[kenessex]

I don't know how many of you race with AHRMA, but there have been some substantial rule changes made for the vintage superbike class for next year. They have changed the rules to allow up to 1982 model years elegible. I am putting together a Yamaha Secca 550 for next season, since I have one and it won't take much time or money to race prep it. I got an 18" front wheel of a Vision that should bolt right up. I am going to lose the airbox, get a 4-1 pipe and rejet. Replace the rear shocks and call it good except for a remodel of the seat and rear fender.
However, with the new rules the 750 Virago is also legal for middleweight, and I really don't like 4 cyl. bikes. I think with a front end change to get rid of the 19" wheel and the leading axle fork and a rear wheel change to an 18" from a 900 Seca along with rearsets, bars, etc. it would be a fairly easy project.
Does anybody have one and what do you think about the idea? I have only ridden them a couple of times when I worked at a Yamaha dealer when they were new. I seam to recall that the drive shaft jacked the rear end up and down pretty good. How hard would it be to convert one to chain drive? Is the final drive output a seperate housing, or is it part of the crankcase half? It looks like it would be fairly easy to modify a swingarm to be chain drive.
Anyhow, check out the new rules at www.ahrma.org and let me know what you think. I have all winter to think about this, but once I get the Seca done I will put it up for sale and race it until it sells and then build a Virago if it looks feasable.
Thanks,
Ken

AHRMA 412
Vintage racing - old guys on old bikes

 

[monkey]

they should call it..."formula **** bike"... cheesy apehangers, seat backs and raked front ends. intruder... sounds like a strange battery operated sex device.

 

[kenessex]

Not a bad idea, they could performance index based on the amount of chrome. Do highway pegs and engine guards move you up a class or down, and what about leather grips with chrome ends and fringe?
Ken

AHRMA 412
Vintage racing - old guys on old bikes

 

[monkey]

don't even bother gridding up unless ya got some crotchless chaps on. village people playing over the loud speaker. way too much info

later
mt

 

[Geeto67]

personally I think it is a good idea but may take more fab work than you think for it to qualify.

I never did like the virago, **** bike is probably the best description of it.

Find out if its drive shaft arrangement is anything like the v-max, if it is then you maybe can convert the bike to chain drive, since kits are already out to convert the v-max. Most shaftie bikes that don't have chain variants require lots of fab work to get to chain drive. You will need a new swingarm and rearwheel however as I believe on the virago the shaft is one side of the swingarm.

 

[UngaWunga]

Actually, I've seen pics of a Virago racebike. Was a European bike, very nicely done. Made alot of hp, for what it was. And I believe it had a chain drive conversion.

Haven't been able to find the article via google...

 

[kenessex]

I have been looking at schematics and articles and it looks like switching to a chain drive wouldn't be too difficult or expensive. It primarily would involve making an extension for the output shaft to replace the drive bevel gear, machine the case and weld in a carrier for a support bearing and getting the spacing right. I have a spare swingarm for a FJ600 laying around and a rear wheel for a FZ750, so that part would be pretty easy. I can't imagine that I will get it done for this year, but I might start collecting up some peices and see what happens. If anybody else really wants to tackle this problem first, go right ahead, you won't hurt my feelings.
Ken

AHRMA 412
Vintage racing - old guys on old bikes