In early 2009, the engineers at Gralex decided to have some fun demonstrating that we can indeed do more with less. In order to demonstrate this in a venue outside of our normal paper thermoforming machines, we decided to tackle the world of Motorcycle Land Speed Racing, using the smallest available motor to achieve the highest possible ratio of miles per hour to cubic centimeters of engine displacement. Therefore we chose to base our efforts around a 50cc engine which is the same size engine that powers most mopeds. And, it is the smallest recognized class for Land Speed Racing.
After eight months of intense preparation by Tyler Alexander and the Gralex Motorsports Team, we rolled out our version of the 50cc Aprilia RS50 for its first tests. Testing on asphalt near our home in Columbus, OH met with our expectations of over 75 mph. We were ready for the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Bub Speed Trials which are held each August/September at the famed speedway in Utah.
Upon arriving at the Bonneville Salt Flats, we were discouraged to learn that rain in the previous week had left the 11 miles of track very wet, soft and slow. Therefore, this fact combined with the high altitude of northwestern Utah cut well over ten miles per hour off of our speeds. Nevertheless, our efforts paid off with two American National Records as certified by the AMA (American Motorcyclists Association). In order to be a certified record, the bike must travel the course from south to north through the timed 1 mile and surpass the previous record. Then, within the same day, it must travel from north to south, the opposite direction through the timed mile. The two runs are then averaged and if the average exceeds the previous record, then the bike and rider have achieved a new record.
The first several days were spent tuning the bike using our stock engine in a stock frame. Although in our class, no additional aerodynamic parts can be added to the frame to reduce wind resistance and the engine must "appear" as stock, we were allowed to make internal changes to the engine as long as we didn't exceed the 50cc displacement. With our company President, Gary Alexander, piloting the bike to a record with this set-up, we then put an experimental carburetor on the bike and changed classes to the modified engine/stock frame class where we promptly set the record in that class.
Our ratio of mph/cc of 1.21mph/cc turned out to be the second highest ratio during the entire week encompassing all classes of bikes, including those that traveled over 350 mph. To better understand this achievment, if you had a 750cc Honda that achieved the same mph/cc ratio as the Gralex bike, then your Honda would travel at well over 900 mph!
For 2010 we are looking forward to another week on the salt and our newest goal of setting the World's Record for 50cc, normally aspirated "sit on bikes".
