The M'Kanic

10/15/2020

So it's obviously been a while since we've posted an update but life is crazy like that. School has kicked in full gear after the pandemic and there have been a few trackdays at Carolina Motorsports Park so time 1has been short. The final trackday of the season is November 13th and it's gonna be a doozy! Open trackday with the big bikes at CMP's full course with Trackday Winner; time to put my big boy pants on! After that Minimoto season starts November 2nd at the Speed Factory in Greenville. Supermoto is going to continue to march on through the new year at CMP's kart track and we absolutely look forward to those events! On a side note I've been getting nostalgic after sharing a couple track days with my daughter, so I decided I am going to ride the Hill Climb Course to the top of Chimney Rock State Park. I have a lot of wonderful childhood memories there seeing Chuck Cecil and John Finger race the hill climb course. I owe it to my Dad Mark Steven McKay for all the awesome memories and inspiration that I want to pass on to my daughter's generation. Stay tuned!

01/26/2020

Here’s some Minimoto pics. If anyone is looking to boost their riding skills they need look no further. Kart tracks and sealed concrete are the best teachers!

Low power, high corner speed and higher emphasis on body positioning and lines translates straight to big bikes on the big tracks.

Crashing isn’t as bad as on a big bike. When you don’t have to worry about potentially going to the hospital if you mess up you have more brain power to focus on turn in, throttle and brake control, suspension feed back and corner exit.

05/31/2019

THE LIFE THAT MANY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND:
I own a motorcycle because of a personal life choice.
One day when I am very old and when I can not ride anymore, it will be in my garage as a trophy of my memories.
I have met people who taught me something and have the same spirit.
I meet people now who get wisdom from me.
I get wet,
I get cold,
And I have been hot,
I was afraid,
I fell,
And I stood up,
I even hurt myself,
But also, I laughed out loud with the wind.
I spoke a thousand times with myself and God. Still do.
I sang and shouted with joy like a madman,
And yes ... sometimes I cried.
I have seen wonderful places because of motorcycles.
I have made curves that even my Pop's would be proud of; other times I made curves full of terror.
I stopped many times to see a landscape.
I spoke with perfect strangers.
I go out with frustrations inside and return home with a feeling of absolute peace in my heart.
I always think how dangerous it is, knowing that the meaning of courage is to advance even feeling fear.
Every time I go up to my ride I think about how wonderful it is. I learned through gestures to communicate with other riders.
I spend money that I do not have, I gave up many things, but it's all worth it...
My bike is not a means of transportation but is a piece of iron with wheels that God has blessed me with, it's part of who I am.

May God bless my friends and their joy of great people & motorcycles!

Copy text and share with your bike picture.

09/13/2018

Two day event with STT

06/26/2018

This weekend was a tremendous opportunity to learn instead of just go fast. I used the CBR250R for 12/14 sessions and couldn’t have been more satisfied. For anyone who is learning and willing to swallow your pride take my and any other control rider’s advice: it’s better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. You learn so much when you don’t have to worry about overcoming a corner entry or sliding the rear wheel.

Passing the big bikes in the turns is just an added bonus...

04/30/2018

11/24/2017

A little late but here are some photos from VIR, July 8th 2017. Thanks to Apexpro Photos!

https://apexprophoto.smugmug.com/frame/slideshow?key=rLmHFV&autoStart=1&captions=0&navigation=0&playButton=0&randomize=0&speed=3&transition=fade&transitionSpeed=2&clickable=1

09/09/2017

So 'Taz' has been deemed roadworthy! On its initial voyage it did pretty well. The carburetors will need to be tuned but all in all it is a giant step forward in completing this project.
More to come soon...

07/25/2017

Well, VIR North Course is an incredibly technical and fun course. The CBR did well, no mechanical hiccups, but I ended up low siding in Turn 1 at the last morning session.

Note to self: don't try to ride someone else's pace!

Took the Triumph out for the afternoon sessions and ended the day on a high note.

CMP is coming up in October....

06/12/2017

VIR is 3 weeks away and the CBR600f3 is ready for the final touches... check out the uploads

06/12/2017

All painted and ready for numbers! VIR in 3 weeks...

05/13/2017

Taz Revision B: 1982 CB450SC frame using the CM400 engine, 1996 GSX-R 750 forks/brakes/rim, 1995 CBR600f3 master cylinder and 2004 GS500 rear rim and rear brakes. It's got a ways to go...

05/12/2017

Home made engine stand makes that 'third hand' unnecessary...

05/12/2017

'Sunrise Red'

04/18/2017

Well, after only 6 short months the CBR has been transformed from 'Lawn Ornament' to 'Road Ready'!
Test rides to ensue as soon as the semester ends....

Work Completed So Far:
-Dunlop Q3's installed front and back

-Front forks rebuilt/fork tubes replaced (and a nasty surprise from Honda and their fork bushings....)

-Front and Rear brake calipers and Master Cylinders rebuilt with fresh pads and fluid

-Carburetors cleaned and jetted (Air Bypass Valve removed)

-Fuel pump brought back to life (thank you CBR forums and Amazon!)

-Chain and sprockets replaced (520 conversion)

Next Up:
-Carburetor synchronization
-Brake pad break-in
-Fairings and Fuel tank painted (red with black and white accents per Stephanie's artistic eye)

I know it has been a while since the last update, will try to get more of them up as they come.

V.I.R. North Course: 75 days away!

01/06/2017

01/06/2017

Dedicated track bike and future ride for Stephanie Michelle

10/24/2016

P.R.E. Track day at Carolina Motorsports Park
with Stephanie Michelle aka 'Crew Chief'

10/24/2016

So progress has been slow lately. School has sped up considerably and has left precious little time to work on projects. The CM400 has a new sub frame welded on (pics to come) and has since taken a back seat to another project: 1995 CBR600f3 found on CL for $200....

09/05/2016

06/16/2016