any new minitwinners out there? [Archive] - SV650.org

coxxy

17-11-09, 12:05 PM

Yes you have the main lock wire parts sorted, we also lock wire the rad cap for safe measure.

As for the wheel issue we havent used curvy wheels on our injected model and the best answer is to consult bemsee direct - I shouldnt think its a problem as there might not be a performance enhancement there. There are some issues with using carby rads on injected models for example as I believe the carby rad offers greater cooling - desirable on a race bike so not allowed on the later model.

Dont forget the shark fin, stop locks on steering head so the hand cant be trapped against bodywork or fairing by the handlebars(we get picked up on this) race gearing change if possible for you (not a minitwin regs requirement though), dog tags for rider, transponder fitted for scrutineering (all classes), water only in rad, dyno prove the bike before you go at 72bhp max (might be tested), bloody hell! Not much to remember then.........

coxxy

lawson17

17-11-09, 02:53 PM

Nice one, thanks coxxy!

When you say lock stops, are these the ones on the fork clamp that are part of the standard casting? ;)

Ande41

17-11-09, 03:47 PM

Me and my mate want to do a few of the races next year, we are starting right from the beggining so please be patient :). Apart from the bike which i think ive sorted........... Im going to join Bemsee but how do i go about getting an ACU licence? also what things in terms of paperwork do i need to do and am definatley not aware of! Im hoping to do the trackday at Brands on the sixth!

coxxy

17-11-09, 06:57 PM

Right, Lock stops................yes on the casting you will see two cast tabs that act as the suzuki lock stops - these are insufficent to restrict the steering movement enough so have to be drilled out to take a lock nut and bolt which can be adjusted so that the scrutineers are happy. Too much restriction and you end up falling off the bike in the paddock as there isnt enough steering for slow corners LOL! The aim is to have sufficent gap so that your gloved hand is not caught in any way should the bike go over on full lock - judge for yourself but the actual amount of restriction you need each side is about 10mm each side.

Bemsee are planning to help all novice riders obtain their ACU licenses and get some track craft before their first events in the new year - go to www.bemsee.net (http://www.bemsee.net) and see the info and links for new racers. We attended last year for novice training and it was a great weekend, an absolute must if you want to get into racing.

To start the ball rolling call the ACU license department and get the relevant forms for a Novice race license - get a membership form from your favoured club. Fill out both forms - you may need an eyesight test from an optician and health cert if decrepit! Send them to the club secretary first for endorsement who will then forward them to the ACU for completion and license issue. You should get the license in the new year. Bemsee will also take care of all this at their ACU meeting in February.

Coxxy

lawson17

17-11-09, 07:41 PM

You sir are a hero!

So if I drill and tap the OEM lock stops, say M6? Then put in a bolt with locknut... that should do the trick.

Oh and the dogtags, what information must these have on them? I'm assuming my name! lol!

Also, don't laugh! :rolleyes: When do the race numbers get decided? Is that done by BEMSEE?

Dickyholdsworth

18-11-09, 07:52 AM

I'm taking up Minitwin racing for 2010 i have purchased a curvy for the season just about to strip down and sort for the job in hand, it has been raced before so shouldn't need too much doing but i will be going through everything to make sure it is all spot on.
Good point about the lock stops i will check mine. Ae you allowed to run a slipper clutch?

Ande41

18-11-09, 09:18 AM

Wow I don't think that could have been much more usefull! Thanks so much for that, I will get the paperwork ordered today. Can't wait to get started. Just one last question, how much money do people spen on average at a weekend?

Cheers

Ande

TazDaz

18-11-09, 12:56 PM

Ae you allowed to run a slipper clutch?

99% sure you are not allowed to use a slipper clutch in most clubs unless it is fitted as standard, which in the case of the SV it is not!

coxxy

18-11-09, 03:41 PM

ok, yep a 5/6mm with nyloc nut is fine but be careful with the hole drilling, take off fairing, care around the fork stanchions (dont want to scratch or chip) and you must leave enough material for strength if you drill the tabs.

Correct, no slipper clutches allowed as they were not fitted to the bike when suzuki produced it. Only changes allowed are rear suspension unit, front suspension internals, Brakes disc and pads etc check out the minitwin regs on the classes regs info at Bemsee

As for dog tags the ACU demand Name, date of birth etc but sensible racers include blood group, next of kin, emergency number etc go to a company like this:

http://www.peagrave.co.uk/tag1.html (http://www.peagrave.co.uk/tag1.html)

As for costs (hang on to your seats here), on average including race fees, tyres, fuel etc minitwinners can expect to part with around £ 230 race fees, £250 for tyres, £50 - 100 fuel (distance dependent), £50 food, Damage (variable) ++accomodation if not camping etc making a total of £600 ish if you take the budget approach and dont crash every five minutes! Don't don't don't skimp on tyres as you will find the bike letting go more and your eventual bills will increase through damage. Plus you will feel really ****ed off to not finish, maybe the next race too and then start at the back yet again if you eventually get back on the grid. Going home having parted with £600 for nothing is not a nice feeling especially with 250 miles to drive! Done it.

As for race numbers, you can request a number from the club upon registration for the race weekend (get entries in early as entry numbers are restricted to 40 per class on the grid) but it is best to request a range of numbers which will then guide the club to allocate you one for the whole season. Dont stick stickers on the bike too early and have spare sets available in case of fairing damage and **** ups by the club admin - yes it can happen although most meetings have spares outlets too (A&R, Rod Harwin). Lots of companies available for these on ebay but ACU demand certain sizes - read regs which you will get when the ACU info arrives with license.

Dont forget to have a transponder too. Costs 250 with charger (look on ebay for AMB Tranx 260 transponder) or buy new elsewhere. You can hire these at circuits for about 25 per weekend.

And we havent even talked about suspension, tyre pressures or how to approach your first race!

coxxy

lawson17

20-11-09, 10:16 AM

What about tyres coxxy? Any recommendations on that front? Been Looking at Diablo Supercorsas...

Thanks

toot

20-11-09, 12:52 PM

Coxxy, have you tested different rear shock lengths ? if so what length did you settle with ?

coxxy

20-11-09, 07:40 PM

Tyres:

There are lots to choose from but the consensus in minitwins seems to fall with Pirelli although some go for the Michelin Powers. Look at the race positions on the Bemsee minitwin results sheets to see where the tyres finish! Both attract tyre prizes but as most of the front runners are on Pirellis it is more competitive, as there are more riding them! The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsas are not cheap but the following reviews and our own use of them seem to confirm their high worth in tyre choice.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/545/88/Motorcycle-Article/Pirelli-Diablo-Supercorsa-Tires-Review.aspx

http://www.superbike.co.uk/racing/bss/superbike__New_Pirelli_Diablo_Supercorsa_news_1287 26.html

Unfortunately I understand that Pirelli are due to increase their prices again next year and I dont think you will get much change out of 280 squid per pair fitted- so shop around. But remember, cheap tyres, worn out tyres or underperforming tyres are economically unsound. You may crash more, bend more, and get hurt more, costing even more than a nice new set of hot sticky rubbers! As for tyre pressures (in the dry) we use 29 Front and 26 Rear cold. You will get advice from lots of others who may advise slightly more but we have found these work for us. Dont forget good quality tyre warmers. There are many available but anything less than 180 per pair is again a false economy. The best value to buy are Diamonds at around 180+ and HWW, which are our choice for next season, at 250+! Go on ebay, we bought three diamond tyre warmers second hand for about 80 last season and they all worked and gave good heat consistency across the whole tyre profile - probably worth investing in a second 'skin' to insulate over the warmers on a cold day too. We found cheaper tyre warmers leave overheated patches in certain areas and they eventually burn out anyway especially if left on, off the tyre. Diamonds can withstand this treatment. Invest in a good quality (digital) tyre gauge and footpump. Dont buy the cheap chinese footpumps they dont last.

Buying tyres from off circuit sources can get the price down but they still have to be fitted and balanced too - you also need to be sure these are NEW tyres and not older stock. Take your self bought tyres to a tyre changer at the circuit and you will be lower down his priority list if he is busy. Charges are between 5 - 10 each tyre change. A good relationship with these guys is essential. Dont forget they will pump up your new tyres on the rim - to get them on - to around 40psi! It is your job to set the pressures yourself. When handing them in take off spacers and drive hub & rear sprocket. Always check that the hub to bearing spacer is replaced and intact when offering up the hub into the cush drives. Always check the tyre is on the right way round, arrow on side wall in direction of rotation.

A new set of tyres can last a whole weekend espcially if you are a novice and not really screwing them on full throttle all the time. Turn up at testing (friday) on a decent set of used rubbers. Get to know the circuit on the Friday taking it easy and building up the pace - if you crash you will have work to do fixing it leaving you in a state to get through scrutineering friday night or saturday morning - this often dominoes into a poor weekend!. On Friday night put the wheels into the tyre bay for changing. Ask for the most suitable grades ie SC1's soft or SC2's harder depending on circuit surface - ask. Scrub them in during practice on saturday morning taking it easy in the first few laps. Do your best in qualifying but dont crash, dont miss the first race! Keep an eye on the tyres - always check your warmers are actually still on and reset the pressures again on the sunday morning prior to practice. By the end of the weekend your tyres could still be useable for the next test or trackday. You basically want new tyres on for the first race day. If you need new tyres for the test day, we fit them, then have them changed for another new set on the saturday as at the end of the weekend you have tyres for the next test day and the next trackday and so on. Used tyres can be sold off at the end of the season, crash damage just costs more and ****es you off!

These are some of the things we have learned in our first full year in minitwins at Bemsee - there is lots more so ask away, any club racer will have their own ideas that works for them. We finished 6th in our first minitwin season, made pole position several times, crashed a bit in the beginning but less at the end, but won a few trophies coming second twice at the fastest place of all: Thruxton. Next year the aim is to win outright. And stay on!

Sam Cox
#31 Bemsee minitwinner
SDC Performance
Cougar Leathers

J leech

23-11-09, 03:43 PM

Hey guys, I am Having a struggle finding some supplier for fairings for the SV650 K5 Model

Any ideas what the rules are regards how close to original it has to look? And then i suppose, Any suggestions? ie GSXR, Triumph etc!

And isee a few guys asking the question regards Rasing/lowering bike, If i buy my Shock From maxton can the height issue be sorted out with fitting a new shock?

many more questions to follow no doubt

coxxy

23-11-09, 07:53 PM

you can fit any fairing you like to race in minitwins. As long as it is secure and incorporates an ACU legal catch tray underneath you will find scrutineers are not really bothered by GSXR or R6 fairings being fitted if one wishes to be a bit flash! You have to decide whether you are prepared to spend time and money ensuring the fairing does its job to seat the rider, protect the rider and ensure a good airflow where it is required ie through the rad and into the airbox.
Go to BB plastics: http://www.bbplastics.co.uk/

you will find really nicely tailored fairings here that are light and well fitted to do a great job on an SV, either injected or carby. Beware cheap and nasty - dare I say foreign - copies of the real thing that are heavy, poorly fitting and badly finished.

Bikes should have their suspension settings checked and set up for each rider in full kit. There are expected dynamic and static settings which a good suspension engineer will understand and any money spent on this area is money well spent. Go see MCT or any number of well known engineers for an initial pre season check up. With a set of recorded data you can then see how the bike feels and make small adjustments to ensure the bike is neither diving too much into the corners, is too rigid or is trying to wheelie on full throttle. Its a good idea to read up on suspension art and science throughout the winter but hey! we only have 72BHP to put on the track and providing the basics are achieved, novices will find the SV a fairly forgiving and obliging road bike turned tracky.

Dickyholdsworth

23-11-09, 08:38 PM

Just for info. my Curvy came fitted with a Triumph 675 fairing and it looks ok, i should point out that the seat unit is from a GSXR.

rude

23-11-09, 09:06 PM

after only being able do one round this year i am tempted to give it ago next year again, its looks a good class

trialspaul

27-11-09, 10:35 PM

hi coxxy, i was a the rookie in your garage at the centenary meeting, i only managed to do 2 rounds due to cash, but have built up a new bike ready for a full season nxt year. cant wait to get out there. if your planning any trackdays before the season starts let me know, it would be gd to see how much you loose me by.

baldy

28-11-09, 04:11 PM

HI Coxxy I'm going to have a go at Minitwins next year with NG, thought about Bemsee but too much traveling from Yorkshire.Looking forwards to Brands though did it back in the 80's on a LC on the GP circuit mega.Bought a k4, got to pull all the road gear off yet and get it sorted but not going to get time till after christmas now.

svjonesy

29-11-09, 01:14 PM

Hey All I'm going to be a Bemsee Rookie next year. Went to the Bemsee round at Brands Hatch and met Jeremy Hill the rookie rep - really helpful and nice bloke.

Looking forward to meeting some more rookies on 6th December.

I will be picking up my bike soon (after having sold my two road bikes and the wifes car). Going to be a curvy carb model but with a k4 engine.

I really can't wait to go racing but am trying not to even think about the costs.

coxxy

29-11-09, 11:12 PM

hi there paul, glad you are still hanging in there and hope to see you in the new year. We are first going to Portugal for pre season testing at Portimao and once the bemsee minitwin meeting matrix comes out - should be soon - will be planning a few pre race tests. Brands is usually favorite so if you attend the test weekend there pre season we should catch up and swap notes. In fact any of you guys are welcome to contact us if you have any other questions or need help with your plans.
So far our bike has had a chassis check at our new sponsors in Maidstone - motoliners. The chassis was fine and we got further good advice about set up. Next is total strip down, stove enamel the frame and swing arm then a careful rebuild. looking for a spare engine too from a low mileage injected model K5+ then the SDC sponsored rebuild will begin. If you have seen one of these SDC bikes before you will know they are among the sharpest looking bikes on the grid. With a bit of luck we hope to improve on our 6th position last year.

regards, stay in touch

coxxy

Wizzbangwill

30-11-09, 11:44 AM

I'm going to be doing the Bemsee rounds next year as a rookie. Can't wait.. My mates been racing a 600 for the past five years and has finally got me to have a go!

Aren't sdc performance the company that got done as the owner was buying and selling on nicked bikes? Gary smith I think who still is working there. Surprised he is allowed back in the paddock. I had a crf450 nicked and lost everything with it. Scum..

coxxy

30-11-09, 05:33 PM

hi Will,
Good luck with the new enterprise - seems like theres gonna be lots of action next year, we have had quite a few PMs about the new season ahead and make any recommends purely on the basis of our experience last season. This might not suit us all.

Obviously all companies have different histories, change hands and move on from time to time, customers do too. In the last year alone we have tried to work with three well known - London local -companies to support our quest to win the Bemsee minitwin series: one company dyno'd our SV , said it was underpower and that it could be fixed with the addition of a new exhaust (lies, rubbish info and pure profiteering), second company said they would rebuild our engine mid season (booked in but then refused to do the work leaving us screwed), third company were given clear instructions to re ring, re hone and re cut valving but ended up doing just the rings (poor engineering) still charging the full price. At this stage you can lose your faith in commercial enterprises!

Upon asking SDC for some help we were met by a professional and well informed team who specialise in race preparing SVs - their standards and bikes are superbly put together and this is what we have decided is the best our limited budget can afford. The SDC team are friendly, honest and have not let us down to date. So you can only go with who you know and who you trust, so dont use them if you have anxieties in any way. Failing that, give them a call and see if they really sound like the 'scum' you portray. Look forward to meeting you next season and having a chat in the paddock.

Good luck and best regards

Sam Cox

Wizzbangwill

30-11-09, 06:05 PM

Thanks. Having lost everything that I had to thieves I'd rather not it just boils my blood as I'm still paying for a bike I haven't got now which has also delayed my start in racing myself.

I've got my bike booked in for some dyno and suspension work next week steve jordans as my mate has used steve for the past two seasons. Very helpful people.

Does anyone know if the mro minitwins will have qualifying and if your quick enough do they mind you doing it as a rookie as I really fancy doing a bsb round.

hardhat_harry

01-12-09, 02:00 PM

Hi Dicky,

Im fitting a 675 fairing to my SV, can you let me know what has been done with the front fairing bracket, what version of GSXR the seat is and is it using the original rear subframe?

Cheers

HHH

Just for info. my Curvy came fitted with a Triumph 675 fairing and it looks ok, i should point out that the seat unit is from a GSXR.

Dickyholdsworth

01-12-09, 02:27 PM

Harry i will send you some photo's please e-mail me;)

hardhat_harry

01-12-09, 02:53 PM

Sent you an email, thanks for the help

Harry i will send you some photo's please e-mail me;)

wayne66

01-12-09, 11:11 PM

I am new to minitwin racing and I have just bought a sv and joined north glos ready for 2010. Any help or tips would be very helpfull

svStevo

01-12-09, 11:34 PM

SV650Racer

02-12-09, 10:49 AM

Hi, i will be a rookie in 2010 on a carbed sv, sold my road bikes and car and anything else i could get away with to buy my bike for next year, in the process of converting it now, what,s the best way to go with suspension? i,m on a serious budget as a lot of guys are, i was thinking springs and oil and go from there!
Thanks for any help.

Wow thats some serious commitment!. Best of luck, im sure you will enjoy it:cool:

Suspension wise if your budget is really tight then yes some linear springs of suitable weight and oil to suit will be far better than running stock.

Big tip is if your starting as a rookie then Bemsee (other clubs may also do this) run a buddy and coaching scheme to support the new riders into the sport.

If you use this scheme which is FOC then you will get an ACU qualified coach allocated to you to use as you wish on the Friday test day and also a buddy who is an experienced racer that you can pair up with at the meetings and get as much help from their experience as you need.

Its well worth doing this. I became an ACU coach last season and have worked with a few rookies this season and its worked very well.

Mej

02-12-09, 10:50 AM

i am loving this thread, has to be the most i have learned about minitwins since i have been a member.

coxxy

02-12-09, 05:43 PM

hi again,
Tips for minitwinners are wide and varied and this forum is worth searching through for back threads on topics you are concerned about. In terms of suspension the front internals and rear shock can be changed for more responsive set ups that are better than stock. The whole system needs to be considered in relation to the rider weight etc. A rear racing shock such as Ohlins, Maxton etc are widely available for SV's as are upgraded front internals with better springs and higher quality oil etc. My best advice is to go to a suspension engineer you can work with throughout the season as it is important to start out with a datum line of settings which are designed to give you the best ride possible. This may cost if you are changing from stock but it will be the best investment you make with good tyres second.

We use an Ohlins rear, 25mm MCT emulators in the front with 15W race oil. At the front we have 4mm of fork sticking out of the top of the front top yokes and set static sag to 25mm. The spring weights are determined by the rider weight at approx 75K fully kitted. Front Fork Oil level is 115mm air gap, springs and spacers out, fully compressed. At the moment the whole set up of the rear is awaiting a shock service, but static sag was around 8mm, compression and rebound was approx mid range and preload 12mm. This whole set up is under review though and will be put back together to give us the stable, smoothly cornering platform we desire. Basically on heavy braking we look for no bottoming out of fork travel but good length of travel up to 1cm of fork stroke left. Use a tell tale nylon tie on the fork stanchion to measure this travel.

You will find your own route through all this and depending on your own desired riding style and track geography you will want to learn a little bit more than this about changing settings but good advice is to make small changes and seek advice if you are experiencing difficulties cornering for example. Read up on this topic throughout the winter, it is an art and science, can take a lifetime to master as different riders want different things. Rossi likes a hard set up but then he knows what he is doing!

SDC 01438 35 7777 for free advice and further help or any recommended suspension engineer closer to you. Dont forget you can ask minitwinners that take part in the Bemsee novice weekend at Brands in Feb 13th & 14th 2010.

http://www.bemsee.net/info-centre/cat_view/72-starting-racing-with-bmcrc-2010

best of luck

coxxy

svjonesy

02-12-09, 07:44 PM

coxxy

02-12-09, 07:51 PM

Jonesy,
we got a vito van and put up a 4m x 4m Gala marquee (ebay £120) next to it. Have slept in van but also tent - I hate it but coxxy Junior doesnt seem to mind! When its wet and windy we find a nice B&B locally for some decent rest. The paddock can be noisy at night and sleep is of a premium when racing. Caravans hold you up getting home, we are usually overtaking them at 80+ as they crawl along at 50ish. Stay light and mobile is best I reckon.

Coxxy

Mej

02-12-09, 08:04 PM

TazDaz

02-12-09, 08:07 PM

i have also considered selling my car so i can buy a van and an old SV to have a go at the minitwins.

Stupid question but what sort of man hours are looking at a month and what sort of budget could you do a season on, there probably my main problems??

Can you do it on a 33bhp licence?? obviously bike wouldnt be :)

Road licence becomes irrelevant. You have to get an ACU licence.

That's my plan too in a year or two. Get rid of the cage and get a van, then track my current SV.

coxxy

02-12-09, 10:11 PM

Mej

02-12-09, 10:48 PM

Sh*t I ain't got that kind of cash,
clear my debts first then get back into debt to start me thinks

coxxy

03-12-09, 11:15 AM

Yes we know the feeling.

This includes test day riding x 10 meetings
a few trackdays to bed rider and bike in
Higher than normal crashing propensity!
Not cutting corners on tyres (new set everyday race weekend)
Lots of bought food - could bring your own
Hammering up the motorway and hammering home again 80+
A few extra classes raced as well as minitwins (have done thunderbikes and NG powerbikes x 3)

You could be a bit more frugal though and cut this down to about 7500 I guess. A novice season might be cheaper.

As for hours? A bit more difficult...............obviously three days of intense race activity x 10 = 30 days will require around 5 - 10 hours of race prep x 10 depending on crash damage and servicing etc. Even during these winter months getting ready for the new season has its demands to meet, the deadline for us is Feb 13th, bike ready for its transportation to Portugal.

Add all this together with loads of admin, reading, cleaning, buying and selling bits etc it becomes a full on, obsessive and time consuming pursuit. We have followed various sports: Squash, Footy, Cycling, Sailing and even Hang gliding many years ago but Racing takes 1st place in the excitement and committment stakes. Everything has to be right to succeed as there are literally lives at stake, so a half hearted approach is both dangerous and unlikely to succeed.

Having the missus/partner onboard (or even keeping out of way!) is also useful ;-)

many will have heard these words by Steve McQueen:
"Racing is life... everything before and after is just waiting."

Once racing you will probably become, penniless, completely smitten with your bike and possibly single! But demonstrably happier!

coxxy

svjonesy

03-12-09, 01:48 PM

Budget:

Entries approx 2600
tyres 2500 approx
Repairs various (we spent about 1000)
Travel various (we spent 600)
Food (500)
misc 1500

The usual predictive for full season is usually 10K

really

coxxy

Those figures are pretty much what I'd estimated and I don't think a rookie season will be cheaper as you have all the set-up costs as below:

Race bike with spares and WOWs
Riding kit and spares (leathers, helmets, boots, gloves
Dog tags
Licence and Membership fees (+ orange bib)
Generator
Tyre Warmers
Tools
Paddock Stands
Transponder
Race School

Of course just because I've worked out how muchy it will cost doesn't mean I know how i'm going to pay for it all or that i've told the wife ;).

Unfortuanely I have been unsuccessful in persauding any of my mates to come racing as i'd hope to have someone to at least split travel costs with etc.

RGV250ads

03-12-09, 02:58 PM

Unfortuanely I have been unsuccessful in persauding any of my mates to come racing as i'd hope to have someone to at least split travel costs with etc.

You'll be discovering a whole new bunch and community when you start so dont worry about that !
To even get on the grid will be a massive acheivement and one which hundreds of trackday people can only dream of, it's a massive commitment emotionally and financially to actually go racing and earns big resepct from fellow competitors. It's so rewarding. Best of luck.

coxxy

03-12-09, 07:47 PM

Adam is right - once you are in you wont question the costs so much. Oh and I forgot to add the CAPITAL costs as I assumed we all recognise one would need the bike, wheels and helmet! ha ha I thought the question was about running costs so yes add:
decent bike with wets: 3 - 4K
other kit such as jenny, transponder, stands, warmers, tools etc maybe 2 K more

cripes, better go check the van is still locked up (or even still there)!

Oh and dont forget that should you get on the podium all the above expense ; the disasters, the crashes, the mechanical let downs the crappy english weather, is all forgotten and well worth it when you get given......................................a small plastic trophy in the race office by a nice lady who also lets you eat some kiddies sweets from a jar!

Sporting madness?

coxxy

trialspaul

04-12-09, 07:43 PM

coxxy

06-12-09, 05:22 PM

Mind you if you go to the Bemsee website right now and go look at some of those pieces of silverware just been handed over (not to mention the class fund prizes etc) AND the prize fund for next years series, theres more to winning than Plastic and Jelly babies...............

Ask any EDiAsia 400 rider - they are mostly semi pro with spot prizes for just about anything: 24th position spot cash prize, most battered bike, ugliest partner, most emotionally stable rider........it goes on.........;)

lawson17

06-12-09, 06:01 PM

Has anyone got any advice on front suspension? I've changed the oil and springs already...

Have heard of changing the emulators?

Have many of you guys done this, and how much am I looking at if its a good idea to get a set?

Thanks in advance! :D

coxxy

06-12-09, 07:29 PM

Have pmd you Lawson for some free advice. Lots you can do at the front end and emulators are a start but an SDC mod with cartridges does give precision handling at the front.
coxxy

coxxy

07-12-09, 05:33 PM

Thanks for your reply Lawson (is this your first name?), is there any chance you can give a description of the work you are having done on your forks as there are others on here that would be interested. Always useful to know how well it goes and costs etc

Best of luck

Coxxy

lawson17

08-12-09, 09:45 AM

SDC were really helpful! I'm sending them the damping rods for them to modify, I'm guessing they weld up a couple of the holes to improve rebound? He quoted me £65 for the mod, I'll be taking them out over the weekend hopefully, never had them out before, but doesn't seem to hard looking at the manual, then get them posted...:D

Really friendly guys and seemed only to happy to help!

Thanks again coxxy!

coxxy

08-12-09, 06:40 PM

No probs, seems like a bargain mod if it improves the stock front end. I will get some more info from Gary so that I can understand the whole thing myself - suspension can seem a mystery but it is mostly common sense I guess. We shall be going down the same route as at the moment we only have emulators fitted (as far as I know).

Yes you will find SDC a really pleasant outfit if you take the trouble to get to know them - even though they holiday off season at butlins their engineering is high quality! ;)

coxxy

JamieMorris19

09-12-09, 10:00 PM

coxxy

10-12-09, 12:15 PM

You mean this one:

http://racing-line-photography.com/BZ_shop.asp?event=FP&gallery=3&image=nfpa6526.jpg
It was certainly interesting to see Smithy winning at Snetterton in June on his carby bike. Just goes to show you can still win without an injected engine.

I agree, on closer inspection the SDC prepared bikes look great and are sharply customised within the rules. Exactly why Mr Smith and co are helping prep ours for next season!

Coxxy

trialspaul

10-12-09, 09:57 PM

as far as suspention goes ring darren at mct suspention on 01449 777161. he's just built me some forks that worked loads better than my old emulators at snett the other weekend.

Northrace

11-12-09, 10:35 PM

Hello all, I raced in my first season this year with Thundersport GB on a carby bike .
I have also purchased recently the carby bike that SDC Performance made , and that Gary raced and won on this year , and can say that it is an amazing looking bike .
Just getting together a budget that will allow me to hopefully race with Thundersport and Bemsee next year . Maybe see some of you about ....

Jamie Morris #19

hello my friend from dp pointed me over here looks a very good forum better than the dp one for minitwins

get the vin checked. i purchased a sv beginning of this year that came from sdc originally and its now being looked at by the police. im shocked as gary seemed ok. i guess you can never trust people.

http://www.thecomet.net/content/comet/news/story.aspx?brand=CMTOnline&category=News&tBrand=HertsCambsOnline&tCategory=newslatestCMT&itemid=WEED27%20Jul%202009%2017%3A03%3A27%3A010

i just want to warn people because im now seriously worried i could loose my pride and joy. i hope its ok but it doesnt exist on a hpi check and been told thats unusual.

i cant see how people can think this is ok. sorry to spoil your thread but i dont want anyone else to be where i am right now just wish i had been warned or spotted this before

hope that i can be out with bemsee and ng next season may be see some of you there. should be on a bright yellow bike with blue stripes normally number 26.:D

trialspaul darren did my 400 forks did really great job. highly recomended

Captain Scarlet

12-12-09, 01:05 PM

Hi all. I will be racing Bemsee rookie minitwins next year. Racing for the first time ever at the grand old age of 44. But remember experience and treachery will always out do youth and vigour. Think I'll ask for the number 44 or 66 year of my birth. Bought a well put together bike off sideshow#36.

RGV250ads

13-12-09, 06:49 PM

Oh So Chris (Sideshow) must be packing in or going Stock600. Shame. Nice guy

Captain Scarlet

14-12-09, 07:03 AM

He's moving up to stock 600. Not sure on what make.

JamieMorris19

14-12-09, 03:00 PM

I think chris is racing Streetfighter A .

coxxy

17-12-09, 01:23 PM

So at the end of the day its up to you to decide where you go for support.........thanks for all your supportive PM's guys much appreciated, at least some of you know where its at.

So at SDC the old SV has been totally stripped down to its constituent parts and the chassis has been sent off to the stove enamellers for a nice black coating - should look lovely and cost is cheap at £80 (I want my change Juggy!).

Next on the list is to visit Stevenage and with the help of SDC technicians start the rebuild from the bottom up:

· Rework the fork internals with the cost effective SDC mod
· Check fork springs and replace race oil then set up
· Scrutinise any working parts for wear and tear whilst cleaning along the way
· Replace sprockets and chain for nice new versions (14T, 15T, 44 - 46T Talons)
· Decide on engine work - rework is too expensive for any gain, so second hand unit, low mileage road item preferred around £400 - £500
· Power commander connected ready for dyno remap
· Make and fit the lightweight SDC subframes ready for the lovely BB Plastics bodywork: light, strong, purpose built for the SV, protective and good airflow especially with double bubble attached
· Race throttle with improved airflow system to filter area
· Reposition battery and electrics to front right side
· Respray wheel rims and fit new pirellis ready for February testing
All in all lots to do but with advice and support from Gary and co it is hoped to have another beautiful SDC prepared minitwin that should be worth a glance in the paddock next year. It will be a go er for sure!

As driver, mechanic, pit bitch and team psychologist these technical issues are well known and relatively straight forward with all the experience at SDC. We now need to work out how to stop a relatively fast but headstrong teenage rider from falling off all this lovely kit!

From last years results, whilst gaining several pole positions in qualifying it would be nice to convert these into race wins. 2nds, 3rds and 4ths are nice but not good enough to fulfil the plan.
Any suggestions to help make progress in this area would be most welcome
As father to the rider don’t suggest ‘having a word’ – I have and it hasn’t always worked, ask any parent

Sam & Graham Cox
Regards to you all at Christmas, hope to see you in the new year :thumbsup:

Wizzbangwill

18-12-09, 09:45 PM

Helpful suggestion is don't waste yer money on a pc! Just had mine remapped fully without cost 150 so saved me a fortune. Well pleased with her bhp now! Sold the pc and it covered the cost! So v happy.

My suspension is now all done and waiting to be fitted. Steve Jordan champ winning mods front and rear. Only downer is it's too cold now to take her for a spin.

The most exciting bit is the bodywork..can't wait till it's all done and painted.

While was in steves place I saw a nice rsv2 being prepped was the sexist sv I've ever seen. Think is for the thunderbike class which looks intresting.

Now just got to sit patiently for the new season so bring it on guys.

Adam William hill have your odds at 7/2 already!

coxxy

24-12-09, 07:23 PM

First stage all complete, see the stove enamelled chassis and swinging arm: (select the picture for enlargement)
5858

Also, front and rear brake calipers completely stripped, inspected and cleaned down, all seals and surfaces seemed fine. Rear axle and all attachments inspected and cleaned up ready for rebuild. Front yokes and bearings cleaned up, sprayed and regreased.

Have sold off the old clanky dyno pro subframes for SDC alternatives which are uber light whilst structurally strong. Every gram helps and with the BB plastic lightweight bodywork (with matched subframes) the fighting weight will be far lower than this season now we have also despatched with the relatively heavyweight GSXR K5 fairings.

Plans are also afoot to develop an even more lightweight hindle based race exhaust - with trick end can - which should give the necessary grunt without resorting to another huge outlay for alternate systems. Always be careful - those novices out there - you will hear lots of stories about what your bikes need to be equipped with to make the 72 bhp required. Ask around for good advice before parting with your money - novices are easily exploited.

So far the project is coming along nicely then -with 6 weeks to go we are confident that this rebuilt K4 will be amongst the most tricky minitwinners on the grid next season. Obviously looks are not the only priority but other developments shouldnt always be discussed on this forum. Suffice to say the experience of SDC will be focussed on producing another potential championship winning SV without spending megabuckets of dosh and also making sure the rules are followed closely. Really important that, following rules.

Happy Christmas to all and have a great new year

Sam Cox & Co

Wizzbangwill

26-12-09, 08:07 PM

Lol that's so funny hope your getting a good deal as exploit And sdc in the same paragraph wonders will never cease. I guess selling people stolen bikes could never be seen as exploiting anyone of their hard earnt! Shame you weren't around to warn those novices then!

coxxy

28-12-09, 03:37 PM

hi will,
sorry for your upset mate.
are you saying that SDC are selling stolen bikes then and are not a law abiding company? I mean the bike we are working on is definitely mine as I bought it with my own money from another company - probably not stolen but if you know any different, give me a call (07904439270), you seem to know more about SDC than I already know myself........failing that, in your quest to disparage a law abiding business you could perhaps give Gary Smith a call and explain why you are continuing slagging SDC off - make sure you give him your name too as this is something he can pass on to his solicitor (I'm sure you would rather not be anonymous in court as well as on this forum). So do tell all......................its a good way of making your aim clear and making new friends.

Failing this, when we meet you in the paddock next season you can explain face to face, ie myself, Sam Cox, Gary Smith et al what reasons are behind your little rant - we will definitely listen to what you have to say, you seem a really interesting chap? We are a friendly bunch really just getting on with enjoying the racing - trying to enjoy ourselves like everyone in the paddock. In fact the minitwin fraternity are a nice bunch and quite close - you could probably make lots of friends along the way.......we try to be as understanding as possible. Even novices are more than welcome to share their views.

My aim with this thread was to share a bit of the info required to help get others safely into minitwin racing as last year was our rooky year too- really sorry this has got you upset - were you drunk? Last year we learned a lot about racing (by our mistakes), about the people in the paddock (by meeting them) and the companies associated with minitwins (by having work done). Sharing this could possibly help others including which outfit race prepares SV's better than any other - and this is where SDC comes in. These guys have been great. But if you favour Steve Jordans then obviously we can look forward to competing with you next year in a fair and friendly way.

Have a look at the following SDC prepared bikes and judge for yourself:
5891

Pretty sure you might even like to purchase one yourself one day..........

Have a great new year Will. I think SDC have found a new friend.....

Sam Cox and co

toot

28-12-09, 06:08 PM

I think he is on about this Sam. He ain't making anything up mate. :rolleyes:

http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/hertfordshiremercury-news/displayarticle.asp?id=349030

coxxy

29-12-09, 12:14 PM

hi toot,
not suggesting he is, the article doesnt tell us anything we dont already know so this is past history for us - publish and be damned as they say. We prefer to focus on the current support and future with SDC that will enable Sam to have the 1 - 2% improvement that may help him win the minitwin championship next season - even against the more experienced and highly favoured opposition we have already had fun beating (occasionally!) last season.

The advice and support we have received so far at SDC has been really excellent: dyno, suspension, bodywork, engine and race prep and experience all under one roof. Oh and free coffee! Not sure about the junk food service though......;)

In the past we have had to deal with different providers for each separate aspect, some of them main dealers who do their best but just dont always prioritise over their road punters. In fact in these instances we have been ripped off more often than not, been tempted into buying 'improvements' that cost bag loads and had work completed to an inferior standard. So you have to go with the best you can find to suit your circumstances in our free and democratic country?

As soon as we came across SDC it was obvious there was better quality technical knowledge and free advice about race SV's available across all race orientated issues - having witnessed the SDC carby bike beating all other supported injected models was probably proof enough. Its really important to have that particular perspective in mind when you choose your support. So here we stand, quite happily working with a great team who provide an excellent and cost effective service, check them out yourself: www.fasterbikes.com (http://www.fasterbikes.com/) or choose your own path as is your right to.

Next month we return to the rebuild - for those still interested - and will hopefully have the front end suspension rebuilt as well as the swing arm put back together. Still after the spare engine but there are salvage bikes available which we might use to provide a lower milage lump. Ebay has second hand engines going for £500+ but knowing their true mileage is somewhat difficult. If all else fails we can slot the existing engine back into place as it didnt miss a beat last year, maybe because it was regularly serviced and treated to the best oil we could afford + new filters for every other race meet. Unfortunately these SV engines, although fairly trusty, do just 'go' and if in the middle of a race or weekend can cause heartache.

So Happy new year guys, peace and goodwill to all, hope your preparations are going well. Will definitely see some of you soon.................:thumleft:

azman62

29-12-09, 10:37 PM

Cooperfield

30-12-09, 02:36 PM

Hi there, just found this site, looks like a good place for all things Minitwins. I'll be running a K3 in the MRO Series for 2010, hope to see full grids and good close racing, Season's Greetings to all ;-)

Hiya Azman, did you used to race a supermono and then a R6?. I think you were on the racedays trip to Cartagena a few years ago.

I will be racing an 08 SV650 with Bemsee this year and am really excited. Jeremy Hill helped me make up my mind that I should join Bemsee and having met lots of helpful people at the Bemsee open day im glad I did.

My bike is all done and ready to rock. Shame as its too cold to be doing any testing. I learnt the hard way last Feb by doing a day at Cadwell and it was so slippy. I broke my collarbone comming out of Barn. So will take my time this year and just wait until the rookie school.

Oh and Toot - i agree i would not touch sdc with a barge pole. It was a mate of mine who i met through trackdays that ended up with his bike confiscated by the police and he lost half a season through it.

id be glad to speak to you about it coxxy and im sure he would too as he will tell you how he has only just raised enough funds again to even consider racing let aloen do it. I will be at the race school both days. I did try and find you at the bemsee day but you werent there i was told.

If your bike was nicked and sold on and then the person that sold it on gave up doing that, that they were then a good person. I dont think so. It spoils the sport and the acu should never allow them back in the paddock.

ok so enough of that. bring on february.

coxxy

30-12-09, 03:31 PM

Glad to see there is still life in this thread and I didnt realise my own popularity - sorry I missed you at Brands ! We will have to differ on these issues and whilst I respect your own opinions, it is easier knowing more than is commonly available to the public, so good luck with your own progress and take care with full on cornering early in the season, barn is a nasty place to crash usually. We have decided to take the plunge and get away to the sun for pre season. The trouble is we could well come back to the UK and have to race in damp and slippery conditions again, just like the start of last season at Brands. Three full days should shake the bike and rider down nicely however.
Judging by the riding experience of Azman - welcome to the thread - it promises to be a competitive series and with the upgrade to MRO even more full grids than last year. I dont know about you but having a controlled stock series really helps identify the good riders - always frustrating when the bike dictates the end result more in open classes. And minitwins couldnt get closer so those of you expecting motorway wide racing get used to smelling the GRP! Last seasons finish was amazing as a spectator - one race to decide the title at damp and blustery Lydden with three possible outcomes, never seen anything like it. Glad not to go back to Lydden, crappy little place. I think the race is posted on you tube somewhere, apologies for the hand held cinematic quality.

Coxxy

allworknoplay

30-12-09, 08:05 PM

Hiya Azman, did you used to race a supermono and then a R6?. I think you were on the racedays trip to Cartagena a few years ago.

Hi, this is Andy (Aaron's dad - he's down in the Cotswolds for New year with his girlfriend, alright for some eh??) Yes he did Supermono on 2007 & 2009, with a year in National 600 S/Stock in between, we have never been to Cartagena, we did go with Racedays to Almeria in 2008 on the R6 tho?? Az was all set to sit out 2010 due to being really strapped for cash again (an Apprentice wage isn't really sufficient to fund a seasons racing!!), but our good friend Tim Drummond (T.D Heating) and Mark Sadler (GO Racing Developments) have offered to build him what promises be a great Minitwins bike, Mark is an excellent race bike builder, with a reputation for building very good (but more importantly reliable) race machines.

We're all really looking forward to next year, the bike isn't quite finished yet (waiting lists for everything at the mo it seems :rolleyes:) but should be ready for a bit of pre season testing.

Look forward to meeting you all when it all kicks off next year, Happy New Year to all Minitwinists everywhere, and good luck for the 2010 season :D

(Oh, and Coxxy, I don't think Aaron's experience will count for a lot, we know how competitive this class is, and we'll be starting from scratch with a converted K3 road bike, but we are hoping a half-decent rider and a well-prepared and reliable bike will see him somewhere near the sharp end eventually:thumleft:)

Andy Easter

Cooperfield

31-12-09, 03:08 PM

Hi, this is Andy (Aaron's dad - he's down in the Cotswolds for New year with his girlfriend, alright for some eh??) Yes he did Supermono on 2007 & 2009, with a year in National 600 S/Stock in between, we have never been to Cartagena, we did go with Racedays to Almeria in 2008 on the R6 tho?? Az was all set to sit out 2010 due to being really strapped for cash again (an Apprentice wage isn't really sufficient to fund a seasons racing!!), but our good friend Tim Drummond (T.D Heating) and Mark Sadler (GO Racing Developments) have offered to build him what promises be a great Minitwins bike, Mark is an excellent race bike builder, with a reputation for building very good (but more importantly reliable) race machines.

We're all really looking forward to next year, the bike isn't quite finished yet (waiting lists for everything at the mo it seems :rolleyes:) but should be ready for a bit of pre season testing.

Look forward to meeting you all when it all kicks off next year, Happy New Year to all Minitwinists everywhere, and good luck for the 2010 season :D

(Oh, and Coxxy, I don't think Aaron's experience will count for a lot, we know how competitive this class is, and we'll be starting from scratch with a converted K3 road bike, but we are hoping a half-decent rider and a well-prepared and reliable bike will see him somewhere near the sharp end eventually:thumleft:)

Andy Easter

Ah wasnt Aaron then. Looks a quick lad though which will make for some great racing. If he has ridden the mono then im sure he will gel very well with the SV.:thumleft:

coxxy

31-12-09, 05:45 PM

Hi andy and welcome to the series,
yes the class is very competitive and lap times are quite quick for 72 BHP. Certainly makes for a quick learning curve if you want to star at the front.
We did exactly the same with the road bike conversion ourselves last year. Fortunately it had an Ohlins shock already fitted with a race exhaust too and having sold off unwanted road stuff managed to keep the overall price low. Its great news that this series is attracting riders with other experience like your own as the current 10 front runners are already capable of making the top five on any given day so more competition will make it even tighter. The starts are always busy and very noisy as you can imagine (the grid looks like it could be packed next year) but lets hope this season begins without the massive pile up we had at brands first time out - horrible (and this was on the warm up lap!).

Look forward to meeting you in the paddock

coxxy

Bluewolf

09-03-10, 04:05 PM

Bought a well put together bike off sideshow#36.

Oh So Chris (Sideshow) must be packing in or going Stock600. Shame. Nice guy

He's moving up to stock 600. Not sure on what make.

I think chris is racing Streetfighter A .

If you see him in the new season can you please remind him that he owes me money for a set of coils I bought from him at the beginning of October. They're never appeared and neither has he since November 4th.

Thanks.

RGV250ads

09-03-10, 06:00 PM

To be fair to Chris (Sideshow) he's active in the RAF in Afgan and is probably on a tour and has no access to computers.

Wizzbangwill

10-03-10, 12:18 AM

Chris sold me some bits also. Nice guy. Didn't know he was in the forces. Fair play for having the balls to go out there. Good luck buddy

Talan

05-04-10, 10:57 PM

Next season promises to be the best yet in the minitwin world. Bemsee plans to open up the minitwin class with a Junior, Rookie and MRO level series will bring much interest in this already competitive class. Having been been through the rooky experience ourselves over the last two years we would be happy to provide advice, help and guidance through the minefield of rules, regs and bike prep.

Sam Cox
Bemsee minitwinner #31

Hi Sam, I am hoping to get my ACU licence and enter a Minitwin race by the end of the season. It is going to be a bit different as I am paralysed from the chest down and will need to convince the ACU that I am not a liability on the track. Currently ride a GSXR1000K6 and have an SV650SK5 that is being modified for racing, having hand controls put on and a set of stabilisers designed. Once a bit further down the path, I hope to become a Bemsee member too. Any advice on which circuit might be the easiest to start racing on will be useful. Am used to the build up, routines of entering a 'race event' as I represent GB in Alpine skiing and have just come back from the 2010 Winter Paralympics. Cheers Talan