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1.  Is it a good idea to replace clutch levers for racing?


Standard clutch levers do not offer much adjustment and may not provide the most responsive feel to your clutch. This could hold you back when you are racing and prevent you from achieving your best.  You can easily replace brake and clutch levers with upgraded aftermarket kits and Vortex racing provide both standard length and ‘shorty’ designs.  These Vortex parts are durable, responsive and multi-adjustable and improve the overall feel and performance of your bike in race conditions.  Vortex parts are available for a wide range of modern sports bike models and off-road dirt bikes.

 

 

2.  How do you replace rearsets?


Vortex performance rearsets are designed for the race track and are crafted from lightweight high tensile aluminium.  The patented knurl-design footpegs stop your feet from slipping, even in wet conditions.  The 12-way adjustability from these Vortex parts ensures that you get the most comfortable position for your legs and feet.  Replacing rearsets is fairly straightforward and you can do this at home.  You do need to unbolt the brake gear and swingarm in order to fit the right hand footpeg on most sports bike models so it is a good idea to support the swingarm with a jack (keeping the rear wheel on the ground) whilst you do this.  You can remove the left hand footpeg just by unbolting it and pulling it free. It should take about an hour to swap over rearsets but it can take you a lot longer to work out the best adjustment for you.  Make sure you take the bike out for a run before you get to the race track to make sure it is set up properly.

 

 

3.  What products do Vortex motorsports sell?


Vortex motorsports is a leading parts manufacturer based in the USA that produces quality street, off-road and race track motorcycle parts.  Vortex performance aftermarket parts are made to high tolerance levels using the latest techniques and top grade materials.  Products include rearset kits, sprockets, handlebars, bar mounts and bar pads.

 

 

4.  Are Vortex rearsets made from aluminium better than steel ones?


Vortex racing grade rearsets are made from high grade aluminium.  This provides a much lighter weight product than the hardened steel rearsets.  This means that the rearsets have less rotating weight and put less strain on the suspension.  This can improve acceleration and braking.  In race conditions the Vortex racing aluminium rearsets can give you a competitive advantage.

 

 

5.  What parts are available to upgrade factory standard motorbikes?


There are a number of parts available from suppliers such as Vortex racing that can upgrade your bike and make it more competitive.  Tail-tidies are a good idea as these reduce the amount of plastic used around the number plate, reflector and indicators to make the rear end of the bike lighter and more streamline.  You can also get some great aftermarket kits to upgrade key areas of the bike such as the brakes and suspension. The Vortex performance product range can offer lighter weight, multi adjustable rearsets and upgraded sprocket sets for that extra edge in competition.

 

 

6.  How can I protect my street bike during track days?


If you want to use your street bike for a track day then frame protectors, sliders, bar ends, swingarm spools and crash bungs can all help to reduce the damage caused to your bike by any minor spills taken out on the track.  This can also be beneficial to you out on the street just in case your bike tips off its stand or is dropped.  You can get some great aftermarket parts in the Vortex motorsports range.

 


7.  How can I sharpen up my suspension?


In any motorsport you need to be able to feel everything the vehicle is doing in order to adjust your riding style for maximum performance.  This is particularly true of motorbike racing which is why it is important that your suspension is set up properly to allow you to ‘read’ the bike and the track and push yourself onto new levels of performance.  You can get some top grade aftermarket suspension kits but in most cases a simple adjustment on standard suspension can make a lot of difference and most new factory sports bikes have adjustable forks and shocks. 
 

 

 
8.  Can I use standard brake systems on the race track?


Standard modern motorbike braking systems are extremely good and with just a few simple adjustments they can provide solid performance on the track.  The first thing you need to do is replace the rubber/plastic brake cables with steel braided options.  These do not flex or bend under pressure and so will increase braking power and give you a much better ‘feel’ of how the bike performs under braking conditions.  You could also look at changing the brake pads and discs for higher performance options.  Vortex racing sells a great range of high performance aftermarket parts and accessories for the race track.

 

 

9.  Will changing the sprocket provide more performance?


One of the easiest ways to optimise the power from your bike is to change the sprockets that the chain sits on.  This allows you to adjust the torque produced by the bike to provide more power at different parts of the rev range.  For example if you swap the front sprocket to one with one less tooth then you will increase the boost of acceleration at low revs, thus giving you much more power when you are accelerating at low speeds (such as out of corners or off the starting line).  The downside of this is that the top end speed will be slightly reduced.   You can get a number of different aftermarket Vortex performance sprockets which allow you to adjust performance to your requirements.

 

 

10.  If you change the sprocket do you have to upgrade the chain as well?


This will depend on what sprocket you have chosen.  In most cases you can still use the old chain with the new sprockets.  However if you want really impressive results from changing the sprocket it is a good idea to change the chain as well (to a thinner one that will spin more easily and be more lightweight).   You can buy sprockets and full kits from Vortex motorsports.
 

 

 

Vortex Handlebars

 

 

1. Is there any way to fix bent handlebars?


If you drop your bike on its side or have a spill out on the racetrack then the handlebars could end up bent.  First you need to check whether it is the actually bars that are bent or a problem with the forks or mounts. If it is the motorcycle handlebars and they are only slightly bent you can try and bend them back yourself.  To do this take off the levers, cables and grips and then fit a long piece of pipe on the end of the bar.  Now crank it against the steering stops until the motorcycle handlebars are back in position.  This will only work on slight bends and you may need to take the bike to a mechanic for further work.  You may need to completely replace the bars if they have been significantly damaged.

 

 

2. What can I do about wobbly handlebars?


If your motorcycle handlebars are a bit wobbly then it could indicate a problem with the mounts, which can get loose over time.  This can be a particular problem for enduro and off-road bikes that are exposed to rough conditions.  You can tighten up the mounts on most models by undoing the lock nut under the yoke (Triple Tree) but make sure you do not over tighten.  If you have rubber dampers you may need to replace these as they can become perished over time and lose their flexibility.

 

 

3. How do I find out what size replacement handlebars to buy?


If you are doing a straight swap then refer to your owner’s manual for the standard handlebar measurements. If you still have the old bars then you could also measure these to find out the appropriate length.  Any good parts supplier or dealer would also be able to help you out if you know your bike model.  Buying the right length handlebars is important for comfort and balance so you do need to get this right.  Vortex handlebars are widely available and offer a high quality, affordable replacement option for your motorcycle.

 

 

4.  Can I fit narrower handlebars to my motorbike?


This may depend on the model but you can get custom motorcycle handlebars  that offer a narrower size.  These are popular with street fighter type bikes to provide a different look and feel. However you do need to remember that it may be more difficult to fit grips, levers and cables to narrower bars and most brands of heated grips will not be compatible.

 

 

5. Is there any way of setting the handlebars forward on my bike?


If you have long arms you may find the standard fitting for motorcycle handlebars on your bike are a bit uncomfortable.   Some people do move the bars forward but this can cause some problems with steering and using the levers and mirrors.  You can get a number of aftermarket motorcycle handlebar sets that are shaped to angle back slightly and provide more space between the rider and the grips.  However it can be much more effective for you to purchase an aftermarket seat that will move you back further on the bike and so provide more arm room.  This is easy to do and there are plenty of aftermarket seat options on the market for all kinds of motorcycles.

 

 

6.  What kind of aftermarket handlebars are there?


Many people consider buying aftermarket motorcycle handlebar sets to provide a different look or feel to their standard factory bike.  You can get aftermarket motorcycle handlebar sets for all kinds of models of bike such as trials, enduro, motocross, race and street.  These can allow you to fine tune the height, bend, width and angle of your bars to provide better fit and comfort.  Vortex handlebars are available from good aftermarket parts suppliers and offer a wide range of high quality and affordable bars for your bike.

 

 

7. What do end bar weights actually do?


End bar weights are very useful to help prevent vibration travelling through your arms when you are riding your bike.  Some bikes vibrate through the handlebars more than others and this can get very tiring on your hands, arms and shoulders.  End bar weights can also protect your handlebars if the bike gets dropped or involved in a low speed spill. There are plenty of end bar weight sets available for both standard and after market motorcycle handlebars.

 

 

8. Will aftermarket Vortex handlebars fit my bike?


Vortex handlebars are designed to fit a variety of different models of bike so do check the compatibility before you choose a design.  You can get universal fit kits which will help you to fit Vortex handlebars and also other aftermarket bars to your bike.

 

 

9.  Which aftermarket motorcycle handlebar sets give me a more upright riding position?


Modern sports bikes are designed with a very low, sporty riding position which can be very uncomfortable if you do a lot of miles or are quite tall.  You can get some great bar riser sets which will modify your existing motorcycle handlebars and allow you to get a more comfortable and upright riding position.  You do need to make sure the bar risers don’t move the bars too far so that they interfere with the steering (by knocking into fairings, ignition locks or tank bags).  You may need to replace brake and clutch cables as in some models they will not reach in a new, more elevated position.  This is a good time to replace the standard rubber/plastic cables with braided steel options for better performance and durability.

 

 

10.  Is it better to have lower handlebars for the race track?


A lower riding position can be uncomfortable but it will help to push you down behind the screen to reduce drag and improve overall performance.  This can be a great competitive advantage out on the track so you do need to consider lowering your bars if they are in an upright position.  You can get low motorcycle handlebar sets for high speed riding for any good motorbike aftermarkets supplier.
 

 

 

Vortex Sprockets

 

 

1.  What are sprockets?


Sprockets are small wheels that have toothed edges that mesh with the chain on your motorbike to transfer the power from your chain into forward motion in the main wheels.  Sprockets are similar to gears but they do not mesh together directly and are instead used to transmit rotary motion to linear motion.  You can adjust the sprockets on your motorbike to modify the power delivery from your engine and this is an important way of adapting the bike to suit different requirements.  You can buy a great range of high quality Vortex sprockets from both online and offline dealers and independent suppliers. 

 


 
2. What is the perfect sprocket design for racing?


This will depend on what kind of racing you are doing, but basically for track racing a sprocket has to be perfectly concentric in order to spin efficiently and release the full potential horsepower from the bike.  This will also extend the life of the sprocket and chain. Vortex sprockets are CNC machined for accuracy and have high tolerance levels for performance on the street or out on the track.  These Vortex sprockets have perfect concentric designs and advanced tooth patterns that cause less drag and reduce friction to boost power.

 

 

3. Can I get different coloured sprocket designs for my dirt bike?


Vortex sprockets are available in red, blue and black with an anodised hardcoat (PTFE) for superior performance and durability.   You can also get polished nickel steel Vortex sprockets which provide a great looking, hard wearing finish and enhanced performance.  You can also buy a great range of high quality, different coloured alloy sprockets from both dealers and independent suppliers.

 

 

4.  What are sprockets made from?


Sprockets can be made from alloy steel, aluminium or carbon steel. All Vortex sprockets are made from 7075 T6 Aluminium. This is one of the highest grade materials available and is easy to manufacturer into highly accurate designs.  This means that a Vortex sprocket can offer one of the best combinations of low weight and durability.  Vortex sprockets can be finished with a PTFE hardcoat (Polyterafluoroethylene, known as Teflon™) which increases endurance and is ideal for tough track and off-road race conditions.  The PTFE hardcoat not only extends the life of the sprocket but also stays a lot cleaner than a standard uncoated sprocket.

 

 

5. Why should I use Vortex aluminium sprockets?


Vortex sprockets are made from high grade, lightweight aluminium, which can benefit you in a number of ways.  A Vortex sprocket will last longer than a steel stock sprocket and is ideal for those riders who take part in intensive track or off-road racing or who do a lot of street miles.  Because Vortex sprockets are lighter they will save weight on the drive components which can translate to less wear on the drive system and improve acceleration.  These sprockets have been CNC machined in order to create a perfect tooth design which reduces friction and enhances performance. Vortex sprockets have higher tolerance levels and free horsepower from your machine.

 

 


6.  What are the grooves in sprockets for?


Some standard and alloy sprockets have grooves in the surface.  These are called ‘mud grooves’ and are designed to work with special friction-free coatings (such as PTFE) to keep your components clean and free from track dirt and grime.  This will improve performance, enhance product life and also help to prevent corrosion from brake dust, salts, tar and other contaminants.  

 


 
7.  How do I adjust the tooth count on sprockets to change gearing?


You can select different Vortex and alloy sprockets to change the gearing on your bike.  In general if you increase the size (tooth count) of the rear sprocket and decrease the size of the front sprocket then you will get greater torque and so your bike with accelerate much faster and have more speed in the lower gears.  If you decrease the rear sprocket size and increase the front sprocket size you will get less torque but higher revs and this means much greater top end speed.  Each rider will favour a different type of set up so you will need to test the different gearing approaches until you find the sprocket set up that suits your individual riding requirements.

 

 

8.  Should I change my chain as well when I upgrade my sprockets?


You can enhance the power output of your bike by fitting aluminium Vortex sprockets.  This will lighten the mass of the driving components and release horsepower.  Mass can be further lightened by replacing the chain with a thinner, more lightweight version.  By converting the chain and sprockets to a 520 size you could save as much as 8.5lb on your rotating mass weight which would add a significant edge to your track performance figures.

 

 

9.  Do aluminium Vortex sprockets last longer in track conditions than stock steel sprockets?


Each Vortex sprocket is manufactured from high grade aluminium and finished in durable coatings to improve product life and prevent damage and wear.  Although aluminium Vortex sprockets are durable, they are designed to be lightweight high performance parts and this means that longevity can be compromised.  If cared for properly aluminium Vortex sprockets will last a long time but if they are poorly maintained they will not last as long as stock steel sprockets.  The average rider would find it difficult to wear out a Vortex sprocket though, so in terms of longevity this type of sprocket will last as long as you need it to.

 

 

10. Can you use aluminium Vortex sprockets on drag racing bikes?


Aluminium Vortex sprockets perform under the toughest conditions and are widely used across a number of competitive events including off-road, oval track racing and also drag strip racing.  Many AMA Prostar drag teams choose Vortex sprockets for competitive events because they are lightweight, high quality and long lasting.