G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile

Buell Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through November 30, 2008 » Good to be back at the track « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Redbuelljunkie
Posted on Sunday, November 23, 2008 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yesterday was my first time back at Jennings GP since my accident last January. It was also my first track day on an XB12R. The experience was absolutely fantastic in many ways.

For starters- since I'm still recovering from eight broken bones (tibia, fibula, pelvis, distal radius, glenoid, scapula, and humerus- in two places) I was not sure if I was ready for a track day. In fact, seeing I was still in a wheel chair in August, I wasn't sure if I'd make it to Jennings this year.

Although I was not able to drag a knee, I was surprised by the level of aggressive riding I was able to accomplish... my cohort and I were able to pass everyone in the "B" (intermediate) group twice in each of the afternoon sessions. I attribute a lot of my ability to an amazing motorcycle.

The XB is hands down the best track bike I have ridden- edging out contenders like my R1200S, D675, Ducati GT1000, Monster 750, SV1000, Ninja 650R, FZR600, and X-1. The one word I would use to describe what the XB provides is "confidence".

The handling is amazing... I trust the front end completely, turn in is telepathic, mid-turn stability is rock-solid, it puts the power down smoothly and with authority, and the sound- wow! That Special Ops exhaust got everyone's attention, and many compliments.

My friend Craig was riding his '05 Speed Triple, and he was able to pull me on the straights- but the two of us passed every other bike on the track (BMWs, Jap I-4s/twins, and Duc twins). It was definitely the best day at the track so far. I can just imagine what it will be like when I'm healed and really able to ride.

Here are some pics... I'll post the "action shots" when I receive them.

Set up and ready for action




Brrr... it started out at 31 degrees




An extremely impressive motorcycle




My cohort- Craig the Triumph guy (I'm six feet tall... we call him the "Wookie")




Our guest instructor- Nate Kern and his HP2. Not only is he a great rider, but a really nice guy too. His comment on my Buell shirt was "I appreciate those guys- they make me work so damn hard. It really makes racing fun- the way it should be." He was timed at 1:18 yesterday, the track record is 1:14.




The only downside to yesterday... I have been in bed all day today. I have not been this sore since last January, but at least the discomfort comes with a smile. I'll be back at Jennings before the end of the year.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xoptimizedrsx
Posted on Sunday, November 23, 2008 - 10:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

we go there ourselves often. maybe a group event one weekend.
the more buells the better.
mike
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/xoptimizedrsx/000_0678.jpg

(Message edited by xoptimizedrsx on November 23, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Iamarchangel
Posted on Monday, November 24, 2008 - 03:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No pain, no gain? Heck, no pain, no fun!

Congrats on going back into the deep end.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Paint_shaker
Posted on Monday, November 24, 2008 - 04:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

RedBuell,

Sounds like you had a good time! Come join us at Jennings Dec 27th and 28th. Only $200 for both days!!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ft_bstrd
Posted on Monday, November 24, 2008 - 06:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Great on ya RBJ! Going down sucks. Going down with multiple breaks and rehab sucks even worse.

Many would have hung it up after that. Getting back on and locking in a really great performance is awesome!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Redbuelljunkie
Posted on Monday, November 24, 2008 - 11:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I appreciate all the support. My family thinks I've totally lost it... but I think they're starting to understand that not riding anymore is what would really push me over the edge. The best part is they agree that the track is safer than the street- so I have a green light for track days if I cut down on street riding.

Paint- I'll check my schedule and see if I can make it on the 27-28th.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Iamarchangel
Posted on Monday, November 24, 2008 - 11:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Guy that sold me my third bike (?) was a very old man. A few years earlier, his doctor had told him to give up his bikes for his heart's sake. Later tests showed his heart and stress levels were higher. Doc told him to get back riding.

We all know that feeling.
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration