Final KR Based Race Bike Project

[Luders]

So with winter well on its way, I have decided to spend my free time in the garage building a new race bike to keep me out of trouble.

This has been on the cards for a few months, but I've been too busy to make a start until now.

Those of you that have seen this year’s race bike will be pleased to hear that it will remain as pictured below.



This project with be built from scratch, comprising of parts I have been getting together over the last few months. It will also be the last KR based race bike project I build for myself, so I am sparing no expense with it.

I have not set any deadlines for myself, mainly because I have a perfectly good F250 already, which is ready to race. This will mean that this thread will probably not progress at my usual pace.

I will make the thread very comprehensive and won't be missing any detail out.

I hope to be consistent with progress and hope you all enjoy the build taking shape over these winter months and thank you all for your continued support.

I have made a start with bracing the swing arm.



I have no way of determining at this stage how much it will help, but it can only stand to improve the rigidity and therefore improve the handling.

The next area I will be focusing on is the petrol tank and rear sub-frame.

The production based rear sub-frame was engineered to accommodate the additional weight of a pillion passenger, which is obviously not required on an F250 racer and just adds unnecessary weight to the bike.
I will completely cut away the existing sub frame and have a custom smaller frame made up.

Pictured below is the frame and tail piece I intend on using for this project.



I had a beat up rusty old KR-1 petrol tank kicking around in the rafters I am going to use to create a mould.

I find the KR tanks okay, but the line from the seat unit to the frame too steep. I have drawn on the tank following the natural line of the seat unit, so you can see how much material I want to loose from the tank.

I will cut to this line and remove the base of the tank, fill the big dent and generally clean it all up ready to make a mould from.

[scooble]

Ben, have you thought about using an RGV tank, the bottom appears to be a bit flatter than the KR1 tank

[Luders]

No I've not considered using an alternative production tank. I only usually get through 5 litres of gas per race and allowing 2 litres for allowance and fuel sampling, I only need a small 7 litre light weight fuel cell.
Making a bespoke fibreglass tank shroud will help keep the weight down, but I also ensure it adopts the exact lines I want to achieve.

[headcoats]

I want that swingarm
That is ideal for mounting a shock for an LC frame

Who did that Luders ?

Looks like NK Racing

[Luders]

That's right Martin, Nigel did it for me. There's actually a fair amount of work gone into it, because of the way he got the nice radius on the top spar.

[maccas]

Looking good Ben! I'll be watching this with interest!

94-95 TZ 250 seat yeah?

Dan

[Luders]

Yes, I picked up some mid 90's TZ bodywork Dan, hopefully it will look alright.

[375]

Any idea on colour yet,

[Luders]

I was thinking black and white like the Ant West MotoGP Kawasaki.

What do you think?

[375]

Yep,
I like that very good choice

Will you be putting a close ratio gearbox in.

[Luders]

Yes it will have a close ratio gearbox. I will hopefully get my CR gears delivered very soon, been waiting a long time for them.

[fred]

i dont rekon you can ever say this is the last lets see what happens end of next year .i know this is the start of a good wright up ,so ime going too look and not comment ,black n whites good if you make the wheels white

[ARC76]

well im excited so far . very interested in how this one goes .

[scooble]

so what else is on your to do list?

[Luders]

Ahh, I have a few more trick bits lined up in the suspension department.