March 11th 2010

The front wheel is painted and done. Tomorrow the gumball gets mounted. Then over to the shop for balancing. I need to make a wheel balancer soon. I’ll have to pay someone else this time to do it.

The rear wheel is next………………………………..

 

 

 

March 10, 2010

I removed the tire from the rim. What a chore that was. The tire iron just missed my head by an inch. It flew out of the bead at sub sonic speed……….  I got the tire off after 45 minutes of swearing and sweat. I have NEVER had such a hard time getting a tire of a rim.

I got the rim painted white tonight. The yellow will go on this weekend. I have to find that shocking yellow paint somewhere here local.

Until such time……………………………..More time.

Sunday March 7th 2010

I managed to get some work done today on the race bike. I removed the front wheel and the front brake rotors. Next I will un-mount the old tire and get the rim ready for paint.

Things should start moving along quickly now.

Until such time…………….

Wheelies anyone?

The front wheel is GONE!

Air compressor corner

Wheel and rotors

Full view of the aftermath!

Starting to get the “itch”

Work was a bear today. I’ve had better day’s. It’s day’s like this that make me glad to think about racing and things to do to on my bike. Mikey came and picked up his SV last night so now I have a little more room in the Man Cave.

I spoke with my friend Mark thru e-mail this week, and he’s going to help me get another set of wheels. Get well soon Mark. I need a rain tire set up. I did good back in the day when we raced in the rain but………..That was a long………………long time ago, many galaxies away. LOL That was also on DOT tires, and not on Bridgestone Rains.  I got such a late start last year getting the bike ready I didn’t have much seat time on it. This year will be different. I know from riding my other 400 that the little FZR handles like a dream. I can only wonder what it will be like with slicks mounted.  I’m really looking forward to having a go at it.

I’m going to try and get the front wheel off this weekend and at least get the tire off so I can paint the wheel. I’m going to go with the bright yellow that is on the rear wheel. I think the yellow wheels will look good. After I get the new tires mounted I’ll take them over to Fox’s and have them balanced. I need to make a balancing stand. 

Until such time…………………………

  

March is FAST approaching!

 

I was able to score a 60 gallon air tank for the “Man Cave”. Now I will NEVER run out of air. It was a nice little add on to the shop.  I’m starting to get ahead of myself, so I need to put things in order.

I have to get off my duff and finish up the liter bike. I just need to get the bushings made on the lathe and put the EXUP valve and the header pipe back together.

The Bridgestone’s came in this week from Stickboy, and they look  slick! LOL. I heard from my friend Mark in Florida who also steered me away from doing the 17” year wheel conversion like Derek did. Racing friends are nice to have :)

Thanks Guy’s I really appreciate you’re advise. I’m going to leave well enough alone. If it’s good enough for Mark, it’s good enough for me.

Pugsley and I are going to the casino down in French Lick  to celebrate her birthday this Sunday, so working out in the “man cave” will be a Saturday affair. I’m looking forward to finishing up the 1000 and then starting on the 400. May will be here soon enough!   Until such time……………..More time……….. 

 

 

2010 Race Schedule

I just got my MCRA  race schedule. May 23rd and 24th, June 12th and 13th, Aug 14th and 15th, Oct 11th and 12th. I’m still waiting to see what CCS races I can attend. I’m doing  a limited schedule this year due to funds (lack of) and other issues. I’m lining up sponsorship now for the new season.  I also plan on doing several track days.

I’m still thinking of doing the 17 inch rear wheel conversion. My name sake in England found me a wheel, but it may be cost prohibitive to have it shipped to the USA. I found a nice YZF 600 rear wheel that I’m thinking of buying. The slicks I ordered are the 18/17 combo used on the FZR. They will work fine for the first part of the season. I may just leave it well alone. I haven’t made my mind up yet.

I have some things I need to get done before the road racing school in May. I have to finish up the 1000, make some modifications  to my bike trailer (now that I have my tig welder working) Get the front wheel painted yellow, get a bottom belly catch pan fabricated before the CCS series and a few other small things.

I need to start working out harder and start riding the Mt. Bike. The weather has not been cooperating in that department. I should have some new pictures soon.

Until such time……………………………

The Gum Balls are coming

I finally got a hold of Derek at Stickboy racing and got my slicks ordered. He will ship then out to me this week. Now I have to get the front wheel off and get it painted yellow to match the rear wheel. My first race date is May 23 at Gateway International in St. Louis MO. I’m looking forward to getting back on the track.