Flat Track 101: A brief introduction

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  • GreaserMike
    Senior Member
    • Aug 2009
    • 497

    #46
    Tires

    Before tire manufacturers started producing specialized tires, racers would run their street tires Probably the most popular tire was the Dunlop K70, which is still popular for stock British bikes (along with the round profile Dunlop K81)



    Many legends rode to greatness on the Dunlop K70





    You can see they were pretty popular tires with the ladies as well....

    Currently Dunlop, Maxxis and Continental produce dirt track specific tires...(Goodyear was bought out by Dunlop) Dirt track tires are unidirectional and are rotated as the left side of the tire wears down.



    The Dunlop "S" pattern is probably the most famous tread in flat track racing. I see this pattern when I go to sleep at night.



    Look at this lucky bastard flying around on his Dunlop CD2 Dirt Track tires. The envy of those lacking in manhood. Too afraid to get on the track whilst buying every flat track shirt Lucky Brand and Johnson Motors offer.

    Modern DT tires come in different compound densities from CD1 (being the softest) to CD10 (the hardest). On smoother tracks like clay you tend to run a softer compound while tracks with surfaces like pea gravel tend to demand harder tires.

    As for cutting the tires, this is called "grooving". The little slices spread apart and create additional tread in the tires so they hook up better.



    Ideal's heated knife (used for grooving) about $93 bones. Great if you're looking to buy a stocking stuffer for your favorite dirt tracker this Christmas. (PM me for my mailing address)

    There's a whole science behind setting up your tires and every racer has their own methods of grooving, tire pressures, compounds etc...
    Last edited by GreaserMike; 12-23-2009, 1:53 AM.

    Comment

    • Kyle
      Senior Member
      • Jul 2009
      • 392

      #47
      Awesome thats just the kind of info I was looking for. Well now to rebuild my bike and wait for all these pesky broken bones in my left foot to heal.....

      Comment

      • GreaserMike
        Senior Member
        • Aug 2009
        • 497

        #48
        The Grand National 2009 Springfiled Mile

        It's really impossible to appreciate just how fast the riders are going until you see clips like these.







        It all boils down to this

        18 Riders
        25 Laps
        130 Mph
        No front brakes
        Last edited by GreaserMike; 12-08-2009, 9:00 AM.

        Comment

        • CreepyJack13
          • Apr 2024

          #49
          Total fucking badasses.


          Originally posted by GreaserMike
          It's really impossible to appreciate just how fast the riders are going until you see clips like these.







          It all boils down to this

          18 Riders
          25 Laps
          130 Mph
          No front brakes

          Comment

          • Kyle
            Senior Member
            • Jul 2009
            • 392

            #50
            I'm stoked theres a supercamp in Toledo like 1.5 hrs from me in sept. I am gonna try n rope my brother into going with me.

            Comment

            • Sinner6T
              Senior Member
              • Aug 2009
              • 329

              #51
              Up until the late 1960 even rear brakes were a no-no.

              I just love the idea that the 500 Triumphs ran against 750 Harleys for 20 years and were competitive. Then 1970 season hit and Triumphs 750s ruled the roost!

              Comment

              • Bujah
                Senior Member
                • Nov 2009
                • 1048

                #52
                Great posts fella's. And here I was bummin because I thought folks lost their interest in flat trackin in recent years.

                Comment

                • Kyle
                  Senior Member
                  • Jul 2009
                  • 392

                  #53
                  Hell I posted a thread in the main forum thought there would be a lot more interest but it's kinda died!! http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2361

                  Comment

                  • GreaserMike
                    Senior Member
                    • Aug 2009
                    • 497

                    #54
                    The Indy Mile - What it's all about

                    Here's an amazing 14 minute documentary about Flat Track racing filmed at the 2009 Indy Mile. Look for Chris Carr, Jay Springsteen, Jared Mees, Kenny Coolbeth Jr. and the gorgeous Shanya Texter.

                    Spoiler Alert: There's one helluva wreck involving a couple of Harley XR750s getting launched off the track.

                    Part 1




                    Part 2

                    Last edited by GreaserMike; 02-13-2010, 12:26 PM.

                    Comment

                    • CreepyJack13
                      • Apr 2024

                      #55
                      Mike, thanks for posting that!! Anybody know if there are any flat track events coming up in SoCal any time soon?

                      Comment

                      • GreaserMike
                        Senior Member
                        • Aug 2009
                        • 497

                        #56
                        My new toy





                        Trackmaster framed 1973 Triumph 750. Some of the go fast goodies include:
                        • Trackmaster flat track frame
                        • Balanced and lightened crank assembly
                        • Ceriani Fork w/ Betor trees
                        • Redline primary
                        • ARD Magneto Cover w/Joe Hunt Mag
                        • Harmon & Collins race cams
                        • Black diamond valves
                        • High compression pistons
                        • Excell alloy wheels with quick change rear
                        • Mikuni Carburetors w/ K&N filters
                        • Vortex Bars
                        • Grimeca brake


                        Now I just need all this snow to melt and the race season to begin.



                        Mike Haney tucked in at the San Jose Mile in 1972 rocking a similar setup.
                        Last edited by GreaserMike; 02-15-2010, 5:56 PM.

                        Comment

                        • billdozer
                          • Apr 2024

                          #57
                          Mike, the new bike is gorgeous. Thanks for posting those videos from VBS, there are great.

                          Comment

                          • GreaserMike
                            Senior Member
                            • Aug 2009
                            • 497

                            #58
                            Thanks Bill

                            I can't even begin to tell you how impatient I am for next season to get underway. This 750 will keep me competitive on the larger tracks like Lebanon Valley, which is 5/8 mile. My Champion 500cc is great for short track racing where horsepower is not as important. Besides, there's nothing wrong with having a few options.

                            (and I wonder why I can't get my 1950 finished)

                            Comment

                            • Sinner6T
                              Senior Member
                              • Aug 2009
                              • 329

                              #59
                              That is a fantastic 750! She should really rip. I can't wait for the season to start just so I can see you post updates.

                              Comment

                              • GreaserMike
                                Senior Member
                                • Aug 2009
                                • 497

                                #60






                                Fritz Schenck worked his magic on my Champion framed Triumph 500.

                                Comment

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