Building a vintage flat track

[500XC]

I recently found out about a vintage flat track event somewhat locally, and have a spare 83 DR125.

I've got no idea what makes a good flat tracker, so educate me!

I'd like to avoid buying say a Champion frame, but I'm not opposed to chopping the frame to change the rake, or chopping up the swingarm. Are 19s the only way to go for flat track, or do I use 17s and grooved supermoto tires?

Thanks for any and all help guys!

[mustards12s]

I have no idea, but I gotta say that would be the coolest. In "on any Sunday" the flat track action is awesome. I gotta go see a flat track race. Build it an post, please!

[500XC]

I will for sure (for a change lol).

I picked up an old book by The Greek (Jim Gianatsis) which covers frame geometry, but I haven't gotten a change to open it up. I am debating doing a proper short track body kit for it, out of carbon-kevlar if I can find some time to set up the vacuum bag up.

I haven't seen any after market frames for the little Suzuki, whether from Knight, C&J or Champion. I honestly doubt any were made, but I DO know that someone built some speedway frames for the same motor!

Honestly, I'm debating lacing up a wider 2.5 19" rim on a RM80L disc brake hub with the disc tabs cut off (red neck spool) and using my spare 19" rear wheel on the back, but the 17" option is appealing. I've got a set of 1600km stock KLX250SF tires and a 17" rear and a possible 17" front buried in my spares shed. I just don't know which would be better, or more accurately, which will keep me off the wall LOL

[mustards12s]

I would think the sorter wall tire would be better. Just a little less wallow.

No jumps or logs to worry about, 17 sounds good.

[BruceD_500]

On a smaller bike like that the 17" rain slicks are the hot ticket like the pirelli Diablos or some other brand in a 120/80-17 or 120/70-17 something like that .

something like this. they fit nice on a modern sport bike front rim 3.5x17" . If you were running a rear disk and got a bit creative with a lathe to make some spacers you could mount a disk on one side and sprocket on the other side.

something like this only not with a nobby

they're too small on the front of my XT500 but they will find there way on to my DRZ125 sooner or later.

Edited February 2, 2013 by BruceD_500

[BruceD_500]

I haven't seen any after market frames for the little Suzuki, whether from Knight, C&J or Champion. I honestly doubt any were made, but I DO know that someone built some speedway frames for the same motor!

Like this ? You should look him up maybe he'd ship one over from OZ

[500XC]

On a smaller bike like that the 17" rain slicks are the hot ticket like the pirelli Diablos or some other brand in a 120/80-17 or 120/70-17 something like that .

something like this. they fit nice on a modern sport bike front rim 3.5x17" . If you were running a rear disk and got a bit creative with a lathe to make some spacers you could mount a disk on one side and sprocket on the other side.

something like this only not with a nobby

they're too small on the front of my XT500 but they will find there way on to my DRZ125 sooner or later.

Like this ? You should look him up maybe he'd ship one over from OZ

You're killin me Bruce! Lol, shipping would kill my already small budget! I might have to if there's more than one event around here, but a SM conversion with a flat track setup would be the ticket!

I thought I had a 17 inch front, but I can't find it anywhere. If I could find the spoke count for the DR125, I would delace my spare rear wheel and pick up a RM80 front wheel, and lace the two together for a front. The rear wheel will probably end up being a 98 RM125 hub laced to a 3.5 supermoto rim. I totally forgot I had that wheel!

Thanks for the tire direction, I know SFA about that, and the book I bought only talked about Goodyear specials.

[BruceD_500]

That's what the Goodyears started out life as . Road race rain slicks basically. Lacing a 17" rear rim onto a front hub, I've seen that done successfully some of the dual sport bikes have 17" rear rims XL600's etc.

If you used a stock DRZ125 front wheel you can use the Michelin Gazelle they are so cheap they're almost free and they work ok.

This is on an RM80 rim. I've used it on grass and concrete with good results, but wouldn't hesitate to use it on a flattrack on something like what your building. I wouldn't use it on a 250 or 500 obviously.

http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/B001CD5HDE

$20.99 on Amazon how can you go wrong : )

Edited February 2, 2013 by BruceD_500

[500XC]

Y'know, it's funny. I still don't have any parts from a DRZ125, lol. I'm putting the call out for a RM80 front wheel, and will look into those tires. I haven't ridden the track, but from

video on youtube, it looks a bit fluffy. I should be able to get some good practice in at my grand parent's place, we have a little grass track set up.

Thanks again for the direction and help, now how's that Turbo bike? That thing is still the most incredibly badass mini I've seen. Ever.

Edited February 2, 2013 by 500XC

[BruceD_500]

Which video ? I'd like to see what the surface is like.

The turbo bike ran like a turd. I need to rebuild that turbo , you get what you pay for.

[500XC]

The link's there now, Stupid long week at work.

[BruceD_500]

Looks like fun the track looks kinda loose and bumpy. Stock bike with knobby's would probably work just fine. Step it up to trials tires and you'd be out front : )

[mac49]

if you would like to watch a a great last couple of laps of a dirttrack race go to you tube and type in indy mile 1975,or kenny roberts indy mile.

the final lap is great

[BruceD_500]

if you would like to watch a a great last couple of laps of a dirttrack race go to you tube and type in indy mile 1975,or kenny roberts indy mile.

the final lap is great

yes there is no better ?

[500XC]

He was a damn animal for hangin onto that thing. Wheels and pegs bolted to an engine that makes as much power as an S10!

Hopefully a good call on the trials tires Bruce, I ordered up a pair of IRC Trials tires. $50 cheaper than X11s!

[Matt James]

We have a flattrack here in Spokane. Find attached link.

[Matt James]

We have a flattrack here in Spokane. Find attached link. I would like to come up and race there. When are they racing next?

I use 19" goodyear on the rear and a 19" kenda speedway on the front. The reason 19" is used because the larger radius puts more tire on the ground.

A good tire for cushion tracks is the old carlyle (sears sold them to)

Edited February 6, 2013 by Matt James

[500XC]

Oh no, a ringer! Kidding.

Thanks Matt, answers one of my questions.

The info can be found HERE.

[Mike38]

Maxxis makes a Flattrack tire in 17 inch, if that’s what you’re looking for. The only other option now is 19 inch. Used to be a Dunlop 18 inch, but it got discontinued.

[500XC]

Maxxis makes a Flattrack tire in 17 inch, if that’s what you’re looking for. The only other option now is 19 inch. Used to be a Dunlop 18 inch, but it got discontinued.

I've settled on trying the trials tires for now, but who knows what I'll end up with? I've got the 19 rear ready to go, but I haven't picked up a tire for it yet. I can't afford it at the moment at $200 a pop . I did spoon a Gazelle on the stock 17 inch rear and took it for a ride tonight, forgot how sluggish it was compared to the 190. I think I might need to do some more head work to the mule. It'll still be no match for even an air cooled 125 pinger tho.

Oh well, they're runnin mowers too, guess I'll have to average out my finishes to acceptable LOL