From Ebay bid to British Supermono grid.

Off and ready.

2010-09-16T12:57:00.002Z

Lots and lots of thanks to Giles, he's made me look absolutely a "Gorgeous Gordon.

Up and raring to go...

2010-09-13T10:27:00.001Z

Thanks of course to my special friends who have helped get me back on track, Harry for letting me live in his garage while Bloke works on repairing me.

Mark Hill at MHP for repairing my exhaust.
Mr. Peter Day for doing a better than great job on my bits and pieces; and I would like to say thanks to my new friend, Giles Bunce of Impact, for offering to give me a really great new colour scheme.
I can't wait to see it.
Hopefully, my new clothes will be already to go, and we can get off to Anglesey on Thursday.
Can't wait!

Oschersleben supermono

2010-08-16T16:30:00.002Z

There were some of my relatives out at Oschersleben, with another 3 SZRs present.
One of their owners, a German rider Andreas asked Bloke if he could try me in the first race.
We were doing quite well in the rain, but then unfortunately on the last lap, something went wrong and we were both sliding up the road!

The damage was too bad to try and get out in the second race, never mind, I'll get home and get repaired in time for the British Championship round in Wales where Nige Rea is going to be riding me.

Coming back home to Yorkshire.

2010-07-16T10:33:00.000Z

Dave has decided he wants to try a new class, so I'm going home to 'God's own country' - Yorkshire and be back with my original Dad.
I think we're off on holiday to Germany soon, I'll keep you posted.

Gordon's new Dad.

2010-01-29T10:58:00.003Z

For 2010, I have loaned Gordon to his new Dad - Dave Bennett.
I think that Dave is a rider who truely shows 'supermono spirit' - so I am confident that Gordon will be happy in his new home.

I am reliably informed that the new team will be "Gordon Bennett!"

You can visit Dave's personal blog and see how they are getting on together: Team Gordon Bennett

Assen weekend overview.

2009-10-17T18:26:00.001Z

Whhoooo...

2009-09-30T12:33:00.002Z

I'm on my way to Assen for the last round of the ESA championship!

I just can't wait - I have lots of Dutch fans who visit my website and I've never been.

Looking at the entry list, there is even another SZR in the race.

I think 'Bloke' is just going for a holiday, and to see all his supermono friends - so I shouldn't have to work too hard...

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...

2009-03-20T15:29:00.002Z

Plans for 2009

2009-02-06T14:24:00.003Z

So, here we are in 2009.
With hindsight I did a bit too much racing last season - and spent too much money!!

I have decided this year, to 'cherry pick' the events that I would like to do - to have some fun!

I would definately like to get Gordon back out on track, and perhaps also let some 'non supermono' riders have a go on him - and see what the class is all about.

So, if anyone out there thinks that they should have a guest ride on Gordon get in touch and tell me why.

Great photo of course by Racing Line Photography.

Desk calendar feature...

2008-12-01T17:43:00.000Z

This great shot of Gordon by Racing Line Photography at Snetterton is featuring in the 2009 Desk calendar, if you would like one click here: 2009 Desk Calendar.

Woo hoo - I'm getting back on track...

2008-10-03T09:50:00.003Z

With a bit of luck the Classic Club might let me get out for a run round in one of the Parades.
It is just a shake down to check everything is up and running after Slipstream have loaned a replacement engine.
Can't wait!

Action shot from Snetterton earlier in the year, by Racing Lines Photography

Gordon meets 'Brian'.

2008-08-07T15:38:00.005Z

I was invited to take Gordon along to Poynton Motorcycle Club.

Phil Harold their press officer has his own SZR that we named 'Brian' on the night, and it was interesting for the club members to contrast and compare the two.

The club is well supported and raise plenty of funds for good causes, you can visit their site by clicking here: Poynton Motorcycle Club

Slipstream Uncles to the rescue...

2008-07-11T13:32:00.002Z

Slipstream are aware of just how popular Gordon has become - and want to see him back on his wheels just as much as I and all his fans do.

Roy called at Brands today, where I was coaching Piers Hutchins, and dropped off a replacement motor to get Gordon back up and running.

Cheers, Martin and Roy!

Video archive

2008-04-23T21:40:00.000Z

I have now gathered together most of the videos I have made over the last few years and put them all together in the one place to make viewing easier.
Click here to find the video blog, and remember to add it to your favourites: Mike Edwards Video

Brief, engine problem overview

2008-04-17T00:34:00.001Z

Gordon goes 'bang'

2008-04-13T15:52:00.003Z

On Sunday I concentrated on Gordon and didn't ride Ming, warm up went well and things looked good for the race. Another flying start off the line - leading the race on lap one, second corner, and it is all over for Gordon. The little end broke and the con rod punched a giant hole in the front of the motor breaking the crank cases, barrel and wrecking just about everything in it's path. Even the front engine mounting was badly damaged bending the mounting bolts. It's amazing how much force is involved when the motor lets go!

Sunday morning warm up.

2008-04-13T10:42:00.000Z

Just had time to do two laps this morning, everything seems to be okay - just a check as Steve and I have fitted the new calipers, and the brakes seemed to be working...

Gordon looks so gorgeous that Rory from PB magazine just couldn't resist taking some photos of him.

I'm busy chatting to Matt from PB who is having his first go at Supermono racing.

2008 first supermono race

2008-04-12T14:36:00.000Z

Out in the opening race of the season for Gordon.
He really does get off the line like a rocket.
Worked really hard dicing with Mark Lawes, I did manage to get past him at some stage.
Ultimately crossed the line 2nd.
Not bad for his first time out since October.

Saturday qualifying

2008-04-12T11:28:00.000Z

Steve McNichol has been very patient with me - I inadvertently left some wheel spacers in my fleece pocket some 5 hours away at home!

This means that we have had to swap front wheels between 'Ming' and 'Gordon' for each and every session. Also swapped brakes everytime!

Gordon feels good - managed to run at the front for most of the single practice combined qualifying session - ended up 3rd behind Nick Chadwick and Mark Lawes.

Getting ready for Snetterton

2008-04-11T23:17:00.001Z

Gordon is begining to get a bit anxious with 'Ming' about his return to the track this weekend.

He really likes his new 'lime and liquorice' colour scheme though.

Gordons new clothes

2008-04-07T17:49:00.003Z

Gordon's new bodywork should be ready over the next few days ready for his first outing at Snetterton at the end of the week.

Colour-it-in are 'Wrapping' him like they did with Bill, vehicle wrapping is a novel way to colour the bodywork without having to spray the bodywork like normal.
It has advantages over painting, being basically a 'sticker' the coating helps to protect the bodywork from minor damage, stone chips and minor scratches. And in Bill's case when I have finished using him and is being returned to BMW we can remove the graphics and coating and reveal his original colour scheme.
Gordon is waiting at the garage for his new clothes, still feeling a bit naked after his rebuild but looking forward to his first outing of the year.

Gordon comes home

2008-04-01T18:52:00.002Z

After a long rebuild Gordon has finally returned home.

Peter Day has spent many hours carefuly rebuilding him back to his former glory.

I now have to fit his new bodywork once 'Colour it in' have finished vehical wrapping it then he will be ready for action for the first round of 2008 at Snetterton April 12th.

Ming came along for the ride and it was a test to see how 2 machines would fit in the van!

Rider's Rider Trophy.

2008-02-27T11:59:00.003Z

I am very proud to have been recently voted Rider's Rider at the British Supermono Dinner Dance.
The memorial tropy is in honour of Geoff Sawyer who was a long time motorcycle racing enthusiast and a great supermono stalwart.

The trophy is presented to the rider who, in the opinion of his fellow riders, has most epitomised the spirit and commitment of the Supermono class during the season.

Of course, it was only because of the 'Gordon' project that I won the trophy, and here you can see one of his mates trying to get it off me.

Peter has excelled himself.

2008-02-21T11:27:00.003Z

Called in to see Peter yesterday and take some photos.

Gordon is just looking fantastic!

Gordon's new clothes.

2008-02-04T15:52:00.000Z

This season I think I will try to keep Gordon looking more like an orgininal SZR; with just a half fairing.

It has been difficult to find something that would work - but at last I found Pascal at a French Company, BUB Composite that do a replica SZR replacement fairing.

Check out Pascal's website: BUB Composite for all you Yamaha SZR owners out there.

E-mail : mailto:bub.composite@wanadoo.fr

More work from the maestro.

2008-01-30T21:15:00.000Z

The new airbox is completely redesigned, now rubber mounted and re shaped so as to separate the oil tank from the airbox.
As per normal, Peter's work is top notch!

New footplates, levers and pegs, even all the suspension linkages have been Galvanised with new bearings and seals in the suspenssion linkages.

The new Replicast seat unit is a prefect match for Gordons original tank shape.

Here Peter is lining it up before making the seat base frame, now the sub frame is completed.

A new MHP silencer is ready to go on as soon as we get the motor back from Slipstream.

Looking gorgeous...

2008-01-29T11:40:00.000Z

Peter has been hard at work, fabricating stuff for Gordon.

His work really is spectacular.

Gordon looks gorgeous.

Peter has been working hard.

2008-01-18T11:39:00.000Z

Called at Peter's to collect Gordon's motor to take on to Slipstream.

He has been working hard on him - lots of new and improved fabricated parts, as usual, I just can't thank him enough.

Getting on with the rebuild.

2008-01-11T11:04:00.000Z

The good news is that there is a plan to get Gordon back out on track this season.
Peter has totally thrown himself into the re-build, and from what he has told me over the phone, I can report that Gordon will be even better this year.
I called at Replicast to collect some new clothes for Gordon.
Dave, an LC racer himself from the 'good old days' has done a fabulous job - Gordon is going to look really smart.
I am looking to fitting just a top or half fairing this season, not a full one.
Something that I can attach a screen to - any ideas what or which bike I could use something from?

Replicast have a great website, and can offer competitively priced bodywork for most machines, click here to find out more:
Replicast UK

Gordon gets rebuilt.

2007-12-20T00:19:00.000Z

Peter Day has very kindly offered to rebuild Gordon over the 'festive' period.

After taking him to Peter's house, Gordon was very excited to be back with someone who actually was bothered about him - he is very grumpy that I seem to have ignored him since he spat me off at Cadwell...

A3 poster - Cadwell Mountain

2007-10-29T22:49:00.000Z

I've got some A3 posters of Gordon cresting the mountain.

If you would like one, please just contribute something towards a postal tube and at least £1.50 for a stamp.
Click below to donate something to cover despatch costs, also let me know if you would like the poster dedicating to anyone.

New Blog

2007-10-24T10:30:00.000Z

The new blog that will carry my ideas and plans for the 2008 season can now be found here: 2008 Season Blog

Please add it to your 'favourites'.

I try to continue to keep this blog updated with stuff that is specific to 'Gordon' and his progress.

Video from Cadwell weekend.

2007-10-20T20:41:00.000Z

On track action.

2007-10-09T18:00:00.001Z

This great on track action shot is by Peter Wileman check out his website at http://www.racingdigitalimages.com/

Cadwell's mountain section is a great place to do a bit of 'show boating'. I quite like getting it a bit out of shape coming over the top, it's difficult to keep the wheel down and go quickly though!

Not according to plan.

2007-10-07T17:20:00.001Z

Unfortunately the time table was changed and that meant that we were called to the holding area while the karts were still on track.
We did have to wait for quite a while, and all I can think is that my tyres cooled off.
Got a great start.
Gordon gets off the line like a rocket.

Leading the race - into the Goose neck - and down we went.

Chilling out.

2007-10-07T11:57:00.001Z

Done a few laps this morning. Small problem. Seems like fourth gear is knackered as it keeps jumping out of gear. Oh well will have to try not to use it too much!

Disappointed.

2007-10-06T16:03:00.001Z

Got a great start and led the race for the first four laps. Mark got past and then I took the lead again. Only to get the oil flag. Gordon was smoking big style. Steve stripped him down and luckily it was the cam chain tensioner bolt that had come un screwed! The air box had saved the day and contained it. Oh well we can do it all again tomorrow.

Qualifying.

2007-10-06T14:28:00.001Z

Not a bad session.

Third fastest.

Alex on pole then Mark Lawes - we were all within two tenths of each other.

Carry on Cadwell

2007-10-05T17:51:00.001Z

Gordon's mate Jody Lovatt (AKA Dr. Love) is racing this weekend so has kindly offered to give him a lift.

Big job broken out...

2007-10-04T17:04:00.000Z

Popped up to the garage to check on Gordon today - just thought I would give him a wipe over in anticipation of racing the last two rounds of the championship at Cadwell Park this weekend.

Once I started on one little job, I noticed another. Then before I had finished that, there was another bigger job to do.... here I am hours later, and there still seems to be loads to do...

Great weekend.

2007-09-24T09:00:00.001Z

All in all it has been a great weekend. It was a class race with all the Euro front runners. I raced hard knocking over two seconds off my qualifying time.
It was a real testement to Martin also that his newly built unridden bike could make it to the rostrum. He never saw my race though as he too was riding, finishing a credible 11th.

Went for it.

2007-09-23T12:13:00.001Z

Had a good race, really went for it from the off.
It was just me and Mark Lawes at the front for the whole race. I didnt realise Stephan Meiners was creeping up behind and just pinched 2nd off me as we crossed the line.
Not bad when you think the bike had not turned a wheel before yesterday.

Mark Lawes is the 2007 European Champion.

Working late.

2007-09-22T22:04:00.001Z

Martin has got most things done as well as cooking dinner for everyone! I am hoping that now the yoke is sorted the handling will be transformed.
After trying a much harder spring we are trying one a bit softer.
Now he just has to put the motor back together and build the bike back up!

Brand new bike.

2007-09-22T16:02:00.001Z

Of course with this being a totally new machine we are finding all sorts of things as I push it more and more. The back is still not right, too hard I think.
The big problem is the front - under heavy braking the bike does not want to turn. Let the brakes off, no problem.
Turns out the bottom yoke is actually touching the frame causing the steering to stick! Managed to qualify 7th though amongst all the Euro regulars.

not forgotten

2007-09-22T08:50:00.001Z

not forgotten
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

We have not forgotten Gordon just because he has been left at home. The team are running four bikes this weekend. Jan is riding an Over Yamaha with the number 66 in Gordon's honour.

Bound for Assen.

2007-09-21T03:20:00.000Z

Good morning, just on my way to the Netherlands, to work with the Mali-Jawa team again for the last round of the European Supermono championship.

I am really looking forward to it as Martin has now finished the third bike.

Keep coming back for updates as I will be be keeping the blog current from my mobile phone.

Photo by Rejman.

Everyone's a winner!

2007-09-13T17:20:00.000Z

I was getting ready to send out the official notifications of Gordon's new owner, and some of his mates thought that everyone deserved to be a winner, so they got to grips with the membership cards.
They fought it out and picked who got what. If you are a sponsor member, keep your eye on the post - it might just be a baby shark, coozie, hat or t- shirt.
If you get a t-shirt and it doesn't fit pleas pass it on to someone who might appreciate it!

Draw video.

2007-09-11T11:03:00.000Z

Just so you can see the actual draw as it took place:

Here you can see 'The Judge' Johnny Corrin years ago, when we were in the 1989 Belstaff team together. From the left, Trevor Nation, Steve Ives, Johnny Rea Snr. at the back, Johnny Corrin in front of him, then me, together with some other blokes - including Mark Farmer and Ron Haslam!!
I would really like to thank all Gordon's special friends for contributing to the project and especially to all the people who bought sponsor memberships, I could not have done the 'Gordon Project' without you.

And the winner is...

2007-09-09T14:10:00.001Z

Alex won the race, Glen won the championship and John Corrin won Gordon.
J.C. and I rode together in the Belstaff team in the '80s.
He was a very good rider, I wonder if winning Gordon is enough to tempt him back on track...

Winner will pick the winner!

2007-09-09T12:14:00.001Z

Here we are at Mallory park waiting for the supermono race so that the winner can pick out the sponsor of Gordon that will win him.
Alex Hutchinson on the NWS is on pole with Glen next in 2nd.
I will be doing the race commentary with Fred Clarke so I hope it will be an exciting race.

Clean and shiny.

2007-09-06T20:54:00.000Z

Sunday we will find out who will be getting Gordon, so I am doing a bit of polishing and shining up, so that he looks nice on the special day.

Don't forget if you would like to be part of the 'Gordon' project there is still time to contribute. Each £60 sponsorship will get a membership number that will be included in the draw to win him, click here for more details: Gordon's 100 club

Not long to go now!

2007-08-29T12:06:00.000Z

Well Gordon's membership board is filling up now, with over 70 memberships gone there aren't many left, so hurry to join before Mallory on the 9th of September.

A few of Gordon's mates are keeping an watching eye over the board, the stars indicate someone who hasn't returned their ticket yet!

Gordon will be at Mallory but will not be taking part in the proceedings, so come along and say hi. The membership will be open right up to the start of the race with the draw happening at the prize giving, see you there.

Gordon in action.

2007-08-18T13:22:00.000Z

Thanks to Paul and Linda at PLJ Photo for this great shot of me and Gordon in action at Donington.

Gordon goes well at Donington

2007-08-15T09:28:00.000Z

Here is an overview video of the weekend.
Fastest in untimed practice, gear linkage broke in timed qualifying, but my out lap was fast enough to secure me 5th place on the grid. Finished second with a best lap time of 1-16.84; not quite as fast as the 1-15-51 I did on a practice day last year on the minimono - but really good for Gordon.

2nd place will do.

2007-08-12T16:31:00.001Z

It was a fast and furious race with the lead constantly swapping at the front.

For the majority of the race it was between Glen English, Mark Lawes and me.

Towards the end they pulled away from me, but a last lap crash put Mark out and Gordon got second with Nick Chadwick in third!

Practice and qualifying.

2007-08-12T11:52:00.001Z

I was fastest in the unofficial practice, but for qualifying I could not believe it!
The gear linkage broke right at the start of the session!
As a result I only managed to record one out lap.
It was good enough for 5th place on the grid just behind pole position.

Gordon's new mates.

2007-08-11T19:46:00.001Z

We are all set and ready; scrutineering is done.
No problems.
We just need to know now whether it will be wet or not.
It could be a problem when we only have the one set of wheels.
Gordon's not all that bothered though, he has already made a couple of new friends in the garage.

Off to Donny...

2007-08-11T14:15:00.001Z

Thanks to David Fisher at Fishers Transport for the use of the van.
Gordon is all loaded up now and I am just struggling with all his mates who are trying to stowaway onboard.

Gordon gets ready for Donington.

2007-08-06T13:34:00.000Z

It's difficult as Gordon lives in a garage near houses, so if I want to fire him up, I have to take him to a remote pub in the Yorkshire Dales. The customers don't mind as most of them are bikers anyway.
I am a bit disheartened to find out that at Donington we only have 2 x 8 minute sessions on track before the race, so that's not many laps to try stuff out - wow.
I have not had chance to test the new fork set up and with the limited time we have to test (on the day) I will have to do a bit of guess work and just get on with it!

Gordon in a grump...

2007-07-31T22:50:00.000Z

I am going to have to spend some time with Gordon - I called at the garage today, and he was in a right grump at having being ignored for the last couple of weeks.
When his mates returned home and filled him in with details of the Jawa I had been riding at Most he was feeling a bit left out. I assured him it was just a test and I was looking forward to the next race with him.
There are a few jobs to be done before Donington all of which Steve and I will be able to get done over the weekend.
We are off up to The Sun Inn tomorrow night to generate some more interest in his 100 Club and hopefully sell some more membership places. See you up there!

Great test!

2007-07-29T16:44:00.001Z

The weekend has proved to be a great test session.

We've had a lot of laughs and met up with some good friends.

When it came to the race it was simply a three way dice. I led for the majority of the race, but in the end with a few problems missing gears, I was overpowered by the MZ and the experience of Johannes at his home circuit and was pipped into 2nd place on the last lap.

Everything ready.

2007-07-29T08:07:00.001Z

Morning warm up went fine.
Only did one flying lap, spending the rest of the time practising my start.

With the MZs having almost 15bhp more, I want to get to the front as soon as possible hopefully arriving at the first corner in the lead.

Morning warm up.

2007-07-29T06:48:00.001Z

I am only going to do a couple of laps.
Mainly to check the motor as Martin worked long into the night replacing one of the cam buckets that had cracked. Apparently I had over revved the engine when missing gears and done the damage.
Got a soft rear on ready for the race so want to preserve that also.

Stowaways.

2007-07-28T13:43:00.001Z

In second qualifying I continued to test and try different settings. On track with Nico and Johannes I was able to measure and compare their strengths and weaknesses.
The MZ is much faster in a straight line but I still managed to hang on to pole position.
No sooner was the bike back in the garage than Gordon's mates were swarming all over it.

Just one thing chaps.

2007-07-28T10:59:00.001Z

Been for a walk round and done some thinking.

I want to try and make the shock less 'harsh' but it is a very difficult thing to translate in Czech.

So with just an hour before the second qualifying we have gone for a shock change.

1st qualifying.

2007-07-28T08:13:00.001Z

It's cooler today and a little windy.
The forks are better and it means I can push the front more; but with all modifications, this then affects somewhere else. The back end needs more adjustment now.
Got pole though, with another 1,50.00 - Father and son MZ riders Johannes and Nico are between me and Libor with Nico the faster just 0.6 behind me.

That'll do.

2007-07-27T14:59:00.001Z

I was really working towards getting in to the 49s by the end of testing.

Actually did a 50.00 so that'll do.

I hope that the heavier fork oil will do the trick tomorrow for qualifying.

Now the Mali-Jawa aside, I just remember another reason why I like this Czech team so much, proper refreshments.

Having fun.

2007-07-27T12:58:00.001Z

Second session got down to 1,50.36.

There is nothing Martin can do with the forks today, he is going to put some heavier oil in tonight,

Rear adjustments didnt work so put them back to the original settings.

Going out in the last session to look for and try some new lines as the majority of the bumps are on the racing line, so I might try and find a way to ride round them.

That's sorted then.

2007-07-27T11:08:00.001Z

A bit of duc tape and things are put to right.
10 laps later with a best time of 1,53.30

The bike feels good, front forks need slowing down. Tweaked the rear a bit, pulled in the bars and ready for the next session.

you're having a laugh...

2007-07-27T09:28:00.001Z

Could not believe it when I saw the number on my bike - and it's Friday! Apparently Jan always rides no.13, it's lucky for him.

Right then.

All present and correct.

2007-07-27T07:19:00.001Z

Up at the track, the bike's arrived and so has the luggage.

Typical. No sooner had we given up waiting gone to bed and only just fallen asleep than the phone rang. KLM fantastic, all four bags and nothing missing.

Beautiful evening.

2007-07-26T19:18:00.001Z

Here we are in the lovely Czech Republic visiting the castle overlooking Most.

You can just see the circuit in the background.

Bit of a bu$$er, none of our the luggage has got here yet, all four bag are astray, having missed the flight from Amsterdam, that's two Arai RX7RR, and two pairs of leathers. However, I have confidence KLM have never let me down before...

Most or bust!

2007-07-25T17:36:00.000Z

Gordon is a bit mad with me because I'm off to Most in the Czech Republic to race a works Jawa, the Mali Jawa team invited me over to test one of their machines and I thought the best way to test the bike would be to race it!

It will not be to replace Gordon and the race was not on Gordon's calendar so I've told him not to panic.

It didn't stop some of Gordon's mates help me pack my race gear and I caught this lot trying to get into my Arai helmet carrier.

I will be updating the blog from Most as the test develops.

Gordon's grand day out.

2007-07-19T16:44:00.000Z

Front end sorted.

2007-07-18T16:21:00.001Z

On to Steve Jordan m/cycles, where Steve has replaced the springs with 0.85 weight and increased the air gap.

Already I can instantly feel its much improved, more like I wanted it to be.

Gordon gets a run.

2007-07-18T11:58:00.001Z

Here we are at MHP with Mark Hill doing his stuff with Gordon on the dyno.

Gordon was a bit nervous at first, but Mark soon put him at his ease.

First few runs and Mark says looks fine; 74 horses, just a couple of tweaks to try.

First stop to see Martin.

2007-07-18T08:43:00.001Z

Out and about with Gordon today. We left home at 5am arriving at Slipstream for 9.15 - Martin is lending me a selection of needles and jets to try out on the dyno at M.H.P.

Off now to Byfleet, to run on the dyno, then on to see Mr. & Mrs. Jordan.

Membership sales

2007-07-14T13:45:00.000Z

Just about halfway there with membership sales, the black stars represent tickets that are away and waiting to be signed/returned.

I hope to get a lot more sales before Donington to avoid any disappointment, the easest way would be for you all to buy a second ticket (upping your chance of winning to 1 in 50) and we are there!

As I've said before Gordon is a good track bike now, I'm planning some work next week that should make him into a great bike to own.

I will be sad to see him go, if enough tickets are sold someone will get a real gem!

Gordon goes on holiday.

2007-07-10T08:59:00.000Z

Gordon has just returned from having a weeks holiday being on display at Jordan Bikes near Leeds.

Jordan Bikes is Yorkshire's biggest used bike showroom, just 200 yards from the M62 at junction 27.

Click here for the website Jordan Bikes

Looks good naked..

2007-07-05T10:10:00.000Z

I think Gordon looks really good without his clothes on; you can really get to see him and his modifications really well.

Here during his recent test at Silvertsone you can see the design of the 2 into 1 MHP exhaust system, showing the different header pipe lengths. Plus a good shot of the exposed flywheel and re-enforced back plate on the l/h side of the engine.

This on track action shot is courtesy of Jen and Ben at Fresh Orange Photography

Time to prepare

2007-06-29T00:52:00.000Z

With the next round of the Supermono Championship being in August I will have loads of time to prep Gordon for it, without me having to rush around like a headless chicken desperately trying to repair him in time.

The sales of his membership are going well but there are still some left if anyone wants join in!

His performance at Pembrey although extremely good highlighted a few issues, but with time now (and for a change) being on my side I should be able to get sorted before Donington.

Overview Video - Pembrey

2007-06-19T19:52:00.000Z

On track action.

2007-06-18T15:55:00.000Z

Good actionshot of me leading Nick on the EastWest KTM by PLJphoto

More photos of the weekend on my website, Pembrey News - the words will be done soon.

Thanks fella.

2007-06-17T20:07:00.001Z

Cheers Gordon, you did well today fella.

Now you have a snooze whilst we have the long drive home and I'll be thinking of the next things that'll take you from being a 'good bike' to being a 'great bike'.

Fantastic 2nd place!

2007-06-17T13:37:00.001Z

Had a front brake problem and had to wave Nick on the East West KTM past but hey, Gordon and I are very happy with 2nd place. I'm just treating Gordon to a celebration slurp of my white beer.

Morning practice.

2007-06-17T09:32:00.001Z

Gordon ran faultlessly this morning. Will just have to double check now that the battery has not done anything to itself and that everything is secure for the race this afternoon.

Changing the charge.

2007-06-16T15:50:00.001Z

I think the vibration is causing the gel batteries to fail. I've just done a back to back test running Gordon up with both the gel and a wet acid battery kindly lent by the Smith sisters; the gel battery caused the bike to cut out. I have just fitted the traditional wet battery for tomorrows race.

No joy today.

2007-06-16T14:02:00.001Z

As we were forming the grid I had to pull off the start line and let the race go without us. Gordon just simply cut out. Something electrical. It was exactly like at the start of the week when I had to replace the battery. Bugger.

Front row start.

2007-06-16T11:51:00.001Z

Third on the grid, not bad. Only problem being that me and Gordon are the only big bike amongst six minimonos with Glen and my old bike on Pole!

Plan: get to the first corner first and make myself as big as possible, slow them all down and see just how many "buffalo girls can go round the outside..."

jobs to attend to.

2007-06-16T11:15:00.001Z

While we are waiting for the official time sheets I am attending to a couple of jobs that need doing. Got a bit of adjustment to do to the fairing now that I've changed the tyre profile.

Untimed practice.

2007-06-16T09:17:00.001Z

Ten minutes. I only did six or so as Gordon felt like he was holding back a bit like at Silverstone the other day. So far so good. Timed session in an hour.

Welsh Wales.

2007-06-15T20:56:00.001Z

Well here we are, arrived safely at Pembrey. I've just finished stickering Gordon up with all his 'special friends' and sponsors. Sharing a party tent with team Design Data Manager. Aka Glen, Joe and Lee with my minimonos from last season.

Job done.

2007-06-13T15:06:00.001Z

So the day has definately been worthwhile. I changed the front tyre profile from a 110 to a 120 and it's given me lots more confidence in the front end now.
Thanks to Roy at Slipstream and Steve Jordan for their help yesterday; Hottrax for today, it was good to see the Monkeys - and safe to say that it's a bloody good job I called in at silverstone on the way home!

good job...

2007-06-13T11:27:00.001Z

Its good that I am having chance to fiddle with things there would be no time at Pembrey. Already had to have the carbs apart, got bits of Snetterton in them - and replaced the battery.

Monkey-ing around.

2007-06-13T09:26:00.001Z

Here we are testing the re build at Silverstone courtesy of Hottrax trackdays. Gordon is sharing a garage with all his mates from Throttlemonkey.co.uk/

Sunny Sun Inn

2007-06-09T21:45:00.001Z

I took Gordon out today for a pint at The Sun Inn in the lovely Yorkshire Dales, Steve McNichol was already there so on hand to help out.
We thought it would give us an opportunity to get some work done to him and at the same time advertise his 100 Membership club.
Gordon was very reluctant to start and then, when he did start he kept cutting out, we found several small electrical glitches but couldn't find the main problem.
I'm ever so glad we found this out now, it would have been a nightmare going all the way to Pembrey to find out he wouldn't run!

Piping hot!

2007-06-06T22:10:00.000Z

Well, the final components for the new exhaust system have been kindly sent by Mark 'the master' at MHP, just need a new lug welding to the rear sub frame to give the silencer some support.

A load of work has gone in to design with different header pipe lengths to help time the exhaust pulse when it arrives at the 2-1 collector.

The megaphone looks so 'Moto GP'...bet it sounds good too. I'll let you know when I get him fired up.

Now the exhaust alone, not to mention the other mods is surely worth splashing £60 to join the sponsors club and have a 1 in 100 chance of winning Gordon!

Spray job No2

2007-06-02T12:01:00.000Z

Over the weekend provided the weather holds I should be able to get Gordon's new fairing sprayed. I've been to Halfords and bought some primer and his metallic blue paint.
The fairing are excellent quality from Ian E and require little preparation before spraying, suits me.
Ian E supplied a new 'double bubble' screen for the RS250 Danny Pedrosa replica fairing as I was having trouble getting down behind the screen and seeing the instruments while riding, lets hope this one is better.

Rebuild fully underway

2007-05-31T18:47:00.001Z

'Gordon' is well on the way to being rebuilt.

The repaired air box and new sub frame are now fitted; over the next couple of days I will try to press on to get the Ducati forks fitted in the new yoke.

Then I will just have to get on and spray the fairing and apply the graphics.

Rock and roll...

Looking good..

2007-05-29T19:59:00.001Z

A work of art is always worth waiting for. At this point we all had been at it for about 10 hours straight! Talk about burning the midnight oil.....
Lots of calculations to get the header length right, and still managed to keep the pipes up out of the way for the fairing.