Shaving tires for more speed
#4
07-30-2011 | 08:14 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
On a 2001 Road King with just a stage 1 you are worried about tire weight? I can't even tell if you are serious.
It is a waste of time and a waste of money, and on top of that pointless.
But if you really want to make a difference. Start with the engine build.
After that, if you are still worried about weight and want to reduce the weight of the bike for racing purposes I would start with the rider. If you aren't rail thin, you should be.
Then start stripping everything off the bike that carries additional weight. All extra metal must go.
Wheels need to be traded out.
Change to a lighter exhaust system.
Trade the saddle out.
Trade the stock battery out for a lithium racing battery that weighs less than 2 pounds.
and on and on...
Then when it comes to tires, I would advise going Michelin Pure Power motorcycles tires. They are about 2 pounds lighter than regular tires and made for sport bikes. Good luck finding a set that fits your HD. But, since you are changing out the wheels anyway to save 6 pounds there, just plan a ahead and buy wheels that will handle sport bike tires.
And after all that.....
YOU STILL HAVE A HD DRIVETRAIN AND TRANSMISSION...
Just transmission gearing alone will kill you.
If you want a fast v-twin bike, go buy a used Ducati and enjoy your Road King for what it is.
It is a waste of time and a waste of money, and on top of that pointless.
But if you really want to make a difference. Start with the engine build.
After that, if you are still worried about weight and want to reduce the weight of the bike for racing purposes I would start with the rider. If you aren't rail thin, you should be.
Then start stripping everything off the bike that carries additional weight. All extra metal must go.
Wheels need to be traded out.
Change to a lighter exhaust system.
Trade the saddle out.
Trade the stock battery out for a lithium racing battery that weighs less than 2 pounds.
and on and on...
Then when it comes to tires, I would advise going Michelin Pure Power motorcycles tires. They are about 2 pounds lighter than regular tires and made for sport bikes. Good luck finding a set that fits your HD. But, since you are changing out the wheels anyway to save 6 pounds there, just plan a ahead and buy wheels that will handle sport bike tires.
And after all that.....
YOU STILL HAVE A HD DRIVETRAIN AND TRANSMISSION...
Just transmission gearing alone will kill you.
If you want a fast v-twin bike, go buy a used Ducati and enjoy your Road King for what it is.
Last edited by Jonesee; 07-30-2011 at 08:17 AM.
#6
07-30-2011 | 08:16 AM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 38
From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
Thats WAY after you change the pulleys and rims to the lightest you can find.
Having the rims (notiresonthem), clutch basket and pulleys spun balanced at a machine shop will make a big difference. Pulley ratios can make a big deal too.
Tires come in to play if you need to gain a couple thousandths in the 1/4. Or you need to gain speed at Bonneville.
Having the rims (notiresonthem), clutch basket and pulleys spun balanced at a machine shop will make a big difference. Pulley ratios can make a big deal too.
Tires come in to play if you need to gain a couple thousandths in the 1/4. Or you need to gain speed at Bonneville.
