Land Speed Record attempt

[mtiberio]

Not Bonneville, but El Mirage dry lake bed. I recently purchased my old big block roadracer that I had sold 23 years ago. My plan it to prepare it for a land speed record attempt at El MIrage in May. I am well on the way to getting the bike ready to pass the SCTA tech inspection. I do not expect to top the effort of a few years ago by Team Crowbar (I believe). I really just want to see what my old race bike could do, and I'm not interested in "professional money burning", at least not past a certain point...

What I could use...
1) I need a 10 spline to 20 spline driveshaft adapter so that I can try some Convert rear gears on my 5 speed bike.
2) A place near El Mirage where I could store a trailer and motorcycle and tools and gear for the racing season (May to November).
3) Perhaps some logistical help, places to crash, pit crew help, etc.

Feel free to respond here or via PM if personal info is involved...

Mike

racer by mtiberio, on Flickr

[Chuck in Indiana]

 

[mtiberio]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NJnWzI6Ijc

don't know how to embed youtube on this forum...

[rodekyll]

The shaft you need can be made using the front yoke of a 10-spline mated via u-joint to a Convert drive shaft.

[Rough Edge racing]

 Hey, another LSR  guy  I run land speed racing on the east coast and my 650 Triumphs hold a few records....My race bike rider ran a stripped down cafe style high mileage 84 Guzzi 950 at the Ohio mile ,117 MPH........
  El Mirage does not have the MPG class shown in your photo. You will have to run altered class....The record in the 1000 cc pushrod gas class is 153 MPH.....
  From my experience and watching other bikes there's a few inexpensive things you can do to increase speed....Lower the bike as much as possible, you should be able to slide the fork tubes up in the yokes......To lower the back you can make some solid struts to replace the shocks...many bikes run solid rear suspension...
  If it's a naked frame bike the rider's position is all important...Viewed from the side, when in full tuck, the riders back need to be level..Having your ass lower than the helmet costs speed...You may not get the position with the fuel tank on the bike..
  Safety rules are simple, safety wire the axles, tether kill switch, and the tire speed rating must match the class speed record in SCTA rules...That would be VR or W rated tires less than 10 years old for the 153 MPH record...
 Good luck and be prepared, it can be addictive.......... ...

[mtiberio]

Thanks, I was prepared to run A-PG, but SCTA decided to add M class for motorcycles this year. Since my V rated tires are only good for 149, and Z rated radials aren't allowed with tubes, I'm going to get the tires shaved to raise the speed rating. I may remove the extra padding I added to the bum stop for road racing to give me more body position options. Short shocks are on order, and I have already moved the tubes up the clamps the max. If I don't hit 130, I'll be extremely disappointed.

[Rough Edge racing]

Thanks, I was prepared to run A-PG, but SCTA decided to add M class for motorcycles this year. Since my V rated tires are only good for 149, and Z rated radials aren't allowed with tubes, I'm going to get the tires shaved to raise the speed rating. I may remove the extra padding I added to the bum stop for road racing to give me more body position options. Short shocks are on order, and I have already moved the tubes up the clamps the max. If I don't hit 130, I'll be extremely disappointed.

  Sounds like you have a good start...... My   old Triumph MPG650 runs 126-128 mph back east on paved  LSR tracks with 55 rear wheel HP...The air density at El Mirage cam be lower but I think you can run 130 or more ...Good luck !

[dl.allen]

Rough edge, I have a stock 51 triumph except gas tank and fender.  What would I have to do to run at Bonneville?
Does the salt immediately ruin the bike?
Wanting to run down there a non competition bucketlist thing

[TBShorty]

You might try to hook up with Dead Lake Racing.  Great bunch of guys racing on the cheap selling T-shirts out of their trailer.  They're road racers but racing is racing and I'd bet they would be happy lend a hand.

[Rough Edge racing]

Rough edge, I have a stock 51 triumph except gas tank and fender.  What would I have to do to run at Bonneville?
Does the salt immediately ruin the bike?
Wanting to run down there a non competition bucketlist thing

 The salt is a nuisance and may promote rust but it can be washed off.......You bike would fall into vintage modified production...You have to safety wire axle shaft and nuts, have tires that are less than 10 year old with a speed rating to equal the speed record of the class you run in...And you may have to install fire resistant covering on the fuel lines. The bike needs a tether kill switch you hook to your sleeve to kill the engine if you/re thrown off the machine, or bail out.. And the bike overall needs to look decent. You need to wear full leathers with sewed on metal zippers , a 2005 or maybe newer  helmet with a Snell rating, boots and gloves...Go to the SCTA website and buy a rule book....It's has all the requirements.. I believe to get on the salt may be about 600 buck or more...

[Gliderjohn]

Concerning storage, there is a gliderport there. Many pilots are bike enthusiasts. Maybe someone there would spare you some hanger room or assist in finding storage. Best time to catch people there are weekends.
GliderJohn

[mtiberio]

Anyone have an 8:33 rear drive to sell?

[HarveyMushman]

https://youtu.be/JmPDqiyNe2U

[mtiberio]

Thanks...

[HarveyMushman]

Thanks...

Thank you!  As I mentioned Saturday, I last saw the bike at Nelson Ledges in '92 (I think).  It made a lasting impression, and is a big reason why I have a Guzzi today.   

[jagwillie]

Mike,
I have a good 9/34 set if that is any use to you.
Bill Bassett

[mtiberio]

Mike,
I have a good 9/34 set if that is any use to you.
Bill Bassett

Since I'm a convert pervert, I have a couple of those... I am looking for a 10 to 20 spline coupler.

[guzzisteve]

I would like to know what the gold colored mags in the last pic are? Mfg?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I would like to know what the gold colored mags in the last pic are? Mfg?

Astralite. http://www.rennstar.com/

[jagwillie]

Mike,
I believe I have a 10/20 coupler, I'll check and let you know.
Bill Bassett

[guzzisteve]

Astralite. http://www.rennstar.com/

That's what I thought, wasn't sure. Thanks.

[mtiberio]

The fellow I sold those Astralites to is willing to let me borrow them. As it turns out, narrow tires are better for LSR attempts.

[jagwillie]

I do have a coupler. Send your address and I'll send it.
Bill Bassett

[mtiberio]

Found a crack in my 38mm clipon. Must fix tomorrow to make El Mirage on Friday.  Anyone in LA area have some 38mm clipons? 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Found a crack in my 38mm clipon. Must fix tomorrow to make El Mirage on Friday.  Anyone in LA area have some 38mm clipons?

Have you called Mark at MGC?
(562) 986-0070

[mtiberio]

Taken care of. Thanks

[Dharma Bum]

Best of luck!  Be sure and fill us in on the attempt.

[groundhog105]

How did you do this weekend go Mike?

[mtiberio]

Did 115 on my first attempt. Had issue shifting, never made 5th. Next day, did 129.3 on a 130 MPH record.

[Muzz]

Now THAT is getting close!