I'm going to get to go to Bonneville my first time as a crew member. I went up this past weekend to my buddy's shop and got filled in on travel details. I feel like I'm in a version of Worlds Fastest Indian. He has pushed this sidecar rig to 176 MPH last year and now is building a streamliner body. It's 15 ft long and has a tail. He explained the aerodynamics to me as I sat there with my in amazement. This guy is 68, 10 years older than me. Makes me want to say--OLD GUYS RULE
We plan to be at B'ville this year with a modified production 650 Triumph I built in my shop of horrors. It'll be ridden by a younger friend who is laying down the money for the build and trip.Trying for Speedweek,but might be the Finals....
Cool bike, what is it? Id imagine a mish-mash of different parts from a variety of bikes. Cool Triumph too BTW.
The side car bike is a custom build with a 1352 cc Kawasaki. It runs in the 1650 cc class. I tuned on it last year on the salt for the first time. We where looking to break an existing record of 166 and change. Every run we make we improved, from a first run of about 154 mph to the last one of 164 and change. The air was just not there for the set up that was on it. Went back after some changes for the world finals last October and set the record at 174 and change (top speed was 176). With the stream line body and a few more tricks I'd like to see it got over 180, but the air sucks pretty bad on the salt in August, those speeds may not happen until the October meet. JC
OK--it's been almost two months from my post. The Clock is ticking. We leave in a month and a few. I have stepped up to be the body guy on this streamliner/sidecar. I am getting the fever. My buddy does not have the fever--He lives for the five days. I found this video, once again off topic, and it is almost bland after what I see this guy does all alone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMIiBYhuk08 I grew up knowing how Roth built fiberglass bodies out of spitballs and plaster aparis. I watched one get built with foam and joint compound. And then I took over to smooth it. He doesn't want me posting pics until it gets thru tech. Have met another Hamber here that will be on the team. And have yet to meet the Austrailian that is also going to ride the bike. Evenings now and weekends are work--(I took the holiday off) Down time at work is spent surfing speedweek pics, starting to get my personal act together (we camp) REALLY GETTING THE FEVER
HEY, that was my job last year. I was walking by and he was struggleing so I helped push the bike closer to the line. Whoever I helped had just reprogramed the FI. He started talking Greek to me so I nodded my head like I understood. I hope to get back in 2014.
Leaving Tuesday after work-----Man am I stoked. I am going to make the HAMB BBQ--when on Saturday?, luckily there is enough room in the truck to haul my bike to get around. Keep an eye out for a red-tailed-streamlined-sidecar
Wow----what a trip--missed the BBQ, we were in impound, had the record for only a day, but improved 35 MPH with the body--last run 209 and change--I will be back next year
I just got back home after eating 1854 miles of the I-80 east. Wayne, Wally and I had the thing really screaming when it went the 209. If we had a couple more days we would have had that record. JC
The Jalopy Journal
