Draco-REX

Sorry, thought I was clear, I have *no* intention of getting a streetbike, or any motorcycle for that matter. I just have bad luck on two wheels, and it would be only a matter of time before my first name was Street Pizza, regardless of how well I ride. I'd probably be sitting at a light and get flattened between a Uhaul and a Semi. I was just interested in the 'busa itself as a curiosity. The long wheelbase did hint to me that it wouldn't be as nimble as other bikes, but that's to be expected for a bike as fast as it is. Does it have other quirks, or is it really the baddest balls-to-the-wall highway bike there is?

I really like motorcycles. I thought I should put that out first. Unfortunately, if my history with bicycles is any indication, I'd kill myself if I ever owned one. Of the streetbike types I've always had a fondness for the Ninja, and some of the exotic european bikes have caught my eye as well. But if I were to choose a streetbike to own, it's be a Hayabusa. I'm a big guy at around 6'4" so I need a big bike. And the 'busa is just downright mean looking. But though it's just a fantasy of mine to own one that's slammed, stretched, and turbo'd; I do have to wonder: Is the Hayabusa *really* all that and a bag of chips?

So far in my experience, RWD>FWD. Next car will be AWD, so I'll toss that into the list next year. But my first two cars were FWD, then since '98 I've driven only RWD cars. That's 8 New England winters, and I never wanted a FWD car. Once you know how to use a RWD car in the snow, it's much easier to control. FWD cars, to me, feel like I'm towing dead weight behind me. And since this is The Kitchen: FWD is for saving the manufacturers production costs, and grannies who can't drive.

I saw a story on the water-powered car, and Hydrogen than made a really good point. You are taking energy in the form of electricity, to break down water, to then recombine, to make energy. You cannot create or destroy mater or energy. You also cannot be 100% efficient. SO the energy you get out of a hydrogen/oxygen reaction is going to be *LESS* than the energy you put into the equasion to split the hydrogen and oxygen in the first place. Why not remove the middle man and just use the energy in the form of electricity?

Stupid question here but, is it possible the hood hinges were knocked out of adjustment by the impact? Or is the hood WAY out of whack?

I'm considering the BMW courses at OTC and all these //M threads are making me think about getting an old bimmer to work on.

Sorry to hear that happened. Even though my little corolla isn't worth anything, I'd still be really pissed if it was stolen. I always lobby the "5 minutes alone" law for stuff like this. Choose to drop all charges for 5 minutes alone with the guy to beat the crap out of him.. I bet crime like this would take a nosedive.

I don't like it.. But I was never a fan of Porsches anyways.. It'll probalby sell though. I mean, who'd have thought a Porsche SUV would sell??

Sah-weet. I will definatley drop by. Though until I get my new car, I'll be sure to park well away from you guys.

So how often do people just hang-out at the Quaker Steak and Lube? Seems like a good place for car enthusiasts to gather.

I dug up what I could on the NASA HPDE. It doesn't look as structured as the Mid-Ohio courses. Really, it seems like the Mid-Ohio School would be a good place to start, so you get theory and basic application. Then HPDE groups to learn how to better apply what the Mid-Ohio School taught. Besides, the Mid-Ohio website says they don't have "open track days" so NASA HPDE seems to be the best way to get time on the track.

Interesting, I'll look into that. I definatley want to go to the best training. Nice Sky by the way. I really like the Solstice/Sky (specially the Sky because of its syling.) A couple weeks ago I test drove a Sky Redline. That thing was fun, and it moved. That little twinscroll spools really fast. If I wasn't determined to have an AWD car next, I'd have bought the Black redline they had on the lot right then and there.

I was looking at the Mid-Ohio school on the tracks website. They only list High Performance, Advanced High Performance, and Lapping Course. Is there a more extensive curriculum that's not on the webpage? Or is your friend using a different driving school?

Darn whippersnappers.. Where's my walker?

Nice mix of cars here. Reminds me of my '98 TA. I miss that LS1. As for Mid Ohio, I'm going to do the 3-day training course. Then I'll probably drive myself to the poor house in gas, tires, and track fees.

Well, it appears that new members are expected to post here before delurking, so here I am. I'm currently in MA, but in the next month or two, I'm going to be moving out to the Columbus OH area; Hilliard most likely. Really, almost any place in the US would have done for me, but I have a friend in Hilliard so it seemed like a good choice. Now that I've done some reasearch into the area, I think it's a great choice. Right now, my ride is a little '86 Toyota Corolla SR5 (AE86 coupe). It's not exactly fast, having only about 70hp or so, but it is a blast to drive. I actually went to this car from a Lincoln Mark VIII, and recently gave back a Toyota Highlander Limited I was borrowing to drive this car. I guess I enjoy driving a stickshift more than A/C, power accessories, and leather. Next year, however, I plan to be in something a touch more powerful: http://images4.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos/6070703.002/6070703.002.mini9L.jpg I'm already salivating at the thought of the Mid Ohio raceway being just 60 miles away. Anyways, I'll cut it short here. Don't want to ramble on too much. I can't wait get out there.