Ice racer

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Juicebox
Posts: 450
Joined: Sat Aug 14, 2010 4:50 pm
Location: sconsin

Ice racer

#1 Post by Juicebox » Fri Feb 13, 2015 8:44 pm

I am going to build an ice racer over the next year to race next winter. I dont know anything about racing or ice racing. Could anyone give me some advice on getting a 2 stroke (preferred) or 4 stroke, what size..........hell, if you wanna recommend a certain bike and year, go ahead. Any advice on anything ice racing will be appreciated. I should say that all tracks are ovals of 1/3 mile or less. Thanks.

hondaror
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Re: Ice racer

#2 Post by hondaror » Sat Feb 14, 2015 4:41 am

Old 2 stroke 250cc motocrosser with studs.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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T.RexRacing
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Re: Ice racer

#3 Post by T.RexRacing » Sat Feb 14, 2015 11:59 am

Seems to me if ya look around in the videos the CR500/KX500 appear to be the popular choices as far as smokers go. They're running more 4t bikes now.

What is your short track experience? That's all ice racing is ya know. Just a different surface. It'll only take half a season to quit reaching for the front brake. :D

If you've the time and money American Supercamp is the way to go.

Some advice. Get in shape or buy Advil by the metric shit ton.
There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad.
Salvador Dali

slinger
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Re: Ice racer

#4 Post by slinger » Sat Feb 14, 2015 1:49 pm

Tires tires tires..................is going to be the biggest part of any bike, I studded my own tires a few years back. They worked ok I then purchased some proper oval racing tires...................night and day, any 250cc 2t and up with good suspension will be quick.

hondaror
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Re: Ice racer

#5 Post by hondaror » Sat Feb 14, 2015 3:35 pm

The 250 is plenty of grunt for ice work. Anything else is total overkill. I always say, learn to ride the smallest bike fast, makes a hell of a rider out of you. Anyone can make a big bike go fast.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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Juicebox
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Location: sconsin

Re: Ice racer

#6 Post by Juicebox » Sat Feb 14, 2015 4:22 pm

Hey guys, thanks for some advice....it's appreciated. I think i'll start looking for an older 250 two stroke in my area. I have no experience racing, especially on ice, so I think a 250 will be a good starting choice. Do you guys think a stock 250 will be good enough to start, or do I need to think about port work or suspension upgrades? What is it like racing on a small oval? Do I just get it up to speed and then stay in the same gear the whole time? What about protective equipment? Just a helmet, or do I need body armor and such? Thanks again, and sorry for my naivete.

slinger
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Re: Ice racer

#7 Post by slinger » Sat Feb 14, 2015 5:48 pm

The first time on ice with a bike is a real head fuck believe me lol it's just soooooooooo un-natural, you just have to put your faith into the tires........................they will out grip you!!!!
Body armor is a must along with skid pants........you will fall off may times, I ended up putting a couple of studs in the heal of my boots as I would fall over just getting on the bike lol.

You can get wheel protectors which are a must, personally as long as the suspension is adjustable I wouldn't spend to much just get some proper tires they are around $1000, you may not get on with it.........not everyone does. I've got a buddy thats crazy quick on the MX track but rode like a pussy on ice.......just couldn't get his head around it.

slinger
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Re: Ice racer

#8 Post by slinger » Sat Feb 14, 2015 6:02 pm

If you can't find a set of tires I have a new set here you could have for $400 CAD plus shipping, they are proper double lined oval race tires not studded MX tires which I took of a bike a couple of years ago.
Proper ice tires do start out as a MX tire, but they shave a old MX tire down (remove the nobbles) cut the side wall off then bond that into the new tires before the studs go in.

My PM is switched off so you can contact me here gplracing@hotmail.com if ya interested

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Juicebox
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Re: Ice racer

#9 Post by Juicebox » Sat Feb 14, 2015 6:23 pm

Thanks Slinger. I will keep your tires in mind. Do I understand right that I would need to do some work to them to get them to be good ice tires...like putting studs on? I also have an appointment to look at a bike. The link is below. Is this a good candidate to become a racer?


http://appleton.craigslist.org/mcy/4881513362.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

slinger
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Re: Ice racer

#10 Post by slinger » Sat Feb 14, 2015 6:47 pm

That would be a perfect bike, I had a 2000 KX 250 great bikes.

The tires I have are ready to race, they where built by George Jones who IMO builds the best ice race tire you can get. Being double lined they are heavy so shipping may be pricey you may get them cheaper in the US than we do in Canada but I can't stress enough get professionally built tires. I'll stick some pic,s up tomorrow in between plowing .........we have yet another slow dump tomorrow lol

hondaror
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Re: Ice racer

#11 Post by hondaror » Sat Feb 14, 2015 8:34 pm

Don't worry about mods. Worry more that it's running well and you just staying on that thing with it rung out. Good luck with it and have a blast.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

evan_calgary
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Re: Ice racer

#12 Post by evan_calgary » Sun Feb 15, 2015 4:58 am

We ride most weekends. 450 4-strokes are now the most popular and fastest. Couple 500's out there as well. the 500 2-stroke would be my bike of choice. Sorry Rory, but on the ice power is a huge advantage since the traction is so good. The 250-2 stroke is not your best choice, in the bush the light weight is great but its not the fastest out on the ice.

Tires will make the biggest impact overall though. Buy the 2-sided, oval racing is only fun but if a short track is setup you would not be able to join in.

hondaror
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Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: Ice racer

#13 Post by hondaror » Sun Feb 15, 2015 2:25 pm

He's just starting out. Don't through your leg over a big bore. The 250 has plenty of grunt.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

Hooligan
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Re: Ice racer

#14 Post by Hooligan » Fri Feb 27, 2015 5:37 pm

FWIW a racer was killed at the Numb Bum this year. It was a single bike crash. He got tangled up with his own bike and the studded tire seems to have opened up his femoral artery.
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

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