The base machine used by FCC TSR Honda France at Suzuka with Mike Di Meglio, Alan Techer and Tarran Mackenzie (in the absence of the injured Josh Hook), is the Honda CBR1000RR-R. The biggest change on this season's machines is the swingarm.
Its shape has been significantly changed from last year's machine and is now similar to the HRC factory machine used in the Suzuka 8 Hours. Naturally, it is not only the shape that has changed, but also the stiffness of the swingarm itself and the balance of stiffness with the frame that have been taken into account in order to achieve high cornering performance .
In endurance racing, the rear brake caliper and brake disc are offset outward so that the rear wheel can be quickly removed from the swingarm when changing the rear tire, so that the swingarm is wider on the brake caliper side. When mounting the rear wheel to the swingarm, the wheel collar rests on a step located inside the chain adjustment spindle, allowing the rear wheel to be quickly mounted by simply placing it on the swinging arm. In recent years, fewer and fewer teams are using the Pentagon system, where the rear sprocket stays on the swingarm side, and more and more teams are using a chain drop system like the TSR. The increase in power linked to the evolution of machines can lead to chain problems due to wear of the rear sprocket.
The rear sprocket and wheel are bolted together, but plastic spacers are installed to prevent damage to the bolt heads when changing tires. When changing tires, the rear tire is pushed forward after the axle shaft has been removed, and the slackened chain is hooked to a gold piece on the swing arm to prevent the chain from interfering with the tire.
Other suspension-related items include suspensions made by SHOWA, now Hitachi ASTEMO, and NISSIN brakes. Both have been TSR partners since the company began fully participating in the EWC.
The rear suspension springs are equipped with covers. This helps prevent foreign objects, such as tire rubber debris, from entering during long endurance races, or when the motorcycle goes off the track and falls into the gravel.
Brake discs can also be damaged if dropped, and a large number of brake discs are stored in the parts box.
When replacing the front tire, the TSR is raised by inserting a side axle into a hollow tube located in the body. Once raised, the front tire is set to a height such that it may or may not float a few millimeters off the ground. In recent years, the number of teams using this method of raising the front of the motorcycle has decreased, and many teams competing in EWC use the method employed by YART and YOSHIMURA SERT, where the front fork is raised from below.
When replacing the front tire, the wheel axle is removed and the front wheel is extracted. The caliper is pushed outward by a spring to prevent interference between the caliper and the wheel. The front fork axle section is colored red on the left and blue on the right to avoid errors. When inserting the front wheel, there is also a step inside the axle section and the color of the wheel is placed on it. In doing so, the caliper, which is spread outwards, is pushed inwards while the brake disc is pushed between the brake pads. Sometimes the front wheel cannot be pushed in, but more often the problem occurs when the brake rotor does not fit between the pads. Also in 24-hour races, the brake calipers are replaced when the front brake pads are worn. When the caliper is removed from the front fork, the brake pipe is of the quick banjo type, and when turned while pushing it in, the pipe is released, and the caliper to be replaced is connected by turning it in the opposite direction while also pushing it in, then it is attached to the front fork. This operation is completed in approximately 30 seconds.
Current EWC regulations require lights to be on at all times, day and night. The rear is also to be equipped with taillights, and the TSR has replaced the front headlights with powerful LED lights. The taillight is not mounted on the seat cowl, but is attached to the rear frame. The lower part of the seat cowl is replaced by a lens. With this method, there is no need to disconnect wiring when replacing the seat cowl and the cowl can be removed and replaced quickly. The same concept is applied to the front, where LED lights are attached to the bodywork, with a watermarked number section so that it is illuminated when driving at night. In recent years it has been common to see teams use electroluminescent films at the Suzuka 8 Hours, but by making the system as simple as on the TSR, there is no need to disconnect wiring, and labor time is reduced. reduced when changing fairings.
In recent years, racing machines have become more diversified in terms of electronic controls, and the amount of instrument information has also become richer. The rider's cockpit should not be much different from that of the JSB1000 machines competing in All-Japan, but in EWC, which takes place at night for extended periods, the amount of light from the meter indicators influences also on pilot workload. If the indicators are too bright, they will inevitably be visible, and to clearly see the trajectories on dark circuits, the TSR adjusts the intensity of the light downwards to prevent it from being difficult to see the areas dark parts of the circuit due to the effects of too much brightness.
Several switches located on the left handlebar allow the rider to modify the mapping of the predefined electrical controls at will, depending on the changing conditions of a relay.
A major change in this year's regulations is the use of a single fuel tank opening. The upper part of the TSR's tank is slightly thinner, giving it a cleaner design.
The single port type has a mechanism to align the fuel supply and, when the handle is lowered, claws hook onto the flange on the edge of the valve and force the feeder into the valve, which eliminates the need for pushing, as in the two-pipe type. Refueling is an operation specific to endurance racing, and the uniqueness of the system has made the refueling process fairer.
The one-valve type requires the installation of a cover over it, which must be removed by the rider during the pit stop, and the cover must be installed after refueling by the replacement rider.
Source and photos: Bridgestone / FCC TSR Honda France
