• What is the Sweet Spot Video Series and why buy it? - The Sweet Spot Video Series is a six-video tape series broken down into six complete topics of motorcycle performance. Each video is between 60 and 113 minutes in length.
When a motorcycle is purchased, it is set to a factory specification. And as each rider varies in size, weight, riding style and riding purpose, we must then use the built-in features of the motorcycle to customize it for ourselves. It only makes sense, we all customize our seat position, radio station, computer and so on. Each manufacturer has given us about all we need, expecting us to make these changes, we provide the how and why.
There are sixteen of the best engineers and tuners from the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) roadrace circuit, and motorcycle industry in the USA and Canada. These experts explain the theory, and show in practical step-by-step methodology, the conversion of a stock motorcycle into an expertly set-up supersport motorcycle.
The Sweet Spot is the most complete source of information for the street enthusiast wanting to know more about his motorcycle, and an essential "industry standard" tool for the beginning and intermediate roadracer. Every motorcyclist will benefit from one or more of these videos. Each of us has made a large investment in our motorcycle, it only makes sense to protect our investment, and enjoy its full benefits by having our motorcycle set up for our riding style, size, weight and purpose.
Don't be disappointed with your motorcycle's handling and performance. You've invested in your motorcycle, now invest in some first-rate knowledge (see Sweet Spot Video Series). You will understand your motorcycle better, you'll understand all those terms the magazines throw around, and you'll know how to expertly set up your motorcycle.
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• Is the information in this series current? - Yes.
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• What motorcycle did you use? And what other motorcycles are covered? - We used a Yamaha YZF750R, however, each expert explains the parts and installation processes for other motorcycles as well.
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• Can I put a wider than recommended tire on my bike? -
A) Check with the tire manufacturer. If you go beyond their specifications, you can actually make your contact patch smaller putting you in a dangerous position.
B) As a note, if you change to a different tire manufacturer, it will change your suspension set up. This is covered in depth on the Tires, Chassis & Suspension video.
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• Is there a benefit to a radial tire? - Depending on your intended purpose, there may be a few benefits. First, better handling, secondly - lower operating temperatures and third - less weight. These would impact a sport or roadrace motorcycle the most. For more information, pick up the Tires, Chassis & Suspension video.
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• Should I stick with regular oil or use a synthetic? - Oh, you like controversy. There are low and high-quality synthetics. The high quality will provide many benefits with no disadvantages. Look for an oil with a polyolester base stock, then ask some oil companies for some literature on their products. Heat dissipation, temperature stability, higher film strength, greater wear resistance, these and more are the benefits to a high-quality synthetic lubricant. You should consider your chassis lube and fork oil as well! Get the Performance Systems video, you'll understand a whole lot more.
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• How do I select the right riding apparel? - Wow, you're ahead of the game, you've asked! This is an American vs. European mentality. Europeans take motorcycling seriously, in America, bikers figure the leathers cost more than skin grafts.
From the top down, my wish list: well-fitting, comfortable helmet, full featured high-quality leathers either one or two-piece, gloves, and boots that cover the ankle bone and leg area not covered by your leathers. Built-in body armor is a plus. There is a reason why professionals from around the world wear this stuff and it saves money and lives. All this and more is on the Bike & Rider Roadrace Preparation video.
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• How do I set up my suspension? - You're on the right track, YOU set up your suspension. No one else can set it up because they don't ride your motorcycle, or ride like you do, or are your size. And while you're riding, you can always tweak it for specific conditions. Begin by setting ride height and pre-load, set compression and damping to the center and go two clicks either way and ride, note the difference, take notes and tweak, tweak, tweak. It's a real feeling of power being able to do this on your own. Your various motorcycle's systems are dynamic and interactive - interact with them, you'll love what you learn. This is all covered on the Tires, Chassis & Suspension video.
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• I ride a CBR900, my question is this, why does the backend always feel mushy and uncontrollable? - After speaking with this young man, we found out he weighs in at about 240 lbs. Our first suggestion, go to a heavier spring on the rear shock, maybe a 550 or 600 lb. and reset pre-load and ride height and you should be moving in the right direction. These topics are covered on the Tires, Chassis & Suspension video.
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• I want to put a pipe on my motorcycle, what pipe should I use and do I need to re-jet the carbs? - A few considerations. Your motorcycle's carburetion and exhaust systems are always a compromise. So when you alter the stock equipment, you have a new set of compromises. I ask you, where do you want more performance - mileage, low-end torque, mid-range grunt, or between the 10,000 to 14,000 rpm range? If we pipe, we re-jet. Keep in mind if you do the work, it'll cost you an evening or two, and some parts, but from that point on, you can tweak, and tweaking is important for maximum performance. Check out the Carburetion & Exhaust Systems video.
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• I would like my brakes to be more responsive, any suggestions? - The least expensive consideration might be brake pads. Though OEM equipment is good, there may be a more efficient material, or perhaps a brake pad/rotor combination. Brake lines are another most often considered item. Over time the rubber lines become - well - stretchy and pliable, so an option would be to replace your lines with either Kevlar or braided steel, both look trick, but we prefer the braided steel. Also, when was the last time you changed your brake fluid? What to order and how to install is on the Performance Systems video.
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• Where can I learn what to safety wire and how to safety wire my bike? - Oh, this one is easy. That's on the Performance Systems video. A complete tech inspection is on the Bike & Rider Roadrace Preparation video. Another good source of information would be the rule book from the roadrace organization that you wish to race with.
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• I would like to know how to winterize and store my motorcycle. - Motorcycles are dynamic, they are meant to be ridden, so when you park them, weird things happen. A couple of things you should do:
1) Change your oil, run the bike for 10 minutes, then park.
2) Pull your battery and attach to a smart charging device.
3) Drain the fuel from your float or fuel bowls, and your gas tank, especially if you have an in-tank fuel pump.
4) Spray the metal parts with a rust inhibitor.
5) Consider bagging it.
6) Don't forget your riding and safety apparel.
7) In general, tune it up and prep it for next season, otherwise, you're losing valuable riding time.
You can follow our check list and see step-by-step the how's and why's on the Care, Winterization and Storage video.
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• I've read about altering my motorcycle's gearing and converting to a 520 chain and sprocket. What are the benefits? - If you're riding on the street, converting to a 520 kit is no benefit, especially if you're riding a 750 or larger. Gearing - This is complex and should only be considered by professional roadracers. There is a lot at stake here, and you need to understand your engine's limits and track demands. We do however, get into these topics in the Dialing In video.
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• After establishing a baseline, what are the considerations for different weather, surface and roadrace track conditions? - Tire selection, jetting and gearing are the primary areas of concern. If you're at baseline and are familiar with the Sweet Spot Series, where we do all the work in the shop, then get the Dialing In video, where we go to the roadrace track and deal with these specifically. These questions are answered in full. Get a note pad.
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• Who are the engineers and tuners on the Sweet Spot Video Series? - Ok, here you go:
Sto Smead - Dianese Leathers; Gary Lenzmeier - Body by Northstar; Jim Leonard - Vance & Hines - Vance & Hines Ducati Crew Chief; Rick Marlin - Fog City Face Shields; Troy Kirkpatrick - TK Designs; Al Hathway - LRRS Chief Tech Inspector; Dale Rathwell - Suspension Specialist for Muzzy/Yoshimura/Yamaha/Harley Davidson; Ken Williams - Michelin Tires (worked with Freddy Spencer on original radial tire development - this guy knows tires!); Marc Salvisberg - Factory Jet Kits; Cliff Sherlock - NASA Experimental Aircraft Lubrication Specialist - on loan by Red Line Oil; Kurt Hall - our rider has 18 national championships and is a part-time roadrace announcer; Rob Douglas - S100 Cleaning Products; Lawrence Bolton - Dynojet (reputed to have done more dyno tests in the USA than anyone); Jeff Johnston - Metzeler Motorcycle Tire specialist; Dave Schlosser - crew chief of Dutchman Racing, owner of the Yamamonster; Jeff Haynor - host, enthusiast, instructor.
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