| Author | Message | ||
     Danger_dave |
Not much Buell content - but I think it's a good yarn.  I've followed the construction of the Z man's Z-1 Post Classic Racer since it was bone stock. Felt the lightweight crankshaft that cost thousands, seen most of the additions - the Ohlins suspension etc etc - till it's a 140 horsepower demon. So I had a vested interest in volunteering to cover the NZ Post Classic Grand Prix for Kiwi Rider. Dude's running ethanol on the day. 2 x 6 lap races and a main 12 lapper for the title. The Pukekohe track is an Hour out of Auckland. I rode the Buell out in cool and showery conditions and got there just as he was reaching for his helmet for the first 6 lapper.  The bike looks a treat, but unfortunately it only got a few feet from the pits and it started spewing oil. Missed the first race entirely.  MIA  Vince carried the day in Race 1  From an interesting field   So I cranked up the 80s music on my iPod walked the pits while the boys got the leak fixed for race 2.    Then took in a BEARS race  This is my mechanic - we take good pix of heeem.  Then there was parade laps   And I did more laps of the pits. Bumped into Tracy and the Z was ready for race 2.  I crashed the control tower  And made down to turn one for the start of the six lapper. Z man lead into turn 1 - nice!   By the end of the second lap he had gapped them and pulling away.  Then a heavy shower blew in and they red flagged the race. Yeah - you got it - it was after getting up time.  The Z went for the intermediates for the sprint finish. Tight through turn 1 on the restart  But by the time they got to turn 3 he was pulling away again.  I looked to see the following field, and then when I look back - Z MAN!!!!  Now that's going to leave a mark!  The Kwaka! Auuuuughhhh!!!!!  Whew - he's bounced straight back up.  But they pushed him off the track and Vince held sway.  Z mans on the truck  Ooooh. Bugger.  'What are your chances of getting to the grid for the feature race Z Man?' '100%'. Sounded optimistic to me at the time - but the boys were pumped.  So I watched some more BEARS and twiddled my lenses.  THEY DID IT. It was cobbled together, but sure enough - guess who lead into turn 1 in the feature race.  Pulling away by three  When - Oh dear again! - Whew not Z Man at least.      Meanwhile on a drying track the Z's gapped 'em again with half a bike.     And went on to win the feature race comfortably. Outstanding. His young bloke is taking a photo of the trophy presentation for me.  I headed for home - and caught up with the showers. It was kinda OK but.   Aren't motorcycles fun. :deal | ||
| Pregrid |
GREAT pics of some great bikes. Great job! Dave (too) | ||
| Tdiddy |
Very nice!!! You always have the best pictures DD. | ||
| Rick_a |
I love those older bikes. They sound far better than modern bikes, and race prepped look better, too. I'm sure they're quite the challenge to ride at their limits. |
