John now that project two 50 is getting close to race shape.... I was just curious about the $$$$. (I'm sorry I'm an accountant, its the way I think) I'm was wondering with the $$$ invested how that would compare to a privateer running a thumper. Lets assume both get the suspension work done, and other external trick items, levers, wheels, tires, etc. so let call that even. Using your best guesstimate... what is the difference in the $$$ invested getting a two stroke engine set up vs a thumper. I believe the gap would spread as the season wears on, as rebuilds and general maintenaince for you will be a lot less expensive, then those on the thumper. But I was more curious as to how comparable (apples to apples) do you think the set up costs of getting each bike (engine only) race ready are?
This is a great way to look at the entire project!
But there are a couple of caveats to be aware of, first we do not have an unlimited budget. This forces us to look very closely at our return on investment and where best to apply our resources with our race bike.
To start, our base machine is a used race bike Mike raced & competed on last year. While it's not beat up, it does have some riding/racing time on it.
You make an excellent point that both the 2 and 4 have to start with the same components including the frame, suspension, wheels, tires, brakes, etc. I would also add the clutch. All the factory teams and privateers have top of the line equipment in all these areas.
Let's try to break this down in a way that would make sense using engine internals only. Again, we have not been able to apply everything that could be done, due to the budget...
All these prices are approximate and for example only.
MicroBlue Racing Ceramic Bearing kit (engine only) $700.
Wossner Piston Kit - $127.95
Porting/center case/ head work - $450.
Exhaust pipe and Silencer - $400.
Transmission Polishing/Coating - $375.
Boyesen SuperCooler - $179.95
Rad Valve - $179.95
Gaskets, Seals, Misc. $250.00
Total Investment - $2,662.85
This does not include carb work ($175.00), ignition ($500.00) or other assorted "bling" ($$$$
?) that we would love to add.
Obviously with quite a few additional zeros added to the budget, we could make the bike a virtual factory machine... our late start in the process resulted in many items not being included on our race machine.
While our machine may not be up to "factory" team standards, we feel that the performance mods we have applied, will be enough that the factory guys will notice who we are and what we are doing.
