Quarter Mile times

sudjim · #1 10-30-2009, 07:36 AM

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone has ever done 1/4 mile runs just to see what the times and speeds would be. I'm thinking of measuring off a flat straingt stretch of road near me and just using a stopwatch get some prelim data. Might be fun. I'd say if anyone else is thinking of doing this for comparison purposes, we should have some guidelines. I say you can pedal as much as you want. The only rule should be that you start at a dead stop. If you have speeds, all the better, but if not, times would be great. (imagine showing up at test and tune night at the local drag strip...)

Anyone game?

Jim

**BarelyAWake** · #2 10-30-2009, 07:47 AM

Funny you should mention that

I've a near perfect 1/8th mile stretch on my way to work that I use to test the lil mods I've done to my bike, while I do have an almost perfect 1/4 mile run I find to reach and hold redline I only need 1/8th... Maybe a scaled down run is appropriate for these lil machines?

I've not actually timed it as I use my GPS and achieved speed to judge, (and I haven't a watch w00t!) but I heartily recommend this to anyone interested in getting the most outa their bike - "a little better" is tough to figure without a constant to compare it to.

I'm on this - I'll try to pick up a stopwatch this weekend, you still want a 1/4 mile? Or the 1/8th which might yield clearer results?

sudjim · #3 10-30-2009, 08:00 AM

1/8 mile is fine for real testing and such. I will probably do some 1/4 mile times so I can relate that to people not familiar with what is a good 1/8 mile time. So many people know what 14 second quarter mile is. Or know that a 10 second car is really smoking. If you give an 1/8 mile time, they cant figure it out since you don't just multiply by 2. I can't wrap my head around 1/8 vs. 1/4 sometimes.

I was thinking about parameters of the tests. I think a dead stop with the motor already started (clutch in) would be a good point. What about only pedaling until able to let the motor run you? What would be the best way of getting an accurate baseline considering others around the country (globe) may want to try so they can see where they and we stack up?
Thoughts?
Jim

freewheeling frank · #4 10-30-2009, 12:34 PM

i think 1/8 is good as far as pedaling it doesnt take but maybe 100 feet or so and i am outrunning the pedals, so i say pedal as much as you want, i think i can set my gps to give me elapsed times and speed but its been snowing like crazy here so ill have to wait till things dry out some before i can set up a cours and do some runs , later guys frank

scooterhoot · #5 10-30-2009, 12:36 PM

We got a 1/4 mile kinda flat spot back in the trailer park that was never finished, never went for E.T., just top speed. I'll have to hunt up a stop watch.

**BarelyAWake** · #6 10-30-2009, 12:39 PM

From a dead stop is a definite, I too think pedaling makes little difference - even if it did, you'd pedal to race then too - so it all works out.

When I get the chance I'll do a 1/4 mile run just to get some numbers - don't expect much lol, I've a mountain bike complete with knobbies and laden down with a ton of tools and crap

Venice Motor Bikes · #7 10-30-2009, 12:46 PM

WOW... A 'top speed' thread that hasn't been locked or deleated? Let's see how long this one lasts?

**BarelyAWake** · #8 10-30-2009, 12:52 PM

Well - nobody's posted any numbers yet Venice, let alone ridiculous ones

Venice Motor Bikes · #9 10-30-2009, 12:57 PM

I started a similar thread a few days ago, & the thread was deleated within minutes!

Oh-well... I hope this one lasts!! (we need somewhere to brag without dumping on Foureasys thread!)

**BarelyAWake** · #10 10-30-2009, 01:01 PM

Well the "tricky" bit is validation (not that it should be necessary lol), It'd be nice to see some numbers with a pic/vid of the run. Like a second person with cam and stopwatch in hand shootin' both the bike and the watch as the line is crossed...

But of course gettin' that second person is a bit of a problem sometimes lol