What is wrong with this picture?

The more observant of you may have spotted that the engine bay is now sans engine. One of the (few) benefits of missing the first few meetings is that I can use the data gathered by others also developing CBR1000RR engine installations. The key pieces of information established so far are

The CBR1000 RR swinging sump works effectively but only if fitted with a sump baffle plate.

The correct oil level is to fill the beast to the standard max fill line in the sight glass and then add a further litre.

Graham at Nova has also provided an upgraded internal component for the swinging sump.

The upshot of all this knowledge is that I have to remove the engine and crack off the sump. This took the grand total of two leisurely hours on a hot Sunday afternoon. Punctuated by many a bottle of larger and a couple of ice creams. This is quite good news as it probably means we could do an engine swap in about 90 minutes in the paddock if we really focused.


With the engine on the bench again it give me a chance to inspect the great work done by Tony Law in fabricating the exhaust headers. Considering these complex curves are formed by something no more complex than a skilled eye, a hammer and some heat the work is quite exceptional with virtually no distortion of the tube.

Taking the engine out also allows me to access the oil filter. This one is damaged (possibly in the original bike accident) and I need to replace it, I also need to tie it in place to stop it working loose with the vibration.

However access close to the exhaust pipes looks a bit close. and talking of the pipes I need to tighten the nuts and wrap them in heat shield before refitting it to the car.