Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

Califonia Trail Rides Presents the 7th Amlal long legs. Says Turbo Association honcho Miller: "These bikes can do SOO-mile days, no sweat, riding the superslabs to a place with great roads like the ones here in Virginia. Doing that with my friends on modem sportbikes can leave even the young ones with chiropractor Dual Sport Jamboree bills." Anyhow, although most turbo riders don't really care, we're amused the industry has come around to rediscovering what some call the "sporting standard" - a category largely ignored between 1982-1992. As to an owners' survey, it isn't just crotchety oldsters like me holding onto the past; a handful of 20-somethings was pulled into the fun as well. At the rally, they said they liked the power (of course) but also the bikes' rarity and surprisingly small initial cost. So what of turbocharging's future? Aren't such bikes obsolete? Not on your life. True, aging OEM parts are expensive, but enthusiasts are stockpiling all they can lay their hands on, and Miller revealed that club requests are in to the factories to invoice their stock so the remaining supplies can be bought up in a package deal of some kind. At a discount, of course.... ·Meanwhile, specialists like California's Mike Chestnut are busy rebuilding turbochargers - sometimes making them perform better than most peoples' wildest dreams. How does a 200-bhp Kawasaki streetbike strike you? Chestnut's turned out·many. My own Big K (with factory road race computer via Chestnut, 810 kit, Garrett T02 turbo, etc.) makes 144 bhp on the dyno - and yes, I have the printouts. Likewise, the other bikes can be hotted up (though not as extensively) with bigger turbine wheels, better-scavenging exhausts, etc. Plus, Stateside, at least one turbobike - the Twin Racing Team CBR900RR - is racing in Superbike classes, a.nd turbo expert Bob Behn has developed a boost system that turns itself off in the comers. You won't find many of us gettin' down in the tight stuff (it would tear divots from our jeans). Actually, the only rallygoers in full leathers were the Dutch, who do know how to scratch. But in medium-to-fast (80-130 mph) sweepers and roll-ons we'll get the brat packs' attention, guaranteed. My own near-vintage Kawasaki looks innocuous enough with its skinny tires and all. However, it stomps my ZXll up to 150 mph. In the straights, it also simply inhales ZX9s, CBR900RRs and other impudent youngiters. Not refined, maybe; just nasty. Finally, these factory machines are a bit schizoid. When you commute or putter off for groceries, it's easy. And maybe it should be if your neighborhood is infested with police like mine. Yet after you tiptoe outta' town, each will perform impressively on trips of any length. They'll pull steep hills - even with passengers and luggage - with the punch of modem bikes. Even the little Honda 500 dispenses no-lag highway power for instant adrenaline. In real comfort. Interested? If so, you'll· get troubleshooting help, supply sources, info of all kinds and a special comradeship through the Turbo Association. While factory models are in the great majority, modifieds and one-offs are welome, too. The TMIOA also publishes a very useful newsletter for members, and you'll get a T-shirt, too. Write to P.O. Box 385, Westtown, PA 19395, or call 201/894-1704. (N An AMA 0-37 Dual Sport Adventure starting in the Barton Flats area •. of the San Bernardino National Forest. .J<.,r i", '~ ~)~ BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA ~-~;. Sunday, Sept. 29, 1996 , Open to street Legal Dual Sport Bikes Only. Spark Arrestor Required, COURSE DESCRIPnON: A100+ mile dual-sport loop in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains around the Big Bear, California area with optional sections for the more experienced riders. Agreat ride for novice and experienced riders alike! Come up and enjoy the entire weekend! We'll be gathering on saturday in the group camping area (no water or hookups) off East Jenks Lake loop Road in the Barton Flats area. Hiking, fishing and other out· door activities are nearby. PortaiXltties are in place. Amphitheater Special technical and dual-sport sponsor seminars on Saturday 2-5 p.m.. The permitted area is located in the san Bamardino National Forest; event will be operated on a nolHliscriminatory basis under perm~ issued ~ ~ < --~ g ~ . . . . .w-'..., ~~ I 8 No unlicensed, non-streellegaJ riding allowed in campground. --+-----t-~ ~ Start time for the CYCLE NEWS Oual Sport Ride is 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., r REDlANDS Sunday, sept 29. Roll charts provided. B_rin;g.:..your_r.;..oll...;.chart--,"hoIde...;...;..;..r._ _~ Navigation ~ mileage. FREE Chili Feast & Breakfast Free Chii Feast on Saturday Night for All Entrants, courtesy of Cycle News. Free breakfast Sunday morning, hosted by ; FINELINE MOTOSPORTS. Entry also includes T-Shirt and chance to win prizes donated by our generous spor SOlS. • Entries are limited! Entry Fees Mail: $30 Post $35 (After Sept 27~) MA_P_NO_T_T_O_SC_AL_E ----' EATI CAMPI GO RIDINGl HAVE FUNI • Mail Entry Recommended Passengers ride FREE! Bring a friend, kid, spouse or pet *Free passenger entry does not include T-Shirt, but can be purchased for just $8.00 Send Entry vmh Name, A

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