'96 Factory race bike - need info

[DonD]

I just purchased a '96 Buell factory racer. VIN # has "race use only 0011" on it.
I initially started looking at this as the basis for a unique 'build' but I wonder if that's wise since this could be a collectible.
If anyone can assist with info on the bike and how it differs from the street version, or where to find this info, it would be appreciated.
I haven't received the bike but the owner says he's including the dyno slip where it showed 89 HP at the rear wheel and 161 mph with the gearing on the bike. Says it's WAY more powerful than my '09 Lightning. [confused]

 

[anrkizm95]

Says it's WAY more powerful than my '09 Lightning.

not with 89 at the tire

 

[DonD]

The torque figure on the dyno test sounded so excessive I didn't post it as I think it might be a typo (I'll find out when I see it), but it's not why I bought it anyway.
The guy who sold it bought a collection of vintage and other bikes. Said this was raced by an HD dealership in a class where bikes were limited to 90 hp.
Any ideas where I can get info on this bike?

 

[JOEL9]

what is it? an S1,S2,thunderbolt,lightning? how about a pic.

 

[konarider94]

The torque figure on the dyno test sounded so excessive I didn't post it as I think it might be a typo

for reference hp= torque(ft-lb)* RPM /5252

so assuming that 89 hp was at 6800 RPM the torque would be ~69 ft-lbs. Obviously this isnt accurate because im assuming an rpm. Also peak power and peak torque dont occur at the same spot but its a general frame of reference anyway.

fwiw i would not molest a true race bike. they are pretty rare as far as i know.

did he give you torque and hp numbers with the corresponding rpm?

 

[50dro]

You could always ask Erik Buell himself through Facebook or maybe through EBR. I bet he'd get you an answer![up]

 

[80rs427]

Congratulations on the purchase. I watched it sell.

I have a similar '96 Lightning race bike with "race use only 0012" frame. Mine was raced by Hansen H-D and ridden by Shawn Conrad. From what I can see, our bikes seem to have been prepped by different people.

I agree that these bikes are pieces of Buell history, and being fairly complete, shouldn't be dismantled, but preserved and enjoyed.

The seller did give you some good history on the bike. You should google what you do know about it. I found nearly all of the race results online from my bike's '97 & '98 seasons.

 

[mc4life27]

that is one bad ass looking bike.

 

[DonD]

I am supposed to get the dyno sheet with the bike. The torque specs he listed aren't possible - has to have been a typo.

Your bike is SHARP! Do you race it?

I'll add a photo later.

 

[DonD]

Here's the bike as shown on Ebay.

 

[80rs427]

Don, I don't race mine. My son does a few track days, so it might get some track time, but that's it.

I bought it from a young man in Wisconsin that had intended to build a chopper with the engine. I'm thankful for the chance to keep it together.

I am still looking for a few parts for it. You can see it has the race header but no muffler. It also has an early shock with no reservoir. I believe the HMC ad shows an aftermarket shock with a red spring.

When I get time I plan to leave my bodywork as-is and put together another "pretty" set painted the same.

You'll have to check yours for other race only parts. From memory, mine has markings on the triples, rear brake disk, rear master cylinder and swingarm. I have seen race only engine cases, but mine have a '96 S1 vin.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of your bike once you get it home!

 

[DonD]

I'm going to have to figure out where I can risk taking it for a ride without a blue light special. I want to find out what it feels like, plus of course I want to make sure it's right having bought it on Ebay.
Best I can tell, no place close has a track day until April, and it is some ways off. Nearest track is 3 hours and doesn't have track days until May.

konarider, I knew the torque figure couldn't be right, as it was way over 100. I think the seller accidentally added the '1'.

 

[DonD]

Track day scheduled this Saturday. This could be hairy trying to adjust to a track and the awkward riding position of this bike both at the same time. I don't plan on pushing any limits, just hoping I will not be in everyone else's way.

 

[DonD]

Track day at VIR was great fun!
The bike quit on the 2nd lap and was dumping gas from the carb. It quit pouring and once I got back to the pits, I was able to restart and the problem was gone.
I'm guessing the floats stuck.
The torque on this thing is amazing and it cornered very well. It's capable of going plenty fast too.
I'm going to change some parts, but am having very little luck finding anything for this bike.

 

[twp081321]

Nice to see you take it out! Now how about some pics for us!

 

[DonD]

Here's a shot - Ben Spies and Nicky Hayden are on alert.

 

[ArmyMP09]

That looks like oak tree at VIR. Good looking bike

 

[GAXB9R]

That's cool looking bike.[cool]

 

[DonD]

Oak tree - exactly!

 

[DonD]

I am putting this bike up for sale.
I did a track day on it and had a great time but it is really more bike than I want. It runs great and seemed to handle well but as it was my first track day, I don't have a lot to compare with.
Torque is amazing - dyno test shows it will do 160 with the gearing on the bike but I made no attempt to test that aspect!
Comes with 3 crates of spare parts, including a rear shock, an exhaust system, cams, extra front discs, about 20 front and rear sprockets in different sizes and ratios, etc.
Good opportunity to own a bike that is bound to be collectable and a fun track day bike to boot.
Asking $4400 for the whole package.