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R2s
| | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 12:43 am: | 
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The racer at Fontana wasn't on an 1125r. The 1125r doesn't need a steering damper. Its a very stable bike. Eric Buell stated in an interview that it was designed to not require one. If your gonna be racing it, and are use to having one on your bike whatever type of bike it is, then I could understand putting one on, but you surely don't need one for street use. It isn't gonna make you a better rider. If you still decide you have to spend your money on one, and its an 08, don't cover up your 25th anniversary plate with a GPR. |
P_squared
| | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 12:51 am: |
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As for the trackday gigs, just sign up & do one. It's a whole heck of a lot safer than trying to learn how to go fast on the street.
Most outfits have a Beginner/Novice group. A LOT of classroom time & tight instructor control. You don't have to be a racer for a trackday.
Heck, there were 2 gals at the Inside Pass @ Eagle's Canyon, 1 on a VRod, the other on a Glide (I think). On the track.
Pick the brains of local riders & racers in your area for a good trackday organization & sign up. It's well worth it IMO. |
Krassh
| | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 01:07 am: |
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+1 on Track days.
I have been riding dirt for 34 years and street for 26 years. I did 2 Buell Inside pass track days last year. My first track days ever. Made me a much better rider even on the street than all my years of experience. |
Redscuell
| | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 07:40 pm: |
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"So is it worth it to have a damper only for street use?"
Marco, in my experience the GPR damper is the finishing touch to the R that makes it into the streetable superbike it claims to be. IMHO.
I feel so strongly about this, that over on the "dear mr. buell" thread I posted that BMC needs to make this damper a standard item on the R, just as dampers are standard issue on so many jap and italian superbikes.
As I stated in that thread, I felt I had made a serious error in choosing the Buell R as a street bike until I fitted the GPR (which is a Thunderbolt item; 1 metric mounting screw substitution required). I commute at freeway speeds for 10 hours per week, including many high-speed roundabouts with exit speeds of 80 kph+ (y'all don't ahve roundabouts in USA).
It's in the roundabouts that the undamped steering is quite unpleasant; and even on the freeway, at night I found it quite unsettling to be able to 'wiggle' the headlamps with light touches on the bars. With the GPR the wiggle can't be induced. |
Slaughter
| | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 07:46 pm: |
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Mark,
You are EXACTLY at the point where it is MOST APPROPRIATE to go to a track day where they offer on-track instruction. This is so you can get usable skills BEFORE you get bad habits on the street that will take LONGER to un-learn.
Pridmore told Sunny exactly this when she signed up with "less than 1000 miles" total seat time. |
Marcodesade
| | Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 01:33 am: |
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Wow, thanks for all the great advice. Just out of curiosity, how much does a typical track day cost for a first timer? And are there any required purchases, gear, or mods? My bike is essentially stock, except for cosmetic stuff. As far as clothing, I'm all leather except the pants (saving up). Do I need those first? Pucks?
Thanks again,
Marco |
Painkiller
| | Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 07:18 am: |
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Marco,
Check out:
http://trackdaz.com/ti/trackdaz/index.html
or
www.fastrackriders.com
since you live close to Willow springs.
You can findout about all the required info to get you on the track by looking at the site or just give 'em a call and chat with them for a bit.
I'm going through trackdaz in April. I've heard really good things about them and their prices aren't too bad plus they dont require that much work be done to the bike to ride it on the track.
-Joe |
Marcodesade
| | Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 12:37 pm: |
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Looks very cool. But I'm actually closer (a LOT closer) to Auto Club (AKA California) Speedway in Fontana. Anyone know of anything coming up there? |
Rfischer
| | Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 01:52 pm: |
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Also, FYI, most headshake encountered on all bikes is rider-induced by loading up the bars with pressure. As you will be taught at any good track school. Or, read one of Keith Code's books. |
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