Drag racing itch

[Go GS 850 Go]

Is there anyone out there that has, is, or would like to transform their 850 to a bracket bike? I am having trouble finding aftermarket parts for a 79-80 GS 850 L model. I do most of my parts gettin on line so links would be very helpfull.

Thanks and have a fantastic day

[hampshirehog]

Sorry - I thought drag racing itch was a nasty medical medical condition....
Can you translate 'bracket bike'

[Go GS 850 Go]

Bracket racing at the strip. I just picked up a 79-80 850 L that was striped to the frame( wires cut, no seat, tank off, busted lft frnt turn signal, and a brand new set of carbs). $175 for it and a 81 Honda cb 500. I used the tank and intake box from my 850 G and poof, it started. Since I already have one street bike I thought it would be different to put one on the track.

[ScottMc1100L]

The "L"s are a tough choice I think for drag racing. Tough to assume that launch stance when you're sitting back with your feet up

[Go GS 850 Go]

That is why my thoughts were turning towards raking the front forks a few degrees and using the back pegs. Also, using an air shifter.

[Baatfam]

Well first off...where are you located? What tracks can you race at and what kind of classes do they run?
If you're going up against bar bikes with delay boxes...the fun will wear off fast.
If you can race a street class, I'd run it stock...and see how it goes.
I don't think you're gonna find much in performance stuff for an 850...and frankly, if you really dumped the cash into it to make a "real" bracket bike, it's gonna get expensive.
You could probably get a turn key 1100 drag bike for far less....

I'm guessing you have experiance in bracket racing, as the term itself is somewhat unknown amoung layman.
How about a little back ground?

And BTW, welcome...there are a few bracket racers on the forum that will help all they can, including myself. And, if you don't know it, www.dragbike.com is a great place, with a great forum.

Later,
Bob T.

[Go GS 850 Go]

Is yours up for sale? Just kidding. Get more enjoyment from building fast things. I am in West Michigan and have access to Knoll Gas motor park, formally known as Martin 131 Drag Strip, and Stanton Motorsports Park. Street to Pro class run bikes at both tracks so there is no issue with the entry level. I have access to a nice shop and a very understanding wife!!!! She rides her own bike and loves it so I consider myself very lucky.
Just wanted to get back to the track and now I have an extra bike hangin around the shop that would at least patch the itch until I get used to racing a bike.
The last time I raced was in Hawaii with a 70 Pontiac Firebird that was pretty nasty. As all racers will attest, once you race, you just can't seem to resist the smell of racing fuel and burnin rubber.

Thanks Baatfam

[Baatfam]

Is yours up for sale? Just kidding. Get more enjoyment from building fast things. I am in West Michigan and have access to Knoll Gas motor park, formally known as Martin 131 Drag Strip, and Stanton Motorsports Park. Street to Pro class run bikes at both tracks so there is no issue with the entry level. I have access to a nice shop and a very understanding wife!!!! She rides her own bike and loves it so I consider myself very lucky.
Just wanted to get back to the track and now I have an extra bike hangin around the shop that would at least patch the itch until I get used to racing a bike.
The last time I raced was in Hawaii with a 70 Pontiac Firebird that was pretty nasty. As all racers will attest, once you race, you just can't seem to resist the smell of racing fuel and burnin rubber.

Thanks Baatfam

Sure I know 131, my wife raced at the bracket finals up there last year.
Very nice track...Stanton I don't know....
We race at Byron, RT66, Cordova and Great Lakes...although this year, I have not been out yet due to family issues.

I still think your best bet is to get the old girl running and legal for the street class and give it a go...
I sure wouldn't put much money into it until I tried it.

I picked up my GS drag bike about 4-5 year ago for just over 4K...the trailer was 2K...and some odds and ends. My only point is..try it, if ya like it, ya might want to consider a ready made racer...
I promise, it will be cheaper overall...

Good luck and keep us posted,
Bob T.

[marvinsc]

Big issue with Shafties is the Wear and Tear on the drive splines. That said if "Bracket bike" means what I remember (racing against a timed pass) speed isn't as important as consistancy and consistancy is the 850's strong point. When was a Teenager, there was a 1/8 mile track in a neighboring town and a local Guy won a lot in a Pontiac LeMans with a 326. It was slow as molasses but it turned the same E.T. Pass after pass. The faster cars usually got antsy with the huge lead He got and Broke out.

[lecroy]

I am in West Michigan and have access to Knoll Gas motor park, formally known as Martin 131 Drag Strip, and Stanton Motorsports Park. Street to Pro class run bikes at both tracks so there is no issue with the entry level.

Sounds good. See you Saturday at 12:00 sharp!

[heathen]

i think you should race a 67 pontiac lemans. funny thing is i have one for sale with a 28 ft trailer

[seuadr]

woo hoo! another michigander!

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/group.php?groupid=14

i made a social group for those from michigan or near michigan so we can see who is where for help, and/or a riding buddy!

[Go GS 850 Go]

Got to get to the shop and work on the bikes. It is raining and therfore no riding today. I will get some pics of the bikes and post them this week. In the meantime, I will stew over the possabilities for the J. Maybe it will stand for GS 850 JET. LOL!!!!!

How much for the Lemans????

[heathen]

$17,000 for car and trailer. motor has 15 passes on it 472ci. went 6.72 @ 102 1/8 mile last pass. need to sell i want another bike trying to build a stable of them.

[doctorgonzo]

When it's totally done want to run mine sometime, just to see. With no bottom end work (and as a G), not expecting miracles, but should be respectable.