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Buell_nm
| | Posted on Saturday, March 05, 2011 - 11:03 am: | 
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Since I don't ride as hard on the street, I don't have as much to offer. I like my Michelin tires. I have the 2cts on my street bike, I've never had any issues with traction.
Just keep in mind that there isn't a street tire out there that is going to work as well as race tires. Unless you are buying the tires from Daryl at the track you are buy street tires.
The main issue with them is they get too hot and go off quickly without much warning. It's hard to manage the pressures for them since there aren't guidelines for track use. Most track riders will drop their pressures down for the track which which works but generates more heat in the tires causing them to go off quicker with less warning.
The power pures were designed for trackday use. So follow the guidelines for their pressures. I know some guys who have used them and they worked really well for them.
On the race bikes I use the Power Ones. Unlike most of the others you set the pressures cold. 31 front and 22 rear. I've run them like this since they came out and have never had any issues. Now, one SUPER fast guy has told me to make sure they came off the warmers at those pressures as well. I've been playing with that. It's worked well. This past weekend at Firebird when it was less then ideal grip I didn't have any problems. Even when I was on shagged tires from last year that the wrong compound for that track. Not sure what you were doing with your pressures, Nick but if you were doing something else that might have been the problem. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Saturday, March 05, 2011 - 01:18 pm: |
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I agree... The 2CTs are great tires for street bikes. I also like the Power Ones but I was more comfortable with the with the Pirellis and Bridgestones on the track (and my times were better). Just passing on my views since folks asked the question...
With me IT IS "something else" and that's why I'm looking to change out cartridges and the rear shock as well as go to school...if I'm going to continue this track "addiction." I know there are so many variables that the tires are currently the LEAST of my concern.
Interesting about running the Power One tires at 22 off the warmer. I never went that low with them since the back really got chunked up... Maybe I'll try that since I still have them on the bike. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Saturday, March 05, 2011 - 08:33 pm: |
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Yeah, Nick, I recall now that the Dunlops did cup in the front often. I've never run Michelins on the bikes. |
Desertfox
| | Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 01:57 am: |
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Dang... How do you even get to LEARN to ride at the level you guys are riding? I couldn't tell you squat about my tires...
I was riding up to Sandia Peak today with my younger brother and found myself wondering how you go about acquiring cornering skills without riding in an unsafe (or illegal) manner. Is there a track or something in NM where you can push your limits a little without having to be a racer? |
Daschunk
| | Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 01:48 pm: |
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The Race track, I've learned more in one day at the track about motorcycle handling than I had in almost 2 years of daily riding.
You really should do at least one this season. You will learn a lot. |
Buell_nm
| | Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 04:34 pm: |
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+ 1 million for taking it to the track.
www.smri-racing.org This will give you the dates of the track days. They are open to all bikes and we have instructors that can help you learn how to ride safer.
I know people who have been seriously hurt on the crest road. I've spent countless hours on the track and in track schools learning what ever I can. I know that CJ, Nick and Bart can testify to how much my riding has improved over the last few years, and to how much more I know then I did 5 years ago when I started riding.
Nick, suspension is HUGE. It's the best investment you can make if you are going to keep racing. I'm sure I told ya about how Shane Turpin made some quick changes to my suspension and I went out and dropped 12 seconds off my lap times without trying.
As for schools, if you have the cash the Yamaha Champions Riding School is the best I've been to. Not to say don't do the others, but I definitely got more from them then I did from the others. I've managed to take something great from everyone of them expect the Code school. It was too basic and didn't give me any skills, just a few things to think about when teaching others.
I'd like to try some other tires this year, but it always leads to making more suspension changes and going backwards for a bit. I had enough of that last year. This year I'm shooting for 55 second lap times. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 09:28 am: |
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Yes, as Kim mentioned above, the track website is www.smri-racing.org. You dont have to be a racer to go to track days, it is great fun, and great experience. I suggest taking the race school even if you dont race. My skills have improved 10 fold because of the track. You can go as fast or slow as you want, and learn from the other riders.
I think I started out at a (dont laugh) 1:25 pace/ lap. At the end of one season my best time was around 1:05, and that was with a stock CBR600RR. Over the break, I got the parts to re-gear it -1, +2, a Power Commander III to tune it, and set up the suspension a little bit better for my weight, so hopefully I will get below 1:00 this year... (crosses fingers)
all it is is time, and practice. Each time I go out, I get better. I still have not hit a plateau so to speak... but yes, like others have said I recommend coming to at least one track day! |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 01:38 pm: |
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And, while we're on the subject, you gotta watch out on that Crest Road. It is a lot of fun, but in my experience, there are a lot of people who go up there and get in over their heads quick. If you aren't comfortable cornering, you should avoid it until you are. And I try not to go up too early in the season because of all the red sandy crap all over the road. Provides poor traction. And the temperature differential doesn't make for sticky tires.
That said, I know that Luis went out yesterday and went up there, too. He has a small group that goes out for spirited rides every couple of weeks or so. They often shy away from the full-day rides I like (400 miles or so). But they can be fun. A few of them are a little awkward, though, so I keep my distance while riding.
The thing is, know your limits and ride your own ride. If the folks you're with are worth riding with, they'll wait for you at the turns. If not, no loss for you.
I need to get the ride calendar built. Who wants to help? |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 01:43 pm: |
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Oh, and I went up to SFHD yesterday to pick up my Uly from the 5K service (that I had been waiting like six months to get) and the repairs to the crash damage from January. Got of easy, I think, at $490 for the whole thing. $45 for a foot peg!
Meanwhile, I decided to take the scenic route home and went down NM14 through Madrid. Nice ride, road was good. Saw Luis and Marc Beyer going the other way. When I get into Albuquerque, I'm buzzing along I-40 to get back home and I start feeling like the bike is crabbing right a bit. I thought I had a flat. So, I pull over and check the tire pressure. All good. Nothing else appears wrong, so I get back on and go about 30ft when it is doing it again and making racket. I get off again and look and again can't find anything wrong. Then I notice the outside edge of the tire is scuffed up like it's been rubbing on something. Look in the wheel well and it's clear. That's when I notice the bearing is blown. Between the sprocket and swing arm, you could just see where it came apart. I have the black bearing, which I'm fairly certain is the bad one. There has been other chatter about it on here, but I guess I didn't pay enough attention to it. Now, it's back to the shop for warranty work... again.
Sucks. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 02:21 pm: |
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5K on the bike? Very unusual unless it was physically damaged somehow or just defective. Bummer... Hopefully the wheel did not get chewed-up and they can just mount a new one. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 02:45 pm: |
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I have seen others on different forums that say that their wheel bearing blew out, apparently it is a larger issue than I thought. Hope you dont have to get a new wheel! that would suck. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 03:05 pm: |
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This can also be caused by improper torque put on the rear axle when installing the rear wheel.
This will crush the bearings, AND the spacer in the wheel, and if not caught in time, will ruin the whole wheel. 
I hope this is not the case here...
CJ, I will help you with a ride schedule, but will not guarantee that I will attend many of the rides, as I am not fond of being passed on my right side, and am getting too ornery in my old age to ride in any undisciplined groups.. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 03:59 pm: |
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Yes, Bart, improper torque. See this post from Al Lighton:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=3842&post=1487835#POST1487835
I always appreciate suggestions for the ride schedule. My problem is making time to go. I'm over-committed much of the time.
And, who are you calling undisciplined?  |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 04:08 pm: |
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I wont be much help with a ride schedule as I havent done much riding around other parts of NM. I have taken 550 out to Jemez, and then up through Jemez to Bandalier, back through to Santa Fe, and then through Madrid back home... but that is about the longest day ride I have been on. with a stop at Bandalier monument to do a little hiking and lunch, it was a nice day over all. |
Desertfox
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 06:08 pm: |
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Agfish, I might be doing a ride like that over spring break. I need to get some fishing in before I go insane... I guess it depends on the weather though. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 06:16 pm: |
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CJ,
Considering you let the dealer do all the service, I hope they haven't stopped using torque wrenches... It only takes one overtorque to start the process of destruction. Bummer... Hope you get back on the road soon.
Re Rides/schedule...CJ, you know the usual places... Deconflict them from track/race days and I will try and make some. ALso, TRY and mix in some Saturdays with the usual Sundays...Maybe even south for a change. The Mimbres valley, Gila, Silver City, and the Sacramento Mountains... as we discussed some time ago. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 07:41 pm: |
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Yes, Nick, I agree we need to go south some. Did you post up those routes in this forum? Maybe I can do a search, or maybe you can remind me of the good ones. I think maybe south for early or late season rides, north for most of the rest.
Deconflicting with track and race days is going to be quite a challenge this season. They have them every other week all year. It's crazy. Also, I know Bart has a great ride on AZ191 coming up the weekend of May 6, 7, 8 or right around there. I'm really going to try to do it since I have to work all the following weekend.
Adam and Billy: You guys really need to hook up with us for some day rides and some weekend overnights. And definitely for the SW Buell Rally in August. Lots of good times. We typically start early (0800 or so) and get home late (1800 or so). 400 miles in a day is realistic and it's all through some of the most scenic country you can ride through (all heavily fortified with curvy roads).
I'll try to post some stuff up soon for feedback. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 07:59 pm: |
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CJ,
I would ride with you, and Kim any day...
I dislike people that try to pass me in the same lane, I will probably take out the next rider that attempts to pass me on the right...
I like folks that are punctual, and show up with a full tank of gas, ready to ride. I too, like long rides, 200 - 400 miles isn't all that much for a day ride.) I typically ride about 1400 miles every other weekend. 
I hate riding on Freeways, although I will do it, if I'm in a rush, and NEED to be somewhere, otherwise it's curvy backroads only for this rider.
Short rides are for after work. 
Good luck getting the shop to admit to any wrongdoing. DAMHIK!
It's going to be nice this weekend, and I need to put some miles on the CR, was thinking of doing the enchanted circle... |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - 09:19 am: |
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Desertfox, I would love to go on a ride like that, but Spring Break is somewhat busy for me. My Fiance's son will be here, and I wont be doing much in the way of riding until after he leaves.
CJ, I plan on attending as many of the rides this year as I can. I will be doing track days this year (not race days though), so whenever time permits, I will be there with bells on.
Bart, I promise not to pass you in the same lane (especially on the right) I'm not a big fan of that either  After being in the military, I am a bit punctual (typically 10-15 early everywhere I go) and I ALWAYS fill my tank prior to a ride. it has always been my philosophy to show up 100% ready to do what is planned. |
Reiver
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - 09:41 am: |
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When you guys come up with a schedule let me know.I haven't ridden up north in a couple years.If you head south I would definitely meet up with you.I'm looking forward to the rally this year.I tried a track day in Deming last year(per everyones recommendation)and can't wait to try it again. |
Desertfox
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - 10:59 am: |
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Hah! Don't have to worry about ME passing. I like to keep more experienced people in front of me. Plus, I don't like to be side-by-side in a lane because I feel trapped (fewer dodging options in an emergency).
I guess if I end up having time to ride up north for some fishing, I'll post about it here first, just in case someone else wants to toss a couple flies and catch some trout. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - 10:42 pm: |
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What is this... a public confessions blog?
I have found that rides go better when riders are reminded there are some rules and etiquette. If you don't talk about these things before a ride, there is bound to be somebody who forgets or does not know better...
Quite frankly I wouldn't pass anyone on the right (on the street) because I don't trust them... So, some mutual distrust is a good thing.
If you want to see undisciplined riders... mobs of HD cruiser riders...who have just left one bar for another. Now there's something to be concerned about.
BTW: No motorcyclist has ever been killed in NM by another motorcycle... |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 - 11:40 am: |
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Nick, are you doing track days this season, or strictly race days like last year?
Are there any other guys/ gals who will be doing track days? I've decided to just do track for this year and not race days, just trying to get a feel for the crowd.
(Message edited by agfish18 on March 09, 2011) |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 - 01:02 pm: |
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Ok, here is the rundown on weekends. I'm inputting the race weekends, track days, and my own personal availability. Each of you should chime in with your own personal availability and desires, and then we'll firm it up.
March:
12/13: Possible Enchanted Cirle with Bart. (Probably still cold and sandy up there.)
19/20: Jemez/Valle Grande/Turquoise Trail loop
26/27: CJ running Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon, White Sands, NM
April:
2/3: High Road/Black Lake loop
9/10: SMRI Sunday Track Day
16/17: SMRI Sunday Race Day
23/24: Ruidoso/Cloudcroft/White Sands (overnight?)
30/1: SMRI Sunday Track Day
May:
7/8: Espanola/El Rito/TP/TA/Chama (lunch)/Coyote/Regina/Cuba
14/15: Bart's SpringFast AZ191 ride
21/22: SMRI Sat Track/Sun Race (CJ's son graduates HS)
Colorado: Gateway, CO ride
28/29/30: Red River Rally (although I want to go somewhere else so I can avoid the Harleys)
June:
2/3/4/5: Buell Homecoming, East Troy, WI
4/5: SMRI Sunday Track Day
11/12: TA/TP
18/19: Colorado: Lake City ride
25/26: SMRI Sunday Race Day
July:
2/3/4:
9/10: SMRI Sunday Track Day
15/16/17: S2 Gathering, Christmas, Michigan
23/24: Pagosa Springs?
23/24: Colorado: Black Hills, SD ride
30/31: SMRI Sunday Race Day
August:
6/7: CJ Out of Town 8/6-14
13/14: SMRI Sunday Track Day
20/21: SW Buell Rally (Durango)
27/28: SMRI Sunday Race Day
September:
3/4/5:
10/11: SMRI Sat Track/Sun Race
16/17/18: AZ RideFest
17/18: Colorado: Steamboat Springs, CO ride
24/25:
October:
1/2: Mimbres Valley/Gila Cliffs/Alto, NM (overnight?)
8/9: SMRI Sunday Track Day
15/16:
22/23: SMRI Sunday Race Day
29/30:
I left a lot of openings. I'm looking for suggestions on where folks want to go.
(Message edited by Ghostrider on March 10, 2011) |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 - 07:14 pm: |
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DesertFox, you seem like someone I could ride with.
CJ,
Sept 16, 17, 18th AZ RideFest, fall version of SpringFast.
S2 gathering is in Michigan this year, TX was last year. Dates are:The dates: July 15, 16, 17th 2011
Location: Christmas, Michigan
You can learn more about that in the old school, S2 Thunderbolt thread.
Home Coming is June 2nd thru the 5th, 2011. It will be in Troy, not sure where it will be based out of though.
There is a thread about it on the quick board. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2011 - 01:48 am: |
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Agfish, I'm doing both when I can... but mostly just race weekends.
CJ,
Two south possibilities previously discussed:
- The Mimbres Valley, Gila Cliffs, Alto, and Rt 15 (site of a previous Buell Rally)
- Ruidoso, Cloudcroft, White Sands |
Bart
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2011 - 09:55 pm: |
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Taken along RT66/Central today, on my way up to the crest.
I liked the Kokopelli's driving the Vette, and the RoadRunner cresting the hill.
This is from my second trip up the crest.
I went twice, once on the XB, and again on the CR. Then I went out dirt biking.
I fine day indeed... |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2011 - 09:20 am: |
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where was that mural painted?? Central and ??? Looks pretty sweet. I wish I rode this weekend... unfortunately I did not. Oh well, I will soon. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2011 - 11:30 am: |
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Yeah, this weekend was mostly a waste. Got a few things accomplished, but most of them I could have done without. Next weekend looks better. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2011 - 12:34 pm: |
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who all is doing the turquoise trail loop next weekend? I can't go ;( after this next weekend, I should be fairly free to go on rides though. |
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