After the clutch explosion at North Bay in September 2006, I decided to try a different avenue. I rebuilt the motor with a fresh top end and a RD350 transmission. The clutch cover had to be modified to fit the TZ250 water pump, which took a bit more machining than I expected. It's not pretty to look at, but it works very well. The drop in the primary and first gear ratio's was all that it needed to be an absolute dream to race around the track. Although top speed is the same, it drives out of the corners much harder which makes it easier to ride.

Finally, I'm no longer working so hard at shifting and getting the motor to pull, so now I can concentrate on cornering. With the Brembo calipers, cast iron disks and the correct master, this bike is fierce on the brakes. I don't think anyone out braked me in my class. You wouldn't think so, but there is a huge difference in cornering between a converted street bike and a purpose built racebike like the TZ.

But I spoke too soon. Now that I'm feeling good and flying around the track, the next weakest link has to snap. And so it did. Going into corner one at Shannonville, I bank it in, hold a neutral throttle, and then gas it on the way out. However, this time, the ripples in the corner combined with the saggy rear shock cause the rear end to squat and touch the rear tire. Since I'm on the gas at this point, something has to give. All five bolts on the sprocket shear off, and I coast into corner two, engine off.

CONTACT ME AT TIMOTHY@NAUGHTYBOYMOTORRACING.COM