MG’s Report
MG had a good Saturday, all the new stuff worked and he won his race. Today he crashed on cold tires and a cold track so the bike is back for repairs and now engine work.
MG, not just a little car.
My friend/client MG, brought me his race bike the other day. The bike is an odd ball, MZ something-or-other with a single cylinder 500cc engine. Not the kind of bike I get excited about. In fact some, including MG, may have heard me make disparaging remarks about bikes like this.Anyway, MG can be a smart guy sometimes and he seams to have me all figured out. Along with his bike he brought some parts, a plan, a deadline and money. A few days later I received gifts and more money.
The job included replacing the stock wheels with a SV650 rear wheel and front end. For the rear I made new axle spacers and trapped them. I had to move the caliper so I put it under the axle for easy wheel changes. To do the front end I cut the SV steam to fit the MZ head bearings. Then I hacked the tab for the steering lock off with my power saw. I also made some nice adjustable steering stops and chucked the ‘70‘s era damper and replaced it with a cross mount from a GSXR, you can get them for about a dollar.
MG sounded a little worried when I told him how much fun it was to cut stuff off his bike.
A new throttle assembly solved all the problem with his old disaster throttle, along with new brakes and clip-ons. None of this stuff is “new,” by the way, it’s all used stuff from other race bikes or a junk yard near MG’s place of residence.
A job like this can be done many ways and MG’s genius was in letting me choose the way. Letting me exercise my artistic side is a great way to get me excited about a job. Just like you want the cook to be happy, you want the guy with the hack saw happy.
I like clean bikes. MG’s bikes are never “Ed” clean. I’ve washed this one four times so far. Tomorrow, when I’m out, I’m going to get some of the engine degreaser spray on stuff. It works, if you use a brush too.
The new rear sets were fun. Drilling holes in things is always fun. Woodcraft rear sets from a SV650. Cutting up the butchered wire harness was fun too. I reduced weight and routed it better. I also removed the on/off switch and have not told MG how to turn the bike on, yet.
Another smart move by MG, bring or sending me the needed stuff. Rather than using up my energy and adding to the money problem.
Tomorrow I’ll work on mounting the seat and body work. A job like this is never done and a few things like the placement of the pegs will be tested for the first time at the WERA Vegas race in a week and a half. Then I’ll make finale adjustments and only then can MG try the same tricks on a painter.
MG’s genius? Letting me do it my way. That, and the deadline.
16 Decades!
In this photo from last weekends WSMC races.
Tony Serra, left, has won races spanning 6 decades, ‘60, ‘00 & ‘10.
Ed Sorbo, center, has won races in 4 consecutive decades, ‘80, ‘90, ‘00 & ‘10.
With his win in 250 GP on Sunday, John Ulrich, right, has now won races in 5 consecutive decades, ‘70, ‘80, ‘90, ‘00 & ‘10.
Ready to Ride!
John 29 has a SV1000 and a TZ 250, Tony 617 has a TZ 250 and Ed 31 has a CBR 600F1. We are ready for the race weekend. What are you doing?
Kenny Anderson!
We are very happy to announce that Lindemann Engineering has agreed to sponsor Kenny as he moves into 125 GP racing in 2012. Lindemann will be handling suspension setup, configuration, tuning, and repair on our Honda RS125 motorcycles. In addition, owner Ed Sorbo brings a wealth of knowledge and four decades of racing experience to our team. We are very proud and honored to work with such a capable person and company.
Suspension tuning is something that we do not have much experience with. During five years of mini racing, most of Kenny’s motorcycles either had no suspension, or were very limited in how they could be adjusted. 125 GP motorcycle suspensions have a huge range of adjustability, and if not properly set up they can be very difficult to ride. Knowing our limitations in this area, I was very concerned about how we would fare.
Lindemann Engineering has already rebuilt and revalved the forks and shocks on all of our motorcycles, ensuring that they are all properly configured for Kenny’s weight. After a little track time this weekend, Ed was able to get our suspensions perfectly dialed in. Despite all the stress of moving up to the big leagues this year, I can honestly say that I have zero stress about our suspension setup. It’s a great relief to know that no matter what, that aspect of our motorcycles will always be ready to go.
Thank you Lindeman Engineering!
Eric Anderson
Father of Kenny Anderson #12
Teaming up with MotoYard.com
Lindemann Engineering To Provide Suspension Services at Motoyard Track Days in 2012.
Motoyard Trackdays and Lindemann Engineering have teamed up to provide track day riders with services designed to enhance their high-speed motorcycling experiences.
Lindemann Engineering, owned by former AMA Pro Racing rider and crew chief Ed Sorbo of EDventure Racing, will be on-hand to provide suspension tuning services at the entire series of Motoyard track days in 2012.
Lindemann Engineering performs everything from basic suspension set-up to complete suspension component overhaul, and is equipped to work with riders throughout the day as they dial in their motorcycles to the optimal configuration. When the suspension works well, riding is faster, easier and more confidence-inspiring.
Motoyard has scheduled a full slate of track days in 2012 at a wide range of Southern Caliifornia racetracks. Willow Springs, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway and Buttonwillow Raceway Park all are on the schedule for the upcoming season. Motoyard also offers its riders the opportunity to ride both the main 2.5-mile course at Willow and the 1.8-mile Streets of Willow on the same day, and offers the Southland’s only nighttime track time.
Lindemann Engineering is located at 1600 E. Citrus Ave., Unit H, Redlands, Ca 92374, (909) 838-4581, www.le-suspension.com. Motoyard can be reached at (800) 930-2815 or at motoyardtrackdays.com.
The Days Are Just Packed!
And so is my shop. There are 4 more bikes here you can’t see in this photo.
Well, Hello Dolly
Here is my latest Harbor Freight thing: A dolly for a motorcycle.
What’s been going on.
The last WSMC race of the year was wet! We rode on Fri & Sat but skipped Sunday because of the rain.
Tony said the TZ was too fast, he was kidding, you can never have too much power but it was good to hear anyway.
Dave gave me his new R-6 for LE suspension work and to have it “Edafied” for racing.
Lindemann Engineering work has picked up again as people park their bikes for the winter/off season and send me forks and shocks for work.
I’ll be working with the girls from “Roadracing World” at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show this weekend. Stop by our booth and say Hi.
Randall’s 600
We re-sprung and re-valved the stock GSXR-600 shock for Randall who races with WSMC. He raced with it last month and liked it. Today at Willow Springs, I bounced on his bike it after he said it was perfect and he did not want it changed at all. I made changes to his front and rear damping and made the bike work even better. The biggest trick is helping people understand just how good their suspension can be. I have to make the changes in steps so they can get use to it. Correct suspension makes you faster with less risk and your tires last longer.