Rocket 3 vs the salt flats why it shouldn't have worked

[stingray]

We were all really surprised how the back wheel ended up.

Do you think it could have caused the crash? Like the softness of the aluminum grade used to sculpt it or any inclusions in the block of aluminum used. I'm trying to understand how a wheel with a tire on it bends from not hitting anything, with just the lateral forces of a salt run.

 

[vsteel]

I think I am fine leaving the top speed on asphalt an unanswered question. I don't think we need the risk for no reward. Not to mention that in every life there should be a little mystery.

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Do you think it could have caused the crash? Like the softness of the aluminum grade used to sculpt it or any inclusions in the block of aluminum used. I'm trying to understand how a wheel with a tire on it bends from not hitting anything, with just the lateral forces of a salt run.

We had that discussion of all the variables and could not put our finger on when/where exactly that happened. The best we could come up with is when the bike jumped up in the air and came down hard then tumbled. Could have been during that violent crash. Yes I believe it is possible the wrong material was used to make the rear wheel.

 

[stingray]

We had that discussion of all the variables and could not put our finger on when/where exactly that happened. The best we could come up with is when the bike jumped up in the air and came down hard then tumbled. Could have been during that violent crash. Yes I believe it is possible the wrong material was used to make the rear wheel.

OK, thanks. Last question...Was there any damage to the rear tire? It looks like the rim just folded in from that picture. I think that is a red flag if the tire is good. Just makes me leery of those custom cut wheels. Anyway, I'm glad you guys were able to redeem the number on the new bike. With a record to boot!

Here's to Blue skies and Dry salt.

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Thanks Stingray. To me the tire looked ok. I don't remember seeing any cuts in the tire. Congrats need to go to V-Steel the bike owner who allowed us to use his pride and joy Rocket. And to Justdad who manhandles with finesse that monster on such questionable surfaces. Justdad has more raw guts than I ever will.

 

[Justdad]

I think I am fine leaving the top speed on asphalt an unanswered question. I don't think we need the risk for no reward. Not to mention that in every life there should be a little mystery.

My wife also said about the same thing chainsaw.

 

[Justdad]

We had that discussion of all the variables and could not put our finger on when/where exactly that happened. The best we could come up with is when the bike jumped up in the air and came down hard then tumbled. Could have been during that violent crash. Yes I believe it is possible the wrong material was used to make the rear wheel.

Judging from video from the drone the bike pencil flipped several times. Hard enough tp break the welds holding the gas tank and pulverized the rest of the bike. Did Rob ever have the hardness checked Bill?

 

[Justdad]

Thanks Stingray. To me the tire looked ok. I don't remember seeing any cuts in the tire. Congrats need to go to V-Steel the bike owner who allowed us to use his pride and joy Rocket. And to Justdad who manhandles with finesse that monster on such questionable surfaces. Justdad has more raw guts than I ever will.

Thanks for sticking with me on all the trips to the salt and especially after the crash. Jeff was a brave fella offering up his bike after I smashed up the other Rocket 3.

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Judging from video from the drone the bike pencil flipped several times. Hard enough tp break the welds holding the gas tank and pulverized the rest of the bike. Did Rob ever have the hardness checked Bill?

I never heard any reports on the hardness of the rear wheel. Not sure if Rob even rebuilt another High Performance Rocket III.

 

[vsteel]

Keep in mind that bike was a first gen which isn't as stable as the 2nd gen machines.