Moto-Brian

Don't worry... The liter guys are afraid of the track usually... Especially when those pesky pussy bikes pass 'em!

I can tell you guys are all about bigger is better... If you ride a 600 and can ride faster on a 1000, you aren't doing it right. There are VERY , VERY few people in this world who can ride a liter bike fast and in control with enough left over ability in case shit gets ugly. I understand the commuting idea as the liter bike doesn't need revved so much and dancing on the shifter, but to get into a dick waving contest is pretty stupid. Drag racing? Sure, liter bike. But even so, a guy with serious drag skills and a guy with average skills can result in different results. But hey, like I stated earlier, the world ain't straight as an arrow and curves and related throw a monkey wrench into the game... The point is that a bike isn't all about power. Any day anyone wants to see what a 600 can do against a liter bike, I will be glad to show you some real world results. The fact of the matter is that you cannot ride a 1000 as fast as you can ride a 600. Why? Because if you ride as fast as you can on a 600, the 1000 will probably hand you your ass. Meaning, ride a 600 hard and then do the same thing with the liter bike. You'll be on your ass. They are a ton of work and require a lot different skill set than one thinks. For all the guys that think they could go as fast as a guy on a liter bike due to the power, they simply do not get it. The amount of effort and skill set required to run as fast on a 1000 and be what, a BIT faster than a 600 is MUCHO higher than you all think... But, what do I know? I have a liter bike...

You do know the world isn't straight everywhere, right?

So, just curious who can ride a 1000 at 80% of the bike's ability? I smell a fish story... Oh, and Ron, your question about 600s... You are right. Too many people avoid 600s and go big due to mis conceptions. Stick with what you got. They are better than people give them credit for... I do agree in part with RSV though, but on different terms. The 1000 has low end torque to allow for lazy riding and not having to be way up in the revs. That's really it. However, most guys on liter bikes never see 80% of the bike's ability at all. Maybe you meant 80% of that rider's ability?

Negotiate with my buddy and probably can get an 08 ZX10 under $8k with more goodies than you can even think of... http://www.ohio-riders.net/showthread.php?t=31568 My honest opinion of course is first sport bike being a liter bike is a pretty sketchy idea. Everyone is different, but my experience with liter bikes is that they are pretty tough to ride...

He's done and won't get any offers he'd like in terms of money for WSBK. He's too old, too... He's still VERY fast and the old saying to go out on top applies here. Think RC. Best time is to do it now. The series is simply the nail in the coffin and allows him to pursue other things. As for the track, it's way too dangerous and the idea that a new venue is brought to the table and the safety is so low par, it had many riders feeling the organization didn't care too much about the riders as they did revenue... Pegram of course is going to ride because he knows he has a good chance with the series leader gone. I'm really suprised Hayes rode and Hayden also. Both were pretty down on the facility, but they also may not be able to afford sitting out... I just think it sucks these riders don't stick together and stand up for the overall safety aspect.

Hate to burst your bubble, but retail on a triple clicker Penske rear shock is about $1500. His idea on cost is pretty damn accurate. The cost of turning a bike into a track bike far exceeds what you can buy a left over race bike for. Example, if you were to pay to just do a true SS build to a motor, you'd be out over $5k in just that. So, assuming he didn't pay a whole lot (I would bet about $7k), he saved a shit pile vs turning a totally street machine into an equal amount of work he has in the 600 he just got... Great buy, by the way.

Doubtful, but Monte has always been an Aprilia guy so, one never can say never, but considering the rarity of that unit, I suspect it will be like BMW. Only a rich dude will have one and we'll get a good look at it, but that's about it. It's like the old guy with the Desmo at the track a month ago...

I am pretty lucky. I however never got even a slight nod to try the new BMW1000. Of course, only having two working models in the country and one being a prototype may have had something to do with it... I just really was hoping to try that one out... Oh, well...

Do I agree with DMG's rules allowing it in the 600 class? Nope. Not at all... However, the RR version is pretty trick and while I would still pick the 1000 GSXR or R1 over it in full race trim, it is really close. I'd pick a $40k bike over mine any day. Selling one and getting only $30k would net me a good start to 2010...

Id have to ride one back to back. However, I cannot see why it wouldn't be a top choice over a 600 in race trim vs. race trim...

Ride a newer 600 and you'll see what I mean. Comfy is a good thing at times. Trust me.

Uh, if an 06 R6, for example was as low as 99.3 hp to the rear wheel, I'd say it is in poor shape and needing fixed. 110 is more accurate... The dyno doesn't lie. Standing stop to a start can be down to rider input so much that comparing them isn't fair. Carbed bikes are by no means POS. Not at all. I was just saying that your comments are somewhat stretching it. Again, I have had some VERY intimate time with the model you ride and we had some killer bikes for sure. But again, they had to be built in SB form to get the job done... They were strong in the motor department and certainly above what I think an F4 is, but I wouldn't by any means dare to put it up against a newer version as seen today...

Nobody, why? Buell was at Mid-Ohio for two days and I got to ride one. Figured since not a lot of people get a chance to hear from someone as partial to the Japanese machinery as I, that I'd throw out an honest opinion... I was sceptical for sure until I rode it. Trust me, it ain't like a Firebolt or Lightning. This thing is pretty freakin good.

Yes, Nick was an editor for a few pubs. He also has a book or two, was chief instructor at Freddie Spencer's school and will be heading up the new Yamaha Champions School at Miller...

Maybe for the 1125RR ($40k). But not for a 1125R race prepped. My 1000 is doing me fine. However, if I had a 600 currently, I would consider very much so...

The few cons, I guess are minor and almost not worth stating. But, it all can't be fuzzy bunnies and rainbows, right? The few cons are things that can EASILY be fixed with next to no money. The head shake is somewhat troublesome feeling. Especially at Mid-Ohio where there are a few spots where the front gets unloaded under acceleration. When the front got light, it wiggled. It wiggled too much for my taste at the pace we were running. Steering damper would easily solve this and take it out of the "issues" box. But, it was there and it had me slower in sections I usually don't have issues with. However, Nick had no damper and he was railing through them. I feel maybe some suspension changes/chassis adjustments MIGHT have calmed that down, but I wasn't willing to push. The second con would be the tendency to push without throttle input. For example, a few spots, you tend to have some neutral throttle before rolling on and the bike would push or under steer. Pick up the throttle even so slightly and it steered totally fine. Again, may be part of that V Twin deal, but I think a few chassis or suspension changes and we could have fixed that easily. It was MINOR to say the least and really only effected areas in the Keyhole and Carousel... The final con was just the detail of dragging parts. I had to tuck my foot up and almost had to put the sole on the frame to avoid touching my boots down. Tough to get done in some of the transitions, but not a huge ordeal. Touching the feelers wasn't a big issue, but it had me letting up at times as to avoid any more objects from touching. Again, simple fix and you'd be set. All in all, if you'd buy a damper and maybe a set of rear sets, you'd be the bee's knees with this thing. The power is great, traction on drive is awesome, braking power is amazing and through it all, it was BONE STOCK. STOCK. Did I mention we were on stock bikes? I have no idea of what times we were turning, but it was probably in the :36-:37 range. On a totally stock machine with a bit of head shake and parts dragging? AWESOME!! I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much. I have mixed feelings on this bike in terms of the AMA and it being part of HD. I think a lot of people might. BUT, it is worth a ride. After riding it and being more open minded about the bike, I have a new found respect for the machine. Seeing what it is capable of in pure stock form shows me that Buell is serious. They really feel they are on to something and quite honestly, I think they are. The bike is really good. A few tweeks and it can be seriously good and give any Japanese bike a serious run for it's money. Hell, even a few Italian bikes ought to be nervous. I would like to thank a few people. Buell being the first. Thanks for coming out and allowing the general public to not only ride these bikes on a track and get free classroom guidance from some top riders like Ken and Nick, but to see these same riders show exactly how capable the 1125R really is. To show it breaks out of the stereotype that has been associated with Buell and HD. I think what Buell is doing is going to lead them to become a player in the sportbike category and make a serious mark. Secondly, I want to thank STT for allowing this to happen and for organizing it with Buell to be a day where regular STT customers can come to the track, do their thing and get to try out something new. You wouldn't believe the number of riders I saw trying the bike out. If they were open minded and tried it, I know they were feeling as I felt about the machine. Kudos to STT for having the Buell Day tied into their events. Finally, thanks to Nick Ienatsch. Dude, we had a blast, didn't we? I will never forget that one lap where we came onto the back straight. EPIC!! Your passion and ability to teach are well evident and I was honored to be able to ride with you. Ken was awesome, as well. I just didn't get to spend as much time with him, but saw his ability to teach and his passion as I attended a few of the classroom sessions. Speaking of which, everyone should have checked the classroom sessions out. Everyone (including myself) can always learn something new. Even if it is the same thing you have already heard or learned, getting a new twist on it can make it a bit more impactful and may lead you to try something again with a new attitude. In doing so, it can lead you to become a better rider. That;s the goal, no? Overall, a great experience and I wish I had been there for both days. I wish I had gone over and rode the bike sooner, as well. I believe that with a few adjustments, I could have been riding that thing even better and really learning what it could do. Oh, well... Until next time, right? I look forward to it!

Well, things have slowed down a bit long enough to give a review of the Buell 1125R. Had a chance to ride with Nick Ienatsch during the Buell Day (second event day) for two sessions on the 1125R. Nick's bike had it set to where he and Ken were wanting it in terms of suspension settings and their riding style. However, they were BONE STOCK bikes and nothing in addition to what you would simply buy off the floor. The one I rode was set in a general setting to suit the average rider... First session was tough in learning a new bike and trying to keep up with Nick. The front was too soft and the thing was shaking it's head in protest a bit to my inputs. So, I had to slow down to go faster and it was better, but just too spongy if I could describe it... The first session brought out a few things. One, the brakes. REALLY great brakes for a stock bike with stock street pads. Felt solid and no fade issues during the first session. Two, traction. Jesus, it has traction. I swear I couldn't get on the throttle soon enough out of the turns. It always seemed well planted and came out well of about every corner I was going through. Of course in the first session, we had a GSXR750 in the mix with Ken, Nick and I and they pretty much left me of sorts due to me not wanting to push with the way the bike was set up. I made it through the session well enough, I think and it had me interested in trying it with the front a little more stiff and a few adjustments to get a better idea. The Buell guys were VERY accommodating and did a few clicks of suspension tuning for me. It kind of sucked as I wish I could have tried some more changes, but it was the last session of the day as I waited for everyone to get a shot and didn't ride until the last two sessions... All in all, the fact that they were willing to even change a few settings was awesome. They typically do not do this for riders, but made an exception and I appreciated it greatly. BIG thanks to Chris from Buell in being such a cool dude. Going out for the last session, Nick and I went out solo. He was going to tow me and check my pace and we would run as hard as we could within reason of course. Nick is on my bucket list of riders I wanted to ride with and that day was awesome! We headed out and we started picking it up. The front felt a load better than the one I just rode. The rear felt planted and was slightly squirmy under load, but we didn't get a chance to adjust it and it was pretty damn good. The bike was great on the brakes and felt solid through the start. The brakes did however start to show signs of fading towards the end, but we were really pushing and when one thinks about it, these bikes have been ridden all day around the track and they are probably getting that fluid to the point it is starting to cause fade late in the day. When I say fade, it was still better feel than my 1000 would be at the end of a day... The traction was still there. Solid feel out and good drive. One thing I did have to adjust to was not closing the throttle fully. It's something I have come to learn on bikes like the Super Duke and RC8 we have ridden. If I closed it completely and picked it back up, there was a lot of jerkiness. It might be part of riding a twin, but it wasn't a big deal at all. The bike also has some power. It is really good on top and it is actually a LOT smoother than I expected. There's some vibration and it is a sensation that I am not used to, but it isn't like I expected. Not to stereotype, but I expected HD vibration and total hand numbing through the bars... Handling was really good, too. Coming off a race prepped bike isn't a fair comparison, but in terms of this being a stock bike, it is really good. I mean really good. It handles rather well and there isn't that top heavy feel I have had with other bikes like the Super Duke and other older V Twins I have ridden. This felt more like a 600. The seating position took some time to get used to. I also had issue with the pegs being so low. It really threw me a few times. I know I could have gone a lot faster had I not been dragging the peg feelers and my boot at times. But, that showed that the bike was VERY well mannered when at full lean and even when adding power at full lean. It was rather civilized and treated me well. Just when hitting those feelers, it makes you think that this isn't your machine and the thoughts of me being a second bike owner isn't in the cards. Yet... The big plus in terms of riding position is that when in full tuck, you get the best coverage I have yet to experience on a newer age bike. That fairing may not be the favorite of a few folks, but when in full tuck, you hear next to nothing and there is no wind or resistance placed upon the rider. When you come up out of the tuck off the back straight, it is amazing how much it protects. The seating position felt a bit "down in" as opposed to say what an R6 feels like. I think had there been some ride height added and some rear sets, it would feel rather similar. Just more of a relaxed seating position, but nothing too relaxed. It was still more supersport that sport touring, but just more relaxed than what I am used to. At about the halfway point, Nick had me lead and I took the point. I was feeling really good and the bike was starting to gel with me better. I felt as if I was starting to ride it better. Of course all things come to an end and the rear tire starting to spin under protest. The stock Pirellis were starting to yell at me and again, that thought of it not being my bike and not wanting to be "that guy" came into play. I gave some hand signals that the tire was getting greasy to Nick and I decided to pull in. I hate to quit, but I think it is best to not push. So, we came in and called it a day. Next up, some cons...

More power for the straight isn't the key. Honestly, there are WAAAAAAY too many guys riding liter bikes that really need to step down and learn smaller before they do bigger bikes. With a bit more practice and learning certain things, 600s can embarrass a good number of liter bike riders. The two straights at Mid-Ohio are sometimes tough when following a liter bike, but overall, within the session, you can easily be half a track in front at the end. It's ability more than power...

My opinion? Buy a Carbed R6... Better choice and depending on what the price they are asking for the CBRs, the R6 is a better choice. Unless you like the couch feel/sport touring feel and you can stick with the CBR. It's more feel to what you prefer, but I'd look harder at some other brands before I went F4 anything...

Except an R6, 600RR, ZX6R, GSXR600... Maybe the YZR600, but nothing more than that... Not being a dick, but to say that your bike will give a modern day 600FI bike a run for it's money is pretty arrogant and false... We raced the 98-01 ZX6Rs and while we had to run them in SB form to compete with the R6s and GSXR600s, they would not be good choices for pinks against anything newer...

Yeah, Rub's stuff is typically sprint take offs. Very little time and great compounds for those wanting some great tires for little money. Watch what you buy as they can easily be sprint SOFT compounds and have been used for track days by guys who bought them second hand later. Basically, they have been cycled to death and even though they look good, they are junk. Rub's stuff is direct from the track, freshest dates and is going to be the best choice overall... My $.02...

Sorry about that, guys. Just wanted to show details of how clean that engine area is... Thanks, Yota for the help, though in getting them sized right.

Oh, PM me for his info. He's not on the internet a lot so, it is easier for me to help him out. This goes Ebay next week...

Black 2008 ZX10R miles: 5379 asking: $8100 OBO Yoshimura R-77 full system with carbon can Bazaaz Zfi Spiegler braided front lines (black) dark smoke Puig windscreen Carbon Fiber Works heel guards, rear hugger, and chain guard Stomp Grip tank pads Tires are Bridgestone Bt-016, with about 1K miles on them. Competition Werkes fender eliminator Also, have the stock stuff that came off (exhaust, fender, etc...) Here are pics.... One thing I can say about this bike is that it is probably the cleanest street bike I have ever seen. My buddy has an almost OCD approach to his bikes. He takes the fairings off to clean the motor and underneath after anything other than totally dry riding. He is meticulous to say the least. If you want a bike that literally is showroom new looking, this is it. Never down and never has seen a track day.