Questioning EVERYTHING after 1 year off the bike

[Spidey]

Just take it slow.  You'll speed up again in little time.   Don't worry about lines or body position or anything like that for now.  Just focus on looking through the corners.  It'll slow everything down for you, and make it feel more comfy. 

[Drunken Monkey]

Just focus on looking through the corners.

What he said.

[Edward_Wolf]

What he said.

And try to enjoy it

[Raux]

thanks all

i think i'm over it. i'll take the bike next sunny day

[hackers2r]

I think a BIG part of what you're feeling is the tire change.  I experienced exactly the opposite immediately after changing from the stock Bridgestones to my Pirellis.  Just gained much more confidence in riding.  And I'm sure that going from a tire you got comfortable with to a VERY aggressive performing tire will definitely require a riding adjustment.  I've been told the same thing about the Michelins.  I would suggest, like everyone else, get used to the new aspects of the bike.  In my opinion, it'll probably be the tires that require getting used to the most.

[Raux]

I think a BIG part of what you're feeling is the tire change.  I experienced exactly the opposite immediately after changing from the stock Bridgestones to my Pirellis.  Just gained much more confidence in riding.  And I'm sure that going from a tire you got comfortable with to a VERY aggressive performing tire will definitely require a riding adjustment.  I've been told the same thing about the Michelins.  I would suggest, like everyone else, get used to the new aspects of the bike.  In my opinion, it'll probably be the tires that require getting used to the most.

yeah i noticed even with my trepidation that the bike has been leaned even more than i did for awhile with the old setup and tires. chicken stripes are very small. i was surprised when i went back and looked at that. i had no idea i was that deep.

[Raux]

ok spent a good 4 hrs on the bike today

stayed off the Autobahn. Lots of curves, low speed, high speed, switchbacks. some traffic areas.

Feeling a lot better.
Tires are a definite change from the BT 016.
The Pilot Road 2CTs are like triangles compared to them. and they follow road lines easily. But once you get into the curves you appreciate how easily they turn.

Was playing with the bars in low speed areas to see how easily countersteering is. I think I changed the geometry a bit on the bike cause it was easier than with the bars. So my steering angle must be steeper. It's good though, but now I'm thinking damper.

All in all, I was exhausted and fulfilled. I feel the bike now. but changes may come from it on the build...
back to the build thread.

[stopintime]

The light steering might be a result of the clip-on forward position?
On the older Monsters, getting more weight forward improves steering, but my (limited) experience with the new Monsters is that they are much much quicker to turn, even in stock upright form.

Can you raise the front on the forks?

I want to see your SBK front finished - it's such a great idea, so please
stick with your clip ons and adjust to the riding position.

[Raux]

oh and the 1198 forks .. freaking awesome. i still need to reduce the preload I think, but wow, they handle the bumps on the roads soo incredibly well.

these aren't stockers either. they have new valves and ohlins springs that are softer than the stock.

i mean just awesome on the bumps.

i also have my preload UP on the rear with softer rebound setting. the combination has been great. it stops the jarring and bucking i had before. yet remains firm on braking and acceleration.

[causeofkaos]

this might be a lame question but i dont remember reading anywhere in your rebuild process if the suspension has been dialed in for your weight by a suspension guru. with the geometry changed and riding position shifted that might be something to look at. Buddy on his hyper 1100s was having shit day on the track until suspension was dialed in.
all i can add to some really good advice already posted.

[Raux]

this might be a lame question but i dont remember reading anywhere in your rebuild process if the suspension has been dialed in for your weight by a suspension guru. with the geometry changed and riding position shifted that might be something to look at. Buddy on his hyper 1100s was having shit day on the track until suspension was dialed in.
all i can add to some really good advice already posted.

yeah that's on my list of things to do.

[causeofkaos]

my humble opinion that should be at the top of the list. Even if its a minor tweak on the suspension the difference will be dramatically noticable and sure fire boost in confidence.

[Raux]

I'm certain.

The local Ducati dealer has a race team. That's going to be my shop for this work. The one... person... that works there has 2 MV Agusta F4 and other crazy bikes. He/she's pretty good and their shop owner was a racer. Their prices are crazy, but I'm hoping to get just some tweaks to the setup since I've done a good job mating the 1198 forks with the softer springs and new valving.

i do know that the rear spring/damping is WAY better this way, so I think I'm on the right track there. For the front I suspect reducing preload and some minor changed to damping and rebound.

[WhiteStripe]

...I would put the ball of my foot on the peg and my heel would touch my wife's foot.

Why does this sound like the beginning of a Penthouse letter to me

[Raux]

another ride today.

a quick push on the inside bar and the bike falls into the corner sooo easily. Having to start my turns later which is good to get those proper lines.

I'm loving it more and more.
Core strength is coming up as now I find myself barely putting any weight on the bars.

but damn I need to lose weight, my leathers are way tighter than last year.