Motorcycle Ground Clearance

[peterdallan]

Hi....again

I would like my bike to sit as low as possible but as a first timer I would like advice as to what people think or know is a safe ground clearance to build to as I understand the salt is not as smooth as it might appear in films and photos.

Thanks again


Peter

[Stainless1]

Peter, we may need more info... solid or suspension on the rear....
We ran the gsxr about 1 to 2 inches with the suspension set hard and damping at maximum.  Had over 180 lbs of ballast.... 380 if you count the rider 
It lost a little bellypan paint when the crunchies were big

[peterdallan]

Apologies Stainless

Hard tailed frame with vintage Triumph Tele forks, so a couple of inches of movement up front. Based on a Triumph Thunderbird but lighter of course. Rider about 185 lbs

Peter

[Stainless1]

Weight is your friend at Bonneville, be sure to bring along some bolt on ballast.  Ballast = Traction
The numbers I gave you were for our partially streamlined bike.  Bounce the forks rider mounted, leave yourself about an inch of clearance.  The best bet is have a little adjustability, if the salt is bad you may need more clearance than when it is perfect.  You can let a little or a lot of fork stick our of the tree.

[peterdallan]

Ok thanks, that makes sense, I'll try to make sure I can adjust as necessary.

Thank you

Peter

[Buzz Lightbeer]

Peter will you be at the meeting next week?
Regards
Dave

[peterdallan]

Yes I am, see you there.

Peter

[bak189]

If he is using a early Triumph Thunderbird engine, I don't think any ballast will be needed........50hp's maybe???..............sorry

[Vinsky]

At what horsepower range do you need to start adding balast? Or at what speeds?

[Nortonist 592]

If he is using a early Triumph Thunderbird engine, I don't think any ballast will be needed........50hp's maybe???..............sorry

I thought an early Triumph Thunderbird would be considered ballast.


Sorry.  I couldn't resist. : - )

[Glen]

That's nasty Nort.

[Nortonist 592]

Sorry Glen.  It was a bit like someone handing you a $50 bill.  It was irresistible.

[Stainless1]

OK, so maybe no extra ballast will be necessary.... Our experience was at speeds above 175, might not see that with 50 hp. 

[55chevr]

50 HP ?

[Nortonist 592]

Early Triumph Tbird.  HP in the 50s is about right if you want it to stay together.