This year at the Motorcycle Speed Trials was great. After three wet years and a cancellation this year was a redeemer. There wasn't even water at the boat ramp. The salt was thin but the track was in fair condition. Best of all I even got to hotlap so that I didn't even have to stop at prestage or the start line. As for my runs... My engine fairing seemed to slow me, at 85mph its down by 5 mph. Too fat I suspect. Went faster without it. I ran with weights and passenger. Best passenger was 87mph. I started to slow down again and found that the front brake mechanism was sticking and dragging from a touch of rust. I pulled the shoes off. By the last day I managed to tie last year's speed at 90 mph running with weights. In general I found that I could hit 8,000 rpm (factory redline is 6,500) in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Then it flattened at 7,400 rpm in 4th, and 6,700 rpm in 5th. Because I have to run on the 1 mile track I can barely get to 5th at the timed mile mark. It is like a freakin drag race for me.
Next season: I am looking at a more aerodynamic position for me. I want to do a full Rollie Free layout but the rules say I have to sit or kneel. I'm also looking to gear it to run top speed in 4th and not use 5th. 4th gear ratio is 1.0 while fifth is a true overdrive at 0.84. Thoughts?