Ducati Monster Forum

Looks like Sunday June 24th is the most popular day, so we'll choose that as the Inaugural CAM/BAD Track Day at the Shenandoah Circuit in good old WV. Pretty good list of folks going on Page 3 of this post.

Below this line is OLD business:

So there was some talk of this before: Who would be interested in hitting the track with a bunch of CAM & BAD folks?

Venomousr1993 and I chatted about it a bit on Monday at Summit Main, so I thought I'd pitch it out there again....


Here's a poll of possible dates...I have Motorcycle Xcitement, Team ProMotion, & NESBA dates. All at Summit Point (either main or shenandoah).

http://www.doodle.com/bctqk94fd9svkg66 (http://www.doodle.com/bctqk94fd9svkg66)

IF it is a weekend, I would be interested.

I'd be interested.

I think this is the case for many working folks. Many of the dates have a weekend day with the associated weekday before or after for slackers like me... [Dolph] I'll try to put together a poll with potential dates so we can get as many folks to join in as possible.

We already talked this over - I'm interested. YOu thinking of the weekend we already discussed? Or working up a whole new thing?

I'd like to have the most number of folks participate...so that weekend is a possibility. Poll up later today after I track down all the options.

Poll up in first post...

Since summit point is the closest, I feel if we can get a weekend where one day at main and one at Shenandoah would provide great variety. 

Here ya go Jim!!! 
http://weraclassifieds.com/ads/2009-triumph-daytona-race-ready/ (http://weraclassifieds.com/ads/2009-triumph-daytona-race-ready/)

Holy shit! That's a smoking deal!

TTT!

For those that feel NESBA is too packed, or TPM doesn't have a date when you want it, or can't find a date with STT, here's another option...and if you haven't ridden a track with Cornerspeed, than you should think about it seriously!

Summit Point Main - Monday, June 18th, 2012 
Cornerspeed Rider School and Track Day

Back by popular demand, Cornerspeed returns to Summit Point. We've had so many people request for us to return to Summit this year that we're coming back!
We do track days!
What many people fail to realize is that Cornerspeed offers a track day in addition to the school. Help us make this a successful event by telling all your friends about the fun and safe environment that Cornerspeed provides.  Go to www.cornerspeed.net (http://) for details on our track days. -> http://cornerspeed.net/enthreqs.html (http://cornerspeed.net/enthreqs.html)
 
This is our only Summit Point event this year - Sign Up Now! 

Anyone else looking to get in on this? Right now, it's like the 6 of us expressing interest are looking at Shenandoah on 6/24-25. I'm down for both days. How about you?

I am in for 24th.

Aye. or am I one of the 6?

Here's the 6:
Meerkat Jim
I ride a kawasaki so i'm too good to register on here Brett
"Skip rope" Panda Ian
Autohag "I wish I had a bike that runs" Brian
Tocino grande! (in his own mind) Steve
Track Addict Venomousr1993 Randy
99Zulu who I met, but can't remember his name

It runs! It runs on moonshine!

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPjENB2WeKU/T6kqFVqisjI/AAAAAAAAJY0/8upyoECb_sc/s1600/Picture+8.png)

I'll go if I can get some gear in time for this. Need a suit and boots, and also need to get my suspension set up. Since it will be my first time on the track, I have a few questions. Is an old m600 good enough to run with the beginner group? The bike is in good shape but it ain't no speed machine. Should I get a new set of tires for the track? It has street tires on it now with a lot of life left. Any other advice you guys might have is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'll be on a KTM 690 - a 650cc single that's no rocket by far. And in the beginners it's going to be a lot more about the riders than the bikes. Might well get someone out there on something like a gixer 750 with chicken strips a mile wide that will park it in the turns. Shenandoah circuit is short and twisty that will mitigate a lot of the bike vs bike issues and make it more rider vs rider.

The 24th will be under the auspices of Roger Lyle
- should be all the details you'll need.
http://www.motorcyclexcitement.com/ (http://www.motorcyclexcitement.com/)

http://www.motorcyclexcitement.com/static/trackdays (http://www.motorcyclexcitement.com/static/trackdays)

"
Gear
Full leather suit. If using a 2 piece suit, it must be zipped together. If you don't have a suit, ask about our leather riding suits that are available to rent for $75.00 with a $650 deposit on your credit card. Return the suit undamaged and we destroy your credit card deposit information. Rental leather racing suits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your leathers and track day early! Call Roger at 301-933-2599.
A high quality full-face helmet with DOT and Snell 2000 or 2005, or EC-22 rating with no dents or scratches. Remember, buy the best helmet you can afford! It will be protecting the most precious head in the world–yours!
Heavy-duty leather gloves, with gauntlet to cover the wrist, preferably made for road racing.
Leather riding boots that cover the ankles and shins.
A back protector is recommended, but not required.
  All bikes should be clean and dry, with fresh tires and brake pads.

Tech
Any glass lenses or mirrors should be taped over with blue painter's tape or they should be removed. All bikes should have at least two numbers or letters, 4-6 inches tall, on the windshield of the bike for identification purposes.
Anti-freeze can remain in the bike.
If the center stand drags in turns, it should be removed. Kickstands can remain.
Safety wiring of your motorcycle is not required, but appreciated, in order to ride with Motorcycle Xcitement.
All motorcycles and riding gear will be tech-inspected for safety compliance before going on course. Be sure to take ALL gear
with you to be inspected."

So you can even rent a suit.

Thanks SP. Will definitely try to make this. If anyone has a spot available in their truck or trailer let me know. There's also a possibility that I'll have a trailer with an open spot for one of you. If that happens, I'll post up.

Your bike and tires are good to go. Shenny is a slow but fun track. In the beginners group there's no passing in turns so you'll just have to be prepared for I4's buzzin' by you on the straights.

If you've been thinking about having your suspension done you might as well get it done ahead of time. You will definitely appreciate it.

Sliders on your bike? If you have bar-end mirrors replace them with bar-end weights/sliders for the day.

One of my first times at Shenandoah, one of Roger's guys was riding a Kawasaki 250 twin: no contest on the straight, but I could barely keep up with him in the turns... :-[

+11tyb on that.

Go your own speed, follow the control riders and talk to them (they're cool people, they'll give you good hints), and you'll have a great time!

Yeah i'm gettin' myself ready for a day of that on the ktoom. Passing in the bends would be nice - just have to be my reward for getting up to I. Or just my over inflated sense of self worth that I'd manage a pass even if allowed  [roll]

at all?...most orgs say passing on the outside is allowed...

"Sportbike riders will have some classroom instruction and coaching from Control Riders. The rider must stay in his/her assigned group unless permission is granted by Roger Lyle to ride in another group that better suits his/her riding ability.
In the Beginner group, THERE IS NO PASSING IN THE TURNS! No passing from the entrance through the exit of the turns. The rider may only exercise safe passing on the straight-aways. All riders must obey the coach's instructions."

No passin

I'd say your goal is to show a little front tire just after the exit. Just enough to say, "Hi there! I'm on a thumper... What's your excuse?"

Haven't managed a wheel up on that thing yet - at least that Iv'e noticed. Not that I'm trying... but not that I'm NOT trying either. On the little dirt bikes I got that little pop! as it stands out of a slide... no so much on the biggy yet. Probably just needs a track and a bit more punishment.

If by set up you mean having the sag/preload/etc done it'd be worthwhile. Getting springs/revalve/etc. I'd say wait, unless you've been dying to get this done and have the money already set aside, or you're a skinny bastard like me and the suspension is waaay too stiff, or you're a fat bastard like [redacted!] and you've really got no suspension left. For your first trackday you want to have fun and learn, not break the bank. Of course you may get addicted in which case all bets are off and then you'll be poor but have all the cool sh*t done.

Running your street tires at a track day may not be allowed - check the rules as different orgs run differently, although unless they're shagged I can't see how they'd disallow them. But then I'm not a tech inspector. Are your current tires a street/track compound? What tires do you have now? How old are they? How much tread is left? I'm sure in the beginner's group on an air-cooled 600 any good set of tires would be OK. *But* if you've been thinking of getting new tires then do it now.

Brake / clutch fluid: How old? Change it anyways :) You don't want brake fade from tired brake fluid. If you have brake hoses and not steel or teflon lines then get some. How much left on the pads? Maybe change them too. Don't mess with brakes.

Engine oil: change it before and after the track day. Love your motor and it will love you! (awwwww)

Other than frame sliders (already mentioned) there's not much else. You'll have to safety-wire your oil filter (using a hose clamp) and oil drain plug. That's about the only wire req. for track-day events, but once again check the rules. Bring some blue painters tape to cover any lenses, unless you feel like removing signals, head and taillight. Mirrors will have to come off but that's easy.

Oh, and fun. Track days are fun. So be prepared for fun. Unless you throw it away in the first turn taking out that new 1199 the instructor is on. But what are the chances of that? Besides, if your bike gets dirty Jim is going to have his new wash bottle contraption to clean things off. Right Jim?

If you do a change - get the KN oil filter, It's got a stamped and drilled nut for wiring. Also motowheels stocks a billet drain plug that is, like wise, drilled for safety-wire.

Yes I am. Speaking of which, do they typically have skinny-bastard-sized leathers for rent, or should I just buy some from the skinny bastard leathers store? 


Tires are Metzler something or others (pretty cheap, but not the cheapest) with about 3k miles. They will have about 5k by the time we hit the track.



I just changed the oil, so I will have to put on about 3k miles from now til then so I won't feel like I wasted $90 worth of oil.  Not a problem.


I have a KN filter that I can wire up. Fancy drain plug and bar-end sliders are on order. Thanks again fellers.


Bah. I want to win.  ;)

Quit talking about me, you bastard!!

These felt a little ummmm lacking at the end of the day:
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/jimwatsondc/Ducati/2012-05-02_13-18-54_728-1.jpg)

Surely you didn't think I was being serious. [laugh]

As the announcers like to say "He's a deeeemon on the brakes!"


I have only know you to tell the unvarnished truth.

I'd call and see what they have. No need to buy leathers if you don't have to.



Well as long as the tread is still in great shape...



Oh, well in that case get a lot of titanium fasteners and carbon bits!


And one more thing - how's the chain? Is it riveted or use a master link? If it's got a master link get rid of that and get a rivet link.

To be honest, most of the stuff you have to worry about is just what you'd want for good maintenance anyways. Unless you're Jim.  :P

$90 for oil? What do you use, unicorn tears?

Mobil 1 10-40 synth from Advance Auto costs about $10 quart. Do it yourself and save money!


Get in line, I'm the next Valentino! [evil]    [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Fixed.

Fixed.
[/quote]

(http://art.ngfiles.com/images/97/mrcreeep_fat-ballerina.jpg)

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Ha! Motul at Coleman$ for $70 for 4L + KN filter + beer = about $90. Me and the bike change our fluids together. 

Get the Mobil1 10-40 moto. At the register you usually get another $2 off bringing it to about $8 a qt. GeorgeCLS said it was the best stuff available and he *made* oils for a living. There was an epically long thread "THE oil thread" on the old board. Though the discussion could be a bit all over George said that the mobil stuff was about as good as it gets. He also really like the Amsoil EaM filters - but they are harded to track down.

Warning! Warning! Oil thread (threat) imminent! Self-destruct sequence in 5... 4... 3...

nah, it's a money comment. Saving $35 an oil change is nothing to sneeze at.

Plus nearly any Advance Auto will carry Mobil1, while Motul is a bit harder to come by.

that's a good amount of gas/beer money!!!

Back on target, looks like our interested group is 7

Meerkat Jim
I ride a kawasaki so i'm too good to register on here Brett
"Skip rope" Panda Ian
Autohag "I wish I had a bike that runs" Brian
Tocino grande! (in his own mind) Steve
Track Addict Venomousr1993 Randy
99Zulu who I met, but can't remember his name
Joe 'deep pockets' P

This is for the 24th, Sunday, right?

Yup, yup. I'm going to change the OP to reflect the chosen date. I'm hoping to stick around for the Monday session as well if I can con Randy into it...he's an addict though, so should be pretty simple.

Can we get a group discount if we have enough people? I know some guys over at another forum who are trying to do this. Also [cue Michael Jackson music...] Who's BAD? No, really. I've never heard of that group.

Baltimore Area Ducati - The Charm City faction decided they needed their own name...

Actually if I recall correctly it was a facebook group originally and it's sort of been taken into the Borg by way of some folks from here becoming the most active members of the BAD page

Gathering up my goodies - High test brake fluid, oil change supplies. Gonna rock the slow bike!

I was already planning on both days.    ;D
-I have a guy from work who may come out too...he will be popping his cherry out on Shenandoah

Jim and I are doing the NESBA day at Summit Main tomorrow (complete with severe thunderstorm warning!) anyone else going to be there?

Anyone running WERA this weekend?

be safe...don't let the twister take Jim to never never land.....

and yes, because SP is in West Virginia, I think it is more likely for there to be a twister there!

Hokay time to get serious folks :) need to start a planning and getting tranpo ready.

So I'm in (or hope to be) but don't presently have transport. I'm working on it, and may be able to borrow a 2 slot trailer for that weekend. Though I probably won't have something to pull it as the wife can't drive my car (stick) and disappearing for the weekend with the only vehicle she can drive would be frowned upon.

So presently I'm looking to mooch a slot coming out of NOVA, but might be able to get a trailer, if you've got a truck....

Great day yesterday despite the "interesting" weather conditions! Steve and I survived the rough start to the day experienced by some others and sat through the track hold/downpour to ride a couple of very nice sessions after the track dried in a matter of minutes.

I emailed Roger to ask. Haven't heard back yet. I'll give him a call on Tuesday to ask about this.

Oh, and if there was any doubt as to Jim having the loudest exhaust, you should hear that thing when he's really revving it out.  :o

You think it's loud in the paddock, you should have it under your ass!

I think it should have come with a warning sticker like this:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYM_kQBX1DM/ThTOV74d3yI/AAAAAAAACBY/NQs0mJSI0gM/s400/exploding%2Bhead.jpg)

Been there.  Had that thing spinning up to about 12.5k on one of the Harwood runs.  I should probably feel sorry for the cyclists that I buzzed that day, but they are the ones that decided to go three abreast as I was coming up on them, and there's no chance in hell they could claim they didn't hear me coming.

Good to see you out there today Steve and thanks for all the advice.  Hope you can get that suspension sorted out.....everytime you came through 10 mid corner the bike seemed really unsettled.

Good hanging with you too. Kenny took out a bunch of preload and changed the damping and it was much better for the last two races. Still needs some adjusting. He's going to order a lighter spring (he shoulda listened to me when I first dropped it off :)). Besides having it pogo like that made me feel all fast, like I was maxing out the suspension. Which is a funny thing to have happen for me considering my "Light welterweight" classification. :)

I'm interested but I'm scheduled to be driving the Ferrari at Summit from 4-6 pm. Wondering if it is realistic to think I can do this track day and jet at like 3 or so to head off to the other event.

Input? Thoughts?

By about 3pm I am usually done...I call it the witching hour after 3pm as people get tired, tires are getting worn, and some guys tend to push a little harder..this all can add up to foolish mistakes and wrecks. 

We need to plan to caravan to the WERA race at VIR and BeaveRun.  I'd really like to race the Beav.

huhhh huhh...Randy said he wants to race the Beav!!!!!!!!!!!!! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

You can come and inspect the Beav Jim since you don't want to race. [laugh]

Anyone planning to go have a trailer capable trailer, but no trailer?

A buddy has a two bike enclosed that he lets me use - but I've not presently got anything to tow it to the track day. Anyone want to be my wonder twin?

Alternately anyone got a spot for me?

A buddy of mine might have an open trailer spot. I'll find out for sure this weekend.

Yes please!

I'm based in S/ Arl btw.... so if your buddies in winchester it might to work so well  :)

So I just got off the phone with Roger from MotorcycleXcitement about their group deal: Sign up 10 guys and the 11th rides free.

Last I heard, it was the 7 guys below:
Meerkat Jim
I ride a kawasaki so i'm too good to register on here Brett
"Skip rope" Panda Ian
Autohag "I hope by bike isn't still in pieces" Brian
Tocino grande! (in his own mind) Steve
Track Addict Venomousr1993 Randy
99Zulu who I met, but can't remember his name
Joe 'deep pockets' P

Some other possibilities include
My wife won't let me go Lars
I'm leaving early to drive fancy foreign cars Frank

Any other suckers want to be added to the list or anyone that I'm missing?

Bret is a no go... something about cousins wedding in Philly or some crap.

O, O. I wanna be the 11th guy! Take my name off the list and sign me up again when there's 10 of you. ;)

Oh no fish - gotta be the board member with the most seniority. Seeing as I'm the only one here from the DML days... That's my title. You can carry Jims umbrella

Uhm...  No

but Ben, I think Ian was even on the DML longer than you...I think...

I date back to the late toaster era - FWIW.

But the point was to just raz Joe here.

Really, it's Lars with the red thong that should be holding umbrellas.


Is there some code word we need to put in while registering? They have a field for names... but in typical internerts fashion we don't know folks names in total.

Okay I am without transportation too,..

I never done track day bfore but let me ask all you experts here, since summit point is about hour and half ride. Would it be possible to just ride there sunday morning do the track and may be rest at hotel that night and head back next morning?

Slide Panda, I am going to try and see if I can find a truck , how many bikes can your trailer hold?

I might be in the ride there boat too...

It fits two with some space for gear etc as its enclosed.

Yes - people sometimes ride up and back the same day (Massimo, didn't you do this?)

I wouldn't recommend it since A) you might be really tired at the end of the day and B) if something happens and you can't ride home there's a problem.

Staying at a nearby hotel is a good idea.

So let's figure some transportation details out....

Here's the list as I think it stands. Feel free to copy/paste/fill in/correct as appropriate.
Meerkat Jim-currently no trailer-Sun & Mon
"Skip rope" Panda Ian-trailer no truck-Sun & Mon (flexible)
Autohag "I hope by bike isn't still in pieces" Brian-SUV can tow/has one rail trailer?
Tocino grande! (in his own mind) Steve-one extra spot
Track Addict Venomousr1993 Randy-no spots if his work buddy is riding with him?-Sun & Mon
99Zulu who I met, but can't remember his name-no trailer
Joe 'deep pockets' P-?

Some other possibilities include
My wife won't let me go Lars-no trailer/dead truck?
I'm leaving early to drive fancy foreign cars Frank-pick up?

Correction - I have access to a two bike enclosed trailer if someone's got towing

Another one bites the dust:

Here's the list as I think it stands. Feel free to copy/paste/fill in/correct as appropriate.
Meerkat Jim-currently no trailer-Sun & Mon
"Skip rope" Panda Ian-trailer no truck-Sun & Mon (flexible)
Tocino grande! (in his own mind) Steve-one extra spot-Sunday only
Track Addict Venomousr1993 Randy-no spots if his work buddy is riding with him?-Sun & Mon
99Zulu who I met, but can't remember his name-no trailer
Joe 'deep pockets' P-?

Some other possibilities include
My wife won't let me go Lars-no trailer/dead truck?
I'm leaving early to drive fancy foreign cars Frank-pick up?

A friend has an open spot in his trailer. He's driving up but not riding. Going up and coming back on Sunday. 

Joe you're a slacker.

I can take another person, but no trailer since my neighbor needs it back for his cruisers so I am going to be only taking 1 bike  :(

Slide panda I got a truck ,since you live in s arlington .. I can drive the truck there we can attach the trailer , pick my bike at falls church and head to wv.

I'm all business...

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/74090_1637314688650_32360_n.jpg)

Registered for both days today. THIS IS GONNA BE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

is that the dogtrack at Ocean Downs?

Reg'd too - though Sunday only. The mighty thumper will need a rest and will probably be tired of looking at the ass end of everything but a 600 carby monster in the straights.

It's the wabbit track at Rosaryville State Park. Actually it's the tandem class at last year's cyclocross race.

I see what you did there :p

you sure it wasn't a Furry Party parade?

 ;D Well, you bike is about the only thing that I know will be there that has less HP than than mine.. maybe a 620.

Anyone with an i4 built in the last 15 years should have no problems making more speed on the straights.

I'll bring my Moto-Guzzi. Bonus - I don't have a filter to safety-wire!

Done! now time to go lookin for them track shoes :D

Folks seem to dig the Dunlop Q2s and they are usually easy on the wallet.

If you're buying stuff - get some new brake fluid and flush. The cheap-o auto store stuff I used to flush the off road dust out of the KTMs breaks was suffering after descending 33 last week

Got the KTM ready!

Changed out the oil (PITA) and brake fluid
Removed the rear fender section - 4 bolts, two plugs and all the rear lights come right off. Pulled the signals too and found two sets of spade connectors putting out 12v that aren't factory. Hmm, those can be useful. Swapped out the throttle map to something more peppy and if my 16th sprocket arrives in time...

Sooo, for those going/gone before are you going to carve out an enclave?
Anyone going to camp it Sat night
Me and Zulu99 are traveling out together Sat and opting for AC over night - but I'm wondering out dropping the trailer on site on the way, if there's folks we know will be around to mind it a bit.

I hear Venomousr does some mean grilling!  ;)

All signed up... I am staying at the Hampton Inn in Martinsburg. Now, just to get the bike ready.

I'll bring brats and spam sushi. Where are we all planning to coagulate? I've not been there before. Also, where's a good place to put numbers on a monster? On the headlight tape?

I'm headed up Saturday afternoon and camping both Saturday and Sunday nights...may not  be able to move my old creaky ass afterward, but am gonna give it a try.

Paddock isn't huge, so you'll be able to find us pretty simple. Headlight tape is a good spot. Just grab a contrasting color.

It's about  the only place. The seat cowl is the other spot

Save us some turf - me n Zulu are co-piloting out.

meet up saturday night?....

I am driving up Sunday morning as of now.  Jim, find a good spot near the building with a good grassy area and next to an electric box since I will be on warmers both days.  If you come down the hill, the area just to the right at the base is usually where I pit.

I am bringing a small smoker, the Aprilia, the Kawasaki, hamburgers, hotdogs, pork loin.  

Who's in at this point?
What rider groups?

1. Jim  - Racer?
2. Randy - Advanced
3. Joe
4. Steve - Advanced?

You'll be fine on Shenandoah with the KTM.....Main on the other hand ....I would have that thing strung out between turn 9 and 10...nevermind the front stretch.

Remember you'll need to either remove your headlights or tape them. If you opt for the latter you need to remove the fuse for your lights or they'll melt the glue from the tape.

  [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] :'(

There's me and the FNG brigade

5. Me/Ian - B
6. Zulu/Ananta - B
7. Frank - B

Jim/Gang - I don't have an easy up, but do have a blue tarp and bungees. I bet we could cobble an extension to an ez-up, or string the tarp between an ez-up (or similar) and the trailer to provide some more shaded area.

I'll bring another ez-up. Rolling in Sunday morning.

Me - B

So we've got

1. Randy - A, Ape and Kawi
2. Steve - A?, Guzzi?
3. Jim - (He tells me) B, 675
4. Ian - B, KTM Thumper
5. Ananta - B, 696
6. Frank - B, M1100 and Ferrari
7. Joe P - B, Mighty 600

Seems like we can put a decent camp together, in theory. Two ez-ups and blue tarp strung between for sunday. I'll be bringing a roller cooler. It's not huge, but I'm happy to share space to help cool bevs... it'll be hot.

I'll be on the 800SS in some group. I forget.
I'll have an EZ-Up and a grill. Should be there around 7:00pm Saturday night.

Weather forecast is looking sweet. 85 and a touch of clouds.

Have a great time fellas !

Any of the fellows who have been out before - ever take a GPS tracker with you during a session? My 1 pc has an internal pocket that would fit my (i)phone and I've got the MotionX GPS logger. Not that I'll be laying down any track records by a long shot, but it'd be interesting to see what info it captures.

I'm stashing a Garmin in the compartment under the seat to record the historic moment when my mighty 600 does the ton, if it happens at all...

I forgot what group I register for..i'm sure we can change that at the track. Also, as for number on bike, can you just put any #s or do you have to check with them to be sure no two bike has same #.s

According to their site,

Group I
Intermediate Sportbike–moderate rider, good riding skills, several track days experience
Group B
Beginner Sportbike–little or no track day riding experience

I'm going as B. Despite my best efforts I've never made a track day. So event though I figure I'm a "moderate rider, good riding skills" I don't meet the 3rd criteria.

Also I have it on good authority that I tends to be a bit more crashy

Where in this picture are we all planning to pit?

(http://i.imgur.com/ly3dW.jpg)

I think Randy likes to camp in the square marked "camp here". Brian and I camped in the circle area last time and it was pretty rocky under the grass. Wherever we end up, we need to be close to electricity. Hoping to get up there at a decent hour, so feel free to look for me: gold acura/uhaul trailer with black daytona or my google number is 202-709-5469.

I camp further to the right as soon as you come down off the bridge...not directly in front of the building.  The small section in front of the circle area.  There is one box there that stays unlocked ;D  Anywhere is good..I wills just ask you what box we are near and I will pay for the electric when I come thru the gate Sunday AM for my warmers

Yellow or Red X?
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/jimwatsondc/Ducati/shenny.jpg)

yellow

My suggestion to any rider who has never been on the track before is to start in beginner...especially on a new track.  I will always drop down a group level if going to a new track to get familiar with the lines.  This prevents slowing down the other riders and allows me to work on my skills, rather than pushing too hard too early on new territory.  Nothing pisses me off more than a rider riding over his head....it is dangerous to them and those around them.

Let the CR's help you and when they feel you are proficient they will give you a bump.  It feels better earning it too. 

See you guys in the morning. I'll be rolling in around 7 am in a white van, black m600 #88.

Giddy up!  [Dolph]

(Mostly) good times. Thanks to Jim for taking the notion an starting the organization process.

I think we might cause Frank a financial crisis though - there was some muttering about a track bike on the way home. I hope to make it back agin this season. Just finally got some of my lines and points worked out towards the ends of the day

Frank: http://www.dcsportbikes.net/forum/f27/2003-r1-le-black-w-flames-%243500-75298/ (http://www.dcsportbikes.net/forum/f27/2003-r1-le-black-w-flames-%243500-75298/)

Good job getting bumped up to "I" btw.

It kinda sucked being in the second "B" group if your last name was in L-Z because we got one less session than everyone else. Next time my name will be Joe AAA.

Any word from Randy?

For those of you who didn't catch the info on the Photogs there - photos are up

http://www.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=8567763 (http://www.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=8567763)

For the B guys - I found photos of everyone in both the A-K and L-Z subdivisions so look through both.

Some good shots of Frank and Steve from what I saw scanning. Jim... yours is just another black bike

We got another session after you left. Last of the day. No traffic.

Talked to Randy again last night just before 7. Latest update: owch..my wrists! owch...killer headache! Understatement of the year: "I'm pretty banged up." Surgery sometime today. A couple of his USMC buddies are going up today to see him. I've got a txt into him this morning to touch base, but understandably haven't heard back. I'll post up again as soon as I hear anything else.

Oh, that's nice.  [bang]
I waited till I heard them announce that the last session would be B (A-K) before returning my leathers. I guess they changed their minds.

BTW, Steve, who made your leathers?

I think it was a Barnacle Bill suit
http://www.racingleather.com/ (http://www.racingleather.com/)
 - But I'm sure he'll correct if I got it wrong

I don't think she does customs like Bill, but Lizzy - of Lizzy Leather does alterations and is sort of local.
http://www.lizzyleather.com/ (http://www.lizzyleather.com/)
Site seems a bit torn up a present..

They usually say something like, "This is a last session for Beginner (A-K)" You didn't miss much though, it was only about 10-11 min long.

Fresh in from Randy: "Waiting for surgery... Hungry as hell. Thanks for all the help by everyone."

Hospital food sucks. But being hungry is a relatively good sign.  [thumbsup]

Hopefully he will heal quickly - though I suspect a 2nd, minor surgery will be in a few week if he's getting an erector set for his wrist. If they just do internal stuff, then no follow on is usually needed beyond PT

Yep, they are Barnacle Bills. I also have a jacket from him. Nice thick leather. Not as fancy as the Tekniks, etc. but still well made. I also had a Syed for years that held up very well after multiple crashes. Both are small US outfits so I like that. I also have friends with Vansons that also are of high quality.

Fun times... Thanks to Ian and Jim for tips..

When is the next one? :D

joe I might see you at quantico this thursday ( if work schedule works out).

There's a 3 day weekend Aug 18, 19, 20 (Shenny, Shenny, Main)... ;D

Oh is there now...

Hmm hmm hmm... Main's no place for the KTM. But once I got things figured a bit it was making pretty quick work of the bends at Shenny.. Sure would like some more shots at it.

Damnit JIM! - It see what you did there...

hmmm aug 18 and 19 sounds good.. i might even be able to make it to one of the cornering school before that... and may be not have to see your tail more than once in same session :D

talking about schools, jim out of all the schoolsss you been to , which one would you recommend for cornering and body position and such?

Yes, do try to make it. Great track day practice. Actually kind of like Shenny minus the long back straight and elevation changes. I'd recommend it to anyone who can get in.

And thanks for the links to the leathers, Ian and Steve.

I went to quantico website, they have classes only on june 29. friday. Is that the one you going to ?

Tough question, because I think all of them helped me improve in some way or another.

Total control Level I and II gave me probably the biggest bang for the buck at $350 each. In terms of sheer riding improvement, the personalized attention that I got at CSS's 2 day camp made the biggest difference. (2 day camps have 2 riders/coach instead of 3 for regular sessions.) The 2 day camps are pricey, but worth it in my opinion. (Caveat emptor: opinions, in my opinion, are like assholes; everyone's gone one and they all stink.) I regret not having taken CSS on my bike earlier this year as I'm still working through mental issues (aren't we all) after crashing last fall. Moral of the story: Don't crash!

I signed up for the Thursday class, even though it's no longer listed. Maybe it's already full. Friday is usually for non-sportbikes. But I'd call them and ask to get into the Thursday session.

As mentioned during the truck time - I liked corner spin a lot, but a number of the things you learn are a little more abstract and come out in odd places - vs the very practical applications you see immediately from a course like Total Control.

And with riding the KTM vs a more standard config street bike, the cornspin stuff attaches a bit better as it's more of a 60/40 brake distribution so I was using my rear a good bit Sunday and broke it free a few times. One due to a fellow parking it even more than expected on a descending section - so the back got all squirly - but it wasn't an odd feeling due to Cornersping so I just rode it out.

You'll learn something at any school. But total control is probably a good first bet. I need to get myself to one...

Thank you jim, I will send you a pm about other stuff we talked about.


I am looking at this :http://www.cornerspeed.net/registration.html . Anyone has experience with cornerspeed. I think Ian did the corner spin?

july 30th at VIR. $100 discount with a military buddy, looking to register as a student.

Anyone else interested?

joep I will call them tomorrow first thing in morning and let you know.

I am VERY familiar with Aaron and his crew at Cornerspeed...there are a lot of good things to learn with them and in a setting that is very undercrowded and very well managed and supervised.

oooo... R1 track bike! My head says no but everything else says YES!

Now just need a trailer, tire warmers, track suit, rob a bank... i hate you all...

...when's the next track day?

Frank I am seriously considering got to VIR Cornerspeed on july 30th... I am gonna do level1 class. You could just sign up for track .

Despite some tech issues I did get some footage. Seems like all of 2nd session? Either way I started off behind Frank and then lost the horsepower game in the straight. Might have caught up... *might* but got caught behind other traffic they snuck by. So, here's Chasing Frank

Chasing Frank at Summit Point (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJ6RuxNfGc#)

Video looks good man!  [thumbsup] glad to see there was at least some footage after all the battery issues. I'm seriously gonna need to consider one.

2 suggestions:
  -get another one for the other side of the bike! :D
  -come on the throttle earlier at approx 2.06 ;)

I wish there was some after that straight where I could let loose a bit.  ;D I think braking came on at about 111mph.  [evil] Made me wonder what those I4's can do!

Yeah with the left hand bias of shenny that's not the best mount. More experiments are needed

And yeah at that point I wasnt quite on and was overly tentative in those turns leading to the big straight. Later on when things were clicking more I was one more gear up in the first and up shifting at the apex of the 2nd left that lead to the straight.

Wish I'd gotten session 4 when it started to mesh a lot more... But there's always next time...

Cornerspeed doesn't generally sign up folks for "Just Track" unless they are previous graduates...you may want to Email to inquire/verify that though...

Found more pics of last weekend:
https://www.facebook.com/KnockOutMotoPhotos#!/media/set/?set=a.195084100619550.39786.188693157925311&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/KnockOutMotoPhotos#!/media/set/?set=a.195084100619550.39786.188693157925311&type=3)

I must not be attractive enough to make their cut! lol... this/these photographers are better than the other ones.

Cool find got photos of most of the b folks and Randy

There's a number of examples of what not to do re body position. The dude in the yellow suit on 46 is asking to low side some day. Very crossed up

In contrast 13 with the orange helmet is how one should do it

From the FB page

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/266164_195084140619546_1494641976_o.jpg)

Meerkat 2?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/178505_195084957286131_1713173508_o.jpg)

JoeP looking speedy
(https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/169656_195085427286084_782131459_o.jpg)

And the big ornage Mule
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/473825_195085397286087_1865484700_o.jpg)

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
CAM is full of copy cats and comedians!

TO ME....it looks like you might get some better response with the front end in terms of feel and keeping it down when pinning out of corners if you slide up a lil more towards the tank and get your elbows up and use them hands like a screwdriver like Aaron and XXX taught you to do...

just sayin...

Plenty room form for improvement, no doubt. Not sure which session that's from, I was getting more into it late in the day, but was (admittedly) a touch over timid in a few places early on.

Thought sliding towards the tank on that bike is to the back  ;D - that little black bit behind my rear is the filler.

OKAY SMARTYPANTS...sliding your body closer to the bars!

Smarty pants and Comedian...

In, for one of the Shenny days!

I've cursed his name for bringing it up, but Jims got me going for the 18/19

Already announced that intent at home, so time to execute (in a few weeks) and see how much quickly I can get the Ktooom around there.

Hmmmm...as I recall reality, Zulu99 brought this up: [roll]

I just provided info... [evil]

Now I'm debating between 18 and 19th or july's cornerspeed school... I am definately leaning more towards cornerspeed.

 I might be able to somehow squeeze 18/19 and july too :D

Oh and we working on fixing the ac on my buddies truck, mechanic says he should be able to recharge the compressor and should be fine.

Anyone else interested for cornerspeed?

Thoughts?

http://www.ducpond.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=05697443X6K27K2012J5I19I46JPMQ6269R0&veh=2414184 (http://www.ducpond.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=05697443X6K27K2012J5I19I46JPMQ6269R0&veh=2414184)

Too much bike for me?

Probably not. Air cooled carb 2v 944. More power than my 900 but not too much and less than your 1100

The major issue with that bike is that it's likely to be a hassle and costly to fix  if it goes down. Secondary issue is the asking price.

Many Japanese bikes are awfully cheap to mod/fix.

for THAT bike...that isn't an unreasonable asking price at all...

that being said...what SP said about the cost to repair that bike in the event of a crash isn't incorrect at all...but it'd be a hoot and a half to rock that thing around the track with the flatsides and all...it makes a great honker of sound from the intake alone when you twist the throttle coming out of a turn...and I bet it is a pretty damn light machine all said and done with those mag wheels and all....only thing I'd change on it would be to upgrade the brake master and possibly the calipers, but not an immediate extremely needed upgrade.

yeah I didn't put it quite as clearly as needed - in a rush then.

For a first track bike there are potentially better values out there. A track SV 650 with some farkles or even (Jebus forbid) some ilk of i4 could be had for less. had the piss ridden out of them by you and sold off again for about what it was purchased for. Of course the SV is no Bimota... but it doesn't suffer from the same price penalty for any fixes or even (probably) mods.

If you're serious about hunting down a track ride, I'l start patrolling the CSS and WERA forums
http://www.ccsforum.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=bd97250e70b800263782b3792644aa02;wwwRedirect (http://www.ccsforum.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=bd97250e70b800263782b3792644aa02;wwwRedirect)
http://forums.13x.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=12 (http://forums.13x.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=12)

and possibly DCSportbikes.net

Ditto. If it's a 900/944 flatslide bike you want for, there are a lot of SuperSports around. And as pointed out, fixing crash repair won't be easy / cheap. Also, I've seen the bike in person and thought it looked better in pics (ymmv).
A 600cc Yamkawaski is your best bet. 6yo ex-racebikes can often = cheap with lots of good bits. If you like the idea of lightweight bikes, there are tons of SV650s out there.

Good point. And being Bimota it'd be most costy than a Duc to fix (probably). There's also Injected 800 and 1000 supersports floating around if you really want a 2v air cooled twin.

Not specifically targeting this bike/brand/engine... just what duc pond has on the rack.

I found an 05 R6 for $2k - track only... kinda like the thought of the R1 to grow to but... $2k.

Sure it's not an R3? 2k seems like it might only be half a bike...

link?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/3093288663.html (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/3093288663.html)

I'd have it checked out at a shop to be sure - but looks solid enough.

another bike... thoughts?
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/3105025396.html (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/3105025396.html)

You can't buy a bike without ferns. [laugh]

And a shrubbery!

Read up on the RC 51.. might put you off

NE!

http://weraclassifieds.com/ads/2005-yamaha-r6-track-weapon/ (http://weraclassifieds.com/ads/2005-yamaha-r6-track-weapon/) track prepped (NO TITLE) motorcycle with 2459 miles.

Here is the list of goodies:

Race Tech front fork internals (rebound/compression valves) set up for 170 lbs.
Ohlins 3-way adjustable rear shock set up for 170 lbs.
**Both of these were built 3 trackdays ago**
Harris adjustable steering damper
FULL Hindle exhaust system
BMC RACE air filter
Dynojet Powercommander USB
Vortex frame sliders/clip-ons/rearsets – GP shifting
ASV folding brake/clutch levers
Goodridge stainless steel brake lines up front
Vesrah “white” race pads up front – same ones Ben Spies/Mat Miladin used on their superbikes.
Air Tech bodywork in good condition with a new zero-gravity double-bubble windscreen
Set of race stands
Set of Tire SOX tire warmers
Distilled water with water-wetter
Safety wired

Extras:
Set of wheels with used rain tires mounted
Set of Vortex bar-ends (for when the opps happens)
Set of OEM brake/clutch levers
Full Yosh exhaust – crashed but usable

That's a lot of goodies! But no title, not even a salvage? That would make it a no for me. Not that I've ever been asked to show proof of ownership on a track bike.

On the RC51 I'd say no.

There's a couple current track bike listings with no titles... that weirds me out too. No reg... yeah sure makes sense for a track bike. But no title? Sets off my sketch alarms. It's not some 50 cc dirt bike

okay Frank...here's one for ya...

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58136.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58136.0)

Hard to argue with 2400. But for a track-only bike...

HEY...he can sell off street bits for to lower his money in the bike and perhaps buy spare parts and so forth...

Not so much that - my feeling is a 600 bullet proof Japanese bike is a better first track bike. The idea is to get lots of track time without having to worry about anything (not only reliability since the 900s are pretty reliable, but expense of rear sets, etc - lots of used stuff for 600s or sales, not so much 900 Monsters).

Another plus would be not getting passed by every squid on a faster bike only to get held up in every corner when you start pciking up the pace.

Don't get me wrong - my track bike *is* an 800SS - but I also got it to race in the lightweight class. However at track days it does get frustrating getting held up in the corners a bit when you're in an intermediate / beginner class and there's no passing. And the whole "go around the outside" thing doesn't carry a lot of water with me - usually by the time you've just showed a wheel they just gas it and accelerate away in front. Plus I'm reticent about passing around the outside (broken collarbone thanks to a slower rider radically changing his line while I was going around the outside).

IMHO, YMMV, etc. etc.

Got some images for you guys...
(http://rememberthat.net/OtherImages/IMG_0819.jpg)
(http://rememberthat.net/OtherImages/IMG_0820.jpg)
(http://rememberthat.net/OtherImages/IMG_0821.jpg)
(http://rememberthat.net/OtherImages/IMG_0825.jpg)
(http://rememberthat.net/OtherImages/IMG_0828.jpg)
(http://rememberthat.net/OtherImages/IMG_0855.jpg)
(http://rememberthat.net/OtherImages/IMG_0851.jpg)
(http://rememberthat.net/OtherImages/IMG_0872.jpg)

I'm in agreement with the japanese bikes as a first track bike. I keep thinking back to my (at the time) silly thinking in going with the M1100 over the M696. I thought the M1100 would be too much bike but it hasn't really been. Same thinking is going through my head for the 600 vs. 1000.

Really I'm a ways off buying a track bike... but i can be "spontaneous"... lol

I appreciate the input and keeping a lazy eye out for me :)

That's a happy face

Straining Panda?
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/jimwatsondc/Ducati/pooping.jpg)

Found this... neat list of UK track bikes: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-top-10s/top-10-sub-2000-track-bikes/11337-11.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-top-10s/top-10-sub-2000-track-bikes/11337-11.html)

We need to plan for another day later this summer or fall...The events all seemed to go well...besides the crash that is of course :-[

You young people heal fast right? Drink your milk and eat your yogurt!