Rod, you have a great point. My confidence has pretty much gone to zilch since I've very little seat time this summer, and most of it has been on a rather poorly running bike.
The last race I attended (just two weeks off the fresh break :yikes: hope my doctor isn't reading this...same goes for Cabanaboy!) I had 3" starting blocks, and I was barely tiptoeing them, even with a 2.5 (or more) inch rut.
I fouled a plug a couple turns before the end despite my pulling in the clutch through the ride, and holding things WFO for a couple seconds to keep it cleared out. Basically, I ended up pushing the bike across the finishline in order to qualify for the second moto. Then it was a 1/4 mile push back to my pits. It's funny how you always break down when you're on the furthest part of the track. We had options to tow it, but when the organizer saw that it was me (with my broken-ness) I knew that I couldn't hold it upright OR reach the ground with my toes if things started going poorly.
I don't have my CR80 anymore, and I really regret selling it. That was a great little bike! If I did, I would probably be sending the engine off to Forward Motion for a big bore kit.
Another reason to go back to the little bike is that I don't know that I can afford to repair this one. It needs a total rebuild, from the bottom up. New wheels (both bent dangerously - something I didn't get to notice on my trial ride) and spokes, not to mention suspension and jetting work. I've estimated costs (parts only for the engine, and minimum repair/adjustment on the suspension) and it runs about 800 dollars.
Trailer is lowered quite a bit, and my car is pretty low too - the hitch scrapes quite often if there's a bumpy I will check with Cabanaboy and see if he'll help me try lower the rear part (it slants forwards some).
I had some people that regularly helped me out with my bike...but I got sick of being called a princess (and hearing certain other complaints) by one of them, and the others are kinda unreliable/hard to find. For my size, I'd like to say that I'm strong as a horse even if I am somewhat broken...and the gym may help some, but I don't know that it'd help my height enough.
In pushing, I don't get a very good handle on the bike, as the handlbars are somewhat over my shoulder height. I also can't lift the bike, as my legs (and back) are fully extended when I find a suitable lifting point...