American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 250 May 2020 | Page 33

initially remove the quick-shifter and Power Commander, hopefully that will resolve
it. We'll increase the rear tire pressure from 2kPa to 3kPa, and Dorsan is also going
to prepare a new rear tire with fewer studs for less weight."
A second run on the ice mile saw improvements from the changes in tire pressure
and the new stud pattern, but the electrical issue persisted.
"Right now, I think this is simply down to the extremely low air temperature. We
are using a race ECU and maps that were not designed for -20C (-4F). For the
final day of racing, I'm going to reset the ECU and make some tweaks to see if I
can improve things. But, with the limited shipping space, I just don't have the
spares or tools to fully diagnose the problem here at the ice."
On the final day of racing, teams woke up to the best conditions of the week with
blue sky and bright sunshine. Heading to the start line for their first run of the day,
Brice and Seb had decided that this would be the main pull, and they would use
the NOS system for the first time in the hope that the changes that Brice had made
in the morning had resolved the electrical issue.
A clean start saw 'Appaloosa' accelerate cleanly down the mile before the
electrical issue limited their top speed. The run saw their best result yet with a top
recorded speed of 180 kmh (112 mph), just short of the 200 kmh (124 mph) target
that Seb and Brice had set for themselves. With one final run to enjoy the
experience of having come so far to do something so extreme, the team reflected
on their experience.
Brice said: "Racing on ice is hard, this is the most incredible thing I've tried to do.
I've learnt so much and had a hell of a lot of fun doing it. We're losing something
like 30% of our speed to the conditions, and although we've had some issues, I
am so glad we came here to test Appaloosa. My mind is racing with the possibilities
and changes I'd like to make. Thank you to the organizers of the Baikal Mile and
everyone here who has made us feel so welcome and part of their ice racing family.
Coming here was a huge adventure for all of us, and it was all about challenging
ourselves, making new friends and having fun at the same time."
Sébastien commented: "Appaloosa is clearly capable of so much more, and I know
that Brice will be using this experience to attack the 2020 Sultans of Sprint as
hard as possible. We've been welcomed with open arms by all the people here
who share our passion for adventure, fun and machines that go fast or just make
people smile."
It is hoped that the IndianxWorkhorse 'Appaloosa' will be in action on June 14 at
the first round of the 2020 Sultans of Sprint series during Wheels & Waves, Biarritz,
France. "The Sultans of Sprint series is in a class of its own with fast and stylish
motorcycles competing for rankings based not only on race results, but also
rewards for the contender's creativity and craziness. The challenge gathers the best
bike builders from the new custom bike scene in Europe. Appaloosa in action from
the Baikal Mile and the 2020 Sultans of Sprint series can be followed across Indian
Motorcycle social channels with the hashtag #IndianxWorkhorse."
baikalmile.com
workhorsespeedshop.com
sultansofsprint.com
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