Who's doing a Carl's Cycle 900BB?

[steepndeep800]

I have to say that the 3% loss of power for every 1000ft in elevation just doesn't "feel" right from my experience. I used to ride in AK for 20+ years, which is basically sealevel - 3000ft. I had mod 800's (ported, head, twin pipes, reeds, cltuched, bored carbs, etc) and they did run hard in that good air.

I now ride a stage 4 Pro in CO which is about as high as you can ride from an elevation stand point. Yes, the chasis is light years better than the old Gen II, BUT it certainly does not "feel" like a sled that has 30% less power. That is a HUGE difference. If I really only have 126hp at my elevation then I have gotten pretty soft in my old age because it doesn't feel like it.

Not arguing, just saying what my seat of pants experience has been.

I agree 100% on this. This is just the rule of thumb they tell you, I have a couple ported stage 4 style Carls sleds I only ride them at elevations of 6500 to 10500 and I tell you at 8500 ft my Carls motors feel as strong or stronger than my stock 800 pro Rush at 850 ft of elevation.

 

[Pine-sol]

I'm going to do Jacks 900. looking fwd to the reliability, power, & throttle response of the BB. Seems to me like the logical way to go for power. It would also seem to me that 8 out of 10 turbos don't run right or perform the way they should 3 out of 5 rides. That's just what I seem to see on the hill.
Thoughts?

 

[800xtreme]

Pine-sol - I think there is no doubt every year the Turbos are getting better, and better. They are getting more reliable and I am sure "some" would say they are very reliable. I have not had the pleasure of riding with many so I really can't say for sure how often they break down or need to be tinkered with. I will have a chance this year to ride a lot with a buddy who is doing a Silber kit. It will be good for me to see. The general concensus (from those I have spoke with) still say "turbos are fun when they run and for certain days they are worth every dime. However, you better have deep pockets."


There are some guys that just like to tinker and will always tweak set-ups because they actually LOVE to. There are guys who enjoy wrenching on their sleds all the time...always trying new things/ideas to make it run better.

I used to be one of those guys . Now, I am too busy and want to maximize the time I have to simply ride. This is why I am leaning towards a 900BB from Struthers. Pull the rope and go...

 

[Pine-sol]

800- I would agree that the turbos are getting better in reliability.I also agree
that there are guys that love to tinker with their sleds, as i was one as well.If not for tinkering , we wouldn't have the 900's, 910's, 858's or turbos. The turbos are truly getting better in reliability, that being said, I still think they need to gain more ground in the area of consistently performing ride after ride.
In the arena of pure power, I think the turbo wins hands down. For the rider looking for more power in a more consistent & thorough band, I lean towards the BB. Both set ups offer different advantages & disadvantages. Just was throwing in my 2 cents regarding initial post. Plus have already owned a turbo (older model) and am looking fwd to seeing what the BB has to offer when it's your own sled and not a loaner sled.

 

[800xtreme]

Yes, totally agree. I want instant response, wicked throttle response, snappy, quick and torquey. I want consistency and reliability. I do not want to have to take out a second mortgage just to afford the race fuel. I no longer need to get the highest mark on the hill. All this being said, I think the BB would be the way I would lean as well.

I hope to keep in touch with you throughout the year and get your thoughts on the 900.

Best of luck...

 

[AgentRmk]

Yes, totally agree. I want instant response, wicked throttle response, snappy, quick and torquey. I want consistency and reliability. I do not want to have to take out a second mortgage just to afford the race fuel. I no longer need to get the highest mark on the hill. All this being said, I think the BB would be the way I would lean as well.

I hope to keep in touch with you throughout the year and get your thoughts on the 900.

Best of luck...

That's what you will have with Jack's 900. I can't comment too much on the turbos as I have not owned one. Yes, the newer ones are better then the old ones, BUT you will still have stock 800 motor bottom end power, and throttle lag. I had a great season on mine. Looking forward to this season. Let it SNOW.

 

[PaulAnd]

Does Carl's 900 kit have adjustable domes? If so altitude would not matter as much In comparison to a pump gas turbo.
A turbo means....
More weight, more things to go wrong, more maintenance, more mechanical aptitude for install, tuning and maintenance
A turbo kit can also make more power than a BB
So what power adder is right for you? Personally, my arms hurt with a solid 160hp

 

[Covelli44]

It seems turbo's aren't the problem, it's more so the install and tuning that becomes an issue. As said above, there are many factors to go into deciding on BB or turbo. Take into account your riding style, elevation, etc. Try to find a buddy who will let you ride one, that would help with decision making.

There is something about hearing what Burandt does that makes me purposely not want to do the same. I am not Burandt. I am me and like to ride like me. Sorry, soap box