Tpoppa

The 1190RS is a limited run of 100 bikes. You can't pay a staff off of the sales and support of 100 bikes. There are other, more reasonably priced models in the works. I suspect some details will be available soon.

The Homologation rules really aren't that strict: --The motorcycle must meet all D.O.T., E.P.A., and other U.S. Federal requirements for street usage. --The manufacturer must have produced a quantity of at least 18 units before applying for homologation. --Motorcycles submitted for American SuperBike homologation approval may not exceed a retail price of $40,000 U.S. I've heard talk that at $40k they will actually be selling the 1190RS at a loss. If that's true, I guess this is the reason. I suspect more than 18 have already been produced.

This. Hopefully it will get approved in time for a few AMA Superbike races this year.

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_roadtest/first_rides_articles/11q2/erik_buell_racing_1190rs_-_exclusive_first_ride

I like the SV1K more than I thought I would. The suspension is pretty good for twisties once you get it dialed in. Not full sportbike stiff, but good enough for spirited cornering. The motor is is strong across the whole rev range.

I can't take a dog, but I can take your computer...

How can you crash when it's parked at bike night ?

Is there just 1 place to adjust on the VFR? If so, I like that setup also.

zing!

Probably true. Once the season starts, changing the weight limits is the only change that is fair to the race teams. It's easy and cheap, and only needs a little suspension tuning to compensate. Any changes to intake, exhaust, or engine internals would take too much time, R&D, and $$$. Some teams just don't have the resources.

IDK, there were 4 equally prepared Buells that ran that year. Only 1 rider was competitive. If they swept the podiums I would agree that there was advantage. V2s and I4s have different power delivery = advantages for each on certain tracks = more interesting racing. Re: GSXR750 not sure. I doubt Suzuki would want to race it since the 600 is their top seller and they want to showcase it. But within the same HP and weight limits, I wouldn't have any issue with it.

Nope. Every class is HP based. Ran away? Are you sure? Eslick just didn't crash the title away that year like the others riders. Cough Buell cough. The 1125 that raced in Datoyna Sportbike was 135-140hp with a weight penalty. The 1125 that raced Superbike was 175 HP. Displacement is less of a factor than the mods allowed to each platform.

There is so much more than goes into racing than ccs. If every bike has to be the exact same spec you have well...NASCAR. Racing different engine configurations makes for better racing. There is a lot more involved than displacement. Just ask the SCCA.

Bike Bandit has the parts diagrams for everything except HD.

I'm pissed that the Big 4 need twice as many cylinders and valves just to compete with the Ducs.

So...all these tips and techniques to align the rear axle...none of which would be needed with a fixed axle and a tensioner. I still wonder why doesn't this exist w/chain drive :dunno

I knew this was coming. If anyone other than the Big 4 win a race they go crying to the AMA. Yay cookie cutter racing. Edit: Sidenote...I'm still suprised that the Triumph 675 isn't more competitive.

That was pretty much the reason for my original question. A fixed axle makes life much easier.

You would need a different length belt for every gearing combination. Belt tension has to be precise or you will shear off teeth.

I makes tire changes really easy. No double or triple checking the adjusters to make sure the axle is correctly alligned, etc...

There's actually an advantage with the belt. Belt and pulleys are something like 2 or 3 pounds lighter than chains and sprockets. You can't change the gearing with belts, that's why the race bikes use chains.

...so most of my riding has been on belt drive Buells over the last 7 seasons. Buells have a fixed rear axle with no adjustment. A 3rd pulley in the middle insures the belt has the proper tension. It's a really easy setup to work with and you always know your axle in perfect alignment. Why don't chain drive systems have this? Why not have a fixed axle and a 3rd sprocket to adjust tension/slack? It could be spring mounted to ensure than the chain wasn't too tight. There must be a reason...and yea, I just got done messing with chain on the SV.

I like Sigmas, heavy trigger and all. I've owned or at least fired just about every hadgun that I've wanted to fire. I bought my SW9VE about 12 years ago, at the time I also had a Sig P228. I fired the 2 side by side many times. I was consistently more accurate with the Sigma...no one was more surprised than me. Sold the P228 years ago...I've owned a lot of guns since then...the Sigma is still next to my bed.

The SV is a good bike. The Duc is gooder.