I'm the CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA - Ask Me Anything

The "basic bitch" is going to be the new internal project name for the bike, lol.

The original plan was to build a "basic bitch" 450 that would make ULW riders cry. That's still loosely the plan.

 

Yes. KTM RC390 wheels from the current generation. They are light, robust, and cheeaaaaaap to replace - which is why we picked them.

 

You know everyone will be running Dymags anyways!

Hey Beeler, help me sell my new Dymag set from my 690S! I noticed that you're out of stock on fronts, so mine would be a good option for someone!

 

Could you build some with the new 450 Ducati motor and paint them red? Just asking.

 

They won't be running Dymags, per the rulebook. We didn't want to add to the cost of the bike, and with a spec-class we don't need to chase performance gains from wheels. Teams will be able to have one or two extra sets of wheels for what a pair of Dymags would cost.

 

I think that would be rad, and I'd love to have that conversation with Ducati. We do have a "Krämer Factory Exclusive" program where we'll build one-off bikes for customers. We already had one gentleman inquire about using the new Ducati 698 motor in an EVO2 chassis.

 

Great post! Appreciated!

 

Someone say Kramer?

 

Thanks for this response. We are currently on a NSF and most people don’t understand what these bikes really take to run. This is not the answer for these kids. While they are absolutely great machines to learn on, there is a lot to them. Only way to start these bikes is a heavy roller machine that takes two semi truck batteries and two senmi truck size starters to turn it over with a grown adult or two creating enough down pressure to get it to pop. Another way is to have a special starter motor with a shaft and a 8mm Allen key on the end of. You have to pull one side of belly pan remove a plug and stick shaft into crank bolt. Engine fires pull this out quickly and install plug cause oil is coming out into belly pan. Clean belly pan and reinstall. You are not push starting these bikes. Don’t do this to early cause if there is a delay on 3rd call after it’s announced you are then playing the leaf blower game to keep it cool or start all over. Then there the whole game of it wont get to desired temp without tape on the radiator even in 85 degree days when moving.

Parts have to imported and can be time consuming at times. They come with no electronics, no slipper, no auto blip, no engine breaking maps.

It is easily past the 20k mark once all this is put on the bike. The maintenance is heavy on them. If a kid stalls on the grid there race would be done.

What Kramer is doing is more then we have had to offer these kids in along time. A manufacturer building a proper race bike with the actual intention of growing the sport and preparing these kids for there future moves.

You’re not getting any CEO from any of the 5. Jap brands on a wera forum to take the time to inform the concerned parties. Thanks again and looking forward to next season and meeting the guys behind all this.

 

Those should be easier to sell than ice cubes on the sun

 

I have a number of old Ducati bevel drive single motorcycles (eh, currently more parts than complete) and from the forums I read, the 350 is the best compromise between power and vibration. There is a 450 that makes more power, but the vibration from them is said to be more in line with a "paint shaker" (my term). Sounds like there needs to be some mounting changes like Harley did with the Sportster(?) to allow the engine to vibrate without impacting the chassis(as much), or the addition of balance shafts to counter the vibration. It's been some time since I cracked open my college dynamics/vibrations course books to see what could be done.

 

Send those neglected bikes to me.

 

We're at COTA this weekend, and we will also be at the NJMP round with the bike on display. Come say hi (but you have to introduce yourself with your forum handle).

 

I'll get right on that...

 

I don't suppose you would happen to have some extra narrow case fenders? My Mach 1 project is complete except for fenders and a kickstarter.

 

Send me a PM with pictures of what you need. I doubt I have it, but you never know. I mostly have narrow case scrambler stuff, other than a 69 and 70 Mark3D.

 

For what its worth, the 450's on the miles have been pretty reliable. This year there was only 1 that I know of was Inderblitzen threw a rod out of the front going into turn 1 right in front of me. Got to pick up a lot of metal off the track.
I hope I dont jinx myself, but our KTM have not let go on a mile this year and I don't have actual engine data for comparison, but other than maybe Bonneville or Daytona, I don't know a 450 engine gets more abuse than Springfield. Basically like 8 minutes damn near WFO with FULL THROTTLE downshifts. Talk about wow.

back to topic, other than vibes, the reliability, especially with a good slipper is 100% better in the last 10 years.

 

Does the KTM 350 come with a slipper clutch?

 

good question, and being roadracing, I would HOPE that its included or at least an option.
Yes, there are several companies that make slippers for KTM and are easily accessible. Hinson, Rekluse, Adler, Suter, Etc. Probably more.