I thought I might throw this out for conversation before the GNF. I currently run a 85' FZ 750 in V-5 and get my ass handed to me by several bast____ , I mean friends on much smaller HP machines. This has turned into a hybryd class and a free-4-all on motorcycle parts that have been assembled to resemble a motorcycle, self included. Imagine the beer drinking it to to manufacture such art work....hmmm. I feel that the FZ's should stay in V-5 and for a preformance index, look at the bikes in the first 2 rows of the GNF. Have at it,
All hope is not lost for fz owners. We'll(the vrc) be discussing the fz's fate at the gnf. Many other people have indicated that they'd like to see it stay in v5. One option thats been discussed is to keep them in but limit either chassis or motor to "superstock" spec. A fully built fz could easily crush the current v5 machines, but make them run Stock suspension or stock-ish motor and I don't think they're a mis-match for the class. What's the general concensus in bbs land?
There still is the possibility of keeping the FZ750 in V5. Yes, at a track like RA it would have a clear advantage power-wise but that power is also very difficult to put to the ground and makes the bike very difficult to ride at twistier tracks like NFMP, CMP and VIR. A restricted FZ750 would be easier to ride and won't have as clear a HP advantage over the rest of the V5 bikes. I think rzracer39 pretty much sums up the general consesus among those people who've voiced their opinion over the past year.
My opionion - keep it in V-5 under superstock rules. Superbiked FZ's go to V-6. Consider GSXR750's in V-6. A properly set-up FZ750 can run with a similar vintage GSXR750
I agree with Joe. That would be fair. IMHO the GSXR holds an advantage, as it did back in the day. But in any set of rules, there's always a bike or two that are the best choice. But sometimes a good rider succeeds with a slightly less capable machine.
OK in V5 with a superstock motor, maybe allow wheel updating (like Raffy's I think). Page's which had a superbike motor was a rocket and was just blowing everything else away when it was running right. I'm not sure the first two rows at the GNF is a good performance index, more likely a sign of persistance. Take the first two rows of finishers (top 5) and let that be the judge. Joe Ball EX-500 (I beat Raffy at Putnam!)
As a new V5 kinda guy, I am opposed to any machine that is potentially faster than mine! Only kidding... I guess I'll let the powers that be make the Fz decision. I'll be attending the GNF as a spectator (FJ6 is still apart) to scope out the competition for next year. See you all there!
Has a final decision been made on the FZ750 issue? I heard at the GNF that the FZ will stay in V5. Have any decisions been made in respect to motor and/or chassis modification limits? BTW...really enjoyed meeting some of you guys there. Looking forward to next year! Steve
Sorry guys... I believe we voted on allowing the FZ with any/all mods. Although it has a definite advantage at a track like RA it hasn't proven to be a "sure thing" at others.
Interesting. Looks like I might consider a used FZ750 as a second race bike . Not. Maybe. I don't know.
I agree on the RA vs smaller tacks. I can't sniff Rich Graver's GS Suzuki at Putnam. The FZ plus rider are giving up 100 - 150 lbs under braking to the smaller CC bikes. Plus all the beer in my tank makes it diffucult to ride.
aahhh.... those damn pictures. I knew they would come back to haunt me Although, it does have a Cam2 aroma I need alittle more to catch Harold Page !!!
