Long time no see...

Times of change

Its been very quiet on here lately for which I can only apologise but whilst relaxing on this bank holiday, I have found an ounce of time to update you on things going on in my life.

I went and bagged for myself a new job for starters, after 7 years for one company I felt I had the confidence and ability to make the brave first move and now I am working for Concept Engineering Ltd in Hull. We specialise in stainless steel and aluminium sheet metal work and on/off site fabrication.  So basically the move has brought me happiness and also more money so really chuffed. 

I have been working hard and not having much free time so I really do apologise for not updating. 

Back on the road

I have had time though for a test day at Aintree and also my first round. On the test day a rythmn was found and a good dry setting was also gained over the sessions. The bike felt great and handled well if not a bit fluffy in the middle fuelling area. 

On to the first race with heads held high and basically me starting my racing all over again. After 18 months out i certainly feel new to it all again and not having much time on the bike and havent had any confidence at all in any bike since about 2012 its time for me to comeback.

I went out there and wasn't too happy with the bike, handling well but a few fueling issues. Finishing in okay positions is fine with me just coming back and it really was all but a blur and in the campervan on the way home I couldnt help but get happier and happier knowing we would get it sorted and come back a lot stronger and faster. 1 min 7 isnt the best, isnt the worst but im looking for a 1 min 2 or 3 at least.

We sent the bike off to find out that there was a problem with the carbs being built wrong and basically we only had 90bhp. We now have 144bhp, I think that will be a massive help and I will also need to progress further with the suspension changes. Cant wait to wring its neck once more but running properly. I am feeling much more confident in my self also so I am raring to go.

Thank you to everyone for all the help on the way!

Thanks Matty

First few hours on "The Wasp"

On the last weekend of February after spending a few nights making sure the bike worked, moved, stopped I made the decision to pop over to Doncaster. At Donny there is a track called FC Karting also known as "Fat Cats". A small but smooth track with small elevations and cambered corners to make it technically demanding, it really is perfect to train on. Learning to lay the bike on its side, slide it out of corners, trust the front, later breaking, getting earlier on the gas and most of all seat time.

With a big thanks to my mother and father for volunteering to take the bike on the back of the camper-van so they could try out the new tow bar. Arrived safe and sound, bike was still on trailer so that was a plus. 

After warming the bike thoroughly and checking it over, not setting correct pressures I went out and did 3 slow laps just to make sure everything worked and where the track went and how it all felt. Came in, the tyres still cold, suspension had warmed up so started to work as it should. A slight change of the handlebar angle and brake lever angle helped out as I was sat on the bike. After all being 6ft 3 on a crf50 framed pit bike is some mean feat. 

So out I went again and 4 laps in decided I relaxed far too much, pushed the front on one of the hairpins and down I went, laughing away to myself I picked up the bike as I never let go of the handlebars anyway and rode back to the pits. I checked everything over, absolutely fine apart from tyres were still stone cold. Forgetting to bring the pressure gauge didn't help so dropped a ton of pressure out of front tyre and the rear. 15 or so laps later I finally have some heat but I was still losing the front, it also felt really twitchy.

More pressure dropped and this got a bit more heat into it, less front end slides and finally felt comfortable. Right back into it and loved cracking on. Both knees sliding everywhere, my body position improving every time. 

The next day was basically the same apart from I got the heat in the tyres a lot earlier due to the sun coming out on the track but then on my second session unfortunately  I had a slow rear puncture. I didnt know and the bike was sliding out of every corner but very predictable so I kept going not knowing I had a slow puncture and was gaining confidence and I could control the slide. When I pulled it, the tyre was nearly flat so unfortunately that ended my day due to not having spare wheels yet.

But overall, amazing time, great fun and an absolute weapon to train on. Really have gelled with the bike and cannot wait for more training next month. I will be purchasing spare wheels and new hand-guards next month so for now here are a few action shots...Repping the Birotar Brand Hoody!

MiniSupermoto Thumpstar for Training

Training times

Well having very limited time to test the race zx9r I had to come up with a plan to get some bike fitness in and keep my eye in. What better way then return to my very first years and going back to riding pit bikes. Sliding around, teaching throttle control, momentum and generally all around improvement of riding. 

So I was looking around for some time and there is not many Thumpstar pit bikes around these days which I was I was looking for, even if it was a project bike. Luckily a long time friend of the family came forward with a deal I could not refuse, the bike just needed a little bit of love and attention.

The bike was exactly how I remember her from years ago, 12 years ago to be precise. 

 Here she is without the plastics, a bit tatty but I can work with that.

So as soon as the bike arrived I began work, doing a small strip down and sorting the niggles and problems out and with a general tidy up. Also with a massive thanks to my dad for having the patience I clearly didn't have with the brakes. 

A different view.

I give it all a clean and going over, the brakes are good as ever, the bike runs sweet and smooth and she is looking good to go. I will mainly be riding at Doncaster Fat Cats karting track until the Hull site opens up again. 

So here is the Thumpstar, she still needs a name though, what can you come up with?

All it needs now is spare wheels, hand guards and a sump tray strong enough to hold the bike on the table I made at work.

What do you think?

Here is me signing out as I am going to be riding as much as possible!

Sponsorship Board - Can you help me?

Do you want your company advertised at Aintree Motorcycle Race Club?

Do you want your business to be noticed by hundreds of people per round?

Ever wanted your name to be associated with a motorcycle team and racer?

Well look no further as now is your chance. Come and join the Mighty Kwacker race team by making a small donation to have your name/company on the sponsor board which will be on show at every meeting that I will be racing in, also on the belly pan of my bike. At the end of the racing season you will receive a signed print of me as a gesture of thanks and there will also be an end of season prize draw to one lucky supporter. Depending on how much sponsorship you can help the team with, there will be team wear also available to these supporters of the team. These will also be available to buy. 

I am looking to raise £750 to cover the full seasons entry fee's and so far we already have enough support to cover the test day and also one round. With just a bit more help and support we will have enough to do the full season. Lets get together and help each other, let me advertise your business or company, even yourself in the paddock, on the track and globally on social media.

So if you think you can help please do get in touch..

@MightyKwacker

mlr93@live.com

07854734180

With Many Thanks

Matthew Laws #193

This board will be cleared and ready to be filled for this coming season.

New Sponsor : Doncaster Motorcycles

At Mightykwacker  we would like to extend our thanks to Kev at Doncaster Motorcycles for supplying a set of Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa scrubs to the race team and we are very grateful for this kind contribution.

Everyone who knows club racing realises that its not always about brand new tyres, the best looking bike, the cleanest leathers and the squad to boast and brag for you. Its all about the little things, knowing you can race on scrubs and still be in with a shout of winning. With thanks to Kev I now have three sets of dry tyres for the season which should be enough for me. 

So a little bit about Doncaster motorcycles, to give you an idea of who they are and how they have become successful.

"Kevin and Neil are top industry trained motorcycle diagnostic technicians/mechanics with over 27 years experience in the motorcycle trade, covering a wide variety of models and makes.

Both were previously employed at Cusworths as diagnostic technicians on all makes and models.

Their joint business venture was established in 2009 and is going from strength to strength.

One of their major success stories is their “Fixed Price Servicing” where customers know exactly what they will be paying in advance …. and their super On-Line MOT booking in service, where you can immediately see the next available MOT appointment and book it yourself!"

So for all your servicing, tyres, MOT's, repairs and many more, go see Kev and Neil at Doncaster motorcycles, you wont be disappointed. 

www.doncastermotorcycles.co.uk

Thank you once again.

What do you ride and why?

What do you ride and why?

As the title says really, what makes you tick? Is it a manufacturer, a certain model of bike, the power of a bike. Could it be that you just love the freedom two wheels give you, or like me you love to be riding on the limit and going as fast as you can at all times (on a track legally of course) when on your motorcycle?

Get in touch and send me your pictures and the reasons why you ride for you chance to be featured on the blog with your own post. This will also be spread on Instagram so keep your eyes peeled.

Feel free to email me on mlr93@live.com or Direct message me on Instagram @MightyKwacker

Lets all see what you ride!

Kawasaki ZRX1200

ZRX 1200

The iconic muscle bike straight from the Kawasaki factory. Produced to be the new Z1000 from the classic era which proved to be more then capable for the great Eddie Lawson.

As you can see the styling still has classic looks but with all the modern updates you need. 

I personally love these bikes, have yet to ride one, and more importantly race one but I think they would be such a good ride. I love the way it still looks like quite the classic but with a mean streak. I have always admired them from a young age. When they first came out in 2001 I was fixated immediately and that was when I was a young child at eleven years of age. I knew that one day I would own one of these bikes, would be good to add a Kerker exhaust, set of maxton shocks and a fully rebuilt front end. 

Have you got a zrx1200 show bike or own a modified Kawasaki muscle bike?

If so please do get in touch and send me the specifications and pictures as here at "Mighty Kwacker" we would love to do a feature piece on your pride and joy.

Dont forget to subscribe at the bottom of the page.

MightyKwacker 

Exciting News with LEGACY SPORT PERFORMANCE!

Exciting news to announce we will be working in partnership throughout the year with Legacy Sport Performance. This is a huge boost for us so please stay tuned and check back for more information!

Go check Legacy Sport Performance as the site will be up and running soon so keep checking back.

Thank you once again Legacy Sport Performance.

MightyKwacker Racing from 2014 video.

Having found a video whilst browsing Youtube I found an old video from 2014 in a very cold April.

Just a bit of background, I had one full test day on the back in the dry and then went into Thundersport Golden era Supersport class which ran within the Superbikes at the same time. Now I knew I was up against it being on a lower powered bike but also a fully standard engine and suspension not correct for my weight held me back big time and also being nervous after having a year and a half out at the time then going back in at the deep in. 

As you can see I was pushing the bike as much as I could but with the front end being too soft and having really, really fluffy fueling which I think was down to the pipercross air filter but anyway, for having a year out I didnt do too bad, I can brake though so thats a plus! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AfECzW0Ut4

Featured: JT Racing Kawasaki ZX6RR 2004

Here we have Jack Thompson's Kawasaki ZX6RR

Now I think you will agree that this bike is very clean and tidy but looks stunning. The first year that Kawasaki proved itself capable in the supersport catergory and with this being the RR version meaning this was the one specifically meant to race. 

With the bike Jack has had some impressive results against a lot newer machinery and is looking for a newer bike to date now to give him that upper edge and gives him the level playing field he needs as he will be contesting the Thundersport GB Sportsman Elite 600 championship.

This is still one of my favourite models to date and I reckon the colour scheme really works.

SPECS

Kawasaki ZX6RR 2004








Standard Engine 

Gilles Rearsets

Ohlins Rear Shock 

Brembo Master Cylinder

Power Commander 3 with custom map

104BHP at the back wheel

Akrapovic End Can

Woodcraft engine covers with replaceable skid plates

Rain light

Pro bolt kit

WP Steering Damper

Braided hoses

Jack is also looking for sponsorship so if you have any enquiries please get in touch at jt-racing5@outlook.com

What do you think to his Kwacker?

Mighty Kwackers New Logo

As with all successful brands and companies, its best to have a good image and something that everyone can relate to. If you see a certain logo for example on a t-shirt and you can connect that to what company it is. So seeing as we are doing this the right and professional way, we had a few ideas. I got in touch with a long time friend and sponsor Nige Pitt from Pittys Custom Vinyls (see earlier post) and sent a few ideas across and we came up with this. Really hope you all like it and can relate it to this to my racing, blog and my Instagram page from now on.  I am hoping that over time I can start making merchandise and accessories for you all to wear.

Let me know what you think in the comments section please.

Thanks

Matty

If you would like to be assosciated with the Mighty Kwacker race team, please see my earlier post and if you have any enquiries and would like to offer a donation for the name on the bike, or any other sponsorship you can help with please dont hesitate to get in touch ; Mlr93@live.com

Matty Laws Racing AKA MightyKwacker Racing.....Help Needed!

So I suppose you may like to know that I am racing this year once again. I usually have to take a year or so out each time due to not having the finances but I am back for 2016 on a very tight budget and I am looking for help from my dedicated followers and fans. 

I have a background of racing spanning a few years now with my first season being in 2011 at a semi pro level with Thundersport GB on a CB500 and after picking it up very quickly I was soon battling for the top 15 in a class of 52. 

The following year with a massive thank you to Nige and Di of Pittys Custom vinyls they loaned me there new Ex TTC Triumph Daytona 675 and after plenty of testing on it I finally adapted to it and unfortunately at my first race meeting with Auto 66 at Cadwell Park I unfortunately crashed and nearly totalled the bike so I worked hard to pay for all the damage and got back out in June just to see if it works as it should and it was sublime. So thank you very much you two for such an amazing experience though, I am eternally grateful. The plus side to this year was racing my cb500 against Steelframe 600, 650's, 400's and 750's in the Auto 66 Formula Libre class, we was looking to clinch 3rd in the championship out of 24 but unfortunately once again luck struck and one meeting got cancelled which had a knock on effect and unfortunately finished 5th that year. 

2013 was a break for me due to running out of money, i worked hard and got myself a zx6r J1 model to enter 2014 and race at Thundersport Gb in the golden era supersport class, with an underpower bike on the wrong suspension for myself and nerves racking me all weekend and over revving the engine to catch the R6 5EB race bikes, which let me tell you now were heavily tuned.  Basically most bikes in my class had a lot of work done and I had a bog standard engine which just couldnt handle the strain. After finishing with 2 x 7ths I was in 6th in my 3rd race when oil spurted out all over my boot on the left side and nearly caused me to crash numerous times on the following lap ended my weekend, The rocker cover had (no pun intended) bust a nut and caused the leak. 

But I want you all to know I have what it takes, I do have the raw talent just not the money to nurture and build on it. This year I will race at Aintree Motorcycle Race Club and I will make myself known in the Pre Injection over 600 class. Take a look at the picture below and get in touch if you would please like to help me. Please join me on this adventure and at the same time get your Name on the bike and number board.

Come Join the Mighty Kwacker Family!

Thanks Matty

ZXR400 Of Ben Harrison Racing

So as I am a huge Kawasaki fan and that's what this blog is all about so lets start off with giving a good friend of mine, Ben, the credit his beauty of a zxr400 deserves. 

Ben races with NG road racing and also goes by the team name of "Up the Duchy" and is always running in the top three narrowly missing out on the championship and coming 2nd for the 2015 season. 

Now for the bike, the spec list is as follows :

Engine-
Skimmed and ported head

 Race cams

 Total loss lightened flywheel 

 Custom race loom 

 Stick coils

 Silicone rad hoses

 Ram air box 

 CV carbs

 
VENHILLl q/a throttle

 
Fully rebuilt brakes with HEL braided lines

 Lightened subframe 

 Lithium lightweight battery 

 Full factory Kawasaki race exhaust system with ART end can 

 CNC alloy race clip-ons 

 Renthal grips

 NGK spark plugs 

 Hyperpro fork springs with 10w silkolene oil

 GSXR 600 K3 rear shock modified to fit

Now check out how she looks, what an absolute beauty! 

If you want to get in touch with Ben about his racing or his bike please visit his facebook page under "Ben Harrison Racing" He is more then happy to help as and when he can. 

I am sure you will all agree the original Kawasaki screamer is a real head turner and one of the best bikes Kawasaki have ever produced.

Love the zxr400!

Thanks Matty

Family...Means Everything!

This was obviously where it all began, and for me without family around you to support your dreams and goals, you need to find that within yourselves. Now we all know finding that motivation, even for the likes of just getting off your arse to go to the gym is hard enough especially after the new year. Put your family around you, gain there trust and support, they give you the drive, the push, the will to succeed! This in simpler terms is like, for example, your tyres, They are there to lean on, to trust, to push the limits. Without these tyres you have none of that! For that we should always be grateful! its very hard to put into words my love for them but they know I do so Im sure they will read this and just know!

Now I for one know that it may sound cliche but I really am grateful to my family, they have supported me through everything, rugby, racing, my work, whichever route I have taken they have done whatever it takes to help me. 

I suppose now I better tell you about Nathan, my brother. This is were it gets really interesting, some say we are like chalk and cheese, he is fat and I arent(true that). As brothers go, he is awesome, really grounding and doesnt like you to get ahead of yourself and thats purely because he doesnt like to be outwitted and most certainly doesnt like being out smarted thats for sure! I can guarentee he will be reading this now, laughing but in his head he knows its true! Nah come on now I will be honest with you, he has done whatever he possibly can to help me, financially he has supported me, guided me in the right direction should I have stepped wrong and really got me out there being the person I am now, so brother I thank you for that! 

So remember "Mighty Kwacker" followers, its not the material things that matter, its the immaterial and emotional support of your family. Lets hope we can get a "Mighty Kwacker" family together and help one another!

Thanks

Matty


Just a few pictures of the family. 

Bexmoto Ltd

As mentioned in a previous post Bexmoto play a big part in the running and riding of the "Mighty Kwacker". He is the man to go to for all things crash protection for the Kawasaki zx9r. Not only does he make the parts to a high quality and standard but he also makes performance exhausts too. His craft is fantastic and uses the best materials to hand. We really appreciate what he has done for us so Im just showing you his work and hope you may like to purchase some of his protection or his performance exhausts. 

A bit about Bexmoto run by my good friend Shamus!

Welcome to Bex Moto. Here we specialise in aftermarket exhaust cans.

All our exhaust can sleeves are hand-made by us. All the exhaust can components are stainless where applicable and UK sourced. The materials used in the sleeves are also UK sourced and have been chosen for their quality and ability to withstand the rigours in the exhaust application, whilst maintaining their looks.

So what makes us different? Three things, actually:

Firstly our cans are NOT mass-produced. The sleeves are manufactured over a period of several days and heat-treated to ensure their ability to perform. This ensures a uniqueness over the many mass-produced cans out there.

Secondly, the actual surface of the sleeve is not a common glossy finish. The surface is not encased in resin but has a satin look due to the composite (carbon) not being impregnated with resin, thus also allowing a textured feel.

Thirdly, alongside the carbon fibre finish is the option of Alufibre, often referred to as silver carbon fibre. This gives the can a silver appearance whilst still maintaining the unique textured feel.

And finally, be assured that:

Quality has always been our aim and as a keen motorcyclist and enthusiast myself, the same attention to detail and quality is given to any product made or service undertaken. I would not manufacture or sell a product that I would not feel comfortable fitting to my own motorcycle.

Thanks you

Shamus (Bex Moto)

Visit www.Bexmoto.co.uk for all enquiries.

RST Tractech Evo Green Boots Review

My first review, so I thought I would do it on my new race boots thanks to Lizzie for buying me them for christmas. I used to own these boots in white and had a few crashes in them, wore them on road and whilst racing and for general use so I can give some good feedback.

 So this is the model and colour I have, like I said before I used to have the white ones. Right for some information I am a size 11 so I cant guarantee everyone will get the same feeling and feedback. The first thing I notice is the plastic parts fit and are formed quite well and its not all shiny, some of it is quite grippy especially the toe grip. That is much grippier then my last pair and thats with the sheene still on from manufacturing.

Everything is double stitched and has quite a good finish to it and not a single part has been left untouched, no loose ends or frayed edges so all good there. The colour is brighter then on the photo so my apologies, its perfect for the "Mighty Kwaker". 

This time the sole of the boot isnt just a pure flat surface, it has a slight contour to it, an indent some would say so that when your foot is positioned on the toe peg correctly it sits in rather then just on giving you that extra bit of grip on the peg. The heel seems to use slightly softer compound but again very comfortable once on. Hopefully you can see the slight curve on the sole in this photo.

So you want to know about fit and feel now I assume, so you know what? Il tell you.

Once on, what once felt like quite a soft ankle support sturdys right up especially once zipped up. Can be worn with motorcycle socks with ease and really do give a comfortable yet rigid support. I base the boots I wear purely on ankle support and heel support (or colour :p ) and this is due to the fact I will be racing so I want a good sturdy support, these are the two things I least want to break, stupidly long healing times and i understand in a lot of situations the odd broken toe I can deal with. After all it needs to have a certain softness for your gear lever. The calve size of the boot is perfect to drop leathers into or the velcro has enough range if you want to wear your leathers over the top. 

Overall I believe rst moto have made a cracking boot perfect for summer road riding, track riding and racing, at the price of £119.00 I really cant complain. Im happy with the fit, the rigid ankle and heel support, of course the colour but overall they give me confidence, I can feel the suspension and the feedback from the bike through my toes, whilst support the soles of feet. 

One thing i recommend, dont use in heavy rain, i found out the hard way, wetter then an otters pocket.

I really do rate these, let me know what you think?

Thanks Matty