Ducati Monster Forum

So, Jon and I have free Corsa days, Mo indicated he would join us, and a few others implied they woud join us... so what day people? I can be pretty flexible this far in advance so... what do you all think??

http://www.motocorsa.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.trackDays (http://www.motocorsa.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.trackDays)

April is too if'y on weather.  I voted for May, but could do the Sept, Oct too.  I'm too busy at the B&B in the middle.

Plus May, you will remember the skills for the Summer ahead.  [moto]

I agree with Mike that April is too iffy on the weather.  However, my opinion is that early May is also a crapshoot.  Though with my bday on the 1st, if it's dry, a trackday would be a nice present to myself...

I voted for June, since the weather is much more reliable, but could also do August/September.

July is totally out for me.  I think I already have that month booked.

October is up in the air... Chuckles and I may try to make a road trip to AZ... but that's highly speculative at this point.

whats the deal on the corsa days again? how much for a track day? i forget all i know is i want to try out the track this year. I thought i had to wait for the 20 minutes for 20 dollars thing.

$225/day on the day of the event, if room is available
$199/day when signed up in advance
$185/day if three or more days are purchased at the same time, in advance

holy crap count me out. Im too broke for that kind of jazz. I think ill have to wait for the 20 buck deal ha ha

Hey, I won mine... as did JohhnyDucati...  ;D

Yeah... I'd have to buy my trackday... hence why I'm not overly excited about trying to go when the weather is a crapshoot.  If I'm gonna drop 200 bones for a thrill ride that's weather-dependent, I'd like to be pretty dang sure the weather is going to co-operate.  July/August/September are the best times for that, but I'm booked through July.  June weather is about as iffy as I'm willing to put money on.

Any time June through September should work for me. 

Scott

its really that much money for one day on the track? What am i missing here.  I know that moe races all the time, he cant pay that much every weeknd does he? Why is it so much for one day? i guess i dont get it.

Yes it is that much for one track day. Race days you only pay per race, so it is cheaper, unless you run every race you can. Think of the $20 for 20 minutes with TOR and the multiply it out for an 8 hour day... it is worth it. Plus they have to pay for two ambulances and corner workers and all the other stuff that goes into making it a success. It is worth it, and very addictive. Just think of it as your very own cocaine addiction.  ;D

Note really the same Ryan, they have programs to help end a cocaine addiction.

Scott

Running out of money tends to cure you of track days... although thats when I start volunteering at the track... to get you some cheap track time.  ;D

hmm that sounds like drug addicts hanging out at the dealers house hoping to get a freebie once they run out of dough...... [laugh]

Has anybody heard from JohnnyDucatti in awhile?

Saw him the other day, he stopped by to say hi.

Oh, I told David about the sip on too.

He can have my old can... but that sip on looked like a good deal.

That really does sound like the behaviour of a junkie.  [laugh]

I bought a wrecked CBR, parts, and a Dainese suit.  Total is close to $3000, and I still gotta buy bodywork.  It all started with one $20 bill, and 20 minutes on the track...

Someone once called Morilla the "pusher" for running ToR.  A more apt description I have not heard.   [cheeky]

Ya know, I've managed to stay away from illicit drugs... but nobody warned me about the friendly guy pushing track time.

"Yeah, it's usually about $200 but I'll give you a little taste for $20.  Go on, tell your friends."

Scott

Pluuuuus if you do come out to the track, you would get to pit with the notorious Darkhorse racing crew. Not only does that make you look AWESOME but you get lunch, after trackday beers, and all the help you need with your bike from many able-bodied racers.  [evil]

Just tell me when, hopefully it doesn't interfere with skool....

Hey John... I signed up for the May 4th Motocorsa day. It was the best fit for me based on all the other OMRRA and PSSR days that I was signed up for. If you want to sign up for the same day, we can pit together.  On a side note... make sure you still have that email, cause they made me forward it to them to prove I had actually won the track day. Which, I guess if I was in their shoes, I couldn't just have every shmoe on the street telling me they won a free track day and wanting to sign up.  ;D

I'm thinkin I mightin join you Biker Boyz on May 4th . . . although I'm having trouble justifying the $200  :-\

That is easy to justify.

Here let me help...

speeding ticket or track day

 ;)

Fahdge.  [bang]

I'd like to do a trackday this year, but I'll have to wait and see what the fiscal situation looks like closer to the trackday.  How far in advance do you have to buy to get the price break?  I know it's a little cheaper to buy beforehand.

If I can get things together for May 4th I'd probably be on the SS, because I don't have bodywork ordered for the CBR, and it's kinda low on the priority list right now.

Who needs body work?  Ever heard of the Ducati Monster?

Well... I suppose I could ride the Franken-CBR.  I'd rather have bodywork on it, though, because track-worthy fiberglass actually provides some protection to underlying parts in a crash.  I'm sure other riders would appreciate me *not* scattering miscellaneous Honda parts all over the place.

That and a Monster has a lot less peripheral garbage hanging off it.  It was designed to be naked.  The CBR... not so much.  [puke]

fiberglass gives you as much protection as a glass lightbulb would... its all about the aerodynamics... imo... however.... with some frame sliders... you are as safe as with plastics.... the only plus side to track plastics is the lower fairing is designed to hold oil in case you pop an engine.... then the other riders would appreciate you not oiling the track.   ;D   

Umm... maybe I'm misreading the various crash photos I've seen... but in a normal lowside, doesn't heavy fiberglass bodywork provide a relatively slick (and repairable) surface for the machine to slide "neatly" on, as opposed to the frame and peripherals catching earth and turning a lowside into a nasty tumble?

Granted, not all crashes are simple lowsides, and sometimes the bike winds up flipping through the air.  But in the event of a lowside, I'd rather not have that turn into a machine-destroying tumble.  Seems from observation that decent track fiberglass is better to slide on than bare frame/engine/parts.

Frames slide too.  That's why those plastic knobs are called frame sliders, they give their plastic life instead of skidding the metal frame and other expensive bits across the track and doing irreparable damage to them.  The thin aluminum of a perimeter frame can wear away quickly on the asphalt.  No doubt they slide more easily than some metals and lower the chances of something catching and making the bike turn cartwheels.

Fiberglass is more easy to repair than plastic and a little more durable in a slide.  Even if you burn a whole right through it, it's still pretty easy to repair.  Plastic, not so much.

Scott

If anyone intends on riding on the track much at all, they should use frame sliders. 

Fiberglass + asphalt = make the beast with two backsed up bodywork and possible engine/frame damage.  Don't count on your bodywork to protect anything, its not there for that.

In some cases, you can use under fairing sliders.... if you do not want to see the slider.... that's what I have on my 848.  Better than cutting holes in the fairings.

I have under the bodywork sliders on the Monster.  I liked the mushroom shape better than the straight ones.  I thought they would slide better, not dig in.  There a bit shorter, but I like them.

BTW, I'm not planning on using them . . .  [moto]

I had that style on my monster too.... Although Viktor uses the ones that stick out further... cause he puts his legs up on them and uses it as a recliner when he is going down the freeway.   [laugh]

Oh yeah, frame sliders will be installed as well.  Sorry, didn't think about saying that.  It's been a "given" on my CBR parts list since I bought the bike.

Looking at the left hand side of the bike with bodywork off yesterday just confirms it: that sucker ain't going to a trackday without something to cover it up.  Too many small parts that were intended to be hidden behind bodywork.  I'll try to remember to take some pics for those who haven't looked under late-model Honda bodywork.

Isn't the CBR600rr just the same bike as the Hornet 599?? The European naked version? I swear its the same frame and engine.... It could eventually make a naked bike. If you really wanted it to be one.

I'm assuming you're talking about this bike:
(http://www.foolfactor.com/photos/misc/2006_honda_599.jpg) (http://www.foolfactor.com/photos/misc/2006_honda_599.jpg)
(2006 Honda 599)

I thought the 599 Hornet was the same thing too... until I took a look at the 600RR sans fairings, and pics of the Hornet.  Very different machines.  I'll have to post pics of the CBR.  Also remember there are two different CBRs.  There's a 600RR and a 600F4i.  The RR is the track oriented bike, the F4i is designed as a street-sport bike.  The Hornet may be similar to the 600F4i.  All I can tell you is this: from comparing the stripped 600RR and pics of the 599, they may share engine internals, but the frame, front and rear suspension, induction, and exhaust are all completely different.  Even the right hand side engine/clutch case is different.

That said, I could still turn a 600RR into a naked bike, but I'd need to either buy or make the bits to route and mount things appropriately.  Not worth the time & effort, especially when the goal is to make it into a faired trackbike anyway.  Seriously... there's a lot of stuff on the CBR that's mounted within, under, or to the bodywork that would have to be rejiggered to make it a passable naked bike.  I didn't realise how much assorted peripheral crap there was until I started peeling the bodywork off.  Initially, I had thought about making a naked bike out of it.  That lasted until I tore into it.  Anyway, my opinion is it's not worth the time & money to make it a naked bike when the plan is to put fairings back on it eventually.

More pics from the interwebz... take a close look at the frame, suspension, and engine side cases.

(NOTE: the '04 and '05 Hornets are identical)
599 Hornet:
(http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2004models/2004-Honda599b.jpg)

599 Hornet:
(http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2004models/2004-Honda599c.jpg)

600F4i:
(http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2005models/2005-Honda-CBR600F4i-a.jpg)

'05 600RR:
(http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2005models/2005-Honda-CBR600RRb.jpg)

So, I'm taking May 4th off, and I'll go down to MotoCorsa and sign up[ for the track day.  Who else is going on May 4th?

I was gonna before I got the bad news about the steering bearings and shock.  [bang]

Hey all you hooligans -

Glad to see the gang's all here.  Sorry for being absent for a while.

I'm going to sign up for the May 4 track day tomorrow  [moto] - I hope there's slots still available.  If there isn't, well, my fault for waiting too long.

I will post up and let you know the scoop tomorrow.

best regards,

Johnny D

When I talked to Eli about it Wednesday there were still plenty of slots open.

did you say open sluts?

I signed up for the C group today for the May 4th tack day! [thumbsup]

Are we all pitting together?

Of course we are!!!!

Ok looks like May 4th

i'll see whut i can do

Just changed oil this weekend

put on some street rubber

now need a new chain

and a review mirror to be "legal"

School will settle down a bit after the 24th of april

If it isn't sold out...i'll buy a pass this weekend and get an airfilter/sparkplugs

-Jon

Are you not racing no more?

busy with school right now

rather race the CB350 but that project is still in the works

I signed up for May 4th today!  [moto]

Lots of spots left for the C group.

Damn repair costs!!!!

 [bang]

Ya ditto.

Just ordered timing belts and a couple of oil filters from Chris @ Ca-Cycleworks: ~$100

New clutch slave... I dunno, but it seems the cheapest is $115 for an Oberon 29mm unit from MotoWheels.  I've never had a problem with the clutch lever effort, but now my OEM clutch slave cylinder is leaking.

Need. More. Money.  [bang]

Dan, you could probably get new seals and a hone for a few dollars.  The stock unit isn't the greatest but if all it needs is a rebuild that's prolly pretty cheap.  I'm happy to help.

Scott

I know we got a good crew together for the May 4th corsa day... but is anybody doing the PSSR day on Monday the 27th of April? I am. Just seeing if anybody else is coming out too.

Mine leaked a little bit once. 

You may also want to just pull it off inspect/clean it and reinstall it.

That seemed to work for me.

Thanks for the suggestion, but it's a little late now...  ;)

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii304/duc_fan/Ducati/OberonClutchSlaveCylinder1.jpg)

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii304/duc_fan/Ducati/OberonClutchSlaveCylinder3.jpg)

Installed, bled, tested.  Definitely smoother starting out with the improved hydraulic ratio.  [thumbsup]

i wonder what one of those would do for my clutch...

So.... anybody changing their minds? It may rain on Monday... I am riding Sat and Sun... on Rain tires.... should still be good to go on Monday. (Still feel like poo on a stick, but whatever)

Just checking on who still is planning on going.... or if ya nancies are changing dates.

I'm thinking about playing hooky and watching you cool kids track.

Not a fan of sitting in the rain though.

Someone make it go away!

I *still* haven't gotten timing belts, so I won't be riding even if it were dry and money were no object.  Also still need two brackets for the CBR (the one that holds the instrument cluster, and the coolant reservoir bracket), never mind the bodywork.

 [bang]

see you monday... rain or shine

also this weekend for you racer/fan types

I'm sticking with Monday.  I'm hoping the rain is light and dries fast.

Monday for me.

Ryan, what's the plan for the trailer p/u?

My bike should still be on the trailer from Sunday races. Give me your number so I can call you after, and figure it out.  I could come by Monday morning on the way to the track.

Too bad we got rained out of the afternoon, but the 3 half hour sessions in the morning were great. [thumbsup]

I'd like to note that I voted to keep going.

I was just getting my speed on too damn it!  :'(

It was a downpour all the way home, so It was just going to get worse.  I could have gone either way, but a deal on the next track day sounded pretty good to me.

Here in PC, it's a freaking downpour, gutter gussher the last few minutes.  Weather station says .5 inch per hour!

Speaking of downpours - the old adage when it rains it pours applies to my maintainence/repair expenses.

Anyone got a brake light replacement they would be interested in selling - one that will fit Lili.

(http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/assets/product_images/3203631B.jpg)

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family_id=10407&gift=False&mscssid=3BB5B4DBFB754D1C923E65D66F755C4F (http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family_id=10407&gift=False&mscssid=3BB5B4DBFB754D1C923E65D66F755C4F)

That reminds me . . . some local guy was making a curved LED tail/direction light unit and was selling them.

Anyone remember?  Think he was a member of that Ducati Club thingy that Jacob didn't want to sign a waiver for . . .

I know the one you were talking about... Brian (a cop on a monster that I rode with a few times... has a band... and a hot wife... anyone remember???).... he had one on his bike.

I just recently saw something on this.... somebody posted up somewhere.... will see if I can find it.

You talkin' 'bout the FLEDA?  "Flexible LED Array" or something to that effect.  I saw one on a Sportclassic... looked really spiffy.

Otherwise, sorry man, I don't have any spare taillight parts, let alone for a Monster.

Oh wait, I take that back... I have the taillight from a 2005 CBR 600RR.  :D  Dunno if you're up for trying to splice that sucker in.  And I have no idea what the mounting brackets look like.

What an excellent, fun (but wet) day.  Or rather, half-day.

Although it reminded me of engineering school (4 girls, and 50 bazillion guys), riding among cool motorcycles extremely fast and hanging out with your buddies made up for it.

Good grief, who ticked off the rain gods?  I keep expecting Charleton Heston to appear in robe and sandals followed by frogs and locusts and the Willamette turning red . . .

This link explains it.  It's all Arun's fault (I 'm kidding).  ;D

http://www.earthsky.org/faq/whats-the-rainiest-place-on-earth (http://www.earthsky.org/faq/whats-the-rainiest-place-on-earth)

If there is ever a really bad drought anywhere, Motocorsa should arrange for a track day and it'll rain buckets for sure lol.

The sun has to come out eventually.  I know I want to sign up for another track day.   [moto]

The conspiring should start now.

J

You got yourself tires to look at . . . this can wait  ;)

Specifically... Arun is to blame because he sent out a mass e-mail saying the weather would be great for a trackday.  ;)

Never, never, never say that the weather will be "great" "excellent" "perfect" or anything to that effect 24 hours or more in advance.  It's practically guaranteed to do exactly the opposite of what you're hoping for.  Welcome to Or-y-gun.  [thumbsup]

Driving Viktor back from the track yesterday... heading down MLK... and what happens?  Honda pulls in front of us and then loses the front driver side wheel.... car slams down and rotors spray sparks all over.... wheel bounces into the bushes through them off the Starbucks... and back into the road.... Vik hops out and grabs the wheel from a couple lanes out... hands it to one of the six teens in the car.... and we drive off.... the driver was still sitting in his seat like "What the hell just happened?" .... anyhow... very interesting and strange occurance.

bizarre

What'd you break, Chuck? I have the red lens unit removed from my bike from when I replaced it with my LED shiznit. Can have it if you want. All I ask is you stop stalking my sister. She's only 15, dude.

15?  Shit . . . she's too old for me!

The whole frickin unit!  It broke off at the mountings.

John (Jon??) took one look at it and the whole unit just snapped right off in fear!

It was the most bizarre thing next to Ryan's story of the tire.

I think if you get a new one....

you may want to get some rubber and metal washers...as i have.

i'll post some pics if you want to see...

This acts a a cushion to the howl of you L-Twin desmodronic vibrations...

This will also help you from pulling the bolts out of their plastic mounts when you "tighten" it up.

Pics would be good.

Although . . . I have half a mind to jam a make the beast with two backs load of JB weld in there, clamp it up, let it dry, and call it done.  >:(

For some reason I'm quite irritated about this repair.

JB weld should work great

also i have had good luck with zip ties

and

duct tape

 [popcorn]

I like the way you said that!  8)

Just an FYI - If you volunteer as a turn worker for three PSSR track days, you get a free day to ride.

I gots a stock tail light if you need it.

Thanks.

I'm pending receipt of Bendy's.  If for some odd reason it doesn't fit or what have you.  I'll hit you up..