Run With No Oil

[47knuck]

Just read about an old time hillclimber motrocycle guy who would fire up his racebike, warm it up and drain out all the oil before running it up the hill in the contest.

I'm guessing the entire thing was over in two minutes. But what would be the logic in this?

Wouldn't it damage the engine and what advantage would it bring?

[shovelmike]

That's a new one on me. I guess the guy figured that enough of a film of oil was left in critical areas to make that blast up the hill. He eliminated parasitic drag on the crank.
Things can be done in hillclimb and drag racing that wouldn't work in longer events such as cylinders with no cooling fins, use of nitromethane fuel etc.
The stakes are high and engines are rebuilt every few runs anyhow.

[evoKENevo]

Not the wisest practise IMO...but less weight to carry up the hill...and,less drag on the motor from pumping oil thru it,etc...would be my guesses,too.

[JCourneyaP]

Did he win the climbing event? Any negative affect on the bike after? Man I dunno if its worth the gamble...

[SamW]

Come on guys. There's nothing like dumping the oil n your bike and cranking it for all she's worth to make you feel alive. That is, of course, if you survive.

[BluesFan]

Things that work racing are not necessarily warranty friendly.

[whylee]

When you have sponsors paying for it, all they care is that you win.