Prep Talk
Added on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Prep Talk
We’re gearing up for the next round of the Preston and District championship by making a few tweaks to the bike. First up was a new swingarm, fitted on the little 650 because, in my opinion, the standard option is rubbish! Why? Well chain adjustment is a gamble as the marks are so poor, wheel changes are a nightmare because of the end caps, plus the standard swing-arm is heavy and very flexible.
So we slotted in a Versys swingarm, a pretty straightforward fit with just some small adjustment to the shock to match the ride height. The Versys unit is alloy and very stiff so were expecting some good results with this upgrade but of course, the proof will be in the racing.
Photo: www.d-pix.co.uk
Next we fitted some new Barnett clutch springs as the standard ones just can’t cope and unfortunately, we suffered with some clutch slip. It was an easy job - clutch cover off, old springs out and new springs in, cover back on, test for slippage. It was cheap too, at thirty quid all in.
Finally, as the standard top yoke is very heavy, what with the standard bars mounted on top, the ignition switch mounted at the front and being far too un-sightly we asked Promach to make us a new “one-off” unit. The lightweight option gives zero performance gain but a small weight advantage. How much to lose 200g? £150!
Photo: www.d-pix.co.uk
So, how much difference will our tinkering in the garage make? Well I guess we won’t really know until we hit the Three Sisters tarmac but I’m feeling good about the bike. Fingers crossed!
