Issue 2 Issue • 2015

2015 Interclub Open Champion - Brett Simmonds

Committee Members Life Members President - Mark de Jong Keith & Pat Bingham Shaun Patmore Vice President - Boyd Witzerman Malcolm Campbell Shane Rattenbury Competition Secretary - Rod Garrett Cam Donald (Hon.) Lance Roper Treasurer - Chris Price Nick Hutton Steve Sellers Public Officer - Emma Whitehead Sandra Johnson Eric & Cindy Simmonds Chief Marshall - Danny Moss John & Sharon Kranz Brett Simmonds MTAS delegate - Shaun Lennard Shaun Lennard Jon Williamson Kate Lucas www.srct.org.au or facebook.com/groups/srctas/ 2 3 President’s Report Under approval of Motorcycling Australia for the generator to help towards the Championships and is also an ex World and the 2+4 committee, we have decided to power upgrade, a service that will benefit Superbike competitor having won several Another quarter of a year let the event run as “pre-modern” allowing all circuit users. races and finished as high as 3rd in the has passed and here we bikes for both classes to have a build date world championship in 1991 and 1992. So as you can see still a lot to do during are, well and truly into our of up to December 1999. This will hopefully He is also still a regular and very popular our short hiatus from Baskerville. And on winter break. Welcome encourage a number of additional entries competitor in Australian Historic racing. top of that I still need to organise new paint to our second edition of into the event to bolster the grids by work and give the R6 a good going over “On Track”. The weather allowing bikes falling outside of period six, The Scott Goodman ‘Rising Star Award’ before next season starts. Enjoy the break A new award was presented this year in has reminded us of our and un-log booked bikes to enter. All in all and we look forward to seeing you all when honour of one of the greats of our club proximity to the South it is looking to be a fantastic event. riding resumes! who we unfortunataly lost last year. Scott Pole and the hours of In other club news, we recently held Ride safe, Goodman was somewhat of an institution light have (thankfully) seen their shortest our first end of year dinner in around 10 Mustard. of Australian motorsport and devoted day but behind the scenes, probably similar years. Although held mid-year we still had endless hours to supporting and promoting to inside many members sheds, work on a great turn out with 60 plus members SRCT Annual Dinner local racing. If one thing charcteristed Scott the committee continues. attending for a good meal, some trophy & Interclub Awards more than anything This winter marks the first time we start a presentations and a rather entertaining bit else, it was his desire “summer series” of racing and along with it of banter from superbike legend Robbie It has been a long time since the SRCT has to identify, help and comes some seriously fun events. Shortly Phillis. Robbie definitely got some good hosted an annual dinner, but at the request guide up and coming after the winter break the Baskerville laughs and everyone left with a big smile. of many around the state it was agreed riders. Fittingly, we foundation Historic 2+4 event is being held This event can only grow in future and it is to reintroduce it this year along with the thought the award on the 2nd to 4th of October and on the 1st a great occasion to support the social side 2015 Interclub presentations. Thankfully most worthy of of November the SRCT will be holding our of our sport. we did because everyone who attended carrying Scott’s name second signature 2 hour endurance event. unanimously agreed it was a fantastic was the ‘SRCT Rising Financially the club is finally making some Both of these events require significant night. Star Award’. headway which is a welcome turnaround organisation. from the hardship we went through over To make it even more special and a lot This year’s winner was Matt Garrett who For those of you who attended last year’s the last decade. This means we are in a more fun, ‘Mr Superbike’ Robbie Phillis manged to win his first race at only his 2+4 you will all remember what a fantastic position to start investing in some of our joined us to share some great stories second race meeting. There was no event it was, despite the winds trying their facilities which are in dire need of attention. and present trophies. For those younger mistaking Matt’s best to spoil the fun (and succeeding in The purchase of some new radios and a ones amongst us, Robbie is one of the joy at receiving the destroying part of our sheds and several of better software module for our timing legends of Australain Road road racing award. the 4 wheel competitor’s cars). Those that system are the first steps. These should having won multiple Australian Superbike competed will also remember the concerns help improve communication during events for rider safety with a much broader and also provide better and more efficient 2015 InterClub Winners spectrum of competition in the scoring for competitors. races compared to previous years. Open Lites A few years ago the club also put forward 1st Brett Simmonds 1st Andrew Blackberry For this year’s event we‘ve managed the purchase of a generator to power to convince the 2+4 committee to run the pits. This was put on hold when 2nd Kurt Sushames 2nd Matthew Garrett Well done Matt! two separate classes. Allowing us to Motorsports TAS informed us they were 3rd Mark Delantey 3rd Liam Hickey separate the bikes into over and under investigating the upgrade of the circuit’s 500cc groups will hopefully prevent the power facilities. The quotation of works 600 Formula Baskerville/Clubman safety concerns of last year. As part of this required is almost complete and it’s 1st Jason Spencer 1st Dean von Bibra however, the condition was set that we are looking likely that power upgrades will 2nd Toby Honeychurch 2nd Daniel Briggs required to run full grids (10-15 bikes) for happen in the very near future. The SRCT both classes. has pledged the money that was set aside 3rd Boyd Witzerman 3rd Matt Smith Congratulations to all trophy recipients! 4 5 great satisfaction from improving your lap Interclub Series Round 4 Race 1 saw Brett win the start from pole times. The big bonus is your road riding will 8-April-2015 position to lead the field up the hill for the also improve. Race Report first time. Down the straight and what a sight it was, three 1000cc bikes running You don’t need the latest rocket ship to There was no disputing that bike racing nose to tail, all lifting front wheels at over race, its better if you hone your skills on was back in a big way at Baskerville after 220kph! Hot on their heels and riding something that is a bit more forgiving in a fantastic turnout of both competitors and out of his skin on the 600 was Boyd a class where there are a bunch of other spectators for the final round of the state Witzerman desperately trying to hold onto riders running around at about the same Interclub series for 2015. the big bikes, then a short gap back to pace. Thanks to The Mercury and ABC news John Parnell, Mark Delanty on his ZX10, You just need a back protector, a pair of for their support, there was a noticeable Trevor Joyce on the VTR and finally Jason leathers, boots and gloves in reasonable crowd on the hill and the pits were full all Spencer on his 600 to round out the condition and an approved helmet. day with enthusiastic onlookers and excited leading group. competitors. Formula Baskerville is a perfect class for From lap one it was obvious that Brett Robbie Phillis all new comers to racing. You can ride The club’s new timing system ran flawlessly, meant business and he was clearly on any motorcycle that you have. The only the day ran smoothly and our competitors it. As the race wore on he managed to So what’s your excuse put on a show to remember…. for not giving racing a go? class rule is you cannot do better than a eke out a 2 to 3 second margin over Kurt 65 second lap, if you do you will receive a who had his hands full holding off a very These are the usual ones: 10sec penalty for each lap you break out. determined Brad Wootton who was looking • I’m not fast enough for a way through at every opportunity. At There are some standard things that you • My bikes not the latest the line it was Brett, then Kurt with Brad will need to do to your bike like lock wiring ZXCBGSR1 big banger still right on his heels, then Boyd only a few the oil drain and filler, remove the coolant • I don’t have the latest flash seconds further back to be the first 600 from your radiator and replace it with water. leathers, paddock stands or home. Behind Boyd came the second 600 Remove side stand and add a shark fin to tyre warmers of John Parnell who managed to get the your swing arm there are a couple of other better of Mark Delanty in a very entertaining You are fast enough, you’re not likely to things to do but we can guide you through race-long duel. Both riders had ridden win, but you probably won’t finish last. It the process. superbly considering John was running a will take a number of races for you to get So why don’t you give it a go! In the starters hands with the very well-used rear tyre and Mark was still comfortable, but over time you will get Interclub Title on the line sore from a pretty quick off he had suffered Open and 600cc in practice the previous day. With the 2015 Interclub Open championship The remaining races were all equally on the line we knew we were in for an entertaining with Brett managing to take exciting day. all 4 wins and wrap up the 2015 Open Brett Simmonds was the man to beat Interclub Title in convincing style. Kurt and came into the event holding a 25 and Brad shared the honours for the minor point advantage over Ulverstone’s Kurt places after battling each other all day, and Sushames. Kurt was running a brand new Boyd continued to dominate the 600cc Kawasaki ZX10-R and he rides Baskerville class to take a clean sweep which included well so Brett would definitely have his work an outstanding personal best lap time of cut out. Add to that Brad Wootton on his 56.8. Entertaining battles continued all day trusty GSXR1000 plus a spattering of quick further back in the field and demonstrated 600s and the stage was set for some great again the growing strength of the Open racing in the 18 strong field. and 600cc fields.

.... continued overleaf 6 7 Up to 500cc and Historic outright. Rounding out the leading group borrowed bike. Despite that, the battle Tim Lester who was doing an awesome Some of the most entertaining racing came Cody Travers and Dave Chopping for the final podium position was still hotly job of holding onto Mathew on his historic often comes from the matchup between who also entertained us all day with some contested between John Kranz, Cameron VFR 750. A brilliant battle ensued between historic bikes and the more modern Up great battles. Rowell and Russell Jenkins, with John the 3 before Dylan finally broke clear to to 500cc class. This time was to be no Kranz eventually claiming the honours with take the race from Mathew, with Tim third. Lites exception and even though Railton’s Peter his 2 third and 2 fourth places. In the final race, Dylan again left himself We should be getting used to the close Bellchambers put in an outstanding ride on with all the work to do after getting away racing that this class produces by now, Formula Baskerville his Period 6 GSXR750 to take all 4 wins, he in 4th place, but riding high on confidence but this time it seemed they stepped it up Once again there was another big line up certainly didn’t have things his own way after his race 3 win, he was soon carving another gear. for the ever popular Formula Baskerville having to fend off Larry Eaton all day on through the field, and by lap 3 was into class for bikes/riders lapping no faster than the more nimble but less powerful Husky another great dice with Mathew for the 65sec, or should I say ‘not meant’ to be motard, the two putting on some of the lead. This contniued for the remainder of lapping faster than 65sec. The competiton best dicing of the day. We won’t go into the race but it was to be Dylan who made at the front in each race was so hot that who may or may not be the more senior it to the line first to claim his second win almost half the field lapped faster than of the two in years, but we can say that a for the day. that! certain motard rider was kept quiet all day about being ‘too old for this’ ;-) Well done Mathew Carey on his CBR600 managed to to both riders for putting on a great show win the start in all four races, but it seemed with some fantastic racing. in each race he had a different challenger. In race one Mathew had managed to open up a nice lead whilst a battle royale raged behind between Tim Lester, Matt Allen, Dave Chopping, Stephen Oliver, Dylan Calow and Will Keyes. Matt Allen It was close racing all day between #65 Liam Hickey and #95 Matt Garrett eventually broke clear of the pack and then set about pegging back the leader. Bit by Battles raged all day throughout the bit the gap closed and the two crossed field, but the dicing at the front between the line on the penultimate lap with barely Liam Hickey and Matt Garrett was simply a second seperating them. A last corner superb. Liam, through experience and Peter Bellchambers had a great day, lunge by Matt Allen looked as if it might sheer determination I expect, managed to Dylan Calow scored a brilliant win in with 4 wins from 4 starts. pay dividends, but Mathew Carey held his hold off Matt in the first 3 races to claim the Formula Baskerville after setting nerve and continued on to claim a very wins, despite both riders swapping paint a lap time of 61.75! Further back in the field Andrew Blackberry well-earned victory. Hope to see you in the 2 hour Dylan. at almost every turn and Liam pulling off started out well quickly getting up to third Report by Chris Price In race 2 Mathew Carey again managed in race 1 and looked set for another great a somewhat desperate last corner pass in to win the start and lead all the way to the Don’t forget the next race day is the days racing until he unfortunately ran wide race 3. Come race 4 however and it was finish, but this time it was Dylan Calow who MOTORWORKS 2 HOUR at the top of the hill and parted company clear Matt had had enough of being the decided to have a crack at the lead, and Sunday 1st November with his . Thankfully Andrew wasn’t bridesmaid and put in the ride of his short after putting an excellent braking move on Details next page seriously injured so he will hopefully be career to claim a brilliant maiden victory. Will Keyes at the end of the straight, set back to his best again before the next Congratulations to both riders on their www.srct.org.au about chasing down Mathew. Time ran meeting. hard, safe racing. out though and he didn’t quite get there Ride Days coming up Tim Lester riding his recently acquired Unfortunately for Aaron Wade who picked but he had seen what was possible. In Sunday 13th September, Period 6 VFR750 put in a very up an excellent 3rd in race 1, mechanical race 3 Mathew again won the start, but this Sunday 11th October, good ride to be the second historic bike problems set in for the remainder of time Dylan was up to speed sooner and Saturady 31st October, home and took a well-deserved 3rd place the event eventually forcing him onto a was into 3rd place by lap 3, right behind Sunday 6th December 8 9 Interclub Series Meet the Officials Race Days are run under a MA permit with Round 4 -April 8th-2015, Overall Results the club organizing the necessary officials At every race and ride day there are a with the exception of the Steward who is number of people who organise and run Rider Points Rider Points appointed by Motorcycling Tasmania. the event. Some are highly visible and Open Formula Baskerville are sometimes quite loud, others you may Flaggies are the unsung heroes of ride Brett Simmonds 100 Mathew Carey 90 not even notice. There are some officials days and race meetings. No event could that are used at both ride days and race happen without them, and they are Kurt Sushams 78 Dylan Calow 85 meetings. arguably the most important officials at Brad Wootton 74 Will Keyes 71 any event. Let’s start with Ride Days, these events 600 Lites are run under a recreational permit from The start line officials are the engine room Boyd Witzaman 100 Liam Hickey 95 Motorcycling Australia and as such must at any race meeting and are responsible for comply with some rules. These rules aim getting races started, making sure all the John Parnell 80 Mathew Garrett 85 to provide a safe and fun environment to riders are in the right place on the grid and Jason Spencer / Chris McGrath 70 John Kranz 68 ride your motorcycle and improve your skill keeping every thing running on time. level in a controlled event. The ride day is is like a conductor run by an official appointed by the club with The Clerk of Course of an orchestra as he or she directs the the required licence level. The nominated meeting, monitoring the races and makes Coming Soon official is responsible for the safe running of sure things are run as they should be. The The Sports Riders Club of Tasmania is continuing one of the great the day making sure that all riders have a Clerk of Course also can stop a race when traditions of Australian Motorcycle Racing, the 2 Hour Endurance Race. MA licence and any incidents or accidents required and order a restart. Qualifying cut off of 115% of pole time, are dealt with in the appropriate manor and (approximately a 65sec lap time). This lap all documentation is correctly filled out and The Steward is appointed by Motorcycling time applies to both classes and all riders submitted to Motorcycling Tasmania. Tasmania as their representative at the race meeting and oversees the running must qualify. The day is run from the start line with the of the entire race meeting. If required the official controlling all the session times and The event has a full support race program Steward can hold hearings if there are any making sure that all the riders are behaving including: protests. Formula Baskerville appropriately on track. One of the most important jobs at a ride day is undertaken More info on the duties of officials 3<2C@/<13@/13 Lites Historics by the sign on crew. This is the job that can be found in the 2015 Manual puts the most pressure on the volunteers. of Motorsport available on line at B/A;/<7/ 600cc and Open (Modern) Sometimes with over eighty riders to http://www.ma.org.au  # Supp regs out now process in a relatively short time things If you think that you might like to help the st so get your entries in !! have to be done quickly but accurately. 1 November 2015 club in an official capacity, feel free to have Open to all machines. Proudly Sponsored by… a chat with us at the next ride day.

Contested in 2 classes, up to 500cc & Open (over 500cc).

Prize money of $2,500 for the outright place getters and $1000 in 500cc class...

Ride by yourself or as a team.

www.srct.org.au or facebook.com/groups/srctas/ 10 11 Meet the Riders One of the changes he would like to see for absolutely everything, from going to the female newbie (95% of the riders are at the track is power connected to the pits uni to going shopping (I became a master male). I was totally wrong! Everybody was Rugare Nyakunu and at the last committee meeting there at tying up carton of beer on the back of incredibly nice and supportive, giving me was talk that that might be happening in the bike)! I absolutely loved the ride to uni great tips and encouraging me. I was very the not too distant future. on the twisty road from Lennox Head to nervous on my first lap and probably took Lismore. I had great fun but also some 5 minutes to do it but came back to the Laure Despland scary rides... back tire blowing up, brown pit after my first session with a big smile snake lunging at my bike, being caught in on my face knowing that I was hooked. massive summer storms! The bike “died” Since then, I have learned so much about in 2009 and I bought a car. my ability and my bike capability. Riding on the track is the safest environment to Mid 2012, after finishing my PhD, I decided learn these things and push my limits. I to move to Tasmania. I needed something also learn a lot by watching and talking to new and Tasmania seemed to be the right other riders. The ultimate goal of the track choice. I wasn’t disappointed and I quickly day is to have fun, from novice to rider built strong friendships and found a job groups, so I really encourage all women as an environmental scientist. Life was and men to come along. Can’t wait for the good and I was surfing every weekend but next ride. something was missing. So in February This is where on a club or a race day we I was born in Switzerland in 1982. My 2014, I bought my first naked bike, the will choose someone to have a chat with grand-dad and my dad had motorbikes new Triumph Street Triple 675cc. I fell and see what they would like to get out of and therefore I was introduced to it at a in love with it immediately and did some coming to the track with their bike. This very young age. I remember going on amazing rides including a great West coast time we have spoken to Rugare “Rue” little ride with my dad when I was around adventure. In November 2014, as I was Nyakunu. When I spoke to Ru he was 4 years old (my older brother on the back buying new bike gear, the guys at the shop riding a 2010 CBR 1000 and had done seat and me on the tank)! My grand-dad told me about the track day at Baskerville approx. 8 track days and had been riding had built a track in the backyard of his rural raceway and convinced me to come along. for about 8 years. property, and my brother and I loved to ride Being a woman in a sport dominated by our motorbikes there; though my grand- He would like to go interclub racing and men I was expecting to be in a competitive dad didn’t like when I was going too fast on when speaking to him at the last track environment where men would laugh at the jump on my 50cc (usually encouraged day he said he would like to race in the 2 by my brother)! The family also used to go hour in October (anybody up for a partner riding in the wood nearby. In addition to Tasmanian Motorcycle Council maybe??). riding bikes, I also practiced a lot of other Most SRCT members join the club for track days or racing, but many also ride on the His favourite rider on the world stage sports: skiing, snowboarding, gymnastics, road, so it’s useful to know about the Tasmanian Motorcycle Council (TMC). is as he has had to work rock climbing, paragliding, martial arts, hard to get to where he has as he might horse riding, surfing and swimming, to Like the SRCT, the TMC is run by volunteers. Council members give their own time not have the natural ability of some of his name a few! When I turned 18 I got my to work with the state and local governments on a range of issues. The TMC is also counterparts. motorbike license (legal age in Switzerland) represented on the Road Safety Advisory Council. and bought a second-hand Yamaha DTR It was Rues bad luck (or maybe our good The TMC’s next meeting is its annual general meeting, being held at the Iron Horse Bar 250cc and loved riding it around Geneva. luck) that brought him to the track when he and Grill at Richardson’s Harley-Davidson at Prospect on Saturday 5 September from was hit by a SUV from behind. What keeps In 2006, I decided to go to Australia 3.00pm (yes, same weekend as the ASBK at Symmons Plains). him coming back is his want to improve to continue my study in environmental You can also follow the TMC’s Facebook page for ongoing updates (www.facebook.com/ (and from what we have seen he is doing science on the far north coast of NSW. I TasmanianMotorcycleCouncil) and check the recently-updated website, www.tmcc.net. that all the time) and that he doesn’t have bought an Arqin RT 200cc and, as I didn’t au, for news on a host of topics. to worry about the party lights coming on. have a car license at that time, I used it Shaun Lennard - SRCT rep to TMC 12 13 • Which WSBK racer was nicknamed ‘The Some interesting facts about the race: • Roberts Jr took third, marking the 22nd Samurai of Slide’? and final podium of his grand prix career • The accident marked Hayden’s only DNF • Which racing number is formal World and the last by Team Roberts, which of the year. Superbike Champion withdrew at the end of 2007. best known for? • Toni Elias took his first and only ever • Roberts Jr took the lead on the MotoGP win, and with it his first ever Following the quiz was another great penultimate lap, having thought the race premier-class podium. The Spaniard began classic race, this time it was the 2006 was over one lap early. the last lap in third place, but overtook both Portugese MotoGP from Estoril - and what Rossi and Roberts into turn one. Rossi a race it was… then got back in front, but Elias shot past Estoril was the second last round of the him out of the final turn. year and things were getting tight at the Classic Race Film Night top of the championship table as only 12 • Elias’ victory remains the last time that 2nd May points seperated championship leader a satellite rider has won a MotoGP race. Well this time around we thought we would from 2nd placed Valentino Elias, who was riding for Gresini Honda, test everyone’s knowledge of racing trivia Rossi. looked set to lose his seat for 2007 until he took that win. with a quiz, and just to make it interesting In practice, Hayden, Rossi and Stoner all throw in some of our new club T Shirts as put in scorching times to take their turns • The next time a MotoGP race was won Tony who? Tony Elias was a surprise winner of the 2006 Portugese GP. first prize – not that we’re competitive at all! at the top of the leader board, but come by a last lap pass was at Catalunya in 2009 qualifying when the chips were down it was - when Rossi was the winner. Questions ranged from local racing, to Remember guys, classic race night is the experienced and confident Yamaha superbike, to grand prix it and it certainly • Second place at Estoril meant Rossi hosted at the Valern Hotel in Moonah, it’s team riding a wave of success which made tested a few. The winning team with an took the title lead for the first (and last) free, and anyone is welcome to attend - we the running putting Rossi on pole with his outstanding score of 36 out of 50 went to time during the entire 2006 season, having would love to see you there so come along team mate running a close Rod Garrett, Marietta Hanson, and Eric been as far as 51 points behind Hayden and join in the fun ! second relegating Championship leader and Brett Simmonds (honestly though I after round 11 of 17. Hayden to the last place on the front row. think Marietta won it for them…) Keep an eye on the • Rossi lost the race by just 0.002sec to SRCT Facebook page for details Here are a few sample questions to see Elias and went on to lose the 2006 world of the next classic race night. how you would have gone. (Answers on championship by five points when he fell @ the Valern Hotel, the next the page). at the Valencia season finale - the same 44 Albert Rd Moonah.

number of points he lost by finishing

second to Elias at Estoril. 52 Haga, Noriyuki

2009, LeMans (2007), Valencia, Valencia, (2007), LeMans 2009, Quiz Answers: Quiz

The 28-lap MotoGP race at Estoril was a stunner and saw Nicky Hayden‘s Proudly supporting Motorcycle Racing in Tasmania championship hopes crash and burn when teammate Dani Pedrosa took him • In which year did run white out on Lap 4. The racing drama was not livery on his Ducati at Phillip Island? over, however, as Toni Elias mounted an • At which circuit did Aussie Chris Vermulen improbable victory over , score his only ever MotoGP race win? limiting the Hayden disaster to an 8-point • At which circuit did win his deficit, rather than 13 points going into the only ever MotoGP race? final round at Valencia. 248 Argyle St Hobart, Ph. 6234 3888, www.motorworks.com.au 14 15 Suspension and Springs the suspension. Most race stands will not use of special tools. In a pinch you can use bushings, which is particularly high for Tech- setting Tip spring sag work because the suspension will still be a blunt chisel to unlock the collars and turn telescopic front ends. loaded by resting on the swingarm rather the main adjusting collar. If you have too Basic suspension setup isn’t overly difficult, Step 4: Just as with the front, halfway than the wheel. Measure the distance much sag you need more preload; if you especially if you take things one stage at a between L2 and L3 is where the sag would from the axle vertically to some point on have too little sag you need less preload. time. And stage one in the quest for a well be with no drag or stiction. Therefore L2 the chassis. Mark this reference point For road race bikes, rear sag is typically set-up suspension is to dial in spring sag. and L3 must be averaged and subtracted because you’ll need to refer to it again. This 25 to 30mm. Street riders usually use 30 No matter what shock or fork you have, from L1 to calculate true spring sag: measurement is L1. If the measurement is to 35mm. they all require proper adjustment to work static spring sag = L1 - [l2 + l3) / 2]. not exactly vertical the sag numbers will be to their maximum potential. FRONT END inaccurate (too low). Step 5: To adjust sag use the preload Measuring front-end sag is very similar to adjusters, if available, or vary the length of Step 2: Take the bike off the stand and the rear. However, it’ much more critical the preload spaces inside the fork. put the rider on board in riding position. to take seal drag into account on the front Have a third person balance the bike from end because it is more pronounced. Street bikes run between 25 and 33 the front. If accuracy is important to you, percent of their total travel, which equates you must take friction of the linkage into to 30 to 35mm. Roadrace bikes usually account. This is where our procedure run between 25 and 30mm. is different: We take two additional This method of checking sag and taking measurements. First, push down on the stiction into account also allows you to rear end about 25mm (1”) and let it extend check the drag of the linkage and seals. very slowly. It follows that the greater the difference Spring sag is the amount the springs Where it stops, measure the distance between the measurements (pushing down compress between fully topped out and between the axle and the mark on chassis and pulling up), the worse the stiction. A fully loaded with the rider on board in again. If there were no drag in the linkage good linkage (rear sag) has less than 3mm riding position. It is also referred to as the bike would come up a little further. It’s difference, and a bad one has more than static sag. An appropriate sag setting Step 1: Extend the fork completely and important that you do not bounce! This 10mm. Good forks have less than 15mm will allow your motorcycle to have approx. measure from the wiper (the dust seal atop measurement is L2. difference, and we’ve seen forks with more 70% of its suspension travel available to the slider) to the bottom of the triple clamp than 50mm. absorb upward movement of the wheel Step 3: Have your assistant lift up on the (or lower fork casting on inverted forks). and approx. 30% available to let the wheel rear of the bike about 25mm and let it down This measurement is L1. Preload - What does it do? drop down into dips in the road or uneven very slowly. Where it stops, measure it. If Step 2: Take the bike off the sidestand, and Preload is perhaps the most misunderstood terrain to keep your tire in contact with the there were no drag it would drop a little put the rider on board in riding position. facet of suspension tuning. Many people ground further. Remember, don’t bounce! This Get and assistant to balance the bike from think that by adjusting preload that they measurement it L3. If you’ve ever measured sag before, you the rear, then push down on the front end are stiffening or softening their suspension. may have noticed that if you check it Step 4: The spring sag is in the middle of and let it extend very slowly. Nothing could be further from the truth. three or four times, you can get three or these two measurements. In fact, if there Where it stops, measure the distance Adjusting preload does nothing to your four different numbers without changing were no drag in the linkage, L2 and L3 between the wiper and the bottom of the spring rate. All it does is change your ride anything. We’ll tell you why this occurs would be the same. To get the actual sag triple clamp again. Do not bounce. This height and your sag. So, given that, what and how to handle it. figure you find the midpoint by averaging measurement is L2. should you do with those adjusters on the the two numbers and subtracting them forks?? Basically, just use them to set your REAR END Step 3: Lift up on the front end and let it from the fully extended measurement sag correctly. Step 1: Extend the suspension completely drop very slowly. Where it stops, measure L1: static spring sag = L1 -[(L2 + L3) / 2]. by getting the wheel off the ground. It helps again. Don’t bounce. This measurement to have a few friends around. On bikes Step 5: Adjust the preload with whatever is L3. Once again, L2 and L3 are different with sidestands the bike can usually be method applies to your bike. Spring collars due to stiction or drag in the seals and Ref: Paul Thede – Racetech suspension carefully rocked up on the stand to unload are common, and some benefit from the Why Not Try a Ride Day

Ride Days are all about having fun. Having the opportunity to ride without oncoming traffic and without any nasty surprises around the corner, riding as fast as you want to and not losing your licence, exploring your own and the bikes limits. All this in a safe environment and for minimal cost. Once you get on the track . . . you’ll never want to leave!

In order to participate at a Ride Day/Clinic you will need to: • Get yourself and your motorcycle to the track • Be wearing appropriate clothing: Helmet, Gloves, Boots, Full-length trousers and a Protective jacket • Join the SRCT. Annual membership is $60 • Get your Motorcycling Australia Recreational Licence. If you have a current motorcycle licence from any Australian State you only need to fill in the application form and pay the annual fee of $105 or the one day fee of $25. • Sign Up, fill in and sign an indemnity form and pay the track fee SRCT $60. Note the Track Fee is waived for all first timers.

So your first Ride Day will cost $85 or $165 all up, and other Ride Days will cost $60 each (+ $25 if you need another one day licence).