Special Construction Build

[55chevr]

I have been kicking around building a new bike for next year. Almost too many options.  I was disappointed with the 1350cc Buell S1W engine that I had in the drag bike frame. The bike handles extremely well and the engine runs good. But I just can't produce the mph to be competitive. I couldnt sort out the issues without access to a dyno. Really tough around here finding someone with both a dyno and ability with Harley engines.  I wish Dan Dunn at NRHS was closer to Long Island. I took the S1W engine out and I am using it in a 1994 Sportster that I bought a couple of years back as a parts bike. Might race it once next year.  I took the 1000cc XB9 Buell engine out of the old sit up race bike, fabricated mounts and installed it in the drag frame. Finished it in time to take to Maxton in October but the 15 mph head wind precluded me from running it. It is complete and ready. So, what to build this winter? Randy Smith sparked my interest with his GSXR600 and it started me thinking about a drag frame "Special Construction" in-line 4.  So far I have been able to dig up an '07 ZX10R engine and a Z-1 drag frame.  If they fit together reasonably it might be the making of a new bike. Just what I need, another bike.

Joe

[wobblywalrus]

Is the frame rigid or does it have suspension?

[55chevr]

I only have a photo taken with a cell phone that a friend of mine sent me. He found the frame for me in Texas.  It is a 70-s Z-1 frame that was back halved into a drag frame. My friend is a welder and he liked the tig welding work on the frame. He said I should plate the neck area which I did on the Chapman frame.  It looks like it is raked to 35 degrees which is perfect.

[Tman]

Sounds like a fun project Joe!

[55chevr]

Okay. Chris G., my friend from Texas,  has the frame and is shipping to me tomorrow.  He sent me a couple of photos taken with a real camera.


It has a VIN and a number stamped from the shop the did the back half



The front half of the frame is a KZ1000 ...

[55chevr]

better image ... shows the proportions well ...

[55chevr]

Back in the day I ran 9.00s at 160mph with a Z-1 engine - turbo and alcohol fuel ... basically a stock engine with forged flat top pistons.  I ran the ungodly amount of boost in those day of 14 lbs.   The new classic catagory at LTA is an interesting option. 

[Glen]

Joe, nice work bench, was the wife home when you drug it into the dining room.

[55chevr]

That is Chris G's house in Ft Worth ... I wouldnt do it on fear of castration ...

[Koncretekid]

The upper frame member of the welded on rigid rear looks a little flimsy to me.  It's in compression and it's quite long, so could collapse if enough torque were applied at the rear.  Also, it's not in line with the upper frame members. I suppose if it held up to drag racing, it should be strong enough, but who knows if it ever really was raced?  I'd be a little cautious and beef it up as I bet you're going to have a bit more torque than a stocker!
Tom

[55chevr]

I was planning on adding diagonal braces to stiffen the rear ... This frame has never been raced but it is a dupe of the Kosman from that era ... this is a late 70-s drag frame ... back when they still used small car (8") slicks ... they launched hard, which fortunately we do not have to do.  I used to break a lot of parts drag racing ...  One reason I dont do it any more.

[wobblywalrus]

The ZX-10 is a lot of engine for an old style rigid frame bike.  Maybe a 600 four would work better.  Its power would more closely resemble the output of the older air cooled motors.

[Koncretekid]

Joe,
You're probably going to need a larger gas tank as well!
Tom

[Jessechop]

I like it. The ZX10 should make it real fun to ride at least! 

[Old Scrambler]

My 2-cents worth is if speeds above 130 are your goal, the rear should have suspension (very stiff)......to keep the tire engaged with the salt at all times.  I would also think about a larger motor cradle for room to run narrow add-ons to keep the aero-declining from the cylinder block. Your overall build will be challenged by the available tire sizes.  If your going to run partial streamlined, the front of the fairing should be well ahead of the front axle...............so measure your rake and fork-tubes carefully. For straight-line speed purposes, you could probably use 35mm tubes and a narrow tree.  No wheelie drops are allowed!