Join KTM Australia for the ultimate orange experience at the 2019 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix between 25-27 October, as the MotoGP World Championship descends on Victoria’s scenic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Registrations are now open for this year’s exclusive three-day KTM VIP Package, where you can show your support of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Red Bull KTM Tech3 and Red Bull KTM Ajo teams across the race weekend. A special KTM VIP Gift Pack will also be provided on arrival!
KTM MotoGP VIP Package for Australian GP announced
KTM’s Champions Club Private Suite will be the place to be as you take in all of the fast-paced action at Phillip Island, featuring indoor seating and an outdoor viewing area that will enable KTM street enthusiasts to witness all of the world-class competition in pure comfort from trackside.
A hot buffet lunch will be served to guests daily in addition to morning and afternoon tea for your enjoyment, while an assorted beverage package is inclusive of beer, wine, cider, sparkling wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
Go behind the scenes with a three-day Paddock Pass included within the KTM VIP Package that will allow you to view team riders and garages from up-close and personal, providing unlimited access to this exclusive area of the event. Guided pit lane walks will be a must on Saturday and Sunday, also included as part of this extraordinary opportunity.
KTM boasts its largest presence ever in MotoGP’s premier category for 2019, led by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Pol Espargaro and high-profile new signing Johann Zarco, plus the newly-introduced Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad of Hafizh Syahrin and rookie talent Miguel Oliveira. Each will be equipped with factory-specification RC16 machinery this season.
Red Bull KTM Tech3 will also field Marco Bezzecchi and Philipp Oettl in the Moto2 division, while Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Moto2 team has secured Brad Binder and reigning Moto3 World Champion Jorge Martin as he steps up a class. In Moto3, Red Bull KTM Ajo is competing with 15-year-old phenom Can Öncü, the youngest-ever grand prix race winner.
Limited tickets for the three-day KTM VIP Package priced at $1490 are available now. Get ‘Ready to Race’ and secure your position by visiting the www.ridektm.com.au website to form a part of the ultimate orange experience throughout the 2019 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, held at Phillip Island, Victoria, from 25-27 October.
Cessnock’s Potters Brewery was all hands to the pump as 80 Tenere Tragics congregated for the start of their annual ride in honour of the legendary Dakar Rally-bred adventure bike. The five-day adventure ride staged last week took riders and crew through Bathurst, Goulburn, Tumut and Cooma to end at the Alpine Hotel in the NSW Snowy Mountains resort of Thredbo.
2019 Tenere Tragics
Participants were treated to a Yamaha bLU cRU ADV Skills Session with Yamaha legend Stephen Gall staged near Cessnock the day before the run started. 23 Tragics gained riding instruction that was put to good use over the next five days riding a range of Tenere models from original 600s right through to new XTZ1200 Super Teneres.
2019 Tenere Tragics
Factory CDR chief technician and long-time Tenere adventure rider Gary Benn rode up from VIC to his first event with a special XTZ750 twin fitted with many original Dakar Rally bike parts. Yamaha Factory Rally Dakar racer Rod Faggotter, made a special guest appearance to ride with the Tragics on the final two days. Stephen Gall hosted an exclusive Q&A session with Rod at the end of day four at Cooma that offered a unique insight into his recent experience in the 2019 Dakar Rally.
2019 Tenere Tragics
Five first model 1983 XT600ZL Teneres joined the run this year – Dave Bottomley, Neil Asplin, Matt Parker-Charlton, Shane Johnston and organiser Andrew Clubb were the riders of the coveted original model large-tanked singles.
Andrew Clubb
“It’s been another huge week filled with so much Tenere spirit! The run this year included stacks of the best Tenere riding in central and southern NSW and while conditions were mostly dry, storms late on day two near Crookwell and overnight rain before the start of the final day from Cooma made for ground conditions that were absolutely perfect… and put plenty of smiles on the Tragics’ faces. The Tragics are an awesome pack brought together by the legendary Tenere brand that we celebrate all week long on the Tenere Tragics Run. The planning starts now for next year’s tenth anniversary Tragics Run, and you bet the Tragics are pumped that the new Ténéré 700 is coming in December!”
2019 Tenere Tragics
2019 Tenere Tragics Awards
First Registration – Justin Hayden
Last Registration – Angus Dudley
Oldest Rider – Neville Ham (67)
Youngest Rider – Alex Dostal (21)
Most Kilometres to the Event – Francis Smith, rode from Burketown, Queensland Gulf Country, the long way (3000km plus)
Happy Camper – Hayden Brown
Tyre Warmer Award – Dave Readford
Band-Aid Road Rash Award – Keiron Jeffrey
Encouragement Award – Tony De Oliveria, in only his second ever dirt ride on an XTZ750
Super Ténéré he only just purchased via Gumtree, Tony dived in at the deep end for his first Tragics Run … and thought, “What the hell have I done!” after day one. He soldiered on, and despite running out of brakes on day three, sourced new brake pads and carried on to the finish at Thredbo.
Sweeps Recognition Lack of Navigation Award – Wayne Stevens (rode a few hundred ‘bonus’ kilometres over the five days)
Sweeps Recognition Puncture Power Award – Graeme Bensley, Curtis Williams, Dave Wilson, Dave Harrison, Grant Merrick, Mark Pavitt; riding as a pack, they scored six flats through the week, and fixed them all themselves
Spec Savers 20/20 Vision Award – Jerry Young; thought he saw a lost dry bag on the trail… it was a dead wombat
Captain’s Choice 600/660 – Charlie Fearon, XT600Z 3AJ
Captain’s Choice 750 – Gary Benn, XTZ750
Captain’s Choice 660 – Andy Patterson
Captain’s Choice 1200 – Phil Halpin
Tenere Spirit Award – Queenslanders Mike Ruoso, Dave Bottomley, Ken Henderson. All rode the first Tragics Run in 2011, never knew each other, but have now become best mates and team up to get each other through each Tragics Run.
Truly Tragic Award – Dave Wilson, dealer principal at Lithgow Bike Stop, and a proud member of the ‘100% Tragic’ club of ten riders who have ridden all nine Tragics Runs. Dave is always willing to leap in and help his Tragic brothers and oozes the Tenere spirit.
Those planning to head to the 2019 York Motorcycle Festival this year are in for an adventure! The York Motorcycle Festival, presented by Shannons Insurance, is growing in diversity each year, and is now the biggest event held annually in York, attracting over 6,000 people.
York Motorcycle Festival returns in 2019
The event has been designed to keep motorbike enthusiasts happy all weekend long, with activities planned on the Saturday and the main event on the Sunday, with a number of new attractions planned for the 2019 event so visitors who come to the Festival year after year will enjoy seeing something new.
Peter Woods – Festival Director
“This year we are presenting a big focus on Adventure Bike riding. Adventure Motorcycling is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people opt for taking their bike off road. We are going to celebrate everything to do with Adventure Bikes and riding, and hopefully inspire riders to get out and give it a go. We are also bringing to York an international motorcycle guest who is sure to pull the crowds; and a new stunt rider who has never been to the Festival before. And for those who have been the Festival, we’re bringing back all your favourites – the Mt Brown Hill climb will be staged again, Show and Shine competition, Vintage Collective Markets, Indian Café, Kid’s bike rides, displays of new bikes and products, and of course the Harley-Davidson family concert.”
York Motorcycle Festival
Peter added that this is currently the only motorcycle event of its kind held in Western Australia, and always attracts substantial industry support, with the major brands all signed up to display at the Festival. The Festival is free and family friendly, and being just an easy hour’s drive from Perth, it’s a great day out for any motorbike enthusiast.
The town of York will come alive over a full weekend when the York Motorcycle Festival is held on the weekend of 13th and 14th April. Check the website www.yorkmotorcyclefestival.com.au (link) for info.
Billy Biketruck
Billy Biketruck may not be a household name – but in the motorcycle industry he is a legend! Billy is well known through his work with Charley Boorman and Ewen McGregor on “The Long Way Round” and “The Long Way Down”; and has recently returned from a filming trip through Afghanistan where he and his crew took an epic motorbike adventure through the world’s most dangerous land – and lived to tell the tale!
Billy Biketruck
At the York Motorcycle Festival, Billy will tell his story and present some videos and photos of his trip in what he calls an exciting, funny and sad story, with only a little bit of nudity! Catch Billy at the York Mill on Saturday 13th April at 3pm, and Sunday 14th April at 1pm.
Lukey Luke
Never before seen at the York Motorcycle Festival, BMW stunt performer Lukey Luke will be at the Festival to make a heap of noise and show off his skills! Lukey Luke is one of Australia’s Leading Stunt Rides and on track entertainers, specialising in performing
Streetbike Stunt Shows at a wide variety of events both large and small around Australia and overseas.
Lukey Luke
After a long and successful career riding for some of motorcycling’s biggest brand names, Lukey has blasted into 2019 in a new chapter with a new partnership, now teaming up with BMW Motorrad. Luke will head to York on the Saturday to hang around and check out the Hill climb, and of course will be on his new BMW F 800 R on Sunday burning up South street!
Adventure Bikes with Neil Price
Catch champion trials rider Neil Price as he shows his skills in trials and shares all the latest info on getting involved in Adventure Bike riding. Adventure Motorcycling is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people enjoy the freedom of getting offroad on a motorcycle. Everybody likes to get away, and these days, adventure motorcycles are just as capable of taking on the rugged terrain as a 4WD. And for many, the experience of taking their bike off the beaten track far outweighs the comfort of being inside a vehicle.
Neil runs Moto Dynamics, and has a passion for training riders to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to take on an outback motorcycling adventure. At the Festival this year, Neil will not only be demonstrating his trials skills, but will be giving information and tips on how to get into adventure bikes.
Mount Brown Hill Climb
Following the success of its inaugural run last year, the Hill Climb up Mount Brown will again be held as part of the Saturday activity line up. The Vintage Hill Climb will be a spectacle of riders and their machines against the mountain, trying to crack the nominated time. A selection of vintage and classic machines from the 1920s up to the late 1970s will be participating at pace.
Mount Brown Hill Climb
Riders will be given two timed passes and will need to replicate the next three timed passes as close to their nominated time as possible. The event is run by enthusiasts from the Western Australian Vintage motorcycle community. Peter said the Hill Climb will be a major attraction and is already gaining plenty of interest from participants.
Show & Shine
Die-hard enthusiasts attend the Show and Shine year after year to show off their bikes; and the display in the stunning old York Town Hall is truly a sight to see. Visitors can choose their favourite and vote for it in the People’s Choice prize! The Show and Shine is proudly sponsored by Clean Ride and Motorcycle Panel and Paint.
Indian Cafe
The new Indian Café on Avon Terrace will now be part of the Imperial Hotel. Take the time to chill with a coffee and a snack at the Indian Café and check out the displays of new Indian bikes while you’re there!
Harley-Davidson Concert
Head to York on Saturday evening 13th April for the exciting Harley-Davidson free family concert! The concert is held in Peace Park, and this year will feature a line-up of local acts as well as recognised Perth bands.
The concert will open with York muso Chris Gibbs, followed by groovy band Coastal Drift. The headline act for 2019 is Perth Indie band The Tommyhawks.
Vintage Collective Markets
The Vintage Collective Markets will be set up in Peace Park on the Sunday for those who need that little extra shopping fix! The Vintage Collective Markets will feature a range of displays that focus on vintage, up-cycled, remade, reclaimed, recycled and vintage-style wares or services. Attractions as part of the Markets will include lids activities, food trucks and live music.
The Vintage Collective Markets have a huge following of loyal customers and patrons, and are well known for being more than just markets, but a celebration of all things retro! The inclusion of the Vintage Collective Markets means visitors to the Festival can enjoy browsing the stalls, enjoying the entertainment, and finding that unique purchase.
Kid’s Motorbike Rides!
Thanks to Motorcycle WA, kid’s can test their own skills on two wheels. Come try riding on the specially designed track in Peace Park.
Charity Ride
The York Motorcycle Festival is a free family festival that was originally set up as a charity event. In 2019, the Festival is again pleased to support beyondblue in its fundraising. To raise money, a Charity Ride for beyondblue will be held on Sunday 14th April from Midland to York.
Participants should meet at Midland Gate Shopping Centre carpark, Great Eastern Highway, Midland from 8.30am Sunday 14th April. There will be two start times – the first ride will leave at 9am for the early birds, and the second at 10am for those who’d rather a sleep in! Cost is $10 per rider, $5 per pillion, and all money collected will go to beyondblue.
Super Moto Demos
Experience the excitement of motorcycle racing close up with Super Moto WA. The team will do race demonstrations on Sunday 14th April along South Street. It’s loud, it’s fast, it’s not to be missed!
Trade Show
The list of exhibitors at the 2019 York Motorcycle Festival just keeps growing! Visitors to the Festival can check out new bikes from major brands such as Harley-Davidson, Indian and Victory, Yamaha, BMW, Ducati and more. Check out the displays of clothing, jewellery, accessories and more; as well as the new motorcycle Clubs area. The full list of Exhibitors is available at yorkmotorcyclefestival.com.au.
York Motorcycle Festival
The 2019 York Motorcycle Festival runs over the weekend of 13th and 14th April, and is held on Avon Terrace, the York Town Hall, Peace Park, Mount Brown and York Recreation Centre. The Saturday concert runs from 4pm-10pm; and the main Festival runs from 10am-4pm on Sunday. Entry to the Festival is free; and there is plenty of motorcycle parking available on Avon Terrace and within the Town.
The York Motorcycle Festival proudly supports beyondblue charity. The York Motorcycle Festival is supported by Department of Tourism Western Australia, Department of Regional Development, Royalties for Regions and the Shire of York, and proudly sponsored by Shannons Insurance, Harley-Davidson, 5 Star Yamaha and Indian Motorcycles. For more information, visit www.yorkmotorcyclefestival.com.au or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
If you think talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, a new trend of taking selfies has emerged to further endanger riders’ lives.
A US study has found more than 15% of drivers say they take selfies while driving. And 5% “go live” while driving, possibly imitating James Corden’s enormously popular Carpool Karaoke.
The Simply Insurance study, based on United States Department of Transportation data and a survey of American 1430 drivers, found 88% use their phones while driving, which includes handsfree.
Phone stats
It may not be as big in Australia where it is reported that only 1.5% of Aussie drivers illegally use their phones.
However, those statistics could be much less than the reality.
In NSW, about 40,000 drivers are fined each year for illegal use of a mobile phone.
Yet in a one-month trial of just two fixed special detection cameras on the M4 motorway and Anzac Parade and one mobile device, more than 11,000 offences were recorded. (They were not fined during the trial and there was no breakdown on talking, texting or taking selfies.)
In the same month only 1999 NSW drivers received mobile phones fines.
The cameras will be rolled out across the state later this year.
Misdiagnosed crashes
The problem is that many of the deaths occurring from illegal mobile phone use such as selfies go unreported, are “misdiagnosed” (possibly as speeding) or are categorised as distracted driving.
The US study found one in every four car accidents was caused by texting and driving. That does not include using the phone to make a call!
We wonder how many crashes in Australia could be attributed to illegal mobile phone use if only that was a category in the statistics and properly investigated by police, rather than just added to the “speeding” column.
And don’t think Aussies aren’t doing it, even though most support the tough penalties. In the US study, 94% of drivers support a ban on texting while driving, yet 98% claim they still do it.
So drivers seem to think it’s ok, so long as they get away with it.
However, it should be noted that US phone penalties are scant and low (see details further on in this article).
Tougher penalties
Motorcycle riders are particularly keen on increasing mobile phone penalties.
We are endangered by mobile phone use as motorcycles are more difficult to spot in a driver’s periphery vision when it is glued to a phone.
Drivers who illegally use a mobile phone while driving should have their licence suspended, says the Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce.
NSW last year increased the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving in from four to five demerit points following reports of drivers being fined for not only talking on their phones, but updating their social media profiles and taking selfies.
However, Steve says the MCCNSW believes that licence suspension for illegal mobile phone use should be mandatory.
Australian penalties
The National Transport Commission amended the Australian Road Rules to make it illegal to touch a mobile phone at any time while driving or stopped in traffic, unless it is “secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle” or “the phone does not require the driver, at any time while using it, to press anything on the body of the phone or to otherwise manipulate any part of the body of the phone”.
Most states have adopted this ruling.
Mobile phone fines vary across the nation:
Fines around the world
Fines vary around the world from no fine in many Asian countries to thousands of dollars and licence suspensions in Canada.
New Zealand has a low $80 fine which matches their low fines for speeding. Consequently 3.5% of Kiwi drivers use their phone while driving compared with the reported 1.5% in Australia.
Almost half (24) of American states have no hand-held phone ban. Some states only issue fines if the driver is in a school zone or committing some other traffic offence such as speeding. Arizona and Montana even allow drivers to text!
The toughest measures in the USA are in California. The state has a $US150 fine (about $A205) for the first offence and more than $US250 (about $A345) for a second violation and one point.
Canada has a distracted driving offence which attracts a $1000 fine and three demerit points. A second conviction could mean a fine of up to $2000 and a seven-day licence suspension. A third offence could mean a fine of up to $3000 and a 30-day suspension.
Fines in Europe vary from less than €50 (about $80) and one point in eastern Europe to €420 (about $A675) in the Netherlands and up to six points in the UK.
Luxembourg-based Blacktrack Motors has released a stunning special-edition café racer in the Blacktrack BT-03. It’s the third limited-run production model from the brand, and it makes use of a new Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114 as its base and a late-’70s XLCR as its inspiration.
“The inception of the BT-03 style study came from a bike that marked my childhood,” Blacktrack founder and lead designer Sacha Lakic says. “The Harley-Davidson XLCR. Produced between 1977 and 1979, it was the only café racer in the history of Harley-Davidson, with only 3,133 units made. I was spellbound every time I saw one on the streets of Paris.”
This follows a similar pattern for the company, as it got its start creating the custom BT-01 from an ’80s era Honda CX500. The BT-02 took the Triumph Thruxton R and developed into a Norton Manx-styled machine dripping in nostalgia.
The previous two café customs were delicate compared to the BT-03. The massive 1,868cc V-twin blocks just about any view through the machine, hugged tight by an unchanged Fat Bob frame. The rear subframe, however, is a new aluminum piece designed by Blacktrack to seamlessly integrate the original frame to the custom seat and tailsection. The long fuel tank is also bespoke, as are the front fairing, front fender, triple clamps, foot controls, and cover plate for the shock out back.
There’s also premium leather used to construct the seat and an extremely low-profile red bubble windshield protecting the OEM speedometer.
Blacktrack fit Öhlins suspension front and back and uses Dymag forged aluminum wheels. Braking is handled by Beringer kit front and rear as well as Beringer levers and master cylinders. With all the changes, Blacktrack claims riders will get 36 degrees of lean on both left and right sides.
“The moment I saw the Fat Bob, I realized this was the ideal platform,” Lakic continues. “The Fat Bob is the most exciting Harley series to ride. The wheelbase is certainly a bit long, but the geometry is well thought out, and allows you to roll turns faster than any other Harley so far.”
The new bike is quite a bit lighter than the stock Fat Boy thanks to all the new bits and pieces. The BT-03 tips the scales at 547 pounds, compared to 653 pounds in stock trim.
The custom stainless-steel exhaust, updated fuel mapping, and a new performance air filter bring out the best the engine has to offer. Blacktrack cites 105 hp and 120 pound-feet of torque from the tuned mill.
The BT-03 can be special ordered today, but purchasers will have to wait one year to get their hands on the bike. And you’ll need to move fast too, as Blacktrack indicates that only four units are planned for production.
Heated grips are a treat on chilly rides. Not only do they make you more comfortable when it’s cold out, they improve safety by keeping your digits limber and sensitive on the controls. Photos by Spenser Robert.
Heated grips are great for extending your riding season and staying comfortable when the temperature drops. When it comes to choosing heated grips you essentially have two options: cheapo panels that go beneath your existing grips, or complete assemblies with integrated heating elements. While they tend to be more expensive (in the $60 to $160 range) and a little bulky, integrated kits usually work better and come with higher-quality controls and wiring.
Integrated heated grips—wherein the heating elements are molded into the assembly—offer better performance, appearance and durability than universal under-the-grip heating panels.
Before you can install your new grips you’ll need to remove the old ones. Getting your OEM bar-ends off can be a bear, so use a T-handle for leverage and hold the bar-end with a pair of channel locks and a rag to keep the weight from rotating. Use a razor blade to slice off your old grips (no going back now!) and then scrape off any glue residue and wipe the bar and throttle tube clean with a rag doused in isopropyl alcohol or carb cleaner.
OEM bar-ends are often installed with Loctite or even interference threads. Wrap the weight with a rag and grip it with channel locks to keep the bar-end from turning.
Some OEM throttle tubes have ridges and/or a flange molded into them that you’ll need to knock down before you can slide on the heated grip. A sharp utility knife and some 120-grit sandpaper will do the trick, but if you have access to a bench grinder or a benchtop belt sander, that will yield the quickest and cleanest results.
Now that you’ve got your bars prepped, it’s time to slide on those grips. Most integrated heated grips are too rigid to be blown on with my favorite installation accessory, compressed air. Your best bet is to douse the inside of the grip and your bar with a quick-evaporating fluid like–you guessed it–isopropyl alcohol, and then push the grip on with a twisting motion. Some grips are so robust that they need to be coaxed into place with a rubber mallet.
You can usually use compressed air to blow your old grips off the bars, but a razor blade will make exceptionally quick work of the job. Be careful not to slice into the plastic throttle tube.
Depending on the kit, you may have a dial or control switches that need to be mounted in a convenient place. Regardless of how easy or visually appealing it might be to place said switches on the right side of your cockpit, don’t do it. You want those controls as close to your left grip as possible so they’re easy to use. Some kits, like the Koso Apollo grips I installed for this article, have the controls build right into the flange. That means you can operate them without removing your hand from the controls. It also makes for a really clean installation.
When it comes to running the grip wiring back to your battery, it’s best to route it along a frame rail away from pinch points and moving parts, which often means removing some bodywork or perhaps the tank. Secure the wires with zip ties and make sure you leave enough slack at the right grip and headstock to accommodate full throttle and full steering sweep. If your bike’s bodywork is a nightmare to remove, you can use a fish tape to push the wires from the headstock back to the battery.
Take your time running the wiring back to the battery, and don’t be afraid to use lots of zip ties. Removing the bodywork is a pain, but it provides the access needed to do the job right.
The final step is to get the grips powered up, and with most kits it’s as easy as slipping the supplied fused ring terminals under the battery bolts. As always, you’ll want to disconnect the negative (black wire) terminal first and affix it last to avoid an unpleasant and potentially dangerous short. Most accessories come with fused power hookups, but if not it’s important to wire in a fuse of the appropriate amperage (typically 5 to 7.5A) to protect against shorts. And you should review your owner’s manual to make sure you’re not overburdening your bike’s electrical system.
Route the grip wires along your bike’s other cockpit wiring to keep it tidy. Check to see that you have ample slack to accommodate full rotation at the throttle and full steering lock at the handlebar.
The ideal wiring situation for heated grips and any other electrical accessories is a relay or switched power-distribution box, but we’ll save that topic for another article. In the meantime, get your grips hooked up, test them to see how toasty they get and then keep an eye out for a decent day to go for a ride.
Can-Am is hitting the road with its 2019 Can-Am Ryker, giving current and future 3-wheel vehicle riders in 13 cities across the U.S. and Canada a chance to try out this new model for themselves.
Apart from getting a ride on the new Ryker, attendees can enjoy unique experiences by local artists, lives DJs, food trucks and more. To ride the Ryker, you must be 21 or older and possess a valid driver’s license (a motorcycle or three-wheel vehicle endorsement is not required).
Modern fuel injection is amazing, but before injectors, ECUs, and fuel pumps motorcycles used carburetors. Some smaller bikes and two-strokes still do. Today on MC Garage we talk about the carburetor.
For those of you who have an older motorcycle model or a modern two-stroke, one of the most confusing and intimidating tasks is probably jetting the carburetor correctly. To some, it amounts to black magic. But if you know the theory and reasons for each circuit in your Mikuni, Keihin, or Lectron and you take it step by step, it’s really not too difficult. Today we are going to start a multipart series on how to tune or “jet” a carb. Step one is to understand how it works and what all the parts do.
So how does the carb mix that fuel and air? In simplest terms the air comes through the venturi and mixes with fuel supplied by the carb in a specific ratio. This is called the stoichiometric ratio. That ratio is theoretically 14.7 parts air to one part fuel. In reality, your machine probably runs better at a richer ratio. Some tuners say 13.2, some say 13.7—each motorcycle has its own happy ratio for proper combustion. This mixture is achieved using small orifices or jets to mix the fuel with the air.
First and foremost, there is the place the fuel is pulled from: the float bowl. The float sets the level of the fuel from which the jets pull. The float operates the needle valve, letting fuel flow in when the level drops and closes when the correct level is reached.
On the bottom for the carburetor you typically have two jets. The pilot, the smaller of the two, and the main jet. Let’s start with the pilot. The pilot jet handles the mixture from idle to 15 to 20 percent throttle. Air comes in through the front of the carburetor drawing fuel up through the pilot with a vacuum that is created as the air flows through the pilot circuit.
When your engine is cold, a richer idle mixture is needed to make starting and running easier. This is the job of the choke. It adds more fuel into the mix to assist the idle circuit or pilot when the plunger is moved to open an additional path for that extra fuel. Once the engine is working, closing the circuit returns the carburetor to normal operation, relying only on the pilot for fuel.
On the side of the carb you have the mixture screw. Generally, if the screw is located on the engine side of the slide or butterfly, it is a fuel screw. Or if the screw is located on the airbox side of the slide, it’s an air mixture screw. Here you can fine-tune the idle and compensate for moderate changes in temperature and altitude without changing the pilot jet.
The larger jet next to the pilot is the main jet. This is screwed into the needle jet, sometimes this is referred to as the nozzle. More on the needle jet later. The main jet provides the fuel at 80 percent to wide-open throttle. The fuel flows up and out through the needle jet into the throat of the carburetor. When changes in air density are significant the main jet will need to be swapped.
Handling the mixture between the pilot and main is the needle jet and needle. This is your midrange, or about 20 percent to 80 percent throttle. Within the needle jet the needle moves up and down to vary the orifice size to meter the fuel. The tapered shape of the needle controls the amount of fuel coming up through the main jet and through the needle jet. As it goes up, the opening gets larger, letting more fuel into the mix. You can tune this function by moving the static position of the needle up or down or by changing the taper of the needle.
The needle sits in the slide that moves up and down with throttle position. That can be controlled by a cable the flat-slide we are using for this video or by airflow passing around the throttle butterfly on a CV, or constant velocity carb. In CV, a vacuum is created that sucks the slide up as airflow increases.
Those are the most important pieces of a carb and what they do. On the next episode we cover the tuning the idle circuit.
The KRT Team Manager discusses the performances of Rea, Haslam and Ducati rival Bautista in Australia and explains the steps to be followed by his team in the next appointments Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
The riders will be out on track for two 45-minute sessions on each day. One taking place between 10:35–11:20 in the morning, with the second session going ahead at 16:35–17:20. Interviews, an end of day report and on track footage will be available on motogp.com across the three days in Jerez.
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