More Power!

Hi all

Well after spending nearly every spare moment from when I brought the bikes back last November it was finally time to take my 400 to be put on the dyno after my Winter rebuild.

I was quite nervous about this as it was only the second race engine which I've rebuilt. Plus there were a few unknowns as I'd put a new head on it and also a different set of barrels. Coupled with fitting a ram air box, and all that went with that I wasn't sure what was going to happen.

I dropped the bike off with Double Take Motorcyles in Southampton, and waited for the phone to ring.

I didn't have to wait long as they phoned the next day. My first thoughts were the engine had blown as I'd asked them to put it through a few heat cycles as hadn't been able to run it in, in the usual fashion.

So when I asked what was up I was surprised to hear that she was ready for collection.

So that was one worry dealt with, now the next, had my work and efforts been worth it?

To re cap, when she was tested before she was making 54bhp, 10 down on a standard road bike.

After I was told what they had changed I had to ask, 'what is she putting out?'

'Just over 70bhp' was the reply.

I couldn't believe my ears, 16 more hp than I'd had, that will do very nicely.

This should put me on a level playing field with those racing around me, as 70 is about what a race bike, that hasn't had serious amounts of money spent on it, should be putting out.

I still can't believe that I managed to find 16hp and can't wait to see how she goes.

Talking of which, I don't have long to wait now as next week I will be on the ferry to Belfast as the first race is 24th & 25th April at Cookstown.

Fingers crossed it will be a good one.

Hopefully I will be able to update you as to how I get on.

Speak soon

Cheers
Stuart