Well its officially a race bike now. may look a bit rough but went well except for clutch slip.
It was my first time round Bishopscourt (1.8 miles) so I was pleased to be not last in timed practice (26th out of 30). I entered the PRE`97 (up to 600cc) class and was the only stroker against a few 400s and the rest were 600s, even a Bimota. Unfortunately they listed me as a 400 but I was only there to get a go round the track.
Bike felt good, had plenty power down the straight thanks to "ram air", only there was so much the clutch slipped at 10-11 k rpm. I guess peak power hasnt moved too much. So I swapped a spare clutch in while waiting for the race.
Race was red flagged at lap 2 due to a deluge of rain, I was going allright but some folk were on slicks so... Rescheduled after next race and it dryed up a bit so gave it a go, only worry was the engine dropping to 40c on formation lap due to conditions (didnt do it in practice). It was just about warming up towards 50c after a few laps so I kept going. Passed a few guys early on and got straight back past the one guy who passed me and was doing faster times than the 400 in front of me. Still a bit of clutch slip in 4th.
Result: 16th of 21 starters and 17 finishers. Not last in my first race at a new track is as much as I would have hoped for.
A huge thanks to the guys on here who have shared so much info, and parts: MJ for the "ram air" knowledge - salute.
from the track day the day before (Kirkistown)learned a bit the day before racing - there is a limit to grip, I lost the back in chicane and found myself going backwards on me arse with bike on me leg.
Everything ok and was out in next session with bent gear lever and burst seam in leathers (duct tape to the rescue).Hopefully get the Nikkons and GPR100's on for the next race and some new clutch plates, of course a wee lick of paint and polish wouldnt go amiss either and forks to rebuild... oh discovered the rear caliper needs attention too (floaters seized).
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