Getting nosey

Just a quick reminder to all my friends to be sure to use eye protection at all times! I zipped out to the garage, because I had a few minutes to spare, in order to start polishing a piece for one of my projects.  I put on some protective glasses (but not a full face shield) and went at the wire wheel.  Again, I was polishing, not grinding... however I guess a portion of the metal I was working was a bit weak, and a spot weld (not mine) gave way and up popped a nice sharp piece of aluminum, right in my face...

 You can kinda see the path the piece took as it ricocheted up my schnozz, hit the bridge of the safety glasses, and then kissed me on the forehead before flying up into the garage somewhere.  It looks worse than it was (bled like crazy, but the cuts were quite shallow), and my ever-patient wife (on our anniversary) took a photo prior to helping out with some basic first aid.  I can't afford to get any uglier, so I'd best use the full mask at all times!  And no, I can't seem to flip the photo upright, for some reason!

Parts for Sale

Need to clear out the garage somewhat  With my parts for winter projects coming in, I have some surplus items.  The following are currently on eBay...

I have my old muzzy/scorpion exhaust system for sale.  Headers are wrapped with exhaust wrap, and otherwise the system is in very good shape.  One would have to develop a way to hang the rear muffler strap somehow, but it wouldn't be impossible.  This kit, with a PCIII, got me 71hp.





http://www.ebay.com/itm/271356963617?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Also switching out the front calipers, so my R6 stoppers are available as well.  These have been rebuilt, with new seals and rubber grease (after being ultrasonically cleaned), and come with a nearly new set of Speigler pads installed.














http://www.ebay.com/itm/271356957123?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Click on the links, which should take you to the ebay auctions.

Triple Threat

No one makes aftermarket top triple clamps for the zx6r (2005-06).  On ebay I came across a billet set for 2007 and newer bikes.  How different can they be?  A bit actually, but nothing that a bit of machining can't fix.

The stock top triple is at the top of this pic.  I've already removed the ignition key tab; with the aftermarket one on the bottom, the ring will also be removed, but "less" of it, as there are two nice threaded posts on the underside... perfect for mounting brake reservoirs.  So just the blue colored area will be machined off.  A "top hat" spacer will need to be inserted, and it turns out I had a perfect match (in regards to ID measurement) in my box of bits... its the piece sitting on the drawings.  The new triple will have to be machined slightly larger regarding the center hole, and this new spacer pressed in with an interference fit.  Lastly, the new triple is too "thick" where the center stem slides through, so about 10mm will be machined off the bottom.  After that, it should all mount up quite nicely.  A bit of hassle, perhaps, but sometimes the fun is in the challenge. Off to see the machinist tomorrow.  Will keep you all posted.

More global Supertwin News

This was made official a few days ago, but I just stumbled across this pic this morning.

These two fellas are TT legends, and real roads racers extraordinaire.  Of course, a nice detail shot of the cool KMR Kawasaki is nice to see as well.  Mick was emailing me about the sexy PFM calipers on his bike, and it appears Ryan has fitted the same to his racers.  In the next few weeks, I'll get my hands on a few new items to play with on my racer.  Everything from a front fender, to a fuel tank, new (even bigger) radiator, and a top triple clamp as well.  -30 outside this morning, so not really keen to head out there just yet!

Some new and old photos

Bitterly cold today -- below -30C with the wind chill.  Just braved the insane stores to do some Christmas shopping. Thought I'd warm up updating the blog, before heading out again to hit the gym.  Not much news to report on the bike per se, but I have a few photos to share.

Not sure if I've ever posted this before.  Dug it out of an old file from one of the trackday photographers.  During a race a few years ago.  Kinda neat as it gives a sense of the entry into turn 1.  I'm likely not leading at this point -- Doug Martens has probably scampered off on his Ducati by this point.  That green KTM fairing was a bugger to mount, and subsequently got destroyed in a crash.  Sure made the bike look unique, however!

These next 2 pics of course aren't me or my bike...

 Mick had emailed me to ask about my oil cooler mod that I had tried on my ex.  Turns out Mick has had some considerable success at the IOM TT, having Australian star Cameron Donald race for his team.  He sent some photos as well -- you can see this is a pretty trick machine, with the usual mods -- swingarm, KMR bodywork, some serious front calipers, and the USD forks, likely from a zx10r or similar... although the Maxton sticker on the side shows that they have been tweaked somewhat!  Not sure of what kind of exhaust

system is being used...  Mick has been great in that we've exchanged a number of emails, with me providing him with a few details of the oil cooler mod, and me in turn peppering him with queries about airboxes, throttle bodies subframes, etc.  With just the ability to ask questions of an established TT team, running ex650s, I should be able to glean some valuable information!