GEARING FOR KNOCKHILL & EAST FORTUNE

[chaz34]

Hi just wondering what the local racers are useing around these 2 tracks have been told 14/49 14/47 any advice would be gratefull , its a 92 model zxr400 non sp

[Deswilkie]

I run 14/48 at EF; that's with 69bhp at the rear wheel, standard box etc etc

Pretty certain Knockhill is the same.

[shaggy69]

Most guys seem to run 14/49 or 14/50, I run 14/48 but only because it's biggest I can get on rear with standard road chain and I'm too tight to buy new chain lol...depends how quick you are really, if just beginning then 14/50 is way to go

[shaggy69]

Most guys seem to run 14/49 or 14/50, I run 14/48 but only because it's biggest I can get on rear with standard road chain and I'm too tight to buy new chain lol...depends how quick you are really, if just beginning then 14/50 is way to go

[Robbie]

If your running 14/50 your either not carrying enough corner speed or its wet!

[chaz34]

thinking of going 14/49 but will have to squeeze in a trackday or 2 at knockhill to get some practice in .Last time i raced was early 90s on a 600 . Bike is just about ready will miss the training day at east fortune on the 22 march but hopeing to be ready for the knockhill meeting at the end of april ,just tyres to sort out and get a few more spares .

[Deswilkie]

50??!!?!!? Shaggy you going motocrossing?

Sorry; just re-read. You're on 48 too.

[chaz34]

What sort of lap times are you achieveing at these two circuits

[Deswilkie]

At East Fortune over the past couple of year Shaggy and I have been 1:06's (we both won the club championship for F400's shaggy in 2012 and me in 2013). Robbie's prob 1:05's or 1:04's; he'll be along shortly to correct me if I'm wrong (Robbie's the last Scottish champion for 400's before the class turned to lightweights).

Don't know about the other guys but I've not raced at Knockhill in a couple of years so couldn't honestly say times for there.

[shaggy69]

When all the quicker guys were doing 104/105's back in 2002-2005 they all ran 49 or 50 rears, I was on 49 rear at that point. Circuit was a hoor of a lot bumpier then too, motocross round the esses and railway guess as we get older we just get lazy and can't be arsed with the blow ups. Or maybe just not been anyone faster to chase. I remember a pretty well respected guys quote along the lines of 'the smartest racer is the one that wins the race in the slowest possible time '

[shaggy69]

Or maybe we were just taking corners a gear higher, pates used to be flat in fourth the older I get the faster I was

[shaggy69]

Nearly forgot, and this might explain the gearing, most 400s back then were. 65 bhp tops, mine was 55 (jap spec with 30mm carbs etc). Still can't figure how an extra 20bhp makes me 2 secs a lap slower though lol, maybe the age thing fact is bikes are quicker now, although not many are flat out for long before they hit the brakes. Thing is, if your asking in here for gearing, chances are your new to this . Run a 50 rear and then if you drop to 49 or 48 but run same gear and revs thru corner then u will go faster . Count for 3mph increase in corner speed for every tooth you drop off rear.

[chaz34]

this year will be a learning year ,hardest thing will be to get upto speed and knowing what gears to use for certain corners at these 2 circuits ,but just out to enjoy myself and have a bit of fun .Hope there are more 400s this year.

[shaggy69]

The way i learnt and, I used to say this to the newcomers at the training days, was to try and aim for the group in front. Once you tag onto them, take note of who they are and race by race work your way through to the front of them. Then make up the gap to the next group in front and start over if you get lapped then just try n hold on for a corner or two, you will be amazed how quick the quick guys are. And best advice I ever got was 'when ur absolutely bricking it and want to brake, count to three n hit them as hard as u can'

[chaz34]

corner speeds my main worry ,but once im comfortable with the handling of the bike that should come hopefully.just need more track time.