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Mike, I think you failed to think this competitive advantage thing through. What about all the weight loss you’re causing among your fellow TaG Masters? I personally lose 1 or 2 pounds everytime I open up the forums now.
I’ve already had sexual harrassment threats at work from your last avatar popping up on my screen. From guys. Now this.
Hey Kirk, you’re right, the KZ engines are shifters, and it’s the KF engines that are the long life engines. Sorry for doubting you, and not fact-checking first :oops:.
Someone help me understand why ICA and JICA exist?
Actually, they only exist in the US probably because we couldn’t get the new “long life” engines that they’re running in Europe in time for this season (and as I recall, that’s the KZ spec; 125cc TaG-ish engines, not ICCs). Sounds like Stars will re-align themselves with the CIK for ’08, and then the current JICA’s and ICA’s usefulness will be limited to cool shop decorations.
Well, it’s clear where we’re headed. It took 6,000 years to evolve from hieroglyphics to a complete written language. In only 20 years, we’ve devolved almost enough to completely reverse all of that effort. Except now we call the the hieroglyphics “emoticons”.
In other “words”: 😯 :loony: ❓ 👿 :argue :cheers:
Rick – Nope, still planning on running a shifter, just a few club races. I still have a Leopard sitting around, though, so you never know.
Mostly I’m just playing engineeer. There’s got to be a fairly simple solution to this one. Pads that last 10 laps and exploding rotors is unacceptable. I like the dual-rear idea (both on the left side) but haven’t looked at the clearance issues, or things like axle key location and whether you can make an extended caliper mount that’s stiff enough.
Oh, and Greg – While you’re out there doing an excellent job of gathering actual data, don’t forget to factor in the extra weight for Masters. Less brake fade over 20 laps could be more advantageous than any individual lap time.
If you want to set up a statistical “design of experiments” plan, just let me know – there are a few Six Sigma savvy engineers/karters that would love to help out.
Richie – Front brakes are considerably more expensive than an extra rear brake because you’re buying two extra calipers/rotors, plus new uprights, spindles, and a bit more for brake line. I’ve looked at the upgrade cost for fronts before – over $1000, all told. At that point, it’s probably easier to go sell your frame and buy a shifter frame in the same or better shape.
I pretty much agree with everything else, except that bicycle racing is waaay cheaper (except for maybe the road rash expenses).
What do the enduro guys do? I thought they had redundant systems on the rear in some classes.
There’s certainly an opportunity here for smart engineers (like those Shockwave guys) to come up with a safer rear system for the sumo class. I know that we’re diameter-limited, but there’s a ton of brake technology out there for bikes, cars, and trucks, and I don’t think we’ve used 20% of it yet.
And I certainly hope that some manufacturers are paying attention to this discussion.
Just remember that the spec gear will have to be different for the 4″ tires than the 6″ tires, since they have a different diameter.
I really don’t think there should be a question here, since different chassis won’t work well with a different size tire. You should be able to run whatever works the best.
Would anyone seriously want to run a 7.10 tire in Jr. 2?
The Miatas-on-the-kart-track idea isn’t far fetched at all – I believe that Flyin’ Miatas has regularly scheduled events at Grand Junction. Right, Stacy?
I’m starting to regret selling my old beater Miata last year.
You mean the ‘lil ol’ voice of the karting market was heard by the motorcycle market? Amazing!
Thanks Angie, Brian, and Doug.
Is the year of the cylinder still up for discussion? I thought the supply of ’99 cylinders ran out in June or so. Did someone find a bunch or start making them again? If not, we should seriously consider opening this up to ’99-’02.
Our meeting isn’t right after the hocky coach meeting again, is it? I don’t think the porch at the Italian place is a viable back-up plan this time.
