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Final KR Based Race Bike Project

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:21 am
by 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 4:08 pm
by scooble
Ben, have you thought about using an RGV tank, the bottom appears to be a bit flatter than the KR1 tank

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 4:19 pm
by 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.

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 5:32 pm
by headcoats
I want that swingarm :shock:
That is ideal for mounting a shock for an LC frame :P

Who did that Luders ?

Looks like NK Racing :-k

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:00 pm
by 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.

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:36 pm
by maccas
Looking good Ben! I'll be watching this with interest!

94-95 TZ 250 seat yeah?

Dan

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:43 pm
by Luders
Yes, I picked up some mid 90's TZ bodywork Dan, hopefully it will look alright.

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 7:11 pm
by 375
Any idea on colour yet,

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 7:18 pm
by Luders
I was thinking black and white like the Ant West MotoGP Kawasaki.

What do you think?

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Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 8:47 pm
by 375
Yep,
I like that very good choice 8)

Will you be putting a close ratio gearbox in.

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 8:58 pm
by 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.

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:22 pm
by 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

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 9:07 am
by ARC76
well im excited so far . very interested in how this one goes .

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 10:44 am
by scooble
so what else is on your to do list?

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 1:27 pm
by Luders
Ahh, I have a few more trick bits lined up in the suspension department.