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| World's Fastest 50cc Motorcycle (nonstreamlined) |
What else need I say?
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Dyna-Mite!
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| The dyno comes together |
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| The concept |
Every well equipped garage should have a dynamometer, and now the Big Bad Nitro Daddy garage is no exception.
Rob thought it was too much work to load the Apilia up and take it to Speedwrench whenever we wanted to test it, and all he really needed is a comparison between pulls,nothing terribly sophisticated or precise. One wheel and tire, brake and gauges, weld together a frame and there we are.
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| Up and running (with the Buell in the bbackground) |
Thursday, October 13, 2011
And the Beat Goes on
It's mid-October, and already we're working hard toward 2012.
My job is finding Rob the money and products we'll need through sponsorship. Even though we won't be racing again until August, most sponsorship packages are awarded in October for the following year. I'm spending evenings filling out forms, trying to convince race-associated companies that Big Bad Nitro Daddy will be an asset.
Rob is working on the bikes, as always. We have plans going on with all three bikes. The Aprilia has the opportunity to push up the FIM record, and of course, we want to capture the AMA records. The Hayabusa is what it is; a nitro methane monster, Rob promises me motorcycles get more stable the faster they go. Counting on that.
The Buell is really looking fun. Rob is doing a lot of engineering, and we'll have to figure out what class the bike will run in. It seems like we have plenty of time, but deadlines must be met, and efforts must be focused.
Ten months and counting ...
My job is finding Rob the money and products we'll need through sponsorship. Even though we won't be racing again until August, most sponsorship packages are awarded in October for the following year. I'm spending evenings filling out forms, trying to convince race-associated companies that Big Bad Nitro Daddy will be an asset.
Rob is working on the bikes, as always. We have plans going on with all three bikes. The Aprilia has the opportunity to push up the FIM record, and of course, we want to capture the AMA records. The Hayabusa is what it is; a nitro methane monster, Rob promises me motorcycles get more stable the faster they go. Counting on that.
The Buell is really looking fun. Rob is doing a lot of engineering, and we'll have to figure out what class the bike will run in. It seems like we have plenty of time, but deadlines must be met, and efforts must be focused.
Ten months and counting ...
Friday, September 9, 2011
... and the new world's record is ...
81.398 mph.
Pending ratification by the F,I,M,
Life at Bonneville was frustrating for the first day when I could barely keep the bike running at low revs. It sure made it hard to start as the bike struggled in first gear and took over half a mile to climb up into the exciting part of the power band. A new ring gave it back the compression we needed, and the Aprilia rewarded us with four runs over 80 mph.
On Tuesday, August 30th, we ran 82.574 down, with a return run of 80.255 mph. That gave us the average of 81.398 mph through the mile, breaking the previous record of just over 77 mph.
In addition, the organizers of the BUB Speed Trials awarded Big Bad Nitro Daddy the "Highest MPH/CC Ratio" for our fastest run of 82.673. Pretty amazing when you consider that speed is being generated by a piston and cylinder the size of a shot glass.
Thank you AF1 Racing for building the "mad little monkey" motor, and Optima Batteries for providing the electrical power. Already we're planning how to go faster next year.
And wait till you see what's been happening to the Buell!
Pending ratification by the F,I,M,
Life at Bonneville was frustrating for the first day when I could barely keep the bike running at low revs. It sure made it hard to start as the bike struggled in first gear and took over half a mile to climb up into the exciting part of the power band. A new ring gave it back the compression we needed, and the Aprilia rewarded us with four runs over 80 mph.
On Tuesday, August 30th, we ran 82.574 down, with a return run of 80.255 mph. That gave us the average of 81.398 mph through the mile, breaking the previous record of just over 77 mph.
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| World's Record Fastest 50cc Aprilia RS-50 |
Thank you AF1 Racing for building the "mad little monkey" motor, and Optima Batteries for providing the electrical power. Already we're planning how to go faster next year.
And wait till you see what's been happening to the Buell!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Adventure Begins
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| Big Bad Nitro Daddy tests the nitro methane percentage |
With just a week to assemble the bike and test the systems, Rob was really pressed. There are still some glitches to be worked out, and we picked up a new Digitron gauge as we drove out of town, but we hope it will all come together on the Salt.
This morning we loaded the trailer and ran through the check lists. If we don't have it now, we'll have to buy it, borrow it, or do without. As I write this, we're traveling west on I-80, counting the pronghorns. Should be at the Salt Flats tonight.
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| Seems like a lot of trailer for such a little bike! |
Sunday, August 21, 2011
It's Hee-rre!
Thank you Steve and all the people at AF1 Racing! The Aprilia's engine has arrived.
With only a few days before we leave for Bonneville and the BUB Speed Trials, Rob has plenty to do. Already the engine is installed, and a fuel tank in place. Now he's going through safety wiring and securing all parts.
Meanwhile, I've been working with Ken Brunton of Accessories Inc to make decals for sponsors and number panels. Applying decals seemed intimidating at first, but Ken made it easy for me.
With only a few days before we leave for Bonneville and the BUB Speed Trials, Rob has plenty to do. Already the engine is installed, and a fuel tank in place. Now he's going through safety wiring and securing all parts.
Meanwhile, I've been working with Ken Brunton of Accessories Inc to make decals for sponsors and number panels. Applying decals seemed intimidating at first, but Ken made it easy for me.
The Itty Bitty Nitro Lady Aprilia is almost ready to make records!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Final Two Weeks
It's the push to the finish for the Itty Bitty Nitro Lady Aprilia now.
True, it still looks like this,
but the Haybusa looks like this
and the Buell looks like this
True, it still looks like this,
but the Haybusa looks like this
and the Buell looks like this
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Narrowing the Focus
It's all about the Aprilia now.
The Hayabusa pistons are awesome things: thick and strong, like none seen before. The Buell pistons are incredible: hunchbacked and powerful. But both motors have been put on hold. This year the only bike Big Bad Nitro Daddy will have at BUB will be the Aprilia.
Time became short and there is no benefit to rushing these projects. I had hoped to be on the Hayabusa; this will be the second year I have not been able to ride it.
But the Aprilia is the only class in which I have the potential to break an FIM World Record, and that is where we will aim.
Breathe easy, Leslie, this year your record is safe. But watch over your shoulder. I'm coming after you.
The Hayabusa pistons are awesome things: thick and strong, like none seen before. The Buell pistons are incredible: hunchbacked and powerful. But both motors have been put on hold. This year the only bike Big Bad Nitro Daddy will have at BUB will be the Aprilia.
Time became short and there is no benefit to rushing these projects. I had hoped to be on the Hayabusa; this will be the second year I have not been able to ride it.
But the Aprilia is the only class in which I have the potential to break an FIM World Record, and that is where we will aim.
Breathe easy, Leslie, this year your record is safe. But watch over your shoulder. I'm coming after you.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Helter Skelter
First up, then down, then back up again.
Time was growing short to early register the bikes for BUB Speed Trials, so I contacted Linnea at BUB who also reminded me that I need to apply for my FIM license if I plan to attempt a world record in August.
No problem. That just meant some paper work and—unh oh!—a physical exam. I called my M.D. and she said, No problem. Since my last exam was recent, she could just sign off except—unh oh!—I needed an echocardiogram. No problem. We can schedule one before my deadline, but unh oh!—the cardiologist is on vacation. No problem, I can go outside network, pay cash and have the EKG done today! Funny how that works.
It took some pressing and urging, but all the paper work was completed and turned in. Now I just hope it’s all correct and acceptable. I want that FIM international license so the Aprilia and I have a chance to break records at the BUB Speed Trials.
Fingers crossed!
Time was growing short to early register the bikes for BUB Speed Trials, so I contacted Linnea at BUB who also reminded me that I need to apply for my FIM license if I plan to attempt a world record in August.
No problem. That just meant some paper work and—unh oh!—a physical exam. I called my M.D. and she said, No problem. Since my last exam was recent, she could just sign off except—unh oh!—I needed an echocardiogram. No problem. We can schedule one before my deadline, but unh oh!—the cardiologist is on vacation. No problem, I can go outside network, pay cash and have the EKG done today! Funny how that works.
It took some pressing and urging, but all the paper work was completed and turned in. Now I just hope it’s all correct and acceptable. I want that FIM international license so the Aprilia and I have a chance to break records at the BUB Speed Trials.
Fingers crossed!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Revolutionary New Design
I told "Butch" to keep thinking, and that's what he's been doing.
Rob's been thinking about the violence with which the nitro methane explodes in the cylinders, and the forces that the engine components must withstand. He's been talking to people he knew in his drag racing days, and people he met since. They've come up with come revolutionary ideas.
Unlike the rods in gasoline burning drag motorcycles which are made of steel, the Big Bad Nitro Daddy Hayabusa will have custom-designed aluminum rods for both gasoline and nitromethane. GRP Connecting Rods of Denver, CO, has created light, strong aluminum rods that will cushion the Hayabusa's crank shaft from the shock of the nitro methane explosion. In combination with newly developed aluminum forged pistons from JE Pistons of Huntington Beach, CA, the engine of the BBND Hayabusa will be a completely new powerplant, designed and built for one application: chasing and surpassing the Land Speed Record.
Rob's been thinking about the violence with which the nitro methane explodes in the cylinders, and the forces that the engine components must withstand. He's been talking to people he knew in his drag racing days, and people he met since. They've come up with come revolutionary ideas.
Unlike the rods in gasoline burning drag motorcycles which are made of steel, the Big Bad Nitro Daddy Hayabusa will have custom-designed aluminum rods for both gasoline and nitromethane. GRP Connecting Rods of Denver, CO, has created light, strong aluminum rods that will cushion the Hayabusa's crank shaft from the shock of the nitro methane explosion. In combination with newly developed aluminum forged pistons from JE Pistons of Huntington Beach, CA, the engine of the BBND Hayabusa will be a completely new powerplant, designed and built for one application: chasing and surpassing the Land Speed Record.
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| Rob assures clearance of the new GRP Connecting Rod |
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Progressing on Three Fronts
Lucky for me, I just go to work every day, and leave Rob to work with the motorcycles. We only have four months to put together three race-ready bikes, and that doesn't seem nearly long enough.
The Aprilia is on the back burner with the motor coming together at AF1. Parts are coming in from Europe, and Steve sounds quite excited about its progress. What really caught my fancy are the ceramic bearings, used in such applications as the space shuttle. Mighty special for a little 50 cc two-stroke.
Next on the Hayabusa will be mounting the Mickey Thompson Bonneville tire on the Performance Machine "Heathen Chrome " wheel. What a beautiful wheel it is, too. I can't help believing it will give us a tremendous increase in traction. George Dean is building a strong engine, and Rob has been fabricating fuel injectors designed to accommodate the the amount of nitro methane that will be blasting into the cylinders.
Right now, it's the Buell that is absorbing most of the time and energy. It is Rob's plan to sleeve down the cylinders and run the same bike in three different displacement classes. Certainly an intriguing idea, but the logistics are tricky. He is perplexed at the best way to create enough valve clearance in the heads.
Keep thinking, Butch. That's what you're good at.
The Aprilia is on the back burner with the motor coming together at AF1. Parts are coming in from Europe, and Steve sounds quite excited about its progress. What really caught my fancy are the ceramic bearings, used in such applications as the space shuttle. Mighty special for a little 50 cc two-stroke.
Next on the Hayabusa will be mounting the Mickey Thompson Bonneville tire on the Performance Machine "Heathen Chrome " wheel. What a beautiful wheel it is, too. I can't help believing it will give us a tremendous increase in traction. George Dean is building a strong engine, and Rob has been fabricating fuel injectors designed to accommodate the the amount of nitro methane that will be blasting into the cylinders.
Right now, it's the Buell that is absorbing most of the time and energy. It is Rob's plan to sleeve down the cylinders and run the same bike in three different displacement classes. Certainly an intriguing idea, but the logistics are tricky. He is perplexed at the best way to create enough valve clearance in the heads.
Keep thinking, Butch. That's what you're good at.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Optima Batteries Electrify Big Bad Nitro Daddy
I am thrilled to welcome Optima Batteries as a sponsor of Big Bad Nitro Daddy.
Optima batteries are ideal for our racing team, even though they are not designed for motorcycles. In their traditional application in the BBND transport truck and trailer, these powerful batteries will be a welcome addition to our effort, but it is on the motorcycles that Optima will really shine.
In land speed racing racing, each pass of the motorcycles will use a total loss system. The bike will draw amperage from the battery without recharging it during the run, then have the battery replaced with a fresh unit for the next run. The deep-charging capability of Optima batteries makes them perfect for our needs. The Hayabusa and the Buell will use full-sized Yellow Top batteries. Obviously, Rob will need to build custom mounts for the batteries, which will showcase another of Optima's features: the ability to mount them in any orientation.
Optima Batteries employ an advanced glass mat system, which makes them more resistant to vibration, and allows Big Bad Nitro Daddy to mount a battery sideways on the swingarm. While the Aprilia is so small and light that adding a full-size battery would be impractical, on the Hayabusa and the Buell the Optima batteries will play an essential role in setting world records.
Thank you, Optima. Big Bad Nitro Daddy is excited to have you on board.
In land speed racing racing, each pass of the motorcycles will use a total loss system. The bike will draw amperage from the battery without recharging it during the run, then have the battery replaced with a fresh unit for the next run. The deep-charging capability of Optima batteries makes them perfect for our needs. The Hayabusa and the Buell will use full-sized Yellow Top batteries. Obviously, Rob will need to build custom mounts for the batteries, which will showcase another of Optima's features: the ability to mount them in any orientation.
Optima Batteries employ an advanced glass mat system, which makes them more resistant to vibration, and allows Big Bad Nitro Daddy to mount a battery sideways on the swingarm. While the Aprilia is so small and light that adding a full-size battery would be impractical, on the Hayabusa and the Buell the Optima batteries will play an essential role in setting world records.
Thank you, Optima. Big Bad Nitro Daddy is excited to have you on board.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
And in the Center Ring ...
Rob took the engine out alone, but Andrew spent much of the day with him, tearing it apart and inspecting each piece. Everything looks good, no serious damage. It just needs a little tweaking to be an all-nitromethane engine. Into a box and off to George Dean Racing Engines for Carillo rods, etc, etcTime to start thinking about tire concerns and weight distribution, too. So many problems to work out and just nine months to make it happen.
Happy New Year.
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