Matt - so talk to us about what you and the others are doing down there in VA/NC - it seems that you are organizing VROD Race Rallies at tracks down there. How did that begin..... HAve you been racing long. How has it been so far? HAve you run any races or are you primarily doing test and tune? How do you think others that have not raced before would like it? If this was your first time out - tell us about the experieince - what happened at the track - good moments and bad. And who are the others that are showing up on the movies?
KSP

Well it all starts with the need for speed. I have always wanted to take the bike to the track and when I started talking to VotROD that set thing in motion. What an addiction the track has turn out to be. As far as the race rallies that you call it, I just love My Vrod and riding with as many other as I can find. As it stand right now We will be racing this Sat night and Sunday then again on the 21st and 22nd trying to get as much seat time as I can. So far I have 5 practice runs and 2 elimination runs.
Im still trying to get use to the whole racing a motorcycle. I have never dump the cluth on a motorcycle till I got to the track and now I just have to find the right rpm to launch at. the last time out I felt like I was bogging alot off the line. I also have to red lights, nothing to be proud of. 1st time going to the track and making that first run I was hooked. I feel it is a load of fun and anyone that run hard at times will love the track also. The Vrod just makes it alot of fun to enjoy the track.

As for the others that have come to the track.
VotRod from NC
diomedes from VA
Vrod-tlam from VA
StanB from Va
Dave From Va
And myself from Va
There are others in the area that plan to make the trip just have to work out a good time for them to show.

Man - I am impressed - you southern boys do tend to have racing in your blood - BTW my experience with a 28 tooth sprocket is launch at 6,000 RPM - Launch immediately when seeing the third yellow and roll odn the throttle as you release the clutch. Best 60's for me with 28 tooth @ 1.77 but normally around 1.80 with decent air. I always watch 60' times to adjust for dialing in - I have a target launch speed based upon a really good launch and i compare it to my reference ET - if the 60 is off of my target I multiply by 1.5 then add .01 for head room - therefore if I ran an 11.84 with a 1.82 60' and I had to dial in - with a 1.80 target 60 then I would add(1.82-1.80)x1.5=.03 +.01 =.04 therefore 11.84-.04=11.80 IAt least that is how I always figure it - Rick N is a master at this game of dialing in.....maybe he will give you his formula. Now for the next question....KSP

So what was it like to run your very first race - can you describe what happened from the time you pulled up to the entrance till you made that first pass - Tell me as if you were describing your experience to someone who has never been to the track so that they would know what to expect. DOn't forget to give us some of the details - times , what steps from the staging lane to the time slip booth. How about the other bikers - did you meet some of the regulars and how were you treated, especially bringing in a group of VRODs. KSP

The first race was alot of fun I was teamed up againt at procomp bike. I ran the rpms up dont know where they were at departure time. Only thing I see when I get up there is the tree right now trying to work in the rmp gauge. my dial in time was a 8.40. I had a rec. time of around .620 and a 60' time of 1.838 My ET was a 8.33 but lucky for me the procomp guy got a red light giving me the win. That was my best run of the night and maybe the closest I will get to my dial in time. The track locals are really nice and a great bunch to be around they dont mind you asking question. and will offer help if needed. As for the Group, the guy running the track is glad to see some Harleys making it to the track other then only see rice all over the place.

Matt - what is your current set-up - have you done any mods to help in your racing efforts?
KSP

Im running Vmods, pc3r and se airfilter. I have a 200 metz on the back and bike is lowered to te ground. I made a nice set of drag bars to keep me low on the bike. will have to see how they do at the track. I have not race since I made the new bars.

Oh and still running a 30T and no dyno tuning. Just an 020 map

Great set-up except for that 30 tooth - IMHO - at least it drove me nuts the first year that I raced as it reaked havoc on launch consistency. My 60s were often in the 2.x range - eventually into the 1.9 - I found that the best method to launch was 3,500 RPM and roll on as a higher RPM launch tended to create a rather violent bog. Best 60 ever I think was in the 1.87 range and I worked all year to get one pass in the elevens (11.96)- 28 tooth cured that with fairly consistent 1.8x and and occassinal 1.7x - Chain set up 22/68 is 1.7x with occasional 1.6 - Stock set w/pipes etc. best 11.74 with shifter and chain currently best at 11.56 (7.3x in the 1/8 @95MPH) but expect to run 11.4x before end of year. My weight setup is heavy 850lbs bike and rider - that certainly plays into times. You have already surpassed my best with 30 tooth and you could probably do low 1.7s 60' with 28 tooth. The other issue that I found was if you can get into the 1.7 range consistency improves because the launch bog goes away. So much for my rambling ....... Do you have any pics of yourself at the track that you could post. What gear are you in at the end of the 1/8? HAve you tried the 1/4 mile yet and if so which do you like better? Do you have any mods planned to refine your bike for racing? Do you do a burn out before the run and if so how do you do that.....any tips? KSP

I would like to go to a chain drive but I run the stock rim and with the funds that I work with I always will just at some point it may get wider to hold a 240 tire. If you know of a chain set up that will work let me know. I want to get a 28T pully or chain set up that is equal. but the problem I have is that I take a few long trips and need all the gas milage that I can get so at time the 28T seams like it may be best as it can be change out in about 30 mins or less. At this point I have had my bikeless then a year and a half and already have 15k on the bike.
Im right in the same weight range as you im 230lbs and what ever the bike is.
Only been down the strip 5 times so far and all of my 60's have been in the 1.8 range.
I will try an email you 2 pics one is just after doing a burn out and the smoke is in the air and the other is on take off.
I do ok with the burn out most where in 1st gear and one in 2nd. the tire sticks good to the track and I feel that Im around 4500 rpms when I let it go and she bogs right down. If the weather holds up this weekend I will try and take it to 5k and let her rip and see what happens.
So far we have only raced on the 1/8 track looking to run on a 1/4 during the VA bike Fest on August 21st & 22nd. would love to see you down if you can make it.

As for mods I want to run a 240 on the back a better drive system and some cams with a port and polish job. To top it off a supercharger. looking to be around 150 -160 hp just something to pull me down to the low 10's

Kspz3 are you running a chain drive on a stock wheel and if so do you still have the cush drive working

Kspz3 are you running a chain drive on a stock wheel and if so do you still have the cush drive working

cush-drive helps with traction , besides drivetrain longevity

Matt,
I like this interview stuff. You mentioned a lot of the things that we talk about. As you said earlier. One time on the track and you're hooked. If the weather cooperates I'll head down to NC with you tomorrow. Looking forward to another run. I'm originally from NYC but since I've been in VA, I moved down in 98. Racing is in my blood.

Im hoping to keep the cush drive but want to go to a chain I have to figure out sooner or later because my over all plans take me around 160hp or so and the belt will not be good for that kind of Hp.

Yes - still have cush drive and it is on a stock wheel - the sprocket is actually mounted to a stock pulley that had the flanges cut off - check with sprocket specialities - they are planning on making a VRod chain conversion setup. Also Sam at TurboTecusa has chain setup - but I am not sure of cost or hw it works with a stock wheel - but if you give him a call he is a great guy and will give you good advice.
Kevin