So....I just came back from a track day with slightly mixed emotions.
First, its good to get close to boundaries...mine and the bikes.
We also were very lucky with the weather, it just started to rain after we finished driving fast around in cycles.
So I only got soaked on the way home...thank you weatherman.
The reason I am a little unhappy with my bike is the following..
In a medium fast left hander I dragged my side stand.
Thats a pretty stiff part of the bike and I had some work to do to not get shocked too much and stay on track.
I don't know if I should be happy with my performance or upset with the incident.
Sure, I am not Stoner...I put 100 kg on the bike...
The dealer told me the suspension is way too soft in the front and back and he is happy to change my springs and put in thicker oil...good salesman
Or is it just my riding style ?
Do i need to hang off more and keep the bike upright ?
Please dont tell me I just grown out the bike already...
I just passed the 10.000 mark while being on the track.
Please share your thoughts.. [coffee]
Check this thread out:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=11443.msg195462#msg195462 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=11443.msg195462#msg195462)
If you hadn't had it resprung for your weight, the bike is WAY undersprung for you. Having it redone will make it feel like an entirely different, and better bike.
Get it resprung. When you are cornering hard the suspension compresses even if you don't hit a bump. This is due to centrifugul force as you go through the corner.
Get it resprung. When you are cornering hard the suspension compresses even if you don't hit a bump. This is due to centrifugul force as you go through the corner.
-we can't comment on riding technique without pictures. I do think we believe we are hanging off much more than we usually are when new to the track (took me four days with pictures to start doing it almost correctly..slow learner).
-220 pounds is tough on stock springs....respring or drop 50 ;D
-It may be fun on the track, but it's no track bike.
Quote from: Statler on June 07, 2009, 11:52:28 AM
-we can't comment on riding technique without pictures. I do think we believe we are hanging off much more than we usually are when new to the track (took me four days with pictures to start doing it almost correctly..slow learner).
-220 pounds is tough on stock springs....respring or drop 50 ;D
-It may be fun on the track, but it's no track bike.
What he said.
Quote from: ArguZ on June 07, 2009, 09:43:00 AM
Sure, I am not Stoner...I put 100 kg on the bike...
The dealer told me the suspension is way too soft in the front and back and he is happy to change my springs and put in thicker oil...good salesman
Yep - your dealer's on point, not just trying to sell you. You're def a candidate for stiffer springs. The comment about thicker oil is probably accurate as well. It's a little hard to say, since being under sprung is the biggest problem and masks some of the characteristics of under damping.
You should do a little looking into upping your rear shock while you're messing bout. If I remember correctly, shocks from 748, 996 etc are basically drop in swaps.
youll need to drop way more than 50lbs for the suspension to feel good. 220-50 =170. Im 150 and the thing still feels like jello.
if you have the money, id go for a revalve too. but not on the rear, not worth the money.
I have a 999 shock on my S2R1000, and a nother member put a 1098 showa on his 695. for me, the mod was noticeable difference. But i really oughtta revalve the thing, the high speed bumps are destroying my spine.
There are three issues here: your bike's clearance, your suspension, your riding style. I'd work on all three, including spending the $ on suspension. In fact, I'd spend the money on suspension before I'd get rearsets.
Your bike's clearance. If you have one of the old sidestands with the nub (I don't remember what the 695 has on it), grind that evil f'n thing right off. Gawdamn mutha f'n bastid of shitass f'n nub. make the beast with two backs! Other than that, you can get rearsets and high pipes to help out (see the clearance thread linked)
Suspension. As everyone has said, getting your suspension resprung is the way to go. There are more costly--and better--options, so figure out how much you want to spend. But getting new rear and front springs and new fork oil will help a ton. And by "help", I don't just mean with ground clearance. Your bike will feel a billion times better, and not just on the track. For normal steet riding, tt will be bunch more stable and will feel like it's on rails. You'll wonder why you didn't do suspension work before. Go for it. [thumbsup]
Riding style. I can almost guarantee that you need to work on your body position as well. That will take some time and more track days. Spend the money to get some pictures of yourself on the track. It's really instructive to be able to see what you're doing right or wrong. If you can get someone to video you, that's even better. Eventually, with some track days, both your body position and your lines will improve. Line choice and quick turn limit the lean angle you need/use and the amount of line you spend leaned over.
Depending on how long you plan on keeping your bike and if it's gonna be pulling regular track day duties, it sounds like it might be better to upgrade your suspension. If the 996 or 748 adjustable shocks are a direct swap then that sounds like a good option.
Quote from: DucDodgers on June 07, 2009, 03:34:03 PM
Depending on how long you plan on keeping your bike and if it's gonna be pulling regular track day duties, it sounds like it might be better to upgrade your suspension. If the 996 or 748 adjustable shocks are a direct swap then that sounds like a good option.
only 1098 shock, but youll need springs and ride height bar if you dont have one.
Cool, thanks for the comments.
Looks like she will get new front and rear springs then.
I booked three more track days this year so I will have the chance to find out more.
If money falls from the sky I would get an 848 now..
I really love riding around fast in circles...
Oh...and regarding the dropping lbs...I just lost 30 [thumbsup] yes...not enough...but that's another topic [bacon]
And i will grind off that nub at the side stand...