engine plates improve FE handling

we're launching our web shop in the next couple of weeks and this is one of the new items I'll have on it. I've had two sets of engine plates on test and I'm pleased to say folk could feel the difference.

fits up to the end of 2008 models.



these are the test copies, splodged the monicer on them and that will be done better next time but they are well made, the photo is of the first set back. my originals have been on a paraplegic's bike for a year now and he likes them too!

not sure whether to anodise them as well yet? they are made of HE30 aluminium and CNC milled. I'm getting 30 sets done so i hope some of you will try them.

basically, the FE's try and drag the rear wheel UNDER the bike when you accelerate. fine in a straight line but when leaning over and cracking the throttle the bike lifts and you roll out of the rut, it sends you OUTWARDS. these stop that.

they helped two riders with poor sag numbers, self confessed doubters who thought 'SAG' was only used in reference to the missus *******! :lol: :lol: :lol:

so they had soft sussies and were expected to find little benefit. instead the front wheel felt more 'planted' and the bikes tracked better. not the answer I expected to hear or how I would have put it but we feel things differently don't we?

they are going to be £36 as they are and I think anyone with an FE is going to feel the benefit.

....and let us know if you like them anodised or plain?

regards

Taffy

just edited it for you. it is for the bikes up to the LDCs. pre2009 to you!

yes i agree it means that you want to let others know that you modified your bike. but mud, scratches.....

and blue would be the only colour allowed. a nice dark arctic ice-BERG blue!

regards

Taffy

I'd say that this is a critical difference on a 650 and/or any racer.

regards

Taffy

the problem is more at the 'rubber boot' than the carb - the carb won't move.

the 450/550s may want to try the 650 rubber boot but I can't say. the 550 this was tried on had no problems.

we couldn't test at the weekend as the weather was so bad....

regards

Taffy

Hi mud

at the moment the price for having the plates made leaves me with too-little a margin in it.

we're trying to source a cheaper manufacturer..... I daren't say yes I have some just yet!

If anyone else would like to try them: please, say it now or maybe hold your peace. I'll let you all know.

regards

Taffy

well as I once said, I would leave a corner, gas the throttle, the bike would sit up and go over the outside of the rut I was meant to be following. I blamed myself for years for not being a good enough rider and then in my last three rides on the old girl I discovered the secret.

if you have sags below the factory recommended this won't make much difference, nor will it if you only ever open the throttle when upright. but if you have any pretence to 'giving it some' then it is one of the most important changes I think you can make....

however, if I don't price them right I'm out of business. I'm sure you're all aware that business is tough right now....

I have a young engineer who works a CNC MILL looking for extra 'overtime' work and this surely suits him.

regards

Taffy

what a night mare and I think you should read this if nothing else but a laugh! :twisted: :twisted:

I lent the plates to a bloke from Wales who's bike I worked on and had race numbers on the side. perfect i thought: he'll do!

he tested them but before fitting them confessed to not riding the bike for a long, long time, being rusty (better than being 'randy' I suppose!), then he said he'd never set the ride height once - ever.

I became depressed and tried to take my own life....! (in yer phuqin dreams son! :evil: :evil: )

he described them in very favourable terms though! yipee!

I quickly ot them back for a local Irishman (if you van be Irish and local to me here in the Fens!) and he rode in atrocious conditions conditions - so no valid test. as we race once per Month he then missed the next one, Marshall'd the next and Marshall'd this last Sunday as well.

I have begun to sob uncontrollably! :cry: :cry: :cry:

I've had another set of test plates made, I need someone to test these plates who rides hard, has set his sags and will do a valid test! this time of year you'd better test quick or come from a warm climate methinks!

so, anyone want to step up to the plate?

regards

Taffy

zaga said:

Hi

I have my suspension set ...

But I probably don't ride as hard as you ... :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

:cheers:
ZAGA

Click to expand...

yes but you fail on the warm climate rule! LOL!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

regards

Taffy

done!

will PM you Steve. I know you're into this kinda stuff.

but if you don't sign the official secrets document I'll have to send 007 over there after ya!

regards

Taffy

can't agree with that Zaga

I have made the proviso that as long as you aren't running weak/low sags that this will improve the handling full stop. if you care not to ride the bike hard enough to find out well
1 - you won't buy it
2 - you won't know what it could do coz you won't need it!

people (hopefully) respect the views of those that DO know what they are doing, that do test and evaluate.

and since when did you stop buying 'redundant bling' for your bike?

EVERYONE DOES IT!!!!

your problem is that suspension is something you don't understand but can feel
handling is hard to feel full stop. it can also be difficult to sort in isolation away from suspension. in my opinion the two go hand in hand!

I remember running 52 x 13 and kicking down to first for every corner - doing 10KPH - just trying to get the bike to drop into a corner. then I went and bought different offset clamps and the bike fell over at the snap of your fingers.

I went back to 14 x 51 gearing AND was dropping into corners using second not first gear! the difference was that big!

it stands to reason that to need good handling, first you must desire it.

regards

Taffy