lobsta954

i was running around 1:48-1:50 Monday in the afternoon. Took along time for the track to warm up. Partly sunny my beehive!

That's exactly what I meant. Try sticking with a more skillled rider in the corners or braking with them. Blowing past guys on straights doesn't teach you anything if all you're doing is outppower them. Sure, you have to have a certain amount of bravery (or stupdity) to go fast, but you have to have skilll to use it in the corners. I plan on shaking some of the rust off on the 23rd at Mid Ohio. Anyone else going?

I learned how to ride on a Suzuki GS 450 and that was suitable for just about anything. I wouldn't go smaller than that if you are planning on doing any freeway riding.

Going down at the track (or anywhere really) always sucks, the good of it was you weren't really hurt. I binned my CBR at M-O a couple years back and it was the perfect excuse to turn it into a track bike. Just sayin'.

Starting out with a higher HP bike isn't going to teach you anything but how to go fast in a straight line, panic and crash. You will learn a lot more on an SV or even a Super Moto than you will on a liter bike, until you get good. Sure getting beat on straights suck, but catching and passing someone in the corners or passing them as you drive out is far more rewarding than blasting someone down the straights. I ride a CBR 954 and I have been passed by the 600's, SV's and Motards. My game is trying to stick with THEM in the corners.

Normally I say go with a 250 as a starter bike but the 500 is pretty good as well. I'd stay away from the freeway for awhile though esp if it's a really busy section of road. That's a lot to absorb as a new rider.

Love the GPz! I had a silver one from !987 till about 2000 when the transmission gave out and blew a hole in the case. A very sad day. It was a great bike, keep her on the road, they are becoming hard to find.

I'm still thinking about it. Let me know!

Welcome sir!

Just did that drive last weekend and it's tore up for miles. Sucks pretty bad, but I think that even the back way (to M-O) is under construction.

Thinking about Monday...

:plus1: I brake way early on the back straight and still hit 165-170 on my 954. That gravel trap can look pretty scary when approaching at speed and hard on the brakes . Some have also found the kink to be pretty daunting as well. In novice there usually isn't any passing so having someone blast past you probably won't happen. There are some good instructors at M-O and they will talk to you about lines, body position, etc after each session. In any case, as someone else said, it's not a race and the key to a successful track day is just like on the street, ride within your limits and have fun.

You gear would probably be fine for the Novice group. You would probably want to take the case off the back, though I have seen guys ride with them in novice. The track is definitely he place to hone you skills. These are the requirements for bikes and riders from the Mid Ohio site. http://www.midohio.com/School/Courses/Motorcycles/Performance-Track-Riding Bike Preparation All bikes MUST pass technical inspection prior to being permitted on to the track. It is the sole responsibility of the rider to ensure their bike meets these requirements. If a bike fails tech inspection, it may be presented for re-inspection at any time. If a bike is involved in a crash it must be re-inspected prior to being permitted on to the track. No refunds will be made for bikes, which fail to pass tech inspection. All bikes must be prepared to endure high speeds on track. All parts must be fastened securely and adjusted correctly. All fuel, coolant, hydraulic and lubrication systems must be fluid tight (see below for additional information for Advanced and Intermediate bikes). Tires must be in good condition, without signs of excessive wear. Tire valves must have caps. Wheel weights must be taped. Brakes must be in good working order with a minimum of 1.5mm of pad remaining. Discs must not be excessively worn or loose. All bikes must have a functioning, well-marked engine cut-off switch on the handlebar near the right hand grip. Throttles must operate smoothly and be self-closing. Any glass or plastic lenses must be taped completely. Mirrors and turn indicators are permitted in the NOVICE GROUP ONLY. All others must be removed. Center stands are NOT permitted in the ADVANCED and INTERMEDIATE GROUPS and we recommend removing them for the NOVICE GROUP. ADVANCED and INTERMEDIATE GROUP machines must use a non-ethylene glycol coolant. Water and/or water wetter, or propylene glycol solutions such as Evans, Engine Ice, Liquid Performance, or 7th gear, are permitted. ADVANCED and INTERMEDIATE GROUP machines must have oil drain plugs, oil filler caps, and oil filters secured. We recommend safety wire, but will accept application of RTV silicone to the fitting. It is recommended that any filler/drain for any fluid system be secured. Fluid leaks on the track shorten everyone’s day. License plates must have bolts taped or be removed. Rider Gear Requirements All riders must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license. All riders must wear a damage-free full-face helmet with a properly fitted face shield. DOT certification is a minimum requirement; SNELL, ECE, or other enhanced certification is recommended. Modular (flip-up) helmets are permitted in NOVICE GROUP only. All riders must wear full-finger gauntlet style gloves. All riders must wear sturdy over the ankle boots. All riders must wear one or two-piece suits with substantial reinforcement and padding in critical areas (knees, elbows, shoulders at a minimum.) ADVANCED and INTERMEDIATE GROUP riders must wear one or two piece leather suits designed for motorcycle use. Two-piece leathers must provide substantial attachment between jacket and pants. NOVICE GROUP riders must wear one or two piece leather or textile suites. It is recommended that two-piece suits provide attachment between jacket and pants. ADVANCED and INTERMEDIATE GROUP riders MUST wear a back protector designed for motorcycle competition in lieu of, or in addition to, the standard back padding in their suit.

That's not the only thing they love to smell on a young lady...

She made the classic mistake of announcing that she was a female rider AND posting a pic. Obviously doesn't frequent messages boards...