The problem with the belts is that there is no commercially available belt tensioner for the home mechanic for the narrow valve heads. Considering the "fish scale" technique I and others use with the 900ss, the 916 models had a mechanical deflection tool to measure tension, and the 999 and newer models used a vibration tool. Apparently if the belts vibrate at 110 hz, the belts are in proper tension.
A guy on a Ducati forum pointed out that a proper A note is 110 hz, and had a picture of a Korg tuner he had to set tension. Turns out it was the exact same model Kate had to tune her Cello. Dad was by for a visit (and he helped me a lot with the deck too), so we set the belts to the tension he thought was right, and I plucked them and took a reading -- G# -- very close right off the hop! For each belt we got within an acceptable range -- from G# to B flat readings, with a few A's thrown in. Good enough! The 999 is still apart, as I want to mount the vented cam belt covers while it is dissassembled, prior to going on the trip. They should be here sometime this week, but if they don't arrive by Wednesday, its going together as is.
The dealer did not remove the oil filter screen during the oil change, so I did, and found gasket sealer -- the grey yamabond stuff -- on it... so it is still being broken in (?). It is supposed to take 3.7L of oil. Used 3 to get it to the max fill mark on the case, and will fire it up and add as necessary.
I got the new CVK40 carb and RS50 sidepanels for the supermono, as well as some sticky take-off tires (Mom and Dad's courier role). Switched the items necessary for the conversion from the dodgy carb to the new one, and fired up the bike. Took a bit of fiddling to get it to idle and run properly, but I think I've got it. Running on the stand is nothing like riding the bike, but its a start.
The RS50 panels went on really easily. A few pieces of aluminum strap, a few riv-nuts, and presto -- the sidepanels went on with decent clearance all around. They immediately came off, and I'm in the process of painting them as well. Should look alright. Swapping the tires are next -- I have a pretty good feeling that the bike is ready to begin proper testing -- as in pull on your leathers and go out during a session testing. We'll see if I can't arrange that sometime during the August race weekend.
I also got a neat email from Dave Pearce of Tigcraft. He sent me some photos of the KTM supermono, finished, with the swingarm he got built for it. A really sexy machine. I also asked him about this supermono race available on youtube http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4566741028621927922... here was his reply:
Oh by the way reference the Monza Supermono race, we were there that day. I was showing Dr John Wittner around the paddock, he was intrigued. Monza is just down the road from Mandello de Lario where the Moto Guzzi factory is, and no, the Germans did not allow me to have anything to do with the racing after the bikes were delivered.
Dave
Watch the video if you get the chance -- it's nearly 30 mins long, but worth it. FWIW, the tigcraft Muz bikes were the white and green machines -- rider #2 (Mike Edwards) leads for awhile late in the race before his engine gives up the ghost.
Off to work on the deck -- 4 hours of bike racing being recorded today -- Mid-Ohio and Sachsenring.
This is the KTM with the new swingarm. From what I can tell from the pictures, the oil tank has also been moved, and the rear seat support changed a bit as well.
Rear 3/4 view.
With bodywork. That is (I think) RS125 widebody bodywork on the bike. Looks pretty good -- but should be orange, I guess. If I win the lottery, I'll take 2. One to race, and one to terrorize the streets on. By the way, Dave is currently working on a Triumph 675- powered Moto2 racer!
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