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Post by raptor22 on Jul 7, 2003 18:11:32 GMT -5
the numbers actually refer to a range of viscosities and are not absolute figures.
SAE10W or anything with a 'W' denotes a winter grade of lubricant A multigrade like a 10W60 means that the oil has been blended so that it's change in viscosity with temperature matches that of an SAE10W at 40oC and of a SAE 60 @100oC.
So a 10W60 will almost always have a higher viscosity index than a 10W50 for example.
Viscosity index is a measure of how closely the oil maintains it's viscoisty with a change in temperature between 40C and 100C.
So when you next buy some oil, I would recommend that you call up the oil company's in SUI and get some product handbooks off them. Then compare the VI (viscosity index) of the various auomotive oils. You'll find that almost exclusively the racing products are typically 10W60, 0W60, 0W40 10W50. All very high VI products.
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Post by Henrik on Aug 11, 2003 6:43:35 GMT -5
I have been very happy to see a number of you following my exploits in the world of kart racing, and so I am a bit sad to inform you that I have decided to end my career as a racer. There are a number of recent events that has brought this about, and I will try and explain the whole thing to you here. 2003 started with my change in category. I was very excited about the new Biland engine, and can only say that I still am. It is a great engine design, and taking that kart around a racetrack is just amazing. For anybody who is a bit interested in racing I would say it has to be tried. Nevertheless, I was plagued with recurring problems from the start. I suppose this comes from the fact that I was one of the first to enter this class, and so the engine probably lacked certain development. This I something I have already gone through in the past when I started racing with the Rotax Max engine. The first few races went well, and I didn’t really experience any problems. But since race number 4 it has really been downhill. The engine has been in for repair too many times, and also my crash in Italy probably got me to realize that I don’t really have what it takes to be a racer. Sure, I have never been particularly competitive, but this has not been very important. I enjoyed fighting for the last few places, and knew my limitations. I could be very fast around a single lap, but when it came to fighting it out in the front with the pack, I would always be the first to lift. Then there has been the whole issue relating to the organization of the races, and the karting club I have been a member of since I started. Last year a group of members decided they wanted to take over the club, and the organization as well. We have fought them for some time now, but their ridiculous tactics have essentially destroyed the good atmosphere that was once the strong point of the club. I simply no longer enjoy the race weekends like I used to because the atmosphere has been spoiled. I will spare you all the details of what has happened, but suffice to say that it really has gutted me that some people can go to such lengths for so little. Finally there is our indoor karting track. It does require a lot of work, and so it is only natural that I spend most of my weekends there. As a result, it’s nice to sometimes have a weekend off. However with the racing, this meant that the weekend off I would still be spending my time with karts. With the increased level of competition in the discipline, the racing weekends that used to be just the Sunday, have indeed become full weekends, with practice on Saturday and setting up the infrastructure etc. So, I have decided to call it quits. I’m selling my equipment, but I am looking in to something new that I can do on our indoor kart track. I looks like I might start racing pocketbikes. So, in the future, you might be seeing me on one of these:
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Post by Henrik on Aug 11, 2003 7:04:37 GMT -5
This will give you a better idea as to the size of these things! It looks even funnier from behind!
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Post by Senninha on Aug 11, 2003 8:07:19 GMT -5
Good luck with the pocketbikes Henrik!! Those look like good fun - if perhaps a little uncomfortable!!!! Is it a disadvantage to be tall if you ride one of those things?? (I remember I think you wear an ex-Olly Gavin race suit, yes??!!) Bizarre!!! lol!!
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Post by Henrik on Aug 11, 2003 9:11:22 GMT -5
Thanks Senninha!
Yes, I am fairly tall, 1m87...
If you think that looks uncomfortable, you should see the pocketbike sidecars!!!
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Post by Henrik on Aug 11, 2003 12:43:42 GMT -5
Check out a pocketbike sidecar in action!!!
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Post by worthless on Aug 11, 2003 18:36:31 GMT -5
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Post by Wycco on Aug 12, 2003 8:37:43 GMT -5
You still have the Shamu Karting WDC and FPOTM! You've even scored a win in both of those this year! Kiesa is F1... but Henrik is Championnat Romand
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Post by daSilva on Aug 12, 2003 9:23:41 GMT -5
Hen, Sorry to hear that your racing days are over. I'm sure it was a tough decision but on the bright side you are still surrounded by karts in your life. Those pics look like some bizarre version of Gulliver's travels, Swiss people are huuuuuge!!
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Post by IllNeverTellYou on Aug 12, 2003 9:35:05 GMT -5
Those pics look like some bizarre version of Gulliver's travels, Swiss people are huuuuuge!! Thats because they interbreed with all those St. Bernards all those Swiss people have!
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Post by Henrik on Aug 12, 2003 9:50:36 GMT -5
ROFL!!!!
However it is not only Swiss who race pocketbikes. It seems it is very popular over in the US, and many famous MotoGP riders have started out this way. Actually I think I'll start a new pocket bike thread.
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Post by CFF on Aug 12, 2003 13:33:53 GMT -5
Henrik - How much are one of those (race-ready) pocket bikes (errr .... sorry ... don't do Euros ..... can you give me an estimate in US $$'s, then I can convert to Canadian)? And ..... can we start calling them Pocket-Rockets?? CFF
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Post by Henrik on Aug 12, 2003 15:51:27 GMT -5
CFF, In the States they seem to go for between $2'000 and $ 3'000. Here is a link to a place in California that deals in GRC pocket bikes: www.speed-sports.com/Pocket_Bikes/GRC_Prices.htmlYou can just do a search on Yahoo for pocket bikes and you will find loads of info.
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Post by Wycco on Aug 12, 2003 16:33:30 GMT -5
Holy Cow- those tiny things go 75mph!!!!!!
That would take balls to travel that fast on one of those things so close to the ground- must feel like you're almost levitating!
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