trailing throttle

[Syscrush]

Have you read Keith Code's book Twist of the Wrist?

[thought]

Have you read Keith Code's book Twist of the Wrist?

or this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Performance-Street-Techniques/dp/0760314039

i just got that book this winter and it's a pretty informative read... a lot of what you're saying you have issues with the book covers.  it makes me want to try out one of their clinics this coming spring or summer.

if you dont want to shell out the cash for the book, i think some libraries actually stock it so you might want to call around and see if they can get you a copy.

[dan miller]

Thanks all

Rich - The bike has a set of pipes, and I've opened up the airbox lid.  It might be a little lean, but the plugs don't show it, and it doesn't detonate.  I'll be utilizing an Innovative A/F sensor as soon as it's back on the road.  I'm currently servicing it (tires, belts, valve clearance check, brake/clutch fluid, fork oil, etc.).

Does anyone tune with an Innovative?  If so, do you replace the bung to utilize a common thermocouple, or is there one available that fits the Ducati bung?  My bike is Alpha N.

Syscrush and thought.  I'm just finishing up two of Hough's books - Proficient Motorcycling and More Proficient Motorcycling.  Code's book is next, followed by Total Control.

Another thing I'll do is put a "tattle tale" on the fork tubes and see exactly what's going with compression. 

Thanks again, Danny

[junior varsity]

hey dan,

i weigh the same as you. throw a couple pennies aside every few weeks for some racetech fork springs and a new ohlins rear spring.


there's a books (total control, twist of the wrist 1 & 2, etc) that are good.... BUT reading and trying to do it isn't going to be as useful as getting out on the track with an instructor who can critique you or even record you so you can see your body position, etc.   Just throwing track days out there as something to consider. Most people assume its like racing, or believe that you will crash and both are wrong. Its "go as fast as you care" and no one makes you ride above your limit. You'll learn more at one of those events than you can in years of reading and trying to apply what you've read on a public road sans instructor.

[ducpainter]

hey dan,

i weigh the same as you. throw a couple pennies aside every few weeks for some racetech fork springs and a new ohlins rear spring.


there's a books (total control, twist of the wrist 1 & 2, etc) that are good.... BUT reading and trying to do it isn't going to be as useful as getting out on the track with an instructor who can critique you or even record you so you can see your body position, etc.   Just throwing track days out there as something to consider. Most people assume its like racing, or believe that you will crash and both are wrong. Its "go as fast as you care" and no one makes you ride above your limit. You'll learn more at one of those events than you can in years of reading and trying to apply what you've read on a public road sans instructor.

I hope he listens to you on both counts. 

[junior varsity]

seems like the best money i've spent on the bike are in that post. (and i gots lots into this bucket so far...)

[Ddan]

One more for the track day.  You can't replicate what you'll get from a day at the track any other way.

[ducpainter]

seems like the best money i've spent on the bike are in that post. (and i gots lots into this bucket so far...)

The reason I started off saying to re-spring the bike is mine did the same exact thing if you got out of the throttle in a corner which is always a bad idea. I was getting back in to motos when I bought the Monster and was pretty rusty. If you got out of it fast/hard enough the thing would wallow like a pig in the mud. I was lucky and had a great shop and They did the forks, but didn't have the right spring for my weight. I did my first track day the next week. It totally transformed me and  the bike. Later I got a smoking deal on an Öhlins shock. I even had to beef up the spring on that and I'm under 200 in gear.

Not that I've modded my bike all that much except for the 'customization by crash', but suspension and trackdays have to be the best money I've spent also.

[junior varsity]

Not that I've modded my bike all that much except for the 'customization by crash', but suspension and trackdays have to be the best money I've spent also.

Its the greatest excuse!  "BUT HONEY, WHY REPLACE IT WITH THE SAME THING I BROKE WHEN I CRASHED WHEN I CAN UPGRADE IT!...and maybe not crash again...."

[Cider]

Books, trackdays, new suspension, new chain, new tires, new belts (?!?)--all good ideas, but assuming you don't have some gross mechanical problem, it sounds like you just need to get the bike figured out and be smooth on the controls. 

[strat10]

I think you will feel 1000% more comfortable with new tires. I would think yours have a pretty substantial flat spot, and that will mess up any corner.

I do agree with all the other points made.

[dan miller]

Thanks everyone

I feel that I'm getting some VERY GOOD advice.  I've ridden the bike about 600 miles and am starting to get comfortable with/on it.  It's a surprisingly nice touring bike, which I hadn't expected.  I have zero problem riding it for a tankful, gassing up and walking around for 10 minutes or so and doing another tank.  Whoda thunk?

I've been researching track instruction, but haven't come up with anything yet.  I live a little over an hour from Thunderhill (a race track in Willows, Ca), and I'm going to give them a call in the near future.

Thanks again, Danny

[Syscrush]

I'll suggest a proper school before an open trackday.  Code has done schools at Thunder Hill, I believe, although there are none showing on the current schedule.

2011 Dates

[junior varsity]

i think a good track program will provide instruction and instructors. not to downplay the benefits of a school, but if one is unavailable, don't forego the track!