Moto-Brian

Now, I think a suspension session is cool, but would like to see it be an event where someone like Reuben or Carr was around to offer insight on why the suspension does what it does and what to do to accommodate changes or things the bike does that require said changes... Discuss tire wear, what to look for, etc...

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gixxer.com is a joke. Too many people on there that "THINK" they know what they are doing... Just ask here. We have a ton of knowledgable GSXR owners and racers alike that can help. Just ask!

Easily fixed by someone good at TIG welding. You will need to remove the swingarm and probably remove and re-install new bearings. Great time to re grease the swingarm bolt, etc also...

Bike is sold. Mods lock 'er up!

Hey, Nelson ain't Mid-Ohio, but at the end of the day, you'll have a blast. The MS group is a group of guys and gals that are VERY good at helping and welcoming new riders and racers. It has some VERY competitive racers and classes as seen by the fact that the lap times are better if not at worse, equal to the fast WERA guys that run there. As for track days? You won't be going sub 1:10 at a track day starting out so, you'll be perfectly fine. Sure, doing a track walk can make your head get filled with bad thoughts, but trust me, it is not as bad as even I have stated...

If you have $4k to spend and want a "corner carver" as it was put, the 250 Ninja and GS500 while fun little bikes, are below the standard of several bikes that are better handling, better ergos and overall, better bikes in general for even cheaper than the $4k entry price. If you ever had a chance to ride the SV650 vs the SV1000, you'll note some serious differences. The 650 is a great bike and overall, a fun machine that will allow you to get out of situations you may not be as capable of getting out of on a 250 or the GS. That being said, I rode a GS500 one time when I was taking one in on trade. It was the very first time on the bike and I decided that it couldn't be a serious machine by looking at it. I was surprised at how well it handled and my nuts declared it had more than enough braking ability once I pulled the lever with the mindset that it was surely under developed as a braking bike... But, there are seriously better choices out there. Not saying the bikes you are referring are total heaps of shit, but simply, not as good of a choice when compared to others out there. Also, I think you'll find the 750 Duc shown is as similar in ergos as the 250 would be. Slightly more bent over, but a set of common Heli-bars can easily fix that... Plus, a WAY cool steed...

He's joking. GSXR riders tend to be the most common which means, they have the most squids in the % of riders out there also. I raced several years with GSXRs and can tell you it has nothing to do with what he stated. But, it is also a bit true as many are squids and unfortunately, they tend to ride GSXRs due to the popularity of the brand. There are plenty of examples of squids on other brands. Trust me...

Do the novice day at Putnam with MS. They will have ample amounts of instructors to assist. Trust me, they do a great job at helping, but understand one important thing here - YOU NEED TO ASK FOR HELP WITH ANY ORGANIZATION. If you sit around and think help will come to you, you may never see help as instructors will watch and if you are in need of assistance by the way you are riding, they will dive in to help, but if you tend to blend in and ride fine, you may never see help as they are looking to help those that really need it or ask. I guess what I am saying is that instruction is awesome. However, unless you ask for some one on one time or help, it can pass you by because they are working with others. Never feel like you are bothering an instructor or anyone at the track. We should be there Saturday so, any help you need, don't even think twice and come over to talk. I will help as much as I can. KTM RC8R #10 expert. White lifted van with black/silver trailer.

I applaud the fact that you are honest with your ability and are somewhat nervous. That's a good thing as you will be VERY attentive while out there. But, to answer your question, I would take the MSF course as soon as possible. And, it hopefully will not be a deal like some others on this site that end up acting like they know more than anyone here as they start out. A lot of great suggestions on here and the MSF is the top of the list. I'd wait on the track day until you somewhat master the ideas and principles of riding a motorcycle and the MSF will teach that straight away. Once comfortable, I then would take a track day if desired. We see a lot of newbie riders and they aren't learning a whole lot as I believe they come to the track too soon and have WAY too much to absorb to learn anything... Take your time, ask questions, ride with others that are SMART and will either help you along or are patient enough to assist a new rider as they progress. Finding someone at a similar level and riding together also sometimes works rather well, but at minimum, try and find someone that has experience so you do not start to develop bad habits... Good luck!

I'll be there maybe both days, but racing Sunday. Trying to get Matt Carr out, Reuben out and Gene Burcham out. We will see!

Also understand that then and naow are very different. The Ducati hasn't kept up with the other brands and has fallen well back. Also, Stoner had the highest number of crashes the season he won the champioship on the Duc. Proof it was a very tough animal to tame. But, Casey likes loose... Saying Rossi is washed up because he hasn't done much with the bike is silly. Why would you stik your neck out and push if progress is so slow to come? You cannot compare when Casey rode around issues and Rossi wants to make chages. I'd say proof in the fact that the Yamaha is one of the BEST bikes on the grid was highly due to Rossi's development skills. In ay case, I haven't seen any credible sources claim any of these comments, but see Rossi to Yamaha and even mentioned in the Hopper thread BMW for Spies...

Eh, I am over that site for a while. It's silly to say the least. Is the Beaver event this coming weekend a race or track day event? Let me know!

I MIGHT go to the Indy Ducati event this coming Sunday if we get back from vacation soon enough. We could work on lines and such if you're up to it.

Handlebars at the track? Who, me? Great for leverage and great to make it through the entire event. Although, with the Duke, it suffered from ground clearance issues. Ground a good chunk out of the right side case cover going into turn 2 at Mid-O. Lifted the wheel and was somewhat sketchy, but was great everywhere else.

Is the August 5th event just a track day event? I don't see it as a race event? Steve- You are welcome to join me in the trailer for a ride share if need be. I understand if the chest is hurting and such, but if that would assist on getting to Putnam, you really need to race that track. It will be an awesome event!

Yeah, it was a toss up for me. I tried it on and the Aegis was longer where I wanted it and I like that it isn't so bulky. The newest back protector they make (Metasys?? - cannot remember the name) is pretty damn cool also. Again, more form fitting and wraps around the contours of your back more naturally. You're welcome to try mine back to back (No pun intended). I think as many guys that like Contour, there are as many that prefer Aegis. So, both are awesome.

Top rain choices are almost anything from Dunlop, Bridgestone, Michelin and even Pirelli. They are all very similar and have been doing it for a very long time. All even look similar in tread design.

Rains are great. The idea behind them is to keep the flutes as open as possible. Thus, they typically need more PSI than DOT or Slicks do. Again, keeps the flutes open to shed water. They are VERY soft. VERY... So, keep this in mind. They should be stored in room temps as often as you can and IF you heat them with warmers, set on a SUPER low temp. Only for a short period. They should only be used if there is standing water. Standing water is best, but if it is damp, you shouldn't use them and should use a DOT or Intermediate tire. If there is no standing water, that soft compound and knobby like pattern will destroy itself quickly. If even a remotely dry line appears, you will ruin them in a matter of laps. But, if you are racing in a full rain situation, they are like slicks in the dry in relationship to DOTs.

I have the Aegis and a Know chest pro. They are awesome!

That is great if you have two people. I do not have someone that can pump the brakes and push the pedal and hold. Old style is fine, but I don't want to do it that way. The Mighty Vac pump I have is a hand pump and used for Motorcycles. Using it on the car still requires someone to pump and hold the pedal down. The vac sucks it through. There are systems that allow a one person setup and pushes in via a compressed canister through the M/C and through the brake lines. Pushes in new fluid and bleeds at the same time. Looking for that. Brand and best system.

Looking for a vac type or push system to bleed by auto brakes. I have a Mighty Vac I use on the motorcycles, but there are some systems that atcually push the fluid backwards or systems that push in new fluid through the master cylinder. Anyone have suggestions? I am not willing to pay $400 for bleeding brakes maybe a few times ever...

At this stage, we are looking almost the same as the last pic. With one major exception - CLEAN!!! Tore EVERYTHING down and replaced bearings and greased stuff, etc. Swingarm bolt was actually lubed!!! I was blown away. That's usually an item that gets neglected. Even the steering head bearings and such were as described and fairly new. We replaced however a few others in the suspension area and cleaned and regreased the other stuff with a bit better grease. I am debating putting the motor back in and getting things replaced to be able to ride the thing and shake it down. I can refresh the entire motor over winter which I plan to do. Stay tuned!

WAAAAAY better machine in terms of track and racing than the 05/06 generation. They were great bikes, but the 07/08 was head and shoulders above the previous generation in terms of handling and power delivery and ease of use...

Having owned one of these generation 1000s, I must say that it is a better overall package than the newest generation. Plus, mine was built by Reuben and as well equipped. I wish I still had it. This is well sorted, well maintained and well capable of racing at the front of a race series or being a GREAT track day bike. Understand one thing - these are very civilized bikes for track day use. Very much so. In fact, easier than a stocker. Yes, LOADS of power, but is smooth and great handling. Anyways, would make a great bike for someone.