In 1996 after a good friend, DLRA member and avid racer told me of this unusual event, Shaun Kirkby, his boys and myself took a trip out to Lake Gairdner for the first time.
We all a\sat on the hill behind Joan's canteen and marvelled at the sight and sound of John Lynch's Belly tank roar across the lake. Twelve months later I had converted a wrecked motorcycle into a racing bike that won't take corners.
The bikes wheelbase has been lengthened to the maximum permisable for it's class and the front forks raked slightly to produce slower steering.
The bike is a modified 1981 Kawasaki Z1000 J
Class: MPS 1000 (Modified, Partial Streamlining, 1000cc)
Highest speed recorded - 157 MPH March 2000
The motor produces approx. 100HP and remains relatively stock.
Over the past couple of years I have added body work in an attempt to reduce aerodynamic drag as this is cheaper for me than boosting horsepower.
We should all be back in 2001 looking for a further small increase in speed and to enjoy the company of the rest of the DLRA.
John Pudney #173
Whyalla, South Australia
Left to Right: Robert Butt - Cook and Mechanic, Shaun Kirkby - #2 Rider and Artistic Director, Luke Kirkby - Shaun's Son #1 and General Hand, John Pudney - Constructor and Rider, Front: Liam Kirkby - Shaun's #2 son and General Hand
| Year | Vehicle | Class | MPH | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | M/PB | 149.433 | ||
| 1999 | M/PBG 1000 | 150.200 | Open | |
| 2000 | 1981 Kawasaki | M/PS 1000 | 157.761 | Open |
| 2001 | 1981 Kawasaki | M/PS 1000 | 166.481 | 157.761 |
| 2002 | Kawasaki | MPS/G 1000 | 170.261 | Open |
| 2003 | 1981 Kawasaki | MPS/G 1000 | 164.891 | 170.261 |
MPH shown in RED is highest speed recorded for that class up and including that year.
Records shown are the highest speed attained for that class from all previous years
or have never had a vehicle register a speed for that class and are considered Open.
