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Author Topic: Motorcycle Ground Clearance  (Read 11143 times)

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Offline peterdallan

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Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« on: January 19, 2012, 06:46:10 AM »
Hi....again

I would like my bike to sit as low as possible but as a first timer I would like advice as to what people think or know is a safe ground clearance to build to as I understand the salt is not as smooth as it might appear in films and photos.

Thanks again


Peter
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Offline Stainless1

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2012, 09:24:17 AM »
Peter, we may need more info... solid or suspension on the rear....
We ran the gsxr about 1 to 2 inches with the suspension set hard and damping at maximum.  Had over 180 lbs of ballast.... 380 if you count the rider  :-D
It lost a little bellypan paint when the crunchies were big
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Stainless
Red Hat 228.039, 2001, 65ci, Bockscar Lakester #1000 with a little N2O

Offline peterdallan

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2012, 09:34:10 AM »
Apologies Stainless

Hard tailed frame with vintage Triumph Tele forks, so a couple of inches of movement up front. Based on a Triumph Thunderbird but lighter of course. Rider about 185 lbs

Peter
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Offline Stainless1

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2012, 09:55:04 AM »
Weight is your friend at Bonneville, be sure to bring along some bolt on ballast.  Ballast = Traction
The numbers I gave you were for our partially streamlined bike.  Bounce the forks rider mounted, leave yourself about an inch of clearance.  The best bet is have a little adjustability, if the salt is bad you may need more clearance than when it is perfect.  You can let a little or a lot of fork stick our of the tree.
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Stainless
Red Hat 228.039, 2001, 65ci, Bockscar Lakester #1000 with a little N2O

Offline peterdallan

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2012, 11:14:44 AM »
Ok thanks, that makes sense, I'll try to make sure I can adjust as necessary.

Thank you

Peter
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Offline Buzz Lightbeer

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2012, 05:56:30 PM »
Peter will you be at the meeting next week?
Regards
Dave
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Offline peterdallan

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #6 on: January 21, 2012, 05:54:35 AM »
Yes I am, see you there.

Peter
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Offline bak189

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2012, 10:05:11 AM »
If he is using a early Triumph Thunderbird engine, I don't think any ballast will be needed........50hp's maybe???..............sorry
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Offline Vinsky

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2012, 03:11:25 PM »
At what horsepower range do you need to start adding balast? Or at what speeds?
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John

Offline Nortonist 592

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #9 on: January 24, 2012, 03:42:44 PM »
Quote from: bak189 on January 24, 2012, 10:05:11 AM
If he is using a early Triumph Thunderbird engine, I don't think any ballast will be needed........50hp's maybe???..............sorry

I thought an early Triumph Thunderbird would be considered ballast.


Sorry.  I couldn't resist. : - )
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Get off the stove Grandad.  You're too old to be riding the range.

Offline Glen

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #10 on: January 24, 2012, 03:56:35 PM »
That's nasty Nort. :evil:
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Glen
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Offline Nortonist 592

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #11 on: January 24, 2012, 06:14:03 PM »
Sorry Glen.  It was a bit like someone handing you a $50 bill.  It was irresistible.
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Offline Stainless1

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #12 on: January 25, 2012, 11:00:32 AM »
OK, so maybe no extra ballast will be necessary.... Our experience was at speeds above 175, might not see that with 50 hp. 
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Stainless
Red Hat 228.039, 2001, 65ci, Bockscar Lakester #1000 with a little N2O

Offline 55chevr

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #13 on: January 25, 2012, 01:46:23 PM »
50 HP ?
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Offline Nortonist 592

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Re: Motorcycle Ground Clearance
« Reply #14 on: January 25, 2012, 02:10:48 PM »
Early Triumph Tbird.  HP in the 50s is about right if you want it to stay together.
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Get off the stove Grandad.  You're too old to be riding the range.
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