Delta starting rollers

[Greg Gabis]

Last year I raced a GS500 in V5 and some modern classes. This year, I purchased an SRX6 to race in V4, V5 and some modern stuff. Anyway, the kickstart has been removed for racing purposes and the previous owner used the bump start procedure.

Well, this modern type doesn't seem to have the skills for the bump start and was curious about Delta starting rollers. Does anyone here use them? Would you recommend them? How do they work (besides the obvious use car to drive rollers, rollers drive bike weel http://www.wera.com/ubb/smile.gif )

And I have contacted the previous owner for more advice, too.

[YamahaRick]

One thing is for sure ... make sure your vehicle is not positive traction, or whatever you call having power to both rear wheels (or all 4, for the 4x4 crowd). A friend of mine bought one, but failed to realize that it would not work with his Jeep.

They certainly are handy though.

[Greg Gabis]

Good point, Rick. I had a conversation with my father in law about how these things work. I told him most cars have but a single driven wheel. He did point out that some vehicles have posi-track etc. and that wouldn't work out for us at all.

You could always jack the other wheel up off the ground http://www.wera.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.wera.com/ubb/eek.gif

[Comet117]

I ran a total loss Hawk w/o a starter for 3 years and could not survive without the Delta rollers. I can recommend their sturdy, although heavy frame, and quality bearings that last. I think I've seen them for the same advertised price for about 8 years now in RRW.
I've seen some nice homebuilt one-person roller/starter setups. You may approach one of these guys and see if they are willing ot fabricate one for you.

The stories about posi-traction and limited slip differentials are true. Most folks don't know for sure what they have until you try...for instance, my Mom's Toyota 4Runner works fine, but a friends 2000 Ford F150 crawls right up out of the rollers. Both are two wheel drive, but the Ford has a limited slip rear gear and the Toyota doesn't. The next F150 we tried worked great..?. Maybe the first had a trailering package?
Good Luck,
Joe

[Thumper]

I race an SRX6 and easily kick start it even with 11.5:1 compression. I recommend getting the kick stuff back in. If not use a short handle bar mounted lever and connect it to the compression release lever. If the rollers are wet the bike won't turnover without it. Good luck.

P.S. don't wait till the first race day to practice the starting procedure http://www.wera.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Greg Gabis]

Wil,

I had tried to start it on my own before taking it to the track for the weekend. I had no luck. I figured someone at the track would help me out. I did get help, but I didn't solve my problem. Thankfully it was just practice.

My first race weekend on it isn't until May. I'll have the starting thing down by then. I hope.

I'm thinking, if you can easily kick start yours, I should be able to just as easily bump start mine. Are you using the compression release when kicking yours?

I'm starting to think it may be the state of tune of the bike...hmmm

[lizard84]

Originally posted by Greg Gabis:
Wil,

I had tried to start it on my own before taking it to the track for the weekend. I had no luck. I figured someone at the track would help me out. I did get help, but I didn't solve my problem. Thankfully it was just practice.

My first race weekend on it isn't until May. I'll have the starting thing down by then. I hope.

I'm thinking, if you can easily kick start yours, I should be able to just as easily bump start mine. Are you using the compression release when kicking yours?

I'm starting to think it may be the state of tune of the bike...hmmm

Get a set of rollers! I can bump start thumpers pretty well but when it won't start from bump starting it always seems to be when you need to get out on track like now! Also be sure your using 2nd or 3rd gear for bump starting or rollers. Once you have it in gear, with the clutch out, push it backward until the it won't roll anymore.
When you are at nelson for wera or fasttrax, my rollers are always under my car by tech for ANYONE that needs to use them

[still novice]

Thats why I'm keeping my kick starters and compression release! That also eliminates the need for someone to run the car.

[Team Serpent]

Get the Rollers! You won't regret it!

[lizard84]

Originally posted by still novice:
Thats why I'm keeping my kick starters and compression release! That also eliminates the need for someone to run the car.

Note to myself: remove & hide all sr kick start levers as soon as I get to the track!
Then I can watch someone run all over looking for it...

[still novice]

Originally posted by lizard84:
Note to myself: remove & hide all sr kick start levers as soon as I get to the track!
Then I can watch someone run all over looking for it...
Mental note: remove plug wires of sertain GS,just before the race and watch someone try to bump start it in full leathers. You didn't look so good after pushing that thing across the finish line.

[Greg Gabis]

Thanks for the input guys. I submitted my request to the committee and all are in agreement.

One last question....

We travel in a 28' motorhome. Probably not a good choice to use with the rollers. My experience has been that there is always someone willing to help at the track. Do you think I can count on finding someone at the track who will let me put the rollers under their vehicle? I hope to run the full WERA North Central region this year.

[Team Serpent]

I saw two guys helping each other start bikes using rollers at Gateway. They were both on bikes. You don't have to use a truck or car to operate them another bike works just as well. Hope this info helps

[Greg Gabis]

Originally posted by Team Serpent:
I saw two guys helping each other start bikes using rollers at Gateway. They were both on bikes. You don't have to use a truck or car to operate them another bike works just as well. Hope this info helps



Just when I think I couldn't be anymore short sighted, someone has to go and point out the obvious to me. DOH!

Thanks!

[Thumper]

Greg, Yes I've still got the stock compression release still in place. I tried to bump start at Road Atlanta after a delayed start (kick lever at the truck) and after using most of the pit to get the job done (special thanks to the poor fellow that pushed and pushed)I decided I'd keep the kick start. It usually starts on the first or second kick if I remember to remove the velocity stack covers first http://www.wera.com/ubb/smile.gif.

[Greg Gabis]

Rollers are on the way! Thanks for your input. Oh, and the guy at Delta Finishing was way cool.

[trussdude]

Does anybody know where I can get a set of rollers?

[Outsider V6,V7]

I helped Bryan Nelson bump start his Superbike Hawk on Delta rollers with a Z50. Worked every time like a charm and was a big hit in the pits.
Eboz

Stickboy, tried to one up me with a PW 50 and failed miserably but I'm sure it was the rider.