4 row primary Drive & Power outputs, Crank balancing, Con Rods, Alloy casting.

Fan-fuckin'-tastic!

Just returned from my first little shake-down ride, a quick 60km spin. 8) 8)

Although I kept to my self-imposed 4000rpm limit (guess I'm definitely old-school, I prefer to run in engines gently), the engine has become a quite different beast.  Still pulls like a train, but without the tractoresque character.  No longer a Cheshire, more like a highly-strung thoroughbred.

Very smooth, slight tingles setting in at around 3500 but seems to make serious power from around 3000.  Not sure if it is the additional cubes or the porting changes making themselves felt, probably a bit of both.  Pick-up is just lovely, hooking up out of a corner has become simply awesome.  Perhaps I can finally learn a bit about rear-wheel steering! :D  Down-changes seem to work better, too.  Less engine braking, hopefully it will prevent the rear from blocking on high-speed down changes.  Will find out once I rev it a bit more.

The bike was no slouch before, but now it's quite boggling!  Can't wait to get it freed up, will book a dyno session once I've confirmed all is well at WOT.

Stay tuned...

piet
 
Dyno session did not happen before Spa due to a few minor niggles and general lack of time.

Managed to clock up around 1000km on the road before the event and took it easy during the first (damp/wet) track stint.  Revved nicely and very smooth compared to before, right up to 8-8500.

The next dry sessions allowed a more serious approach and revs went up accordingly.  The most notable change has taken place when changing up, I now cannot change up quick enough to match the revs if I use the clutch!  Either I get to grips with clutchless up-changes or I need an ignition interrupter in the gear linkage.  Still cannot keep up with Rob, though... >:( :D

During the rebuild, I noticed the valve guides were at their wear limits.  Top end is distinctly clatteringly loud, hope it holds up the few road miles to come.  Time didn't allow replacement, so that is now high on my to-do list for the off season.  I'm thinking of replacing the inlet valves with lighter items with a 5.5mm stem.  Will need to revise the valve springs accordingly and that will give me a chance to try out some lighter cam followers as well!

As a resum?, the lightened and balanced crank has far exceeded my ambitions and expectations.  Smoother throughout the entire rev range, lightning-quick pick-up without sacrificing anything in the way of tractability or idle characteristics.  If it wasn't for the hours involved, I'd do the same for the RGS... :D

piet
 
Piet

I'd have been lost without you and Dori's help and restaurant facilities at Spa, thanks again . As for your bike, it seemed to go pretty well to me and you didn't fall off, that makes you faster in my book ??? :D
 
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