM
quote:
John Fernandez stages with the brake held if you watch the videos. I did it for a solid year and the only reason I quit was reaction times were bad. As soon as I quit I was redlighting like a mf'r...
hmm... I don't see how in the world he does that. I just watched one of his videos and that's crazy! I think my fingers on the brake would Mess my throttle control up. But everyone has their own technique.
____________
Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
|
Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 17, 2010 05:04 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 18 Feb 2010 01:05
When I first started racing, I always covered my front brake while staging. I was so used to riding in traffic and such, that it was my habit.
It took a lot of focus to break that habit! It didn't feel "natural". 
|
Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
|
posted February 17, 2010 05:44 PM
quote:
Typically you wouldn't want to have to use the brake to keep the bike from moving. At that point you are just heating up the clutch. But everyone has their own style, and what matters is how it works for you.
Me, I lightly drag the clutch to get the 2nd beam, and then ease off just a hair.
funny you would say that about the clutch. I don't go through a set of fibers at anywhere near what most do. It's just a different technique. It's pretty easy on equipment as well. No shock to the driveline, smooth suspension hit...looks very mild to the dump and run crowd, but still getting it done. More than one way to skin the cat.:grin
____________
SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
|
Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 17, 2010 05:48 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 18 Feb 2010 01:50
But when you hold the brake the clutch is dragging...and it's not moving you.
Friction = heat = wear. That aspect of your technique is not what is saving your clutch...trust me!
|
Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
|
posted February 17, 2010 05:50 PM
quote:
quote:
SWB here....
I set my launch RPM around 7k and as the tree comes down I preload the clutch which brings RPM down a bit...roll on gas, off front brake and clutch comes out all at the same time....wheelies are rarely an issue with me, even SWB
I respect many peoples riding styles but why the front brake? That seems like alot going on and to worry about.
Just how I learned and very routine for me. I don't like to go on a pro tree with this style, it's more of a rythme thing for me on a bracket tree. When I am in rythme, I am pretty good on the tree. But for me the tree is the last thing to come to me. I like a lot of hits on the tree to feel comfortable.
It has netted me many 1.3s on a 63 1/2" wheelbase. Good set up and seat time seat time seat time.
____________
SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
|
Nelson Taylor
Zone Head
Posts: 927
|
posted February 17, 2010 07:28 PM
quote:
SWB here....
I set my launch RPM around 7k and as the tree comes down I preload the clutch which brings RPM down a bit...roll on gas, off front brake and clutch comes out all at the same time....wheelies are rarely an issue with me, even SWB
Damn Qtr lb, I've been launching at 5k for the past 4 years at swb thought that was high. I never wheelie unless I throw too much of the clutch out. I've seen some guys launch around 3500 and have great 330's for SWB. I will have to try 6-7k this season. Clutch life may differ a bit with high rpm's for me. I've been running the same clutch for two years now.
____________
Best #'s
1.54
4.03
6.02 @ 121mph
(Stock Wheelbase) 2006 ZX14
|
smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
|
posted February 17, 2010 08:03 PM
62 inches i leave at 5000 to 5500 , Best 60 foot was 1.34 .... Stockwheel base 3500 with a 1.50 60 foot ..
____________
Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
|
Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
|
posted February 17, 2010 08:28 PM
quote:
62 inches i leave at 5000 to 5500 , Best 60 foot was 1.34 .... Stockwheel base 3500 with a 1.50 60 foot ..
I tried to leave at that RPM and kept boggin the bike. Flies were still in though. I just pulled them and plan on trying a few different things to see any differences. You are my target Lee...you've been a great help in getting me to where I'm at with my 14.
____________
SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC