Weekend on Bikes!

[Ruby]

Had a top weekend on bikes!

Went out yesterday for a practice session on the GSXR race bike and totally sorted the front suspension issues I had in my race in March. Started the day with a small oil leak (thanks to the f&cking workshop) but got that sorted and went back out on track. Got my lap times down half a second now that I could really push the front end hard into turns. I actually got pulled in by the officials for "smoking it up too much" coming out of some turns! LOL They were worried I'd fry my rear tyre and things could get ugly. I did have some hairy moments with a 180kph minor tank slapper, but its good for the heart rate.

Today, me and a mate took his Honda pitbike out for a strap at a local spot, and it was the first time in a long time I've hit the dirt. I was rusty, but it was all coming back. I've forgotten how much of different worlds riding on bitumen is to riding on dirt. They are both physically demanding depending on your level of riding, but demanding in different ways. Plus my arms were still tender from the track day yesterday, so they're more sore now. Been on the track too long. Looking forward to getting my bike from Adam soon and having some fun on it over winter while the race calendar is off, and improving my stamina. While out on the dirt, we both took the time to teach a friend to ride. She was nervous at first, but quickly took to riding and we couldn't get her off it after a few hours! LOL

Now I can't wait for my pitbike!

 

[daniel40]

lol sounds good have fun on your pitty when you get it

 

[Ruby]

lol sounds good have fun on your pitty when you get it

Thanks!

To be honest, I totally sucked on the dirt today. LOL But I know I'm rusty, and I tried too much track riding skills on a dirt bike. Just the way I've been doing it for so long. By the middle of the day I was looking alot sharper IMO, but I sucked compared to most of the other riders LOL But I'm not concerned looking like a fool, just so long as I'm having fun.

Oh ... and I did stack it too. My shin is a bit banged up and bruised.

 

[geezus18]

haha sounds fun..i always wear knee/shin guards on my pitty as they always seem to get hurt when i go riding. Where bouts did you take the honda fro a flog???

 

[pegleg]

what track were you riding the gixxer at? and what category do you ride in ruby? I would love to come and see you race if you get to NSW some time.

 

[benox]

Hahahaha sounds awesome dude! Did you stack? I had a fall today lol I turned around this corner really sharp back tyre slid out .. still in control i revved really hard and the bike popped up and i slid off the back of it LOL.. Bit too baked but anyway.. No more riding for me unless i go to a track cause the cops are onto me

 

[Ruby]

I stacked due to using the front brake too much ... its a road racing thing! I know what I doing wrong, but the road racer in me keeps doing it! I had my road gear on, including boots, but got banged up between where the boots end and just under the knee. Funny I crash on dirt at a measley 30kph and get hurt, but I crash on track at Mallala at 130+kph and get up and walk away unscathed.

Pegleg, due to the mods on the GSXR (non-factory fitted forks and full race exhaust system) I'm limited to the brackets class, as end cans and stock forks are allowed only. Which suits me fine while I get my times up to speed with the A and B graders. I'm running B grade times, but stuck in C grade categories. Still better than being in D grade. When I get my next bike, I'll leave the forks alone and just fit an end can and get into the B grade category. My bike is the only thing stopping me.

I race out at Mallala. Very tight track with an emphasis on braking ... alot of braking. I'm talking about a 230kph turn 4 then braking hard for a turn 5 hairpin @ 80kph. Your arms get a real workout. I always love going around Phillip Island and outbraking the riders there, because Mallala teaches you to brake late and deep. I usually start braking when I see God! LOL

 

[pegleg]

I should be getting my new bike with a year, depending on my ability to bend my knee, and get a foot on a peg.
I got myself a new jacket,boots,gloves, in anticipation, just need the bike now, and hopefully start doing some track days again.
I have been looking at the new Ducati S4Rs, I love the naked's, and the idea of having the 999 engine makes me..... well you get the picture.
I will also be looking forward to getting my arse down to Phillip Island every year. I probably miss that more than anything...
Keep it upright and hope to see you on the track, (getting some pointers from you) one day.

 

[Ruby]

Ha! the only pointer I can give is 'don't crash'. Although its not a pointer I follow myself. But as they say "go hard or go home".

The Duc S4R would be a good choice given your knee injury. Go for whatever floats your boat. I've always found every bike has its pros and cons, and bad reviews (usually by people who have never ridden them). But I've always liked the Ducs, but not the price tag.

I should also point out that I race in Brackets 1 and not in Brackets 2 (the slower guys ... LOL). When I replace my bike with another 600 that meets scrutineering for the classes I want, I'll step out of Brackets and into a closer knit bunch of riders.

I'm lining up a track day at PI in (hopefully) November, or very early next year. If oyu ever come across to SA, I'd be more than happy to show you the lines at Mallala ... hehe!

 

[pegleg]

It sounds great, I would love to go for a ride to SA, It would be a good way to run in a new bike. thats why I have decided on the Duc, as it has a lower seat height and mid mounted pegs = nice tourer that wont be to hard on the arms and shoulders.
Thanx for the invite, maybe one day in the near future I will take you up on the offer, but you will have to take it slow, I find it hard to follow some ones line when they are 3 corners in front of me lol..

Forgot to add, I can pic up an ex-demo with around 3000k's for $21995 from Frazer's here in Newcastle..

 

[Ruby]

The S4Rs models go for $24K new, so $22K isn't bad. I'd stand firm ask for that price to include ORC (1 year rego, stamp duty etc), seeing as 3K has been clocked anyway (3K is alot even for a demo model!). If the salesperson won't give in, call their bluff and pretend to walk out, or name another shop that can do better. They'll give in. If they don't, then spend the extra $2K if you can and get a brand spankers!

Check the bike for obvious defects like scuffs etc. Remember, this demo model has had countless riders on it who probably didn't know where to put their feet, hands etc.

And be sure to confirm the ex-demo has had its first service. Most demos miss the first service (regardless of what the stealership says) because they can't afford to not have the demo model ready for test riders.

Good luck!

 

[pegleg]

some good advice, thanks. $22k is on road, they said they will throw in a helmet and jacket as well, seeing I just bought a new jacket, I will hit them up for some new pants instead.
I didn't even think about the first service. It's not at 3k yet but I am calculating by the time I can get it, it will be.
It is also second hand, A guy came in and bought it brand new, had it 2 weeks before he realized it was too much bike for him, so they traded it in on a Multistrada and they kept it as a demo, but he had only done about 600k's on it.