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Discussion Starter · #62 · (Edited)
Bill,

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

Seeing as the SS basically has a car front end and a MC rear end, does this not present some real unique challenges in trying to get weight transfer. With a front end designed for cornering including a very large sway bar, do you think we will be able to get decent weight transfer without giving up the cornering ability?
Another great question! This is going to be an area of intense study for us. I won't tell you that I have all the answers just yet, but as someone who's been involved with high-powered bikes since the 1970's when I cut my teeth at my father's company, I'm absolutely fascinated by the prospects. Dad founded American Turbo-Pak in 1972, and is generally regarded as the godfather of boost in the two-wheeled market. I would next take the legacy into the four-wheeled arena when I founded Hahn RaceCraft in 1988. Here at Hahn, we've pursued both formats ever since, with a fair amount of what I like to call "cross-pollination" between the two different disciplines. It's not an exaggeration to say that playing both sides has given my company some decided advantages as we continually cross over what we learn from one to the other.

As one might imagine, with this history, Slingshot is practically tailor-made for our unique skill set, and that's a big part of my enthusiasm for it. I am literally chomping at the bit to get involved and dive into this opportunity to apply our capabilities.

So, elaboration aside for a moment, back to your question. I am confident we can conduct the orchestra harmoniously without drowning out any of the instruments, retaining excellent handling while simultaneously enabling optimal power transfer. I study this machine daily now. I believe I have ideas and approaches in mind that should prove revolutionary, if not at least evolutionary, as I attack this rather unprecedented vehicle and it shows me what it wants. I literally can't wait to get started!
 

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Discussion Starter · #63 · (Edited)
Bill
Forgot to ask. How or who would handle the tuning once the turbo is installed.
Thanks for all the feedback.
You're welcome, thanks in return for all the interest! It's a great opportunity to for me expound upon our plans, as well as to learn what you folks are needing to know. A superb two-way feedback loop :)

Our typical approach is to address tuning as part of the TurboSystem content, so that will be inclusive. As we've yet to dive in, I don't know specifics at this time, but that's the format we always apply.

For the more adventurous, we may also offer "Tuner" versions of the TurboSystem that include all the hard parts, but leave the tuning details to the end user. That iteration usually comes later, once a new vehicle like this has begun to develop independent tuning solutions that can be applied in the field.
 

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Discussion Starter · #65 ·
How much torque can the driveline and drive belt take? I think the belt will be a weak point if we add HP and torque.
While I'd like to be able to answer that question right now, I'm afraid I'd be remiss to venture a guess until we've had the opportunity to evaluate these items under actual conditions with the power increased. However, in the meantime I can offer this:

This belt design is often underestimated, yet is actually very strong. We routinely use this style belt in drag racing motorcycles that develop 500 to 1000 or more HP, with loads further aggravated by extensive shock loading from exotic fuels such as nitromethane as well as large, very sticky slicks. The belt is internally strengthened with superb fibers, not unlike the construction of a tire. As such, these belts are amazingly capable of long life under harsh loads, and are really a marvel of modern technology.

We'll know more once we proceed down the development trail, and we'll apprise as to our findings.
 

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While I'd like to be able to answer that question right now, I'm afraid I'd be remiss to venture a guess until we've had the opportunity to evaluate these items under actual conditions with the power increased. However, in the meantime I can offer this:

This belt design is often underestimated, yet is actually very strong. We routinely use this style belt in drag racing motorcycles that develop 500 to 1000 or more HP, with loads further aggravated by extensive shock loading from exotic fuels such as nitromethane as well as large, very sticky slicks. The belt is internally strengthened with superb fibers, not unlike the construction of a tire. As such, these belts are amazingly capable of long life under harsh loads, and are really a marvel of modern technology.

We'll know more once we proceed down the development trail, and we'll apprise as to our findings.
Do drag bikes with these high horsepower applications use deeper toothed belts? Are there other variables that they have which make them more resilient to power applications or are they simply off-the-shelf belts similiar to what the SS uses?
 

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Discussion Starter · #68 · (Edited)
Do drag bikes with these high horsepower applications use deeper toothed belts? Are there other variables that they have which make them more resilient to power applications or are they simply off-the-shelf belts similiar to what the SS uses?
There are a variety of factors in play, which include pitch, width, materials, deign considerations, and the like. Engineering these drive belt systems is a key factor in durability on these monstrously powerful machines. The belts used are indeed available, but choosing the right type is key.

When done right, belt life is amazingly good, especially in light of the torturous application on these machines that possess not only the torque, but also the traction to accelerate from 0 to 100 MPH in but a second flat. While their 1/4 mile time and MPH are certainly impressive, what's almost more jarring are the 1/8 mile times, where they'll traverse a city block from a standing start in under four seconds, attaining a speed of over 200 MPH in just over 600 feet!

As one might imagine, if drive belt technology can take this kind of abuse, it's a very well-realized technology, and my company will be able to leverage these same capabilities for Slingshot.
 

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Discussion Starter · #70 ·
Thank you for the resonse. Sounds like something more to do some research on. :eek:
Yep! You're welcome, thank you too.

We'll be all over this Slingshot belt drive, applying what we've learned in years of developing bikes like this one, which actually has a very unique twist relative to the Slingshot...can anyone guess what that may be?
 

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Yep! You're welcome, thank you too.

We'll be all over this Slingshot belt drive, applying what we've learned in years of developing bikes like this one, which actually has a very unique twist relative to the Slingshot...can anyone guess what that may be?
Ummmm.... Very Little weight transfer?
 

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Discussion Starter · #72 ·
Ummmm.... Very Little weight transfer?
Haha, good guess, but let me give a hint: it has to do with the engine.
 

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Discussion Starter · #74 ·
Oh! I get it now.

Still trying to imagine the exhaust routing. Did you actually build this thing?
This being an incomplete bike view (actually an artist's rendering blending an actual chassis photo with a proposed body design), not all elements are in just yet. There will be pipes connecting the cylinder head exhaust ports to the main exhaust system, which can currently be seen exiting the top of the tailsection over the rear tire.

Oh yes, it is real, and the build is in process as we speak. You say you get it now, care to share?
 

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Yep! You're welcome, thank you too.

We'll be all over this Slingshot belt drive, applying what we've learned in years of developing bikes like this one, which actually has a very unique twist relative to the Slingshot...can anyone guess what that may be?
Because of the front filter, it looks like a LE5 to me. Probably with a wicked Hahn's turbo set-up!

What did I win? I big discount on a Turbo Kit set-up!?! :nailbiting:
 

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Discussion Starter · #76 ·
Because of the front filter, it looks like a LE5 to me. Probably with a wicked Hahn's turbo set-up!

What did I win? I big discount on a Turbo Kit set-up!?! :nailbiting:
You nailed it. It's an Ecotec engine like the LE5 featured in Slingshot, but in a dragbike instead. This fascinating machine has a story all its own, and once we get our own forum section as a Supporting Vendor, I'll devote a thread strictly to it. I just wanted to interject it here quickly to show some "belt drive at high power" love.

So congratulations! You win - my perpetual admiration! :p

Oh, and yes, and also a discount on a Hahn RaceCraft Slingshot TurboSystem, once they're available...but you may have to share that with otter :rolleyes:
 

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You nailed it. It's an Ecotec engine like the LE5 featured in Slingshot, but in a dragbike instead. This fascinating machine has a story all its own, and once we get our own forum section as a Supporting Vendor, I'll devote a thread strictly to it. I just wanted to interject it here quickly to show some "belt drive at high power" love.

So congratulations! You win - my perpetual admiration! :p

Oh, and yes, and also a discount on a Hahn RaceCraft Slingshot TurboSystem, once they're available...but you may have to share that with otter :rolleyes:
Nice!

I am currently printing off this above "coupon" for future use. :woot:

Who in your dealer network / install crew do you currently have in AZ?
 

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Discussion Starter · #78 ·
Nice!

I am currently printing off this above "coupon" for future use. :woot:

Who in your dealer network / install crew do you currently have in AZ?
We should have a few out there...are you closer to Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Tucson?
 

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You nailed it. It's an Ecotec engine like the LE5 featured in Slingshot, but in a dragbike instead. This fascinating machine has a story all its own, and once we get our own forum section as a Supporting Vendor, I'll devote a thread strictly to it. I just wanted to interject it here quickly to show some "belt drive at high power" love.

So congratulations! You win - my perpetual admiration! :p

Oh, and yes, and also a discount on a Hahn RaceCraft Slingshot TurboSystem, once they're available...but you may have to share that with otter :rolleyes:
Nah, Trav called it. The oil filter tipped me off as well.
 
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