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