Pushing the Limits?

This is as reported by my latest issue of Motorcyclist:

'04 R1 is claiming 180bhp at the shaft (probably net you about 150+ at
the wheel) with ram air assist (172, without) @ 378lmbs DRY.

'04 ZX-10R is claiming an excess of 152bhp at the wheel @ < 444lbs
WET.


These bikes are getting to be just this side of insane. Hehe


Here was Bling!'s response (via email):

For those who aren't familiar with these type of bikes, keep in mind
that while the EPA may regulate pollution levels, it's the
manufacturers that agree to speed-limit the bikes to 176mph. However,
they don't have to limit the amount of HP that they can lay down and
current vehicle inspection doesn't test pollution levels on bikes.
So, that being said, it's not too difficult to negate some of the EPA
restrictions (increasing bhp) and simple electronics will negate the
speed limiters.

I would debate on this one a bit since these bikes are all under the
$12k mark and we have plenty of motorcycles that are greater than the
$20k mark. Look at most of the custom built bikes, italian bikes,
etc. Many of those hover at the $30k mark or more. So, the debate
isn't building that type of bike for $10k, it's what is considered
affordable anymore?

Bang for the buck? you can keep you $20k + choppers and customs. I'll
take a 150bhp+ machine for under $11k. :-D

Yup, knew about this one. But I'm not so sure that also applies to
the GSXR GP bike. A fork swap and you are all set. The bikes are
just getting lighter and lighter with more HP.

It's already slowly happening as the materials and production of the
bikes become cheaper. The new RSVR (Aprilia Mille) uses magnesium
heads and clutch covers on it's new monster.


--Fullstate

 

For those who aren't familiar with these type of bikes, keep in mind

Okay, agreed, anyone can stuff a turbo on a bike and blow 200hp. But
we're talking production bikes here, and OEM's have to follow the law.
Fortunately the same laws apply to generally everybody... so it is
interesting that 3 cutthroat manufacturers ( H, K, and Y), who would kill
for that extra 5 horsepower, can't put it in the bikes.

I completely disagree. There are several fine examples of exquisite
bikes in the 15-18K range (ducks and aprilia's). However, the big 4 have
been reluctant to price a bike more that 11K. 11K seems to be the $
barrier. I suspect that it is the point at which profits are maximized.
(my econ professor would be proud).

Bling!

 

Have you run that rocket I saw in your garage ?? We need to make another
run, real soon.. I can't seem to get the "Fullstate" on the road anymore...

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

I agree that there are plenty of bikes that are awesome machines for
under $15k. I am just saying, what do we consider "affordable" for
maximum performance. Is it $11k? Or do we push it further and say
$15k is "affordable." Because, to me, it is no longer affordable
when you start approaching that range.

Just like the RSVR Edwards replica. Man, I'd LOVE to have one of
those, but $18k + for a bike? Non-affordable.

To others $11k may be non-affordable.

So, I'm not arguing that there are great bikes for the money, just
where is that affordable cutoff?


BTW - good to see you posting.


--Fullstate

 

That is a crock.... last time you gave me no warning and then you guys
left late and didn't call me. What is a man to do?


--Fullstate

 

Warning? I was called at 8:40am and told that the ride was on and to
be at Joe's at 9am. I made it around 9:20am and had to ride through a
parking lot on I-30 from downtown Dallas to Loop 12.

But then again, I ride a Shadow....you might have a bit of trouble
getting organized to ride that Aprilla on such short notice. I hear
you have to make an appointment a few days out to ride one of those
things...

 

No way I would have answered my phone at 8:40am. I didn't get in bed
until after 2:00am that night. I didn't even know there was a ride
until after 1:00am. The advanced warning would have been just so I
could have gotten some rest the night before. The short notice
warning would have been "Hey man! we are leaving Irving and will be
by your way in 45 mins." that would have worked for me (seeing as
how y'all didn't get out until over an hour after you planned).

Yeah, well I get dogged for putting all my gear on.....but if one of
us lays down, I'd rather be the one in the gear. I'll be one in the
hospital saying "I told you so" while they are doing the skin grafts
on your sorry ass. LOL


--Fullstate

 

Well now.. I don't remember "dogging" you about anything but those earplugs
that keep you from hearing that lovely dull and throbbing roar of my Vance
and Hines.. LOL... Anyway... if I ever come out of "retirement" and start
making serious money, I'll invest in a motorcycle that will "run", so that I
can keep up with you guys... LMAO...

Bill (the rocket) Walker

 

Well Bill, I can't hear your Vance & Hines when you are that far
behind me anyway!

LOL

Just kidding man. You ride the heck out of that Vulcan. No reason to
get a new bike.


--Fullstate

 

Just for that ... I think I'm gonna try and get together another ride...
Hell... I can't take the weekend off but, I'd sure like to get out for a
while ... What's "Bling" got goin' on this weekend.. Maybe we can round up
Big Ed, Waco and Brian .. That would make a pretty nice crew to take a day
run... Don't you think ?? (That is... if you will stay sober and get up on
time)... LOL

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Sounds good. Last weekend the weatherman nailed it for rain on
Sunday. Now they are saying Sat. So, Sunday may be our best bet. I
was supposed to go to LA this weekend, but I ain't going.

I have no idea if Bling! is available on Sun. or not. I think he is
reading / posting to the group, but I'll try to give him a ring, too.

Just one thing.....if the ride is going to head south / south-west,
I'd rather meet you guys here in Arlington somewhere on the way out as
opposed to getting up extra early just to double back on the highway
(aren't I picky?).


--Fullstate

 

Well, if it makes you feel better....I didn't get to sleep until
around 2 or 3 that night/morning before either. That was also after
being up since about 2am the night before that. When I got my call, I
wasn't even awake and had to call back to see if I heard the message
correctly that woke me up.

Who said I don't wear suitable gear for riding (the way I ride)? If
one of us was to lay a bike down, I'd rather it just not be ME. That
would make me content to say I had a good day riding. If you go down,
I wouldn't say "I told you so" to anything....just that you rode your
own. If you go down trying to keep up with me, then that's you. If I
go down trying to keep up with you, then that's me. If I go down
because of you getting into me, you better hope we don't run across
each other again...but I've never been bad about getting into those
situations.

Now, let's start making those appointments (and get your beauty sleep)
to get you on the road and riding with us "no sleeping landlocked
missiles"!

 

See if you can roust the "Blingster" and I'll see who I can shake out..
Sunday is OK for me.. What's with all this hangup about getting out
"early".. It is hard to get me on concrete before ten or so.. Don't know
about Waco.. damn... by the time I got to Joe's, he'd already eaten
breakfast and was drinking his fourth cup.. (Big as he is, he needs all that
nourishment).. Hell .. if I was that big, I'd be something to watch...
LOL... See ya'

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Catch me on Yahoo Messenger... outrider 007... We can exchange numbers
there... C'Ya..