Le Mans

Hi All,
I was supposed to be at Le Mans this last weekend, however we got pushed out. I did try and get a place from the VMA (a different series), but I was too late, so we decided not to go. Next race will be at Ledenon (home circuit) on the 10th 11th September.

Whilst I was preparing the 350 for Le Mans, I thought I would investigate a rather oily mess in front of the cylinders, this turned out to be leaky power valves because the retaining clips were both broken. This is seemingly a re-occurring problem as it has happened before. It allows the valves to float back and forth, and leak mixture out between the pipes. I have found a guy that makes stainless reataining clips (RDLCCRAZY.co.uk) so they will be going in soon. While I was there I also noticed some play between the rotation of the two power valves, about 20 degress difference betwen the valves. This is more serious as it means that the driving power valve (the left one) would open 20 degrees sooner than the right hand side one. Doh... I thought it was a little down on power the last time out!

This turned out to be a broken bushing in the outside cover on the right side. I can only guess that at some point in time, due to the valve moving about, the bushing got stuck, and eventually broke into 3 pieces, it also wore the joining piece between the cylinders, again I assume because it must have been jamming. I have a new (second hand) cover on it's way, plus a new joining piece.

So the 350 will be better than new in a couple of weeks.

On the RG, I want to up the pilot jet size. A guy on the gamma list assures me that for a tuned engine bigger pilot jets make a big difference - we'll see. Plus I need to investigate the clutch noises.... I also want to attach up the carb trunks to the old air box again, I am not really satisfied with the carbs sucking their air from behind the radiator (hot air), and I think I may get cooler air from the original air box, without the filter of course! Again something to try.

I am planning to do a track day to test out both bikes in August (around the 14th).

Speak to you soon.