New GNC Framers in Progress

DTX bikes*  can produce good racing, and they're a good way for some into the sport, but the hope that killing framers** would bring more mainstream advertising and support into AMA Pro Flat Track has been proven not to work.
Instead, the main thing it's done, from my fan's perspective, is lost some of flat track's unique identity. Imagine you were a motorbike enthusiast, travelling through the US on holiday and heard that a big flat track race was happening just up the road and you could get along to see it.
You don't do any research; you don't know much about the sport, except what you've seen in On Any Sunday. So you just roll up and pay your money at the turnstiles and take a seat with a beer. But it's a short track race. And everyone looks like a motocrosser. No one is in the cool leathers you've seen photos of. And the bikes don't look like you expected. They all look like motocross guys. But they're not even doing jumps!
Eventually you might get into the racing, because that's still good, but the whole experience is dulled. And sport has to be an experience if it's going to reach beyond the hardcore.

I don't blame the AMA for trying, but go back through the blog and you'll see we were never fans of the idea. And neither are we Luddites, kicking against progress and digging our heels in. But pro flat track isn't growing and no one is addressing this issue, yet. The aesthetic appeal of flat track bikes and flat track riders in their leathers is one of its great strengths.

So I was pretty excited when our friend Roger F sent us links to photos of brand new framers being built around engines that haven't been used in pro flat track before. Thanks Roger!

* modified modern motocross 450s
** modern engines in custom, dirt track specific chassis, with dirt track tanks and bodywork

This first one uses Harley-Davidson's new liquid-cooled 750 Street engine. It's being built by a dealer from Maryland, Harley-Davidson of Frederick. This is an engine Jared Mees talks about in his exclusive interview in Sideburn 20.
The chassis is a traditional cradle frame, but with a twin backbone. This is a wet-sump engine, so no need for oil-in-frame.
I don't think H-D of Frederick have plans to race this actual bike, they are developing the chassis to sell for road and track.

An update on H-D of Frederick's Facebook shows the exhaust in progress.

 The project on its 19in wheels.

The amazing rear suspension linkages made by M3 Racing.

C and J Yamaha FZ-O7

The other interesting brand new framer is the Yamaha FZ-07 in a C and J chassis. 

Because Yamaha designed this twin to hang from a frame, not be surrounded by a cradle frame, the design is less traditional and, in many ways, more modern.

According to Southland Fabrications (where these shots are taken from), C and J have already shipped ten chassis with another ten coming soon.
Can it have similar success to that of the Kawasaki 650 framers?

Southland Fabrications add that:
Race Tech Suspension has shocks available already. 
Grand Prix Glass has tail sections available
Metalsports Racing wheels have wheels available.
Fred @ RaceTec Racecraft has aluminum tanks available as well.

Cory Texter was racing the Babe DeMay/ Memphis Shades Yamaha FZ framer out in Florida and Georgia before Daytona (below). He had some teething problems, but the twins season doesn't start till the end of May, so they have time to shake it down. He said it was fast straight out of the box as a stock engine.

And that's another thing, AMA, why have 10 weeks of hibernation between Daytona and the next round? I know the weather is unpredictable in the mid-west, but surely there's a better way. G

Static photo: Flat Track Live

Mule Sportsters Work In Progress

More inspiration from San Diego's Mule Motorcycles.
Twin lights on a Sportster tracker look surprisingly good. G

Zanotti Kawasaki 650

The Zanotti team have been running Harley XR750s for years. They were 2011 GNC champions with Jake Johnson. We featured their incredible XR750 race bike in Sideburn 11. Now they're building a Kawasaki 650 GNC bike. From what we understand, it's well behind schedule, but we can't wait to see this finished and racing. 

These photos are from the brilliant weekly US flat track column, The Inslide Line. G

Eine Kleine Hamburger BSA A10

From Jorg at Single and Twin, Germany

Hi Gary, 
Time for a change! I'm about to change my BSA A10 Dragster into a Flat tracker. I have built it some years ago as a low-budget-once-a-year-fun-bike. First thing to change was the handlebar, which was attached instead of clip-on's, next thing will be the rear axle, which still holds gear change, footrests and rear brake pedal. Then a new front tyre will be fitted and off she goes! 
I still have a 80's Husqvarna swinging arm in it, this might have to go as well, but I want to try it first as is and then decide if it is too long or if it is rideable. Hope to participate in one of your events in the future! 
Cheers from Hamburg Jorg

Ascot Project

From Matt in Wisconsin

This is the bike my dad's putting together inspired a bit by your mag. I helped a little but now I've got a Yamaha RD250 I'm putting together myself. Enjoy fellas! Matt


Thanks Matt. Tasty framer in the background too. G

Slowburn

Every bike shop owner (and those working in them every day) I've ever known, never seem to find the time to build their dream bikes, and more often than not ride a not so glamourous but reliable hack. They have all the bits squirreled away but somehow making private time for a personal build seems impossible. Wieger has amassed a few minutes here and there over the last 2 & 1/2 years, and his Indian is finally running. Savour the flavor, it should be worth the wait. BP

Project Enfield dry build continues

Carl at CFM's been busy on Sideburn's Project Royal Enfield. New Venhill throttle and Suzuki DRZ front brake m.cyl.
Tractor headlight (from Adolfo at Bonneville in Madrid, muchas gracias) mounted from Bimota yokes.
Humongous front engine mount cut down and drilled. Those bolts will be replaced. Enfields are built to survive decades of hard labour on Indian roads, so it's easy to lighten them and still retain strength. We're looking forward to weighing the finished bike and see what we've shed.
Rear engine mount drilled; footrest hanger plate made, DRZ footrest and brake assembly.

It's virtually non-stop till the debut on the Royal Enfield UK stand at Motorcycle Live at the NEC. G

Project RE WIP

CFM cut down the front engine mount; drilled front and rear mounts; new footrest hanger; single seat springs. More soon.

Elefant for sale

From Erik somewhere in the Netherlands...

Here some pictures of a half finished Cagiva Elephant flattrack project. It is for sale on www.marktplaats.nl for €1500, which is a steal considering the parts on the bike. I am currently tied up in a XT500 build, so for me it is not the right moment.
Perhaps it is for any of my Sideburn friends.
Erik

Co-Built 6

Taking shape, but Geoff is not so sure about the customer's choice on ancillaries for the purpose of racing. But Drogo is not your average punter, and 'The Dazzler' will not be your average bike. (not that Co-Built are capable of building an average bike). BP

SWM Cherry

From Riccardo at SWM/Fantic. Is this 380cc two-stroke the Bultaco Astro for the 21st century or what?

Hi Gary,how are u?
Look at our new proto (in progess...) 380two stroke...we hope to ride it in september...
Now 4me it's time to surf...we keep in touch.
Your last issue is fabolous!
Riccardo
SWM\FANTIC toys

It's looking good!

From Chris in Cambridgeshire...

Hi, I have been following and buying the magazine and website from the beginning. I am currently building a Street Tracker loosely inspired by Gene Romero's Flattracker. I attach a few photos of the present state of construction. It's looking good! Chris

Racefit: Legends

Racefit HQ. Their £250,000 pipe bender dominates the ground floor.

The Black Arrow has been on a spa break to Racefit. That means I've had two visits, one to drop off, one to collect. Always a pleasure. These are the drop off photos. G

ZX-10R with alloy race tank and fancy swingarm.
Neat ZRX racer with new Ti Racefit pipe.
Racefit Spondon Zed. Dee-lish-us!
Great bit of UK bike history - GS1000 tail with Pip Higham sticker. I met Pip a few times years ago and he was always very entertaining.

GSX-R with Racefit Mega.
Owner/riders. The red jacket is an Interstate that co-owner and chief welder Phil wore on his turbo GSX 20 years ago. This lot have history and style.
Titanium paddock stands in production. Featherlight, wonderful and £240. Two ways of looking at that. It's 200 quid more than a cheap one, but it's not that expensive when you consider stamped-out in China 'GP Replica' gloves are sold for £200 now. Anyway, they're gorgeous bits of kit for the man with everything.
The Black Arrow considers its options.

SB#8 Work In Progress

Just a couple of stories to finish and a few loose ends. Gary, Mick and I have been quietly beavering away. It's yet another mad fusion of flavours. Funny to think when were busy with SB#1 we were worried how soon we would run out of stories. Thankfully this thing has its own legs now - not that we know which way it's going to turn next.Alfresco studio, photographing a stack of WWII snap shots of desert speedway-riding allied troops. BP

Dominator

Hey Gary,
Hope you're well and the Aldana evening went well!
Just thought I'd drop you a pic of the dommy, got the wheels back and it's now rolling...
Once it's mocked up with the pipes etc it's the full strip to have it painted.
Many thanks,
Christopher, Warwickshire, UK