2WF story on the Busa

[OB_gsx1300rguy]

30 miles in less than 10 minutes.Check it out...It would probably been faster if it was a copper one!
WWW.2WF.COM

[This message has been edited by gsx1300rguy (edited 12 November 1999).]

 

[OB_Dirty Pete]

Two reactions to that story:

1. **** I wish I coulda run that road. Truly a gas experience.

2. That was a weak Busa.

 

[OB_Dr Busa]

Strange that the bike didn't go faster than an indicated 310 kmph. Mine hits 320 very easily and indicates 340 if you're brave enough to keep the throttle wide open a little longer. Mine is stock.

 

[OB_KawAbuser]

Brilliant observation Grasshopper!

 

[OB_ianfila]

The reason for the "slow" speed is HOT weather & altitude in NV. I live in Tampa, FL and have held my throttle open for 3 miles and it will "only" do 200 mph on the speedo, either in 5th or 6th gear! I have done this many times without achieving a speed increase. Its begining to pi** me off.

 

[OB_maui]

Ken Merena should be commended for his representation here. So what if he didn't go 200. You're missing the point. To me what's huge is that he got to run. He didn't crash. He proved to the race organizers that motorcycles where viable! HE OPEN UP A BIG DOOR! Hopefully he'll be invited back. Hopefully he'll have started a class for all to run in. I've followed this race to some extent for years. It's the best street race in this country in that you don't need a crew in order to compete in it. Since there are no pit stops, cost and logistical inhibitors are reduced to the point where the average guy can do this.

Every one here that wants to compete owes Ken big time for opening the door!

 

[OB_Dirty Pete]

Right on...second that Mauii....

 

[Guest]

Very interesting article and run. It appears that radar does have a difficult if not impossible time tracking a Busa IF it is traveling at VERY high speed. Just too small of a target moving too fast though the radar 'beam' to aquire I would guess. Not sure how this would help many of us in the real world with the exception of a few unique circumstances? Keep the V1 plugged in. DP - keep your voodoo box powered up.
I'm sure if Ken Merena runs again next year his time and average speed will improve with additional experience on the course. Sounds like a lot of fun doesn't it?!

 

[sherm]

For some more info on the event including the car times and speeds see www.openroadracing.com

 

[OB_VegasDude]

If they let motorcycles run next year, I'm going to do it. I may not be as fast but i'm going to go as fast as i can and i have taken sweepers at 160. Had a zx9 behind me when i did it too......So I cant wait............

 

[OB_jeffw]

Did you guys overlook in the article that the road course he ran was at 4500-6500 feet above sea level?

Also did you notice that he ran 180 size tires? You really don't need 190-200 tires, the busa will corner better with the 180's plus you can get some interesting compounds.

 

[OB_maui]

jeffw

I thought Merena ran that (180/55R 17 K-108 296/881 dual compound Daytona Racing Slick) for top speed heat management. A blistered tire could take you out on a course like that. Also, bigger tires take more power to tug along.

You say the busa will corner better with the 180's. Is this what you race with? My thinking here was there are no big lean angles involved on this course. So cornering forces were not a primary concern. You have a lot more experience here than I do. Am I off base?

 

[Guest]

Damn that sounds like a fun race. I could easily load my Busa on a pickup truck and drive out there from PA and do it. If they let more than one bike do it next year I am there.

 

[OB_Mr Bear]

Lyle, you wanna talk about being motivated. I went up to El Mirage dry lake this weekend, where Turbo Rick went 203+ on his stock-looking copper Hayabusa. He had his 400 hp Turbo GSXR-1100 there too. He's just a regular, cool dude with a pickup truck, a trailer, and two mondo-screaming bikes he built himself.

Bert Branson and I both want to get into top-speed racing after seeing it this weekend. But you know Rick's performances are backed up by a lot of work and a lot of knowledge. He knows what he is doing, and he's put in the effort to get there. Top-speed open-road racing would be awesome. But so is top-speed on the dry lake bed. And for either one, the main reason it is cool is this; not just any idiot can do it.

[This message has been edited by Mr Bear (edited 17 November 1999).]

 

[Guest]

Mr Bear... I will drink to that.