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Yep. My only bad experience with Buell was any time I had to interact with a HD boutique. What a bunch of twats.

HD should never have killed Buell. I get that Erik was kind of a dick to work with, but his bikes had (even still have) a loyal following. ...but, selling Buells in HD dealerships mixed as well as orange juice and toothpaste. Buells were tucked in the dusty back corner of most HD dealers. If you could even get a salesperson to talk about Buells the conversation went something like..."After you get bored with this 130 hp, 400lb beginner bike, you'll want to step up to the 65 hp, 900 lb Geezer Glide..." It was a terrible fit. Buell support was limited to OEM parts (even tires) and Buell (HD) branded gear. You couldn't walk into a HD dealer and buy Michelin, Pirelli, Shoei, Alpinestars, etc. That model worked for Harley, but was a huge turnoff for more sporty Buell riders. There was once an argument within HD Marketing about why Buell (sport bike) riders wouldn't wear Buell leather vests. - this story was told several times by Buell insders. It will be the same if the Pan American actually makes it to dealers. It will be only OEM tires and HD gear. No Mitas, or Klim, or Giant Loop...non HD, popular ADV accessories will not be on the menu & sales people won't know a thing about ADV riding.

There is no way I am eating B&G made at a hotel.

Isn't the goal to be in a position that is stable enough you could let go of the outside bar mid-corner? So.. yes. The ability to let go of a bar mid corner means you are light on the bars aka you arent supporting yourself with your hands/arms. They probably told you that so you would be light on the bars. But to be light on the bars you must engage your core. A great thing that Dan told me after going through YCRS was "pull the tank into the ground with your outside leg." That is much easier to think about and actually execute than "be light on the bars". What pulling the tank into the ground mid corner does is makes you use your legs and it automatically engages your core thus making you lighter on the bars because your core is working to hold you in position as well as your lower body which leaves you light on the bars. It gives you more feeling, helps prevent unintended inputs into the bars, - and yes if you feel confident you could take a hand off (I wouldn't suggest it tho). Looking at his right arm.. it is 90⁰ to the bar. That is an awful lot of leverage. Straight across the tank is more parallel, thus reducing force and total available travel. A straight arm can't get straighter. That bent elbow can punch a hole right through his available traction. He is already past the point of where you really need a ton of leverage (which would be turn in). Leverage really comes into play in rapid back-to-back corners where you are flipping the bike from side to side in a quick fashion. Also a factor: he looks like he is using stock clip-ons at a somewhat stock angle. My clipons are pushed as far forward as I could without hitting my levers when steering in the paddock/ moving the bike around. That provides a lot of leverage and forces the outside hand out a little more which would automatically start straitening that other arm I think. My buddy that's been riding on track longer than I have but with stock clipons/angle just moved his out last weekend and said it made a world of difference. Power has probably been sold out. There wont be any pavement to park on, so if he doesnt mind parking in the grass there should be space. Make sure to buy your camping and spectator passes. If you see me zoom'n around give me a shout! I'll see if I can find that monster out in the camping area and stop by.

If you don’t already, get a tennis ball(or any ball that’s roughly the same size). Use it to roll along the bottom of your foot for 10 minutes or so at a time. Gradually introducing more and more pressure as it allows. Do this a few times a week(the more the better) and it’ll be feeling better.

Will be there camping all weekend with my brother and the 40 foot diesel pusher. We’re going to roll in Thursday night.

I only ride after dark if it’s absolutely necessary. Too many critters.

Yes it does. I was very happy when she stopped hurting me.

HFBD2U

Isn't the goal to be in a position that is stable enough you could let go of the outside bar mid-corner? Serious question, because that is what I was taught during my very short, very distant stint at Mid-Ohio. Looking at his right arm.. it is 90⁰ to the bar. That is an awful lot of leverage. Straight across the tank is more parallel, thus reducing force and total available travel. A straight arm can't get straighter. That bent elbow can punch a hole right through his available traction. I have stayed at so many Holiday Inn Expresses, that I can use the fancy parking spots... AND I get free water.

negative.. will be at trackfest / gingerman raceway

Don't mind the non-melted cheese, it was all delicious.

Finally got a picture of myself on track. Definitely need to work on body position but now I think I look as cool as I feel when I am riding. Haha.

I have a vested interest in this since i own HD stock, but I am curious as to why anyone would want a American company to die out? they employee around 6000 factory employees in the US , plus dealer staff in its 700 dealerships, and a shit load of truck drivers and techs. Like it or not they account for more than half the motorcycles sold in the USA, without the benefit of ATV and dirt bikes being counted as total sales. Hate them if you want but wanting a US company to fold because you don't like their product is horseshit. Did you want GM and Dodge to fold when they took our bailout money?

1 month back and I can feel it. Glad to be back at the gym, now to toughen up my hands again.