Hailwood

Lot of good observations/comments in this thread. Not too much that hasn't been covered, but I'll add this: In general, you should be on the throttle lightly ('maintenance throttle') all the way through a corner. This will provide the correct front/rear load distribution and help the bike's suspsension operate as it was intended. Chopping the throttle or 'needing' to apply the brakes mid-corner is an indication that your riding speed or technique needs to be adjusted and is often the beginning of the events that can lead to a crash. This is something I constantly remind myself, and I could really tell a difference in my smoothness/comfort level since i started making an effort to pay attention to this.

If the forecast for Sunday is accurate, I will definitely be riding. I probably won't have time for a really long ride, but I was thinking about doing something like this: Google Maps Link Any interest in a route like that, CSC?

If the weather looks good I might be up for this as well.

Got my interface and just got mine flashed. You definitely weren't kidding, this thing rocks! I can't believe how smooth and linear it is now. The on-off throttle jerkiness is gone too. I can't wait to get out for a 'real' ride. Definitely a good call.

If I don't decide to take a longer ride South, I'd be up for a local meet/greet/ride.

Looks like no: http://www.ohioriders.net/showthread.php?t=87650 It's really unfortunate. I had such a great time last year that I was planning on trying to get a couple in this year.

So much win. New season needs to start soon!

Another vote for the A* Stage. I've had mine for ~5 years now and it has been a great jacket. Held up very well to my lowside a couple years ago and came away with such minimal damage that you'd be hard pressed to tell it's been down. It's apparently been discontinued, but I've seen a few of them out there for about what you're looking to spend.

Well, I bit. I wound up going with the tuning interface cable so I could reflash myself immediately and then again when I finally get an exhaust. Plus that way I can tinker with it and get everything just the way I want it.

Definitely sounds like the way to go. Thanks for the feedback!

Very nice numbers, and the bike sounds fantastic. This is making it really hard to hold off on a set of pipes for mine... I've been looking at the Flash-Tune option and from your post on the R1-Forum it sounds like it's definitely worth it, if for nothing else than the reduced engine braking. I'd heard that you lose the different riding modes with the Flashtune reflash, is that correct?

No worries, safety is always priority 1, so I completely understand. It was pretty bad when I set out too, but cleared up pretty quick once I got through Massillon. We'll catch you on the next one!

Back home after a great ride! Ended up at about 315 miles and hit some of my favorite roads. This weather is unreal, and we couldn't have asked for a better day to do this. Harb and Mojo, it was great to meet you guys, and hopefully you had as good a time as I did. Look forward to riding with you again sometime. A word of caution about OH-26 just outside of Marietta - most of the corners had a very fine gravel in them which was a bit difficult to see. Another few hard rains should take care of them, but take care coming through there.

At Speedway now, so far no one else here. That's fine with me. We shoul be down that way by 11:30ish and you're welcome to join us. I'd prefer if we coulda make it a rolling stop since I'm trying to keep the time parked to a minimum. Just be visible from the highway and we'll slow down and let you form up.

Be especially careful coming through Holmes county. The fog can get pretty bad through some of the valleys there. Looking good here. I'll be heading out in about an hour.

Awesome, glad to see we've got some takers! If the forecast stays the way it is now, should be a fantastic day.

Sounds good. I'll post up before I head out, and will probably stop at the Millersburg Speedway for gas anyway, so last-minute isn't a big deal.

http://www.ohioriders.net/showthread.php?t=90275

Since I can't make the CORE ride on Sunday, and with the weather looking so good for tomorrow, I'm planning on getting a nice long ride down South in. Here's the route I'm planning: Link to Google Maps Should be about 250 miles from Millersburg back to New Philly - probably about 5 hours with stops. The R1 is a bit thirstier than other bikes I've owned, so figure about 100 miles between gas stops. I am not planning on stopping for an actual meal. Pace will be conservative. It's still early in the season, and I've got plenty of cobwebs to dust out. Figure 60~70 on the straights and being cautious through the bends. I will pass on a double yellow if I feel it is safe, but again, I am fairly conservative when it comes to this. I don't have any problems waiting for anyone, nor do I have issues with being passed if someone wants to go quicker. Since it's going to be warm in the morning, I'm going to try and get an earlier start. Plan on being @ the Speedway in Millersburg by 10:00 and wheels up by 10 after. I know it's St. Patrick's Day and a lot of folks have plans, but I thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone wanted to join since I'm going to be doing it either way.

I just installed a set of Heli-bars on the R1, and was pretty impressed with the quality and installation documentation. I have Fast by Ferracci risers on the 916 that work well also, but I can't speak to the install since they were on the bike when I bought it. The risers and a Corbin seat make 200~300 miles completely doable on these bikes. Both the Heli-bars and the FBF risers use the stock brake/throttle/clutch lines which is nice, and there aren't any clearance issues that I've run into with them.

I've heard great things about the PR2's as well, and I'm sure either they or the Dunlops would be quite good. As for the Bridgestones, the BT-020's (especially the OE versions) had some pretty definite wear problems, especially with cupping on the fronts after some mileage. The newer BT-021's and BT-023's are much better, and the last 2 sets of BT-021's I had on my FZ1 had no issues with rapid or strange wear. I've always liked my Bridgestones, although I might be a bit biased...

Exactly. Besides' date=' I thought that the best you could look on a Multi was 'quirky' or 'interesting'. 'Extra good' seems kind of a stretch That's apparently the first mod any bike that I own gets.

I've been pretty happy with Bridgestone BT-021's, and I hear the -023's are pretty good. I think I got around 6,000 miles out of my last set of -021's on the FZ1 with about half of those miles being 2-up with my wife and luggage on the back and the other half being somewhat agressive riding. I've never had those tires let me down, and continue to be impressed with the grip they offer. I'll echo the other sentiments, I'll gladly shell out a couple extra bucks to make sure I have tires I can count on when I need them.

Likewise, Bill. Was great to meet you, and that was a fun ride to kick off the season. Definitely looking forward to some trips further South this year!

Sounds good, see you there! Heading out in just a couple minutes.