My Suzuki Cup Final...

SuperDave · 10-05-2007, 05:10 AM

What is the Suzuki Cup Final?

Well, in 1986, American Suzuki developed another part of their GSXR contingency package which involved a final race between GSXR750 and GSXR1100 racers invited from all around the United States. It's not a new concept, as Honda did it with the Intercepter 500 and Yamaha did it with the RZ350.

During the year, manufacturers offer money and other things as an incentive for expert road racers to race their machines at different events. Yamaha was the only one that I know of in recent times that offered that to anyone in the amateur ranks. They had a Seca II Cup race for amateur only guys. A Texas guy from my school won it in 1994. Honda allowed it for the Interceptor race, amateurs and experts, so I understand.

Anyway, I raced in four Suzuki Cup events during the year. HPT in April, Brainerd in June and August, and Road America in July. I won two races at Brainerd, got fifth at HPT...first time I ever raced the thing, and seventh at Road America. I also raced my SV1000 in the 750 Supersport race at Brainerd. I got seventh both times. The SV1000 just isn't even as fast as a fair 600 in a straight line, but it was fun all the same...

A win will be hard. I don't think I can beat Tray Batey at Road Atlanta. Road Atlanta is complex, and the WERA guys run it a lot. I've ran it rather occasionally. It's hilly, intimidating, and dangerous in some places.

I'd like to put my bike on the box...because I get a big check if I do. I mean a check that is about four feet long. Never got one of those, and, at my age, I'm always looking for some kind of new challenge. I'm finally going to the Cup Final this year. The big check would be a great bonus.

I spent the day last Saturday at http://www.4and6.com in Chicago. My SV1000 is stock. Sometimes, that's kind of painful. The Suzuki Cup Final is limited by HP and weight. I weighed in at 412 at Topeka in April. The limit is 410, so I'm ok. On the dyno, they limit you to 125. I thought that I might be around 115 or so at Topeka in April. We ran probably 40 runs on the bike with some pretty hot fuel, and we went from 110 to 115HP. I'm hurting with that. Basically, the SV doesn't have enough compression. We don't have any time to do anything. Next year, yeah, I guess we'll do something there, but, nothing can effectively be done with less than ten days to go.

Doing some maintenance earlier this afternoon, I'm having all kinds of fun.

A nail in a trailer tire, a leaking fork, and I have a shock problem now also. Last time I raced, the bike felt funny, and I didn't connect that directly to the shock, but it all make sense now. The remote resevoir came loose, and I'm sure I've lost all the nitrogen and some oil. So, I have no dampening. I'm going to have to try to jump through some hoops to get the shock fixed before I leave on Monday.

nhfirefighter13 · 10-05-2007, 07:20 AM

Good luck, Dave!

Heavy-Dee · 10-05-2007, 08:20 AM

Thanks for the post SD. Have a great time and good luck.

HondaGalToo · 10-05-2007, 08:45 AM

Good luck, have a great time, and keep us posted!

SuperDave · 10-05-2007, 08:49 AM

Thanks, everyone.

I'm hoping to make some more money for my pediatric cancer program in the process during all this. Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer There are still kids with cancer, so I have work to do.

bwhip · 10-05-2007, 09:52 AM

You're a good man to do that for such a good cause. Have fun, be safe, and let us know how it all turns out!

CBRVFR · 10-05-2007, 10:13 AM

Best Luck, Dave - and watch out for that turn 12..

ONEvcs · 10-05-2007, 10:54 AM

Good luck. We're pulling for you. That'll add you those extra 10 Hp you're missing.

SheepOfBlue · 10-05-2007, 11:52 AM

I found Road Atlanta easy to learn so you will do fine there. CBRVFR may even have some memories from Schwantz on lines that he can pass along (getting directions from me will be hazardous to your sanity). Also Thermosman is close to RA so you might get some emergency help that way if you had to (unless he is on the road).

Good luck

SuperDave · 10-05-2007, 12:22 PM

I think I'll be ok, suspension wise. http://www.4and6.com is going to be able to take care of me. I had a moment of panic last night, and I realized that Jim and his guys would be able to take care of me. I'll be heading there tomorrow.

As for easy to learn?

Well, Tray Batey qualified last year with a 1:29 on his SV1000. That's smokin' fast on an AMA Supersport based 600, let alone a heavy assed underpowered SV1000...LOL! I'll certainly have my work cut out for me.

SheepOfBlue · 10-05-2007, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperDave

I think I'll be ok, suspension wise. http://www.4and6.com is going to be able to take care of me. I had a moment of panic last night, and I realized that Jim and his guys would be able to take care of me. I'll be heading there tomorrow.

As for easy to learn?

Well, Tray Batey qualified last year with a 1:29 on his SV1000. That's smokin' fast on an AMA Supersport based 600, let alone a heavy assed underpowered SV1000...LOL! I'll certainly have my work cut out for me.

I said learn not be fast on, remember I cannot speak for fast

SuperDave · 10-05-2007, 12:50 PM

I know the track reasonably well. I raced there in 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1998, and a little last year. Never great laps with lots of good things happening. I think we had rain in 2006, 1993, and even some in 1987. Several configurations, really.

And I still don't want twelve to eat me...LOL!

Hammer · 10-05-2007, 06:48 PM

Good luck Dave.

CBR929RE · 10-06-2007, 03:21 PM

good luck on getting that oversized check.

evl_twn · 10-06-2007, 03:58 PM

Good luck

SuperDave · 10-06-2007, 07:15 PM

Thanks, everyone!

I'm finding things that need to be done, emergency style...LOL!

Replaced a trailer tire, and then I found another one with a nail in it. Back to the tire store.

Found a leaky fork seal...and my shock. I'm all fixed, now I need to mount up my second set of body work.

tigerblade · 10-26-2007, 09:24 PM

Well?

SuperDave · 10-28-2007, 10:56 AM

Well, it was a lot of work, and exciting.

My SV1000 is for sale, though. You need it...LOL!

Long version?

SheepOfBlue · 10-28-2007, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperDave

Well, it was a lot of work, and exciting.

My SV1000 is for sale, though. You need it...LOL!

Long version?

That version was worse than the teaser on the evening network news

SuperDave · 10-28-2007, 12:09 PM

LOL! Yeah, ok, I totally know what you mean...

Lemme go and get some stuff I posted, because there was a lot...

SuperDave · 10-28-2007, 12:10 PM

Well, we've been here a few days now.

Drove all day and night to get to sit in Atlanta traffic on Tuesday. But we made it to the track for evening registration, set up, and even tech inspection. That was nice because we wouldn't have to do that in the morning.

Wednesday was an optional practice. And that means that it cost extra. I had opportunity for about 55 mintues of practice between the morning and afternoon session. First practice was fine. Nothing spectatular for a time, but I just need laps and laps to understand the tracks. After sessions, I'm going back to the lap top and taking notes.

I started with my 17mm fork extensions at about half way.

The second session got really exciting. I was trying to push my set up a bit, and I didn't like the way the bike felt. We had moved the forks so that the extensions were not fully flush with the upper triple clamp. I like it, but it felt funny in a couple spots.

So, I decided to come into the pits. It was a bit warm, and I though it was funny that I was getting some fogging on my shield. Well, I touched my shield, and it smeared. It was oil. I looked down, and I could see it coming out of my fork seal. It was on my boot, frame, all over.

I just had that seal replaced on Saturday, and we had moved more weight off the front. WTF? Took it over to one of the suspension guys. I had one more seal left. We came back, and he was all excited to see us. "What's missing from this fork?" he said. We kind of stammered for an answer. I didn't watch Jim really closely at http://www.4and6.com, but I didn't feel like I needed to. He asked again, but he came out and showed us.

He held an orange o-ring in his hand.

I usually use a zip tie on my fork tube just to guage what's happening to my fork travel. But while I was in Chicago, Jim upgraded me to an o ring. Well, apparently, an o-ring, being round, can move past the slider, and then the seal...LOL!

Back together and ready for Thursday. I decided that we should change gearing. I was told by someone that the 17/40 gear ratio isn't too bad for the SV1000 at Road Atlanta. It was good. Into where the old "Gravity Cavity" used to be, I'm in sixth with an indicated 170+MPH. But I'm running into the rev limiter going back and forth on the side walls of the bike down the esses in third. I didn't want to shift, so we went to a 17/39.

Thursday practice was very short. I missed the first session, and it was cold. That's fine. Second and final session, I got out, and it was red flagged because some people decided to pitch it away. Three laps and out.

Today, I tried to figure out the momentum of the track. Really, no changes to Thursday's set up, but I was able to run it in a bit better and hold it open longer. I dropped a second from the previous day to a 1:35 and change. A 1:31 might win, but possilbly not. Really, I need to crap four seconds to have a better chance at everything, but that's going to be hard. I still need to work for this. I'll have two sessions of practice, then we have 15 minutes of qualifying. My time isn't probably terribly important for my grid as I should have a front row position because I'm a region champion. But it will guide me on how fast I can go.

I've only seen one SV1000 on track with me. I passed him quite easily, but it had a silver frame. Might not even be in the Cup race as they only allow bikes that are two years old.

I worked with fuel and weigh also. I went over the scales a 419#. I had two gallons of fuel on board. The weight limit is 410. So, we're going to make sure that we figure having two gallons of fuel in the tank at the end of the race...and qualifying.

On the dyno in Chicago, the OEM ECU was mapped with a Factory Pro Tekka fuel injection adjuster. We had around 115HP with this particular fuel. I don't have a lot, so I have set that aside until the dyno opportunities. I had been running two gallons of pump gas with one gallon of a racing fuel that I know well. I came up with 115HP again. That was nice. Then we drained it and put the other fuel in. We came up with 118HP. So, I've decided that we'll use that fuel for qualifying and the race. Might be worth a second. The dyno limit is 125, and some guys are claiming that they could do it with a stock motor and hot racing fuel. I'd love to be more like 121, really. I'm a bit disappointed that way, but that's the way it is, so race it.

For tomorrow, I dropped the back of the bike at the rear shock by one full turn, bringing the rear a bit closer to stock.

SuperDave · 10-28-2007, 12:11 PM

There was a production based twins race today. I don't have a WERA license, and, as a result, I have no points and no invitation to race in that race.

Tray Batey won the race, and he won the SV1000 race last year too. His lap times were in the 1:29 to 1:30 range. He blew over the HP limit last year or the weight requirement in qualifying despite putting in the pole time...similar to his 1:29 in this race.

Second and third in the race today were turning 1:31's. So, I need to figure out where I'm going to loose four to four and a half seconds to be in that group. A 1:31 is what I have been hoping for, but I was also hoping for a little more power too. I can have everything, so I'll have to work with what I have.

Really hoping that I can just settle down a bit, hit things smoothly, and make up some more ground. Hoping that my minor suspension changes are in the right direction.

SuperDave · 10-28-2007, 12:12 PM

Ok, we got up earlier this AM so that I could actually do both sessions of practice. The mornings are cold, so you've got to watch out. Additionally, the shadows are kind of strange too.

I went out and did a 1:35 and some change for my fastest lap for the first session. We changed fuel, and I decided to try and change what I was doing by upshifting in a couple places that I hadn't before. Specifically, the run down to five and throw an upshift down the front straight. With that, we'd change the gearing back to a 17/40 so I could spin the bike just a little more and pull the swingarm pivot back away from the front end. Also, we'd replace the Michelin Power Race "C" rear tire with another one.

The second session went pretty well. I shot off the goofy new bendy, stupid chicane thing between two and three a couple times trying to get things right. I wasn't taking the mental time to make a down shift into those sections, and I finally got it right.

The bike felt pretty crisp, and I was motivated. I brought my lap time down to a 1:33.753. Now things are starting to get serious. I'm feeling a little better about what's around each corner or what's above the blind hills. I'm not perfect, but I'm at least riding the bike with lap times that are respectable, I feel, for an SV1000 Cup race. I need to make up more time still.

Suzuki was generous enough to give me two t-shirts, I got one for myself and another for PJ, my crew and one of my school instructors. And they gave us arm bands for lunch in a little pavillion. Nothings special...I know know I'm allergic to wheat and yeast, so I had two hot dogs and a hamburger...no contiments or buns...LOL!

After that, we had the SV1000 qualifying. It's a small field. Only five guys, which is really too bad. We'll certainly be the smallest field, but then again, I don't know of anyone having an RC51, Ducati 999, or even an Aprilia RSV series event. I hope Suzuki continues to pay out on the SV1000 for 2008. I need the money for my pediatric cancer program.

Anyway, Tray Batey rides for Vesrah Suzuki. He's just fast, and older than me too, even. He's winning a lot of races this weekend, and he's qualifying on the pole for other races. So, again, he has that ultra fast lap in the 1:29 range. These two other guys take off, and I go after them because I saw that they were running pretty fast laps yesterday in a race. I don't have a WERA license, so this is all I get. Anyway, I could keep up pretty well. I dropped my lap time down to a 1:32.598. I kept those guys in sight the whole time, but I didn't feel a complete need to keep up. I wanted to, but I'm still a little uncomfortable with where the track goes. Being really close to them leaves me a little lost on if I'm actually going to be on the grass or on the pavement. Anyway, I didn't feel like I was loosing any time in the straight sections, and my time reflects that I'm making more progress.

Really, everything is pretty darn good. Basically, I'm three seconds off the pole time. I'm one second off the second and third qualifiers. They've been here, and they didn't make up any time from their races yesterday. I'm still figuring out the track...

So, I think I can potentially put down a 1:31, and maybe do a 1:30. I'd really be pleased with that.

I still would like to be on the box for the top three so I can get the "big check"...four feet long...LOL! Going to bed in about two hours after eating and watching more videos just to feel like I'm doing laps without any physical stress.

MyLaps.com || powered by AMB transponders has the results and timing notes. I think it's a bit cumbersome to find things on it, but if you're wondering how I did yesterday, that might have the earliest information.

After the race and, hopefully, the podium ceremonies, we're loading up and heading to Heartland Park Topeka 900 miles away for a track day on Monday. Whew! I think I'll have internet again when I get there.

Thanks for all the good wishes, guys!

And don't forget in your prayers and all...

I race against pediatric cancer. Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer I'm hoping for a good pay day here to put toward pediatric cancer research.

10-05-2007, 05:10 AM	#1
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	My Suzuki Cup Final... What is the Suzuki Cup Final? Well, in 1986, American Suzuki developed another part of their GSXR contingency package which involved a final race between GSXR750 and GSXR1100 racers invited from all around the United States. It's not a new concept, as Honda did it with the Intercepter 500 and Yamaha did it with the RZ350. During the year, manufacturers offer money and other things as an incentive for expert road racers to race their machines at different events. Yamaha was the only one that I know of in recent times that offered that to anyone in the amateur ranks. They had a Seca II Cup race for amateur only guys. A Texas guy from my school won it in 1994. Honda allowed it for the Interceptor race, amateurs and experts, so I understand. Anyway, I raced in four Suzuki Cup events during the year. HPT in April, Brainerd in June and August, and Road America in July. I won two races at Brainerd, got fifth at HPT...first time I ever raced the thing, and seventh at Road America. I also raced my SV1000 in the 750 Supersport race at Brainerd. I got seventh both times. The SV1000 just isn't even as fast as a fair 600 in a straight line, but it was fun all the same... A win will be hard. I don't think I can beat Tray Batey at Road Atlanta. Road Atlanta is complex, and the WERA guys run it a lot. I've ran it rather occasionally. It's hilly, intimidating, and dangerous in some places. I'd like to put my bike on the box...because I get a big check if I do. I mean a check that is about four feet long. Never got one of those, and, at my age, I'm always looking for some kind of new challenge. I'm finally going to the Cup Final this year. The big check would be a great bonus. I spent the day last Saturday at http://www.4and6.com in Chicago. My SV1000 is stock. Sometimes, that's kind of painful. The Suzuki Cup Final is limited by HP and weight. I weighed in at 412 at Topeka in April. The limit is 410, so I'm ok. On the dyno, they limit you to 125. I thought that I might be around 115 or so at Topeka in April. We ran probably 40 runs on the bike with some pretty hot fuel, and we went from 110 to 115HP. I'm hurting with that. Basically, the SV doesn't have enough compression. We don't have any time to do anything. Next year, yeah, I guess we'll do something there, but, nothing can effectively be done with less than ten days to go. Doing some maintenance earlier this afternoon, I'm having all kinds of fun. A nail in a trailer tire, a leaking fork, and I have a shock problem now also. Last time I raced, the bike felt funny, and I didn't connect that directly to the shock, but it all make sense now. The remote resevoir came loose, and I'm sure I've lost all the nitrogen and some oil. So, I have no dampening. I'm going to have to try to jump through some hoops to get the shock fixed before I leave on Monday. __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...

10-05-2007, 07:20 AM	#2
nhfirefighter13 Whales are fast! Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Concord, NH Age: 33 Bike(s): The Mighty Nissan! Posts: 3,079 Images: 58	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Good luck, Dave! __________________ http://www.kezerphotography.com "If thou hast not a sword, sell thy cloak and buy one." -Luke 22:36

10-05-2007, 08:20 AM	#3
Heavy-Dee The Murph Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 31 Bike(s): 2004 GSXR 600 Posts: 2,710	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Thanks for the post SD. Have a great time and good luck. __________________ Epic Fail

10-05-2007, 08:45 AM	#4
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,762	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Good luck, have a great time, and keep us posted! __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

10-05-2007, 08:49 AM	#5
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Thanks, everyone. I'm hoping to make some more money for my pediatric cancer program in the process during all this. Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer There are still kids with cancer, so I have work to do. __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...

10-05-2007, 09:52 AM	#6
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 3,952	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... You're a good man to do that for such a good cause. Have fun, be safe, and let us know how it all turns out! __________________ Seamus is awesome. Seriously. My Gallery

10-05-2007, 10:13 AM	#7
CBRVFR Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 55 Bike(s): VFR750 SV650 TZ250 Posts: 5,111	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Best Luck, Dave - and watch out for that turn 12.. __________________ "...the TV also never took away the screwdriver and shoved it up the repairman's ass." Our own Mr.2nd Amendment, explaining the difference. Perfectly. Rich Herald, the Gentle Giant

10-05-2007, 10:54 AM	#8
ONEvcs Bull Fighter Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Ft. Worth Age: 40 Bike(s): '05CBR1000RR. Posts: 2,522 Images: 99	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Good luck. We're pulling for you. That'll add you those extra 10 Hp you're missing.

10-05-2007, 11:52 AM	#9
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,515	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... I found Road Atlanta easy to learn so you will do fine there. CBRVFR may even have some memories from Schwantz on lines that he can pass along (getting directions from me will be hazardous to your sanity). Also Thermosman is close to RA so you might get some emergency help that way if you had to (unless he is on the road). Good luck __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

10-05-2007, 12:22 PM	#10
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... I think I'll be ok, suspension wise. http://www.4and6.com is going to be able to take care of me. I had a moment of panic last night, and I realized that Jim and his guys would be able to take care of me. I'll be heading there tomorrow. As for easy to learn? Well, Tray Batey qualified last year with a 1:29 on his SV1000. That's smokin' fast on an AMA Supersport based 600, let alone a heavy assed underpowered SV1000...LOL! I'll certainly have my work cut out for me. __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...

10-05-2007, 12:50 PM	#12
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... I know the track reasonably well. I raced there in 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1998, and a little last year. Never great laps with lots of good things happening. I think we had rain in 2006, 1993, and even some in 1987. Several configurations, really. And I still don't want twelve to eat me...LOL! __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...

10-05-2007, 06:48 PM	#13
Hammer For Sale Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 5,031 Images: 12	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Good luck Dave. __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

10-06-2007, 03:21 PM	#14
CBR929RE Go Sox! Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: at home Age: 28 Bike(s): 01 R/B/W CBR929RR Posts: 3,388	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... good luck on getting that oversized check. __________________ if you can't fix it with duct tape, you haven't used enough.

10-06-2007, 03:58 PM	#15
evl_twn CAN CRUSHER Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Central Illinois Age: 40 Bike(s): worm gear Posts: 1,664	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Good luck __________________ Seamus is awesome

10-06-2007, 07:15 PM	#16
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Thanks, everyone! I'm finding things that need to be done, emergency style...LOL! Replaced a trailer tire, and then I found another one with a nail in it. Back to the tire store. Found a leaky fork seal...and my shock. I'm all fixed, now I need to mount up my second set of body work. __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...

10-26-2007, 09:24 PM	#17
tigerblade Just curious Join Date: 12-15-2006 Location: The MIL Age: 34 Bike(s): SV650S Posts: 2,114	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Well?

10-28-2007, 10:56 AM	#18
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Well, it was a lot of work, and exciting. My SV1000 is for sale, though. You need it...LOL! Long version? __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...

10-28-2007, 12:09 PM	#20
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... LOL! Yeah, ok, I totally know what you mean... Lemme go and get some stuff I posted, because there was a lot... __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...

10-28-2007, 12:10 PM	#21
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... Well, we've been here a few days now. Drove all day and night to get to sit in Atlanta traffic on Tuesday. But we made it to the track for evening registration, set up, and even tech inspection. That was nice because we wouldn't have to do that in the morning. Wednesday was an optional practice. And that means that it cost extra. I had opportunity for about 55 mintues of practice between the morning and afternoon session. First practice was fine. Nothing spectatular for a time, but I just need laps and laps to understand the tracks. After sessions, I'm going back to the lap top and taking notes. I started with my 17mm fork extensions at about half way. The second session got really exciting. I was trying to push my set up a bit, and I didn't like the way the bike felt. We had moved the forks so that the extensions were not fully flush with the upper triple clamp. I like it, but it felt funny in a couple spots. So, I decided to come into the pits. It was a bit warm, and I though it was funny that I was getting some fogging on my shield. Well, I touched my shield, and it smeared. It was oil. I looked down, and I could see it coming out of my fork seal. It was on my boot, frame, all over. I just had that seal replaced on Saturday, and we had moved more weight off the front. WTF? Took it over to one of the suspension guys. I had one more seal left. We came back, and he was all excited to see us. "What's missing from this fork?" he said. We kind of stammered for an answer. I didn't watch Jim really closely at http://www.4and6.com, but I didn't feel like I needed to. He asked again, but he came out and showed us. He held an orange o-ring in his hand. I usually use a zip tie on my fork tube just to guage what's happening to my fork travel. But while I was in Chicago, Jim upgraded me to an o ring. Well, apparently, an o-ring, being round, can move past the slider, and then the seal...LOL! Back together and ready for Thursday. I decided that we should change gearing. I was told by someone that the 17/40 gear ratio isn't too bad for the SV1000 at Road Atlanta. It was good. Into where the old "Gravity Cavity" used to be, I'm in sixth with an indicated 170+MPH. But I'm running into the rev limiter going back and forth on the side walls of the bike down the esses in third. I didn't want to shift, so we went to a 17/39. Thursday practice was very short. I missed the first session, and it was cold. That's fine. Second and final session, I got out, and it was red flagged because some people decided to pitch it away. Three laps and out. Today, I tried to figure out the momentum of the track. Really, no changes to Thursday's set up, but I was able to run it in a bit better and hold it open longer. I dropped a second from the previous day to a 1:35 and change. A 1:31 might win, but possilbly not. Really, I need to crap four seconds to have a better chance at everything, but that's going to be hard. I still need to work for this. I'll have two sessions of practice, then we have 15 minutes of qualifying. My time isn't probably terribly important for my grid as I should have a front row position because I'm a region champion. But it will guide me on how fast I can go. I've only seen one SV1000 on track with me. I passed him quite easily, but it had a silver frame. Might not even be in the Cup race as they only allow bikes that are two years old. I worked with fuel and weigh also. I went over the scales a 419#. I had two gallons of fuel on board. The weight limit is 410. So, we're going to make sure that we figure having two gallons of fuel in the tank at the end of the race...and qualifying. On the dyno in Chicago, the OEM ECU was mapped with a Factory Pro Tekka fuel injection adjuster. We had around 115HP with this particular fuel. I don't have a lot, so I have set that aside until the dyno opportunities. I had been running two gallons of pump gas with one gallon of a racing fuel that I know well. I came up with 115HP again. That was nice. Then we drained it and put the other fuel in. We came up with 118HP. So, I've decided that we'll use that fuel for qualifying and the race. Might be worth a second. The dyno limit is 125, and some guys are claiming that they could do it with a stock motor and hot racing fuel. I'd love to be more like 121, really. I'm a bit disappointed that way, but that's the way it is, so race it. For tomorrow, I dropped the back of the bike at the rear shock by one full turn, bringing the rear a bit closer to stock. __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...

10-28-2007, 12:11 PM	#22
SuperDave Member #300 Join Date: 02-27-2007 Location: WI Bike(s): XB12R, TTR125, H1 Posts: 258	Re: My Suzuki Cup Final... There was a production based twins race today. I don't have a WERA license, and, as a result, I have no points and no invitation to race in that race. Tray Batey won the race, and he won the SV1000 race last year too. His lap times were in the 1:29 to 1:30 range. He blew over the HP limit last year or the weight requirement in qualifying despite putting in the pole time...similar to his 1:29 in this race. Second and third in the race today were turning 1:31's. So, I need to figure out where I'm going to loose four to four and a half seconds to be in that group. A 1:31 is what I have been hoping for, but I was also hoping for a little more power too. I can have everything, so I'll have to work with what I have. Really hoping that I can just settle down a bit, hit things smoothly, and make up some more ground. Hoping that my minor suspension changes are in the right direction. __________________ Super Dave Rosno Super Dave's Race Against Childhood Cancer Visionsports Riding Schools - Team Visionsports' Racing You can sign up for my email newsletters here...