Current News:
12/12/06
The CD-1a is back on the track in the form of the CD-1c. With a new frame and various
other chassis improvements. Engine has been rebuilt and improved to be more durable. The
bike won it's maiden race at Loudon NH this fall.
Both the 175 race bikes did well this year, with myself and the CD3 winning the USCRA
200gp championship for 2006.
7/18/05
Well....we blew up the CD-1a very badly...it won't be racing again this year. Dropped a
valve into the cylinder and pretty much destroyed the whole engine. The CD2a and CD3 bikes
(175s) are running great. The CD2a has won it's last four starts. Latest modifications are
a two inch extension to the swingarm, a PVL Mag/CDI ignition, new fiberglass tank and
seat, new rear shocks. Cylinder head modified by Mike Rich Motorsports is performing
flawlessly and producing very good power. I've added a few updates to the CB175 section
and I'll try to get more up soon detailing the changes.
4/20/05
All bikes are being prepared for the 2005 race season. The Small Honda CD-1a will be
racing in 2005 with a new DRP cylinder head. First race is May 20th.
1/28/04
Work has started in earnest on the CD2a and CD3a race bikes. I redesigned the whole web
site section dealing with these bikes. Many updates will be added in the next few months.
11/27/03
Working hard on the new CD-2a 175 race bike. Basically the CD-2 with a new chassis and
different engine configuration. First work has also started on the CD-3, another 175 twin
that Mary will race in 2004. Check the chronological update list for a link to a new page
showing pictures of the CD-2a.
10/20/03
Ok, I did the updates for the 2003 race season. In case you don't have time to read the
updates Mary won the championship this year finishing first in every points race. No big
changes are in store for the bike next year as we will be racing three bike for the 2004
season...including a 175 Honda twin for Mary to ride in the 200gp class. Don't worry, we
will continue to race the small Honda and continue to develop the bike. See the
chronological update lists for the new entries.
9/18/03
Yeah I know I haven't updated in a while, I two races behind schedule on the web site
updates. We've been quite busy with races for the CD-1a and the 175. I promise I'll get
some updates done in the next week or so. Suffice it to say that the CD-1a performed very
well, as did the rider.
6/23/03
New 2003 Race Season section is posted with some pics and info. See Chronological
update list. More later
5/29/03
Dyno charts are up for the CD-1a and the CD-2. Look in Chronological Update for the links.
We learned much on both bikes. Made very good progress on the CD-2 175. The CD-1a 72cc
machine made some decent gains in the lower rpm range with the new R-Tec pipe. I didn't
expect to gain a lot of power with dyno tuning the CD-1a....we had it sorted out pretty
well to begin with.
5/19/03
Appointment has been made for dyno testing on both the CD-1a and the CD-2. The big day is
May 28 th. Should have some results on the website that evening. We will be testing two
exhaust systems on each bike, and making jetting and timing adjustments. At some point
after our first race the CD-2 will be returning to the dyno to be tested with it's new
custom 56mm pistons.
4/28/03
We have acquired the fork legs, wheel and disk brake hub for the new CD-1a brake project,
still looking for the proper caliper. Alloy cylinder, 300% oil pump and Kitaco R-Tec race
pipe have arrived. Updates have been added for details on the alloy cylinder and oil pump.
I've got a picture of the R-Tec pipe up. Initial tests on the R-Tec pipe are very
promising, my rider thought the bike ran much better ( if that's possible) with the new
pipe. Stay tuned for dyno charts on the new pipe.
The high compression piston project for the CD-2 is pretty much complete. Pistons are
done, and waiting for installation and dyno testing. Big project at the moment is a new
hand build exhaust system for the CD-2 which must be complete before dyno testing.
3/20/03
Thought it was about ready for a new update. What we are working on now is a new front
brake for the CD-1a. If everything works out I'll be using the disk brake and wheel from a
1991 Honda CR80 motocross bike. First I will attempt to fabricate a caliper mount for the
forks we are using now, if that doesn't work I will have to consider using the forks for a
CR80 also. We are also waiting for a new aluminum alloy cylinder and 300% oil pump to
arrive from Holland. A couple of weeks after that we should have a new race exhaust on the
way. I am still waiting until I receive the new race pipe before we go to the dyno.
Work is still progressing on the CD2 high compression 200cc piston
project. That should be ready for racing this year also. Updates will come fast and
furious when the parts start arriving.
10/11/02
We will not be making our final race (non-points). It looks like it will be cold, raining
and windy at the track. I'll get the bikes in for dyno testing instead. I'm very excited
about getting some dyno information on both of our racers. It will be a big help in tuning
for next year. Recently added some new photos to the site, check in Chronological Update
section for the new additions.
9/27/02
Getting ready for a race in Oct. It's a race just for fun since the championship is
already over. We won't make any changes to the bike for this race. It's on Oct. 12-13 at
the Frontier Land track at Loudon NH. I've got a new digital camera that takes great
pictures so look for my picture taking habits to improve. The new camera also will take
movies, so look for more movies in the future. Samples of the new photos it will take can
be found by looking in the Chronological Update list where there are some links to updates
I've made concerning technical issues ( in the "misc" section, concerning
rear-sets, fuel valve, tachometer). I'll still try to get more pictures posted from this
past race season if I can contact anyone that tooks some photos while we were racing.
Shortly we will move on to Winter testing. I hope to have dyno charts up for the CD-1a and the CD-2 in a month or so. Then after we make some changes over the winter to both bikes I hope to have new dyno charts up in the spring to see if our modifications worked. We are going to try a larger carb and camshaft on the CD-1a, and a new set of custom pistons (Being made by Arias right now) for the CD-2 175.
9/6/02
Well the last points race is over. Mary won and clenched second place in the championship.
The CD-1a is in top form and running better than ever. Still we will continue to develop
the motor for more power and durability. Mary's riding is continuing to improve and is
making my job as tuner much easier. My 175 Honda is finally running well and
becoming fun to ride. Next year should be the year that I make a real effort at doing well
in my class. Check the Chronological update list for more news and additional information
on the last race. I still have some updates to do concerning technical changes to the
bikes, I'll get to that in the next few weeks.
8/21/02
No my race reports for 2002 are not as great as promised.... hey, I've been busy.
The CD-1a and rider is continuing to break it's personal best laps times. Down to a
1:52.6 now. Our carb changes are still working in the right direction, we've got an #88
main jet installed now and are satisfied with the way the bike is running. We may try one
step smaller but we must be on the lookout for a lean condition that can damage the motor
if we go any leaner. We are currently second place in the 2002 championship and it appears
unlikely that we will move into first place... can't win them all. I've added a
Scitsu race tachometer to the bike for the last major race of the year. I'll have updates
on the tach installation soon. I'm starting to make plans for next years modifications
which may include a larger bore, around 50mm, for about 81cc. Rules allow for a 75cc four
stroke motor plus a 2mm overbore, that would put us at about 82cc, I'll keep it to 81cc to
be fair. We may test out an aluminum cylinder for 2003, with Nikasil plating, it should
lower engine temperatures and reduce weight.
I'm doing much research right now into whether we should stick with the same motor and try to update the cylinderhead to a roller bearing type and perhaps use a high compression XR70R piston. Or, if I should start building an XR75 motor and new frame. Our present motor would fit nicely in a Kriedler frame but the XR75 motor already has a durable five speed gearbox and more potential to make power I think. There are more parts available for the motor we use now, which is a major consideration.
Anyway, next race in about two weeks at Loudon NH. on Labor Day weekend.
7/29/02
Third race of the year is a few days away. The CD-1a is ready to go. We've made a few
changes. The rear sprocket has been reduced from 40 teeth to 39 in hopes we can pick
up a few mph in top speed. We will lower the main jet size from 90 to 88, we hope this
will give the bike a little more punch at full throttle at lower rpm and get rid of our
high rpm rich condition.
The CD-2 175 will not be ready for this race as I damaged the motor in various ways by
over revving during the last race. It WILL be ready for the Sept 2 race. I've shaved off
about 14 lbs in weight, changed to Keihin 24mm carbs, new lighter tires, lighter chain and
sprockets, lighter fuel tank, and modifications to the ignition system.
I should have time to get some good photos during this race since I will not be riding.
6/10/02
Info and pics are up for Race 2 at Gunstock and Loudon NH. Bike and rider are in great
form.
5/29/02
Well the 2002 race season is under way. Mary and the CD-1a took second place in their
first race of the year. We are still getting beat by the super fast Suzuki 2 stroke of
Phil (the Bullet) Turkington. We are still making tuning changes and still making
progress. We are up to sixteen disks on the SuperTrapp exhaust system and have seen some
big improvements in power. The carb is still rich at high rpm so we are changing to a #92
main jet. I have made some improvements to the rear cush drive to tighten up the
drive train. We need to go so some heavier front fork oil too I think, still not enough
compression damping. The Kitaco clutch is holding up very well as is the trouble free
Kitaco CDI ignition.
Next race in two weeks, one race on Sunday another on Monday.
As a bonus.. the CD-2 Honda 175 twin won it's first race last week in the 200gp class with
myself as pilot.
Check the chronological update list for the latest updates and pictures.
4/2/02
No I haven't forgotten the web site exists. I've been real busy building a big new
"fifth-wheel" race trailer with accommodations for two people and three bikes.
I'll have pixs up when it's done. Sorry I haven't done the summary of the 2001 race
season, looks like it may never get done. The 2002 season is upon us and I'm getting ready
for that, I plan to take more pictures this season and try to present them in a more
organized fashion.
As far as the racer goes, I'm playing with the idea of getting a Delorto
carb with either remote or movable float bowl. The make a couple of different types that
would allow the carb to have a straight show down the intake port. This might allow me to
keep using a smallish carb for good torque and throttle response but still breath better.
Be Patient, I'll try to get things moving as fast as possible
11/17/01
At some point in the near future I will try to write up a summary of the 2001 race
season to outline how the bike's recent modifications worked out... hint, pretty good
since we won our class championship for the year. In Feb of 2002 Mary and I will be
going to the club banquet for her to pick up her championship trophy... of course there
will be pictures.
Things will be busy this Winter as I start construction of a new "fifth wheel" race trailer with room for three bikes and living quarters. Modifications I'd like to get around to before next season are: an improved cush drive, stronger fork clamps, new/better rear set foot controls, and perhaps have the intake valve pocket in the piston enlarged so we can use a "full race" Kitaco camshaft instead of the "fast street" version we use now. At some point I'd like to come up with a more powerful front brake also, my options are to get a larger brake, like a Kreidler style or, I can disassembly our brake, put it in the lathe and attempt to get all the tolerances as close as possible and see how well it works. The 2002 season should be an easy one for us, most of the major problems are worked out on the bike. However, we do expect some stiffer competition in the 2002 season, the former class champion will be back in the USA and racing his Suzuki against us, he has a fast bike, and he is a very fast rider so we will have our hands full trying to stay with him.
We do still have some options if things get bad. We can still purchase a "super head" from Kitaco or Takegawa, we can go from a four speed gear box to a five speed, we can purchase and even lighter weight crankshaft, an aluminum cylinder would save us a few pounds and I think we could go to a 22mm carb for some more power.... but it all takes money, and time.
8/14/01
Alright, some race reports and photos are up for the 2001 season, outlining race 1,
2, 3, and 4. Check the Chronological update page for the link.
8/11/01
I know, still waiting for the race updates aren't you. Well as you have probably
noticed I have moved the web site to a new address. I have been busy with sorting out
technical issues with the site and have not updated much. Race season has continued and
has been quite success for the CD-1a. I promise in the next week or so we will have
updates and photos from the last two races. Site changes will continue also. Thank you for
your patience.
7/6/01
Don't worry, I'll get around to updating the race reports, obviously we won
something if Mary is standing there holding a trophy. It looks like we have the bike
sorted very well, no real changes should be needed for the remainder of the season.
6/14/01
Second race of 2001 is over now, results were good, a first in class and a third
overall in the FIM/USCRA 50cc GP championship. We are, I think, 1st in the points
standings at the moment for the 2001 USCRA Championship in the Super Screamer 50cc class.
More details later, check the technical updates in the Chronological update section.
6/6/01
Well the 2001 racing season has started. Our first two races are only two
weeks apart so I'll update when both are complete. For now a quick summary of the first
race results. We got a second place but don't let that fool you, the bike was running
poorly and Mary was having some difficulty compensating for some ridability issues.
Competition was sparse for the first race hence the second place finish.
It all started a few nights before the race when I bent our custom 26mm SS intake valve from Powroll. I was trying out the Kitaco Ultra camshaft …. And well you know how it goes (more specific info with the race update). So anyway, we were running with a 25mm valve in a 26mm seat which caused lots of valve float at high rpm…etc etc. This was also our first time on the track with the new Kitaco clutch, the new 20mm carb, the new Kitaco race ignition, new Michelin race tires, new rear shocks… and none of it sorted out.
In the works right now is the installation of a new (unbent) 26mm intake valve, some timing adjustments and we are addressing the ridability problems (BIG power hole from 7-9k rpm) with some exhaust modifications. We will be cutting off the present megaphone and adding a tunable megaphone from SuperTrapp. I have big hopes for this new exhaust and will of course update the exhaust section with all the info. That's all for now, more to come next week after the race… look for a new 2001 race season section and for specific section updates in the Chronological Update list.
Thanks
4/2/01
Updates have been slow due to an injury to my hand. However, check the
"chronological update" list for a link to the new "Kitaco race
ignition" pages. Sorry about the lack of updates but the injury has made it difficult
to find the time. Race season starts in a few weeks, new carb and ignition are installed
and working good, waiting for Kitaco race clutch parts. First race on May 27 at New
Hampshire International Speedway.. more to come soon.
12/13/00
A new page is up on intake system design, explaining some of the details of how to
get your intake tract length correct. I also started a page on the new 20mm Keihin carb,
nothing is on it yet, but pics will up soon. I've also got some new rear shocks I think
will work on the CD-1a. Sorry for the lack of updates lately but Winter time is when I
start modifying the bikes for next race season, thing should start to happen pretty
quickly now. Check the Chronological Update page for changes.
10/10/00
As regular visitors can probably tell the site is going through some changes. It's
getting big and needs to be better organized so I'm changing some things to make it easier
to get around. Your links to the main page will now bring up the Clever Dog title page and
from there you can find all the stuff you are used to looking at.
I will be adding some more reports on the 2000 race season soon and hopefully some pix of Mary's big crash captured from a video that caught the whole thing on tape. Projects for this Winter include the installation of a Kitaco racing clutch, 20mm carb, new tires, new rear shocks and possibly an electronic ignition system. Once again Richard at Ardjuna racing has been extremely helpful in getting the bike set up properly and helping me choose the proper modifications for the 2000 race season. This year my efforts have been split between two bikes, we are now racing the CD-2 which is a 1972 Honda CB175 (I'll have some pictures up soon) But fear not, most of my time and money still gets spent on the CD-1a small Honda.
Thanks for the comments and encouragement you have given us this season, next year... The Championship will be ours!!
8/8/00
Back from our second race. Good news and bad news. The bike ran great but our rider
had a high speed low side crash in turn two. For this race we had installed a new
megaphone exhaust and carb velocity stack, power and top speed are way up. Mary went
through turn two at full throttle and it was just too much for the tires and rear shocks.
We will be installing race tires and "real" rear shocks for the next race in
Sept. Look for details of the new exhaust and other parts to be added to the site soon.
6/14/00
The larger 18mm carb has been installed along with a new Takegawa intake, an oil
pressure enhancing washer on the camshaft, a new fuel tank, and a close ratio 4th gear
set. Details on all the work except the gear set can be found listed in the Chronological
update list. I forgot to take photos of the gear set before I installed them but I will
add information to the gearbox section about where I got them, how it was done and how it
works. We had our first race on 6/12 at NHIS race track at Loudon. Soon I will be adding
the 2000 race season section that will give details of this race and all the action for
this year.
5/31/00
In a very short while I will be updating the site with the following information.
Details on a motor work stand that I built to fit all the small Hondas. Pictures and
information on the new 18mm carb, pictures and information on a close ratio forth gear
set, information about the Kitaco ultra camshaft (if it gets here in time). I have two
weeks to get the bike ready for our first race of the year on June 12. Today we fired up
the bike to test run it before I start tearing the motor down to install the new parts. It
started and ran fine so everything looks good so far. I will also have some pix of the
CT70 Plastic Fuel tank that I will be using this year, four pounds lighter than my old
tank! Check back in the next few days for more information. Thanks
1/13/00
Starting to get ready for the 2000 race season. New rules allow for up to 75cc in
the Super Vintage 50cc class. I will be changing carb size to 18mm and using a larger
intake, installing a full race Takegawa or Kitaco camshaft instead of the present
"fast street" type, also I will be replacing the fourth gear set with a new
close ratio forth gear that should improve the 3 to 4 shift on the race track. These
changes will be added to the site in the next couple of months
Also I am beginning the process of updating the text and information on the site. Since the site was started in 1998 much has changed. I didn't do things I thought I would, and I did do things I thought I would not. I will be trying to update the site to reflect things as the are now and remove references to modifications that I did not make. This will probably take a month or two, there is a lot of text that must be updated.
9/28/99
Final race of the season is over, race summary and photos within the next week
8/24/99
The 1999 USCRA race season is in progress. Race # 1 and # 2 are complete. See the
"99 Race Season" Link above for the details, or the "Chronological Update
List" to go straight to the updated pages. Acquired a Honda CB 175, it will be
converted into a race bike for me to ride in the 2000 race season, see Update List for
details.
7/26/99
New parts have arrived from Powroll, including ported cylinder head, oversize
intake valve, new piston (skirted), freshly bored cylinder, lightened and rebuilt
crankshaft including new main bearings, rod and rod bearings. See the "Chronological
Update List" for details. I have assembled the cylinderhead using the new valves,
rockers, rocker shafts and Takegawa camshaft (same profile as last season) and using the
Takegawa springs and titanium retainers as used last year. So far everything looks good.
Next I will begin to assemble the crankcase and gearbox. I'm wondering if I should replace
the third gear set with a different ratio. Advice from Ardjuna Race Team leads me to
believe that this will help solve the problem of a large ratio jump between third and
fourth gear which can make proper gear selection difficult during a race. Updates will be
more frequent now that assembly has started and our first race is in August.
6/23/99
Still waiting for the motor parts to return from Powroll. The bearings needed for the
crankshaft are back-ordered from Honda and are necessary for Powroll to rebuild the
crankshaft. It appears the parts will be there in the next week or so. I have already
missed my first race of the season in June at NHIS, although I needed the motor parts to
be ready I was behind on other modifications too. This week I installed a set of Pro-Flow 27mm aluminum clipons, pictures and details
can be found in the "Misc" section under the
heading "Handlebars" OR in the Chronological Update List. On my to-do list are the motor, new fuel
tank, new shifter linkage and gearbox work.
3/31/99
Cylinder head, crankshaft and cylinder are on the way to Powroll.
Cylinder head will get: Race porting, oversize valves, new guides, new Takegawa cam
Crankshaft will be lightened, and if necessary balanced
Cylinder will be bored, honed and fitted with a new piston
This site will be going through extensive changes in the next few weeks
as I discard some of the older information and detail the building of the 1999 race motor
and details of the 99 race season as it progresses.
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I am now in the process of discussing with Powrol what parts and modifications I will use
for the 99 race season. On the list are a race ported cylinderhead, lightened crankshaft,
and high compression piston. I will be starting the season with either a new crankshaft or
a used one with the rod bearing replaced. A new Takegawa camshaft will be orders and the
cylinder head will receive new valves. I hope to build a hydro-forming setup to create a
new exhaust system, maybe even one that works. I'll be sticking to the total loss point
ignition system for now but hopefully it will get replaced with some sort of lightweight
CDI unit this summer. A new shift drum and rollers and a modified shift plate will
hopefully smooth out the transmission problem with third gear. I'll be going back to the
conventional shift pattern also to avoid confusing my rider, so a new shift lever linkage
will have to be fabricated. With luck we might be able to keep up this year.
Johnny B