| Author | Message | ||
     Lake_bueller |
Well, I been riding motorcycles for 7 years now (got a late start on the whole thing). Yesterday I finally took the leap with a track day. All I can say is....What took me soooooo long?!?!?!?!? First, I'd like to thank the guys at Edge Performance for putting on a great event. They were very helpful to the newbies like myself. Not only did they run a smooth event, they were available to give tips and hints to make you turn better times. Because there weren't too many riders, they only had 2 level sessions. I rode in the novice/intermedite grouping. There were a number of get off during the day. I think there were probably a couple of reasons for large number of crashes. First, there were too many experienced/racers riding in the novice group. It was un-nerving for a new rider to have a race bike screaming past you at conciderably higher speeds. Secondly, it was a cold day. Most of the crashes seemed to come in the first lap or two of a session. The combination of cold tires and cold pavement is not a mix. I had four goals for the day. 1) DON'T CRASH! 2) Become a better rider. 3) Get a knee on the ground. 4) HAVE FUN! I accomplished 3 of 4 (couldn't get the knee down that far). And as you'll see in the pictures that Greg (aka Dyna) will post later, I'm VERY lucky to not have crashed. The short and sweet is that I had a technical problem that could have been disastrous. For some unknown reason, my primary decided to puke (may have been overfilled) all over my rear tire. I didn't know it happened until coming into the pits due to a red flag on the course. As for becoming a better rider.....the first 2 sessions I was getting passed and lapped by almost everyone on the course. Later in the day, I started to lap a few people. But better yet, I was holding my own against a good number of the bikes out there. In typical Buell fashion, I would get walked on in the straights but ride up their ••• in the corners. If my cajones were a little larger, I would have made a few corner passes. I'll leave that for the next time  Lastly...I just had a BLAST!!! Already looking forward to the next time. It was well worth the time (alarm went off at 3:15am) and money (can't put a price on the experience). I'll be posting some pics under the thread that Dyna started. Now get out there and go to a track day. You won't regret a second of the experience!!! | ||
| Bomber |
Mennis -- glad ya had a great time -- sounds like you learned some, as well (which is key) don't sweat the knee down thing (way over-rated), also the getting passed thing -- sorry to hear about the hotshoes in the beginner class -- that CAN be a problem . . .. . . lastly, the primaries will puke some, specially in colder weather, if my experience is any indication . . . .usually a sign of slight overfilling, as you say congrats -- few better ways to spend a day! | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
don't sweat the knee down thing (way over-rated) Damn straight on that. Havent yet touched a knee & had no problems getting around rather quickly, although I think its time to start leaning off just a touch more as I was dragging both pegs this time. Will post pics in a couple hrs. Im glad Dennis showed up, we need more folks like him who arent afraid to get out there & use their bikes for the purpose they were designed for. | ||
| Cj_xb |
I'd LOVE to ride mine that way, for the purpose intended IF someone would buy me another one that I can ride on the street when/if I lay mine down on the track !! A mechanic I'm not, and it's costly taking it in for even minor scraps/dings etc. !! Oh, plus yeah I'm a little scared !! CJ | ||
| Ingemar |
It's good hear stuff like this. I've been itching this season to get out to the track, but finances prohibited. Now that finances are back up track days are out (so I'm spending on new parts!!) since it's raining cats and dogs out here and it's getting colder (its called winter  ). Looking forward to the pics! Ingemar. | ||
| Bomber |
rather than knee dragging, try this when in the turn, try to have your head aligned with where the stock mirror is -- this will get your upper boy inside a bit, which has the same affect as getting your butt off to the inside, but is a bit easier to do for people that know pain, and don't heal in a weekend ;-} | ||
| Daves |
Glad you had a good time Lake! We will be doing more next year, starting in June or sooner. What was that about a trip to Texas this winter? Dave | ||
| Lake_bueller |
I wish I had someone take some pictures of me in the keyhole and bus stop. Those were, by far, by best corners. I was hitting that big right with some solid speed. While I couldn't see the speedo (not like I really wanted to take my eyes off the corner  ), the bike was in 3rd and running around 4500rpm (judging from the motor sound). That second left out of the bus stop was a real winner for me. I'm not the best at left turns so I worked hard on that corner. I was hitting the tips my toes (which were on the pegs like Sean preached) a number of times. The peg just barely scraped few times. It's the first time I've gotten the S1 pegs down that far. I'm picking up pictures after work. They're mostly of Dyna & Dave. Most of the other riders were in my group. | ||
| Cj_xb |
his will get your upper boy inside a bit, Upper boy ?? | ||
| Bomber |
oops . .. .body . . . . . .spell check works, no logic check, though ;-{ | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
My problem is right turns, I am alot better at Left turns then right. | ||
| Coolice |
See if we could get more riders to do track day they WILL become better riders. Good to hear you had a good time Dennis. Now tell more riders about it, so they can use their machines and be more familar with the input we have on a bike, either on the street or track, doesn't matter. Like Reg Pridmore has said at the schools I attended, the lessons learned on the track can/will save your life someday. I agree. Can't wait til next year, save some cash and do the track, maybe ALL Buells? | ||
| Crusty |
I did the Learning Curves School at Blackhawk Farms at Homecoming '99. It's a great track, and I had a LOT of fun. There were about 50 - 60 Buells there, and nobody crashed. CJ, I really recommend you try it. You'll come away wishing you'd tried it sooner. Just don't ride over your head, and listen to the Instructors. You'll learn a lot and you'll have more fun than you expect. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Lake... could be crank seal. Not a bad job to replace, especially if you are doing the clutch anyway. Make sure you don't seat it too deeply or it will rub the crank bearing and get chewed through quickly. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
the lessons learned on the track can/will save your life someday There's definately something to be said about that. I understood all the "physics" involved in using the throttle to get OUT of trouble. It's another story to actually use the principals. I had a few times were I either kept or got on the throttle in a tight corner to overcome the "shoot, I'm not going to make it" feeling. Guess what, it worked every time. Another "street" lesson I learned....you're mind is 100x faster than you understand. I was suprised at how quickly I adjusted to a situation while still anylizing. Between sessions, I'd go through things that happened on the track. Then I think about the different scenarios that would go through my mind in the matter of a second or two. Better d@mn amazing CJ...you really should try it. I really think you'd have a great time and learn alot about riding. Maybe you could talk Nancy into joining you? | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Reep...oil level didn't change. I checked that first (or second). This is the second time this year that I've had that problem. I'll take some time this winter to look for a kink or blockage in the line. I may run a catch can for peace of mind. | ||
| Bomber |
Mennis wrote "you're mind is 100x faster than you understand" AMEN -- that track mindset can be very instructive -- on the track, you're not looking at the scenery, thinking about getting gas at the next burg, the girl int he covertible you jsut passed, the fight you had with your boss the day before, you're just focuesed on riding! remember that state, and get there everytime you ride - - THAT will save your life as often as the physical skills you learn | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I'd LOVE to ride mine that way CJ, come with my brother, my nephew, and I to "learning curves" down at Blackhawk next spring. I'm sure my brother and I weren't making Dave and Gerry very happy, not keeping up with them on the "crud run" through the twisties. The 1st set of twisties, I was keeping up with Dave, but I got a tad bit timmid after sliding a bit on some tar snakes. I want to learn the RIGHT way to ride faster. So we were talking Sunday night, and all decided to take the learning curves class next spring. | ||
| Easyflier |
Ditto what Lake_Bueller posted. Had a blast, know myself and my bike much better. Was a little apprehensive but seemed to improve throughout the day. I have a few things to do this winter, most importantly get my front brake working correctly. As always Dave was a great host and we had a good time socializing and meeting some of the new riders he brought down from Appleton. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Pics are up in the other thread. I feel sorry for anyone on a dialup connection. | ||
| Easyflier |
I wasn't real comfortable hanging off the left side, will have to work on that. Thanks for posting the pics Greg. | ||
| Cj_xb |
CJ...you really should try it. I really think you'd have a great time and learn alot about riding. Maybe you could talk Nancy into joining you? The pics on the other thread were excellent, (good job as always Dyna) but it's those same pics of the bikes laid down, of way better riders than me that makes me REALLY nervous, and I"m not even there yet !! But yeah, maybe next year I'll have more guts and I know Nancy wouldn't hesitate !! "learning curves" If it's warm then yeah I might do that too !! I know Gerry pretty well, he rides good but he never gets annoyed at someone who doesn't ride the same pace, they always wait for me at the stops without complaint !! So I'm sure you guys didn't annoy them at all mackay !! CJ  Next year is a new year, this year I'm better than last, so who knows !! | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
The hanging off deal definately doesnt come naturally. Hell I have done 6-7 track days now & am just now finally starting to shift my weight around more & leaning into the corners with my upper body. It takes a conscious effort & plenty of practice. Would have loved to have taken more pics of everyone, but with the half hr sessions & the ability to run all day if you wanted to I was just having too much fun on the track. I think I need to start delegating "official" badweb photo status on the wife | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
CJ, not all the riders are better than you. Some simply cant control their ego & ride above their ability....not pointing anyone out either...but it does happen. They like to tell us its not a race, but you know how emotions & testosterone take over & next thing you know you are racing at Laguna | ||
| Bluebuellxb9r |
All Buell trackday ? Did someone say all Buell trackday ? Count me in ! Im doing my 7th this year on the mighty XB next monday . The 8th is coming up later in the mnth. What track was this ? | ||
| Gearhead |
TRACK DAYS ROCK!!! Sorry I had to miss it, sounds like it was a great day for you guys. Dave, how much does it cost to put on a track day with Sean? Granted if the number of participants is low the cost will be higher than a regular track day but if you could get more one on one training and tips I'd be interested. I have to pay hundreds to take graduate college courses so I understand that you get what you pay for. Check out the cost of some of the famous ex-riders track schools out on the left coast!!! I really believe a day with Sean in a small group season would help me get to the next level and everyone else as well whatever your level is. Something to think about as others entertain the idea of a Buell or BadWeb only track day. | ||
| Daves |
I'll talk to him. I'm sure we can come up with something. Dave Track day pimp | ||
| Sportsman |
The first track day for me was a BRAG event at Summit Point. I was blown away by how much fun it was. All Buells and not way too many. Scott Zampagh was a control rider. (I know I probably misspelled his name)I've been hooked ever since. This one sounds like you guys are pumped and really had a great time too. Get organized and get BRAG involved. BRAG/Buell track days really happen and they are a great! | ||
| Rotchcrocket51 |
Hang in there Lake Bueller! I love to see tube framers at the race track. I only live 18 miles from VIR and I am there every chance I get. About the oil from the vent...the high rpm at the race track seems to bring on that glitch. I made a catch can and zip tied it to the frame to take care of that on my M-2. If you look closely at the attached picture, you will see it near my right boot. I have a clear bottle on there now to make it easier to see how much oil is in there.  | ||
| Ingemar |
If you look closely at the attached picture, you will see it near my right boot Ah ... you're just sayin' that to make us all look at your picture and get jealous at how well you're takin' that curve ... |
