Drag racing traction problems. 91 FXR 121" 150/80/16 can't get her to stick?

Question

I go to Laughlin a couple times a year and the Avi ( on Indian land) hosts amature drag races.

My bike is pretty d**n fast but I can't get the d**n thing to stick.

I'm running the Avon Super Venom 150/80/16 at 20psi down from street pressure of 32psi

I smoke the thing until it should be nice and hot

But when the light turn green the thing burns out and spins through 3rd gear.

If it were a burn out contest I'd probably win, but I am actually trying to get a good run time.

Have you got any tricks for better traction or a suggestion for a better tire?

Answer 1

How you doing Ride dude? Nice to see you in the Racing Section!

What final drive are you running? Sounds like if you its not hooking up in third your final is to big.

Refresh my memory, is it sprocket & chain or belt that year?

Either way, I'm sure you can drop it a few teeth.

Other then that, can you get hold of any old Formula tyres? ( Not Formula Extreme! the small single seat car racers)

If you can get a Koozer tyre in your size, then you will be laughing! Them bad boys will hook up in any gear.

Answer 2

I think what the others had to say was good advice.  Also make sure you are in the groove when you start off.  I have seen way to many times bikes line up in the middle of the track where there is no rubber and they spin like crazy.  The rider almost always comes back and says the track sucks.  Then watches a 1,000 HP car hook perfectly fine.  Who is the problem then?  I have never taken a bike down the track before just watched a lot of it.  Seems to be very tricky since almost any sport bike can spin the tires at ease.  Seems like you really have to ride the clutch a lot.  Check out Ricky Gadson on youtube or attend his drag racing school.

Answer 3

Might be to hard of a compound rubber and it's causing it to cool to quick, You might have to change tires just for when you go out there....I would buy another wheel and mount the softer compound tire on it and change out the rear wheel/tire for when you go drag racing so you don't wear out your everyday rear tire.