Gearing again, just a question on this I know this topic has been gone over time and time again but I would like some input for my use please...I have a turbo 14 standard wheelbase 280/154ft lb
Now I am a complete novice at drag racing but I'm going to have a go on the 8th of september.
I've been riding on the road for many years and do love to give it some! Don't we all!
My bike has a very flat torque curve and just keeps making more power the harder you rev it..
I'm currently running on the road with a 17/42 . I have the options of running zx12 or zx14 gear ratios.
What do you experienced guys recommend as a starting point for doing some racing...
I don't think I can pin the throttle without it wheeling too much.........a few of my pals go racing, seen some of the Rickey Gadson videos too, as well as been to many events overnthe years just never had the balls to have a go....will I be hooked?
I was wondering if I should up the gearing to calm it down a bit As it'll pick the front up up even at high speed.....any thoughts on this? Oh and start tyre pressures?
Thanks
Grin

* Last updated by: grin14 on 8/30/2018 @ 6:25 AM *

I race a lot but should not be giving advice..:) Stock wheelbase with that kind of power is going to be extremely difficult to launch..Some guys can do it but it is tuff..It just takes a LOT of seat time to find the right combo for yourself . Best combo for me has been stock gearing but I am only running at 200 hp .Gadson says to launch at 3500 on a stock bike. If I were you, I think I would go to 17/39 and if you can get some play time somewhere safe, try to get some practice in. You don't need to practice anything past the 1-2 shift to start with..

I really don't have any knowledge on turbos, but is there any kind of boost
Controller? If so, dial it back or off and slowly bring the boost back
as you get a handle on it.

280hp swb and guessing not lowered or strapped sounds pretty crazy for first time out.

Tire pressure? I'm sure lots of opinions, but for me I'd be thinking like low 20's psi
and a nice burn out during staging. I'd be looking to get that tire nice and hot.

Chrly what tire pressures do you run?

* Last updated by: piken on 9/4/2018 @ 8:26 PM *

I run 17 on a Shenko HookUp and you are right on with a boost controller altho it really depends on the rpm that boost starts in.. My ZRX 1200 turbo had one pound of boost at 5000 rpm so I launched 4500 or at least tried to..I had no electronics on that thing and it was either wheelie or spin most of the time:) But a real fun ride . It put out same hp and torque as my 14 does with exhaust and tune..The 14 is much easier to ride
Grin if you can lower the bike, it will help launches a LOT. I was never one for strapping the front but I am only 122 or so soaking weight.. add ten pounds for gear. I have my suspension on hte front set very stiff but I still have two small marks on front fender from a couple of unintended wheelies .
I think the bottom line here is stiff suspension, lower the bike and keep the power turned down until you are comfortable with launches..

OH YEAH...WELCOME TO THE MADNESS !! :)

* Last updated by: chrly on 9/5/2018 @ 7:30 AM *

Thanks guys.
Your input is appreciated.
I have a small degree of logging available so I'll try and post some pictures of some attempts.
It's difficult finding a quiet road to have a go on but I have been practicing up to third gear so far.
I have the front lowered but only by 35mm or so. Suspension is pretty firm too but it's still a handful.
Launch wise I have tried 3000rpm but it bogs down, same at 3500rpm.....but I am trying to get the clutch out so I can get on the gas.....trying to get harder on the throttle a little harder......as you have all said . Seat time!
My bike will make positive boost from 3000rpm so it's sort of in and out of boost launching at 3000-3500rpm so I have also tried around 4000rpm I have been to control engine speed a little better but have to be careful not to hang on the clutch too long.......ill keep trying this method for now.....any further thoughts on this?
I have since been looking at reducing boost as it's too much just now anyway......13.2psi is too much for the motor
It should only be 7/8psi so I need to adjust it back down anyway.
I have read the two good posts over and over again and watched RG videos....
Meantime I'll up the gearing and run some more tests at the different engine speeds..........
Can't wait to have a go at a strip.....

Just remember that the street has not the traction that you will find at the strip...