the NATO garage

[nostatic]

Richard, I'm doing a track day at Streets of Willow on May 24th. I've been reading some books (including Lee Parks' Total Control), but I'm thinking it would be good to have a bit of actual instruction. Maybe we could hook up and you could give me a few pointers. I'm feeling fairly comfortable on the bike these days and know the track really well (on 4 wheels), but there are differences between cornering a bicycle and a motorcycle, and I'd like to iron those out a bit.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I'd recommend new riders avoid inexperienced passengers like the plague for at least a year.

[Steve Carlton]

You can get track days that include instruction, and I venture to say you'll get a lot more out of it. I did that with dP Safety School at Thunderhill and it was outstanding. I looked up dP and their instructors are now working at www.rideredshift.com and they have a track day at Buttonwillow 7/4 (???) for $199.

[nostatic]

This track day has some instruction, but it is mostly an open track day. It is run by the people who do the MSF course here in LA, so their focus is on safety and fun. For $115 including lunch it is a very good deal. I'm thinking I can use the time to get comfortable with leaning me and the bike (without worrying about the car next to me). If it is like the crack pipe that is tracking the 911, I'll look for a more instruction-based experience (maybe a superbike school).

[Steve Carlton]

Which bike will you take? If it's the Triumph, you may have to drain out the coolant. Likely they won't allow it, as it will mess up the track if you toss the bike, so check with the track. Also find out what tire pressures to run. They'll be signifcantly lower than normal because of the extra heat. You can use WaterWetter instead of the coolant. It's a PITA. And you'll fry your tires, too...

It's as good as crack, and as expensive.

[nostatic]

They don't require coolant change or wiring any parts. You do have to remove/tape lights, mirrors, etc. I expect to be watching tire pressures just like I do with the 911.

pass me the pipe...

[911boost]

Robert,

Thanks for the kind words on the mower and Samson (my dog). I also have an all black pug with a mild weight problem (he's over 33 pounds, but I swear its all muscle from growing up with the German Sheppard as his older "brother"..

I have been out fo the office attending an Anti-Terroism Conference, but David I like the bike! Definitly look into some nice gear, as with a helmet, I was not comfortable skimping.

I have a pair of Sidi Discovery Dual Sport Boots for the street, and Sidi Force SRS MX cross boots for the dirt. I feel that you can't have enough protective gear and have been very pleased with the boots.

Bill

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
I'd recommend new riders avoid inexperienced passengers like the plague for at least a year.

And I totally agree with you. My son is 8 and is my world, well he shares that with his sister. I should clarify here that the rides I'm proposing are short country road rides no more than 5 miles with a stop for breakfast. The high point will be drinking coffee (milk for Zachary) as we oogle the bike and talk stats. I'm not gonna storm that beach for a good couple months but this is a great recreation and I want to include him where I can. Dirt bikes come next year.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by motion
David - Can't say I blame you... one of these days after you're all sharp and everything.

Seriously I look forward to it. As Todd says I'm always interested in getting tips from seasoned riders, plus I enjoy most everyone on this BBS and look forward to actual meetings. Clint Eastwood/Dirty Harry line "a man's got to know his limitations". I come from a road bicycle racing background and know how dangerous a newer rider can be when riding in a group. Even though I've ridden before, with the amount of time I have off the bike (motorcycle), I'll rank myself as a Fred for the time being.

[JavaBrewer]

I'm amazed at how flexible the Triple is. The biggest concern I had going in was dealing with the weight of the bike in low speed manuevers. I've found with the lower seating postion I have no problems negotiating tight turns and even pulled off a couple track stands. Bike is very balanced and the engine pulls nicely from 2K in any gear. Can't wait to take it on the open road, but that's still a good 2.5 weeks away.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by BSiple
Definitly look into some nice gear, as with a helmet, I was not comfortable skimping.

I'm really likeing the Joe Rocket line for price and style. I've got to be losing somewhere with a $120 road jacket, is it safety or just durability? I'll keep shopping for boots, what I've seen so far leaves alot to be desired. Boot Barn maybe.

[JavaBrewer]

Man I've hogged this thread. Sorry bout that Todd. Should rename this to "Clue dmoolenaar in on bikes".

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by nostatic
This track day has some instruction, but it is mostly an open track day. It is run by the people who do the MSF course here in LA, so their focus is on safety and fun. For $115 including lunch it is a very good deal. I'm thinking I can use the time to get comfortable with leaning me and the bike (without worrying about the car next to me). If it is like the crack pipe that is tracking the 911, I'll look for a more instruction-based experience (maybe a superbike school).

I'm sorta envious of your postion Todd, well, you know what I mean. If I were to approach my wife about a track day on the bike...well lets just say I'd have better luck announcing that I was quitting my day job and becoming a porn star.

[nostatic]

Well David, my position has upsides and downsides. I don't have to ask permission, but I don't have quite the financial base as before. On nights I've got the boy (like tonight), I can't take off for a drive/ride after everyone's gone asleep. But you work around things...

I'm finally through with engine break-in, and I've flirted with 8K on the bike. Man, it really starts to scream. I haven't hit 10K yet...maybe tomorrow. The problem is if you redline in 2nd gear you're going waaay too fast unless you're on the freeway. And things happen really fast.

I think I need an Aprilia

[Steve Carlton]

Originally posted by dmoolenaar
As cool as it sounds I won't be group ride ready for at least another month, probably two. I need some solo time to build a nice healthy relationship. Oooohhh the wife isn't gonna like that either...

Triumph is aware of your situation...

[nostatic]

heh....it works fine if she has a bike too.

[Rufblackbird]

just to bring this up from the undead...just got my Shoei RF-1000 last weekend...I love it!

[}{arlequin]

Originally posted by nostatic
I think I need an Aprilia

couldn't find Aprilia for a while but here she is

[JavaBrewer]

Dave,

You're killing me - it's hard to have this thread up at work with sexy girl pics

Update on gear, as you know the bike came with an Arai Quantum/f, in my size (M). I cleaned out the interior and am happy with the helmet. When I was trying on new ones in the store they were a bit on the tight side. This one is broken in an provides a snug fit. Happy so far. I'm not really happy with the paint scheme (re-entry) but saving the $$$ on a new one is good.

I agonized over the jacket. I was worried about leather and heat (summertime SoCal) and was first looking at textile. In the end I took the advice offered here to "dress for the fall, not the ride" and got a leather Supershift superstreet. Zip out liner, perforated leather panels on shoulders, good ventilation, armor in arms and shoulders with pocket for back armor. Feels substantial but not really bulky. Got the black with white/grey reflective graphics (as pictured)



Gloves I went with Alpinestar SP2 (in black) with knuckle guard and some kevlar reinforcement.



Next up are some kevlar reinforced jeans and boots. The boots are gonna be tough. I'm leaning towards a Doc Martin steel toe mid length boot. Opinons are welcome

[JavaBrewer]

Will complete the MSF course this weekend. Got all DMV testing (minus the ride) and paper work done. Insurance is done. I can finally take the bike out of the neighborhood legally