No Germany, but Barbers....

N8Kern · 08-06-2007, 12:38 PM

.... this weekend. My grandfather is not doing so well and my Grandmother has never seen me even ride, so they asked to go to Barbers for the ASRA races this weekend. I informed BMW AG that their offer to come back and race at Oschersleben was just awesome, but explained my situation. They said I made the right choice as there will be many more times to ride the bike over there. I did mention though that there was anotehr great candidate I team with if needed!

SO, I practiced at Barbers weekend before this past one and at a trackday with a bit of traffic was able to go .5 faster than I have ever gone there during a race. The nature of the track is a very tough one though for our wheelbase. So I am just going to do my best to get a better set up in the bike and get it to turn. Your only full throttle about 20% of the track and during the "G" out (compression going up the face of a hill) you ry and tame the tire spin with more rebound to get the traction down and tire to grip when you hit the crest of the hill and the back end unloads.

We are going to try a better brake set up also. The back of my pads boiled literally at Road America causing to much brake fade, lol. I still run everything stock right through the lower triple to the calipers. Stock pegs, handle bars, yadda yadda.... the bike is just alot of fun!

Hope to see youse at Barbers?!

N8!

Raven · 08-06-2007, 12:43 PM

Excellent choice!!

I'll never forget my Grandmothers first ride on the back of my bike. They get a big kick out of it when they get to see it all up close.

Hope your Grandfather is feeling better and good luck at Barber!!

N8Kern · 08-06-2007, 03:12 PM

Thanks Raven, just felt right. Now I just need to get a plan on. lol Each weekend has it's challenges. I know my bikes are very good, we just need to find that sweet spot inthe geometry. The biggest hurdle we have found is the fatc that there is no spereate dampning adjusters for rebound and compression in the front shock. So when you need more of one you take away from the other!

Wish we had it in the budget for fancy cameras on the bike, cause barbers would be a good one. Look forward to getting out west one of these days Raven.

Cheers,

N8!

R111S · R111S's Garage

Have a good time with Gramps and Grams N8! Glad you were able to best your old fast time.

scooter69 · 08-07-2007, 02:55 AM

N8, You did make the right choice. Grandparents are the best people around. I miss my grandpa everyday. I hope they have a wonderful time at the track.

Ride smart

Highlander179 · 08-07-2007, 05:21 AM

Good Luck to you N8 and good luck to the team over at Oscherschleben. According to the entry sheet, they have Thomas Hinterreiter(AUT), Rico Penzkofer(GER), Markus Barth(GER), & Dario Giusippetti(GER) listed. Lets hope you all finish safe and on the top step.

Steve Carlton · 08-07-2007, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8Kern

...I know my bikes are very good, we just need to find that sweet spot in the geometry. The biggest hurdle we have found is the fact that there is no separate dampning adjusters for rebound and compression in the front shock. So when you need more of one you take away from the other!...

Nate- you should check with Jim at Pro Pilot Racing. He's been in the business a long time, and can build custom Ohlins like Dr. Frankenstein makes monsters. I was checking with him on the availability of higher-end Ohlins for my bike, but since they weren't forthcoming at the time, had him upgrade mine. Here's the thread on what I had done:

Upgrading the R1200S Ohlins

N8Kern · 08-07-2007, 07:01 AM

Awesome Steve. Thanks! I may be seeing you real soon!

Have to return some calls and see the schedule.

I wanted to say that I have an amazing sense of pride that is overwhelming since my Grandfather opened up to me finally about his WW2 experiences. He was part of Carlson's Raiders in the Pacific. 2nd Raider Battalion under Col. Evan Carlson. Google it. Just wild.

On my way to the shop to ride our K12R Power CUp bike and see how it feels.

Scooter you coming this weekend?!

N8!

Guest24 · 08-07-2007, 02:29 PM

N8,

You take care at Barbers. I don't like the way they treat Georgia boys.

How's the wrist?

scooter69 · 08-07-2007, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8Kern

Awesome Steve. Thanks! I may be seeing you real soon!

Have to return some calls and see the schedule.

I wanted to say that I have an amazing sense of pride that is overwhelming since my Grandfather opened up to me finally about his WW2 experiences. He was part of Carlson's Raiders in the Pacific. 2nd Raider Battalion under Col. Evan Carlson. Google it. Just wild.

On my way to the shop to ride our K12R Power CUp bike and see how it feels.

Scooter you coming this weekend?!

N8!

Maybe sunday. If that is cool?

N8Kern · 08-07-2007, 04:44 PM

Thanks Nail! I am feeling alot better. I rode at Barbers for a couple days last week and turned some laps under my best personal time during a race, at a trackday.

I still have some good pain from the femur bruise, they say it tkes about 6 months to heal.... lol, they just told me that.

The wrist, about 80% motion, I mean its enough to win and run upfront, but I cannot wait to get it all back.

Again if you and Scooter, or anyone can make it over o Barbers for sure you will have a seat and cold drink waiting for youse!

TTYL,

N8!

Guest24 · 08-07-2007, 06:08 PM

Well N8, I'll take a raincheck on the cool drink. I'm heading to Erwin, TN for the Ducs Head West rally. The 900 SS/FE is primed and ready for the twisties of est Tennessee and western NC. I ran the r11s last weekend. The silver duc gets attitude if neglected.

Do your grandfolks proud.