| Author | Message | ||
     M2nc |
You know I switched bikes with a Buddy who is looking at a Uly. I rode his Super Glide while he rode my Uly and one thing came to mind just like the last time I rode a Harley (A Street Rod). They do not hold a candle to a Buell but they are equally as fun but at slower speeds. I was tossing this Super Glide around with its wallowmatic suspension, wheel hopping front end, and was sure glad it had a good rear brake because the front brake was not there. I was having fun at 60mph. On the Uly I only have fun at 60mph in a 20mph curve. So I was thinking there are advantages to a less capable bike. You have just as much fun, but at slower (safer) speeds.  (Message edited by M2nc on September 05, 2006) | ||
| Blake |
"I doubt that there are 1000 people on the planet that can pass Rossi given the same equipment. I'd bet less than 100." Whittle that down to more like "3" and I might agree with you. Seriously dude, what are you thinking? Rossi is the man! Seven time world champion! Probably would be again this year if his Yammer hadn't quit on him. | ||
| Blake |
Heck, the Dr. very well still may win the championship this year. | ||
| Slaughter |
I've brought my XB to it's "current" limit There's "it's" limit and there's "MY" limit. I have yet to be riding a bike to it's limit but have hit MY limit pretty often. When you're sliding BOTH ends on a rough, high speed section, lap after lap, you're pretty near it's limits. When I'm sliding JUST the rear when passing coming out of a turn, I'm at MY limit. | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Slaughter, Very well put sir,,,,,excellent! I've been running out of personal talent for years. Sometimes that means a little slip, bobble, whatever. When I really run out of personal talent it normally results in a less than desirable outcome (lowside, off the road excursion, ordering replacement parts, new helmet, new gloves, etc, etc, etc.) G2 | ||
| Daves |
"nothing save Troy Bayliss could have passed me, if he were lucky" You must be a heck of a rider Rocket. | ||
| Rocketman |
Combat, ALL of your 'on the limit' theory is based on a track. That is not where I ride. Come to it Rossi has only just in recent years taken to the roads, on a scooter around London. That means I have a thing or two I could teach him about riding fast on the road. Bring it on. On the track sure he's the best and I could not get near his pace, which means I wouldn't be at the limit of the bike if I were riding equivalent to him. Now take those two bikes Rossi and I are riding on the track to the road, and I bet those three dimes in your pocket Rossi's limit would be similar \ closer to mine. The point I was trying to make is simple. On the road, I believe I used a GSXR1000K5 as my example, the limiting factor isn't the bike all of the time, where as on the track it probably is most of the time. This would mean that limits are much easier achieved on the road which means that lots of people will find the limit of their chosen machine on the open road if they try to do so. That's my theory anyway. As for the weight difference you mention. Firstly, thanks for the complement. I'm sure you meant it. Second, ever hear of the fat bastard Dave Jeffries? He was like 160 odd pounds give or take, and he lapped the TT at 127 and change, and would have been the first to lap at 130mph if he hadn't been killed. Careful of that weight thing. Torque, HP, aerodynamics, technique, squatting dogs, all have their parts to play. Just think the opposite to Rollie Free in his under crackers on that Vinnie. Rocket | ||
| Ceejay |
Ifn' ya don't push em-limits, how do you know where/what they are? | ||
| Rocketman |
You must be a heck of a rider Rocket. Of course I am. I have a wealth of experience to call upon. But hey Dave, if I'm not mistaken I detect an air of that 'ignorant petrol head' thing I mentioned, in your comment. I've little experience on the track, I'll admit, so have no pretensions about my track star abilities. If it helps, the road is my race track. Not every time or day I ride, but that's where I've honed my skill over the years and I see nothing wrong with admitting I can ride hard and fast with a high degree of skill. These are not uncommon talents in the biking scene. They are not exclusively mine. At least not here in the UK they aren't. No dude, I'm not alone with my skills. Far from it. That said, I'm not bragging about it. Puleeze! I'm just using my skills as a reference to show that limits on the road are sometimes achievable on bikes like the GSXR1000K5. I do have friends I can call upon who can tell you far better than I can from their ownership experience, but I don't need to do that. You know what I'm trying to say.  Rocket | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Your "Limit" is very much determined by the environment your riding in. The "Limit" in a school zone is much different than the "Limit" on a freeway, interstate or track. Use your head, think and know what the "Limit" is. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I define my limit by the seat/pucker factor. Seen too many dead on the roads over the years, don't want to be a statistic too. Call me chicken if you like, I ride for MY pleasure, I'm not a racer, I couldn't give a rats a*s who go's quicker than I do. I'll catch you up at the next gas/coffee/smoke stop. | ||
| Glitch |
We were riding in the mountains last summer, a guy riding a Ducati race replica (don't know which, it had full fairings), took a turn too hot and left the road. Once we had the rider, and most of his bike back up to the road, he told one of the guys that helped lift his bike to the road, "I ran outta road." The one he was talking to looked at him and said, "Nope, looks like you ran outta rider." Priceless classic. | ||
| Daves |
I guess I am just an ignorant petrol head then. | ||
| Bomber |
Me too -- yet another ignorant petrol head! (beat me to it, Daves) but hey, ignorance is bliss, so me and Daves are the happiest! WE WIN! I do know my limits have grown over the years -- I'm faster now (track, and very seldom, street) than I was mumble mumble years ago -- over a long (200 mile) backroad scratch, my total elapsed time is about 15% faster than it was mumble mumble years ago -- of course, I'm not scaring myself nearly as much as I used to, so I'm not stopping for a smoke break, shaking hands, using 17 matches to get the Pall Mall lit, which saves a great deal of time OK 1000 and ONE guys can ride these superbikes at their limits ;-} | ||
| Daves |
 By the way Bomber The knife you made is about to get another season long workout! Just touched it up the other day, getting ready. | ||
| Bomber |
WOO HOO -- User's rock, wall hangers don't! thanks for putting a smile on my face! | ||
| Road_thing |
I'm guessing that that's one knife that won't be used for slicing okra...  rt | ||
| Daves |
 Nope, no Okra here | ||
| M1combat |
That's what I meant Slaughter... I've learned a few turns well enough with the bikes current setup that I can slide both wheels around the turn. Feels absolutely brilliant. I'm absolutely certain though, that someone like Rossi could do it quicker, and I'm absolutely certain that I could play with the suspension or upgrade the suspension and do it quicker myself. That's why I'm saying that there are places where I've reached MY limit. I'm sure there are things I could do with technique that would make me go faster around those turns (which is why I've decided to start racing next season). I've approached my limit but I know damn good and well that the bike has a good deal more in it. Hence the reason I say it's "current" limit (current setup, tires, technique, suspension etc...). That said... I can't just throw it into any old turn and do the same thing. There are three of them, and those are the only three that on a great day I can put the bike on it's limit. I've been around those three turns at least 1000 times. | ||
| Rocketman |
We were riding in the mountains last summer, a guy riding a Ducati race replica (don't know which, it had full fairings), took a turn too hot and left the road. Once we had the rider, and most of his bike back up to the road, he told one of the guys that helped lift his bike to the road, "I ran outta road." The one he was talking to looked at him and said, "Nope, looks like you ran outta rider." Priceless classic. I'm sorry but I just can't settle for this self righteous attitude when it comes to riding a bike fast, and falling off. Who is to say the bloke on the Ducati 'ran outta rider'? No one knew him, yet his riding skills were questioned because he took a corner too hot and came off. For all we know he might have been a pro racer. If that was known at the time the Ducati bloke binned it, would Glitch's mate have said the same? I doubt it. Sorry but I get sick of people that persecute or ridicule bikers because they ride fast. Even persecuted because they sometimes fall off. More so when it's coming from a fellow biker. Yes there are idiots on two wheels but I don't think I've ever come across one riding (especially) a Ducati. There are risks. We all know them. Some like to push the envelope further than others. It's not a crime nor an injustice to other bikers to do so. Frankly I don't care for this I'm better than you because I've got more sense than you because I know I'm not as good as Kosinski or Rossi or Troy Freekin Frankfurter. Bring on the fastest you can find and I'll try hard to have a go at him \ her, no matter their name, fame or game. Only when I'm trying will I decide where my limit lies. Each day, each ride is different. Respect where respect is due. More power to your elbow if you like trucking on slow. Sometimes I do too, but that's not why one buys a 916 or a K5, R1, Blade etc etc etc. Eventually the demon in us all will rotate that right grip to the butt stop, but don't worry, it won't make you anymore an idiot than you already are for piloting a ridiculously unstable vehicle with two wheels missing a full load. Rocket | ||
| Glitch |
No one knew him, yet his riding skills were questioned because he took a corner too hot and came off. The people that were riding with him knew him, indeed they still do. So sorry for making my story too simple. I'm not such a good story teller. His friends were the ones saying they were waiting for him to fck up, as he had been riding like a fool all day. I merely wanted to get to the quote. Yes there are idiots on two wheels but I don't think I've ever come across one riding (especially) a Ducati. I meet idiots on every make of bike. The bikes here in American don't have the opportunity to choose the rider that mounts them. Frankly I don't care for this I'm better than you because... I have never said I was better than anyone. Bring on the fastest you can find and I'll try hard to have a go at him \ her, no matter their name, fame or game. When you come to visit (I offer free room and board) you can come ride with us. I'm sure you're faster than some, slower than some. It's the way it is, there's always someone that can best you, there's always someone you can best. I just thought what the guy said was funny, and at the time, and the fellow he was talking about, it was appropo. | ||
| Greenlantern |
"I just thought what the guy said was funny, and at the time, and the fellow he was talking about, it was appropo." It was both funny and appropriate. Well that is of course assuming the Ducati was not from the year 2136 where all machines think for themselves and free us humans from all responsibility for our actions.  | ||
| Bomber |
ame across a thought while reading a piece in the BWM club rag -- Neal Pert (Rush drummer, for what ever that might be worth) relates the tale of his rinding "mentor" teaching him that anything that happened on the bike was his responsibility. Anything. This helped me express a vague, unformed thought I'd been chewing on for a long far . . . I recommend it to new riders, but only when asked. If there's gravel at the apex, and I'm riding so fast that I can't change lines to avoid it, or ride it out, that's my responsibility. if I set off car alarms with my loud exhaust, that's my responsibility. if I enter a corner too hot and "run outa road," or run outa rider (love that quote), that's my responsibility. if a soccor Mom in a minvan turns left in front of me and I hit her, that's my responsibility. I try to think this way throughout my like, but most especially while riding. It's a comfort to me to feel that I'm responsible for me. I KNOW no one else is gonna lok out for me any better than I will. You may, of course, make your own choice. | ||
| Rocketman |
Glitch, I wasn't having a pop at you. It just infuriates me when we as riders are judged poorly especially by other riders because some ride fast on some occasions. You said it again in your last post. His friends were the ones saying they were waiting for him to fck up, as he had been riding like a fool all day. Consider his friends might have ALL shared the same attitude I was frowning upon earlier. Perhaps they were jealous their friend rode a Ducati. Maybe they were envious they couldn't ride as good as their friend. The picture is simple. Everyone (almost) is quick to point the finger at the so called fool but really it is because they themselves are glad it wasn't them that binned it in the corner making them the fool. If the Duc bloke had been acting like a fool all day, how come it took him so long to prove himself the fool? Consider, maybe he never was. So why brand anyone a fool unless it's absolutely the case without question? When Rossi bins it, do we hear cries of fool? No we don't. Basically, there are enough fools in this world without us adding more from our own. One last thing. I doubt you meet idiots that often on any bike, let alone all makes. I find the opposite to be the truth. Most everyone I know who owns a motorcycle is not a foolish person, even when they might act a little foolish. Yes there is a difference. Thanks for understanding, I think. Rocket | ||
| Daves |
I am at least as fast as Troy Freakin Frankfurter and don't you ever forget it!  How did this get from where it started to where it is now? I love to ride fast I have crashed, both on the road and at the track(not much fun by the way,I'd like to avoid doing it again if possible) I push MY limits but keep that to the track mostly and try to do it in small increments. I am no where near the bikes limits I am pretty fast There are many,many that are faster I am an ignorant petrol head | ||
| Ceejay |
Are we gonna have to start a self-help group, or is that what this already is... | ||
| Bomber |
the only time Daves sees the Chevrons is when he's lapping me. does that make me a MORE ignorant petrol head, or less? | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I think I may be an ignorant hydrocarbon head. I can't be a petrol head, I love diesels too much.  | ||
| Glitch |
No sweat, Rocket. I now understand what you were saying, and I agree for the most part. Yes most riders I meet are the kind I'd be friends with. Even more so are Buellers, and others not on cookie cutter bikes. One big difference *I think* I may have found with "over here" and "over there." Here there be squids And plenty of 'em. It ain't pretty. I've almost quit going to bike nights because of the squids and posers. Sometimes I feel out numbered by 'em. Thanks for bothering to reply. The offer still stands. You're welcome at my house. | ||
| Aesquire |
August 21. I'm on the day back from vacation. One of the fun things I do each year on vacation is re-certify in First Aid & CPR. This year, I took the pro rescuers courses, instead of the standard Red Cross. (I do volunteer first aid work in the SCA) So, driving down the road, trolling down the shoulder, ( delivering stuff ) I hear a "whump", & in the mirror I see a rider rolling to a stop, sans bike. Out of the truck I pop, do the assess thing & see a sportster down, a minivan crunched & a lady in distress. Everyone in sight is dialing 911, so I put my phone away & get to work. Not much to do, I check the lady, broken hip/legs, tell her not to move, get bystanders to provide shade, tell 911 what the sit really is, using the phone the minivan driver is talking on, ( to 911 ) I just walked over & over talked him. Then I move the sportster, & tell the minivan driver to move his vehicle, where & how. He gets huffy. I'm still in "emt/as#$le" mode, so tell him I have no intention of making him so mad that he takes a swing at me, but if he does not move his vehicle so the ambulance can get in I will do it for him. Now. He moves. Darn! the classes really take. Ambulance gets the girl, hurt but breathing, idiot gets upset, cops watch & smile. So, off I go, back to work. The accident was the typical left turn, didn't see him, head on variant. I've been scared shi@@ess when my attention wandered, for a second & almost got hit the exact same way. She may have been able to miss him if she was really on top of it. I don't know. It's not always your fault. Safety gear. Half helmet, boots, jeans & tank top. The road rash was not too bad, some nice lacerations that a leather jacket would have prevented. I'm still going to mock 1/2 helmets, but not as much. Anything is better than nothing. No gear I know would have helped the legs. I'm not sure this is the right place to post this, but the experience seems relevant. |
