Hampton Roads Ducati thread

[CMDRDAVE]

Happy 20K!  [moto]

[twolanefun]

What is a DS motor?

It is the new motor that is in all the 2v Air Cooled Motors, like my S2R1000 but it's also used across the line. Here is a partial description from a review
"All this, plus the exclusive Dual Spark ignition system which, with its "double flame front", offers more complete combustion, while simultaneously boosting mid-range power and reducing emission levels.


A closer look at the 1000 DS engine reveals a reduced angle between the intake and exhaust valves, one of the basic principles with which the renowned Testastretta engine was designed, which allows for a more compact combustion chamber, reducing the volume and thus obtaining improved combustion. The improved efficiency of the combustion chamber of the Monster S2R 1000 allows the engine to run on a leaner air/fuel mixture without compromising performance at high temperatures and significantly reduces emissions of hydrocarbons (HC).
The camshafts are supported on oil pressurized plain bearings which reduce the overall dimensions, the weight, and the number of moving parts, while also assisting with heat dispersal. The new configuration also puts the camshafts in a more direct relationship with the valves, reducing friction and stress on valve components and thus increasing reliability. In fact, although the cylinder head is more compact, it allows more space for the intake and exhaust valves, these being 45 mm and 40 mm in diameter. Further innovations include valve seats made of beryllium bronze, a technologically advanced material that affords better heat dispersal and wear-resistance and thus maintains valve clearances more accurately over a longer period of time."

- Gene

[twolanefun]

Happy 20K!  [moto]

Finally broke it in I see. - Gene

[Bun-bun]

The weather's gettin' warmer, and it's time to ride!
757Sportbikes is having a meet up on Saturday. They're meeting at noon at the Starbucks (Of course!) at Red Mill Commons  on Nimmo Pkwy in VB and motoring down to Elizabeth city NC. I will not be there, as I have to head back up to DC on Sunday.
\
\
Shout out to XJDave, who's going on his first track day on Monday!
Shiny side up, dude!

[Mike_D]

I was up at Redline in Yorktown the other day and they said they are having rides every 2nd and 3rd Sunday of the month.  Next Sunday, and every 2nd Sunday they'll be running up to Poe's.   Every 3rd Sunday the ride goes to a different place.  Any of you Southside guys interested in coming up this way and checking it out?  Here's the linky.

http://www.redlinemotors.com/index.php?fast=whenweride
 

[Mike_D]

Shout out to XJDave, who's going on his first track day on Monday!
Shiny side up, dude!

Good luck at the track Dave.   Of course we'll want a full report with photographic documentation 

[wllgmr]

+1

[Mike_D]

Anybody go for a ride yesterday?  It was gorgeous. 

Took a nice ride up to Richmond via 5, then Hwy 360 to Tappahannock, then 17 back to Yorktown.  Was beautiful until I got pulled over by a State Trooper.  I was cruising along when he passed me going the opposite direction on 17 (four lane).  I looked in the mirror and when I saw him turn around I knew he had me, so I just pulled over.

LEO:  "Do you know what the posted speed limit on this road is?"
Me:  "55"
LEO:  "And do you know how fast you were going"?
Me:  "Faster than 55."
LEO:  "Really, do you know how fast you were going"?
Me:  " Probably around 75."
LEO:  "71.  How long has it been since you have had a moving violation?"
Me:  "A few years, but it was in a car, not on a bike."
LEO: (With a stern look on his face)  "Slow Down"
Me:  "I will do that."

Dodged another one.  Glad he didn't see when I had opened it up a few minutes before.

[wllgmr]

You lucky devil. That never happens to me.

[CMDRDAVE]

The MAD DOC/Cornerspeed track day was awesome!  Realize that this was my first track day and I have nothing else to compare it to, but I’m in one piece, the bike is in one piece, had a tone of fun and I kept it on the track.  So overall I consider it a huge success.  It is one of the few things I have done where I have been scared to death and grinning fron ear to ear at the same time.

VIR is about 4 hours straight out rt 58.  Drove out there Sunday night.  The facilities were great.  I got a room right above the garages on pit row and overlooking the front straight.  I also split a garage with 3 other guys which worked out very well between the rain on Monday morning and the cold on Tuesday.  I walked the track Sunday evening.  The turns proved to be a lot more interesting than I was expecting based on looking at the course map.

Monday morning started with thunderstorms.  I completed tech inspection, riders meeting and beginner classroom training/chalk talk while it was still raining  Due to the rain we didn’t get out on the track until about 10:30.  It was on and off light rain for that first session.  We started off slow following an instructor to learn the track and follow his lines.  We slowly picked up the pace through the session but stayed reasonable considering the rain and learning the track.  For the second session the rain had stopped and portions of the track were wet and some were dry.  Again the pace increased but I was still focused on learning the track and various lines through the turns.  The sun came out and the afternoon was incredible.  My comfort level with the track really improved and so did my speed.  By the last session of the day, working to get the correct body position really started to click, I was really starting to get it. 

Tuesday was COLD, all day.  The temp in my truck said 44 degrees at the beginning of the first session.  Due to the temperature I backed off a little on the speed, especially in the morning, but this allowed me to work more on body position and lines.  Starting off my body position felt really good.  I found that when I though I was getting off the seat on Monday I really wasn’t but Tuesday morning I did, and I could feel it immediately when I did it right.  By the end of a 20 minute session my legs were shot.  Unfortunately as I worked on body position my lines degraded.  I followed an instructor for the first half of the last morning session and found that I was turning in and hitting the apex of turns way too early.  This set me up for 2 of the best sessions of the event in the afternoon.  On my last session of the day I had a couple of great turns followed by some really dumb mistakes.  I was done, there was one session left but my head just wasn’t 100% in it any more.  Time to pack up.

I found that the Monster really couldn’t keep up with the sportbikes on the straights, not that I expected it to.  Usually I would get passed on the front straight then be right back up on their tail by turn 3 through the “esses”.  They would pull away again and I would right back on their tail by turn 9 through 17 then they were gone.  That was fine with me.  I really don’t think I am a straight line speed guy anyway.  I loved the turns a lot more.  If turn 17 linked straight into turn 1, that would be fine with me.

I can’t say enough good things about the instructors and MAD members at the event.  This was not the full Corner Speed school but they were there to provide instruction to beginners or anyone who asked.  There were 3 classroom training sessions for beginners.  One before each of the first 3 sessions.  They mostly covered information on the track, lines, strategies, etc.  Turn dynamics, braking, turn in, throttle use, turn exit, etc.  Body position, body position and body position.  Out on the track the instructors were also great at giving real time feedback through signals and demonstrations.  Though it was weird to follow an instructor through turns at what felt like the edge of my ability while he was turned around watching me the whole time.  In between sessions instructors were more than happy to discuss technique with you or volunteer to help during future session.  Some would even ride through the paddock area to find riders and give feedback on things that they had noticed on the track.  Definitely two thumbs up to Aaron and his crew at Cornerspeed.  I am already trying to find a way to get back to VIR and take the full Cornerspeed course.  On a similar note, all of the MAD members were great also.  Everyone was helpful with any questions I had and many offered to assist with anything that I needed.  Overall a great groups of riders, not a single person ignored me because I was a beginner.

My camera broke as soon as I arrived.  No I am not even kidding.  I did buy a CD from the photographers on site, so pictures will follow shortly.  During some of the off time I drove around to key points on the track (turn 4/5, turn 7, turn 17) to watch the advanced group.  That was eye opening.  There was a Desmosedici there also.  Very distinct sound, I could tell when it passed even with my eyes closed.  Definitely interesting to watch.

Now I’m looking forward to the July event (still spaces available I think  ).  I’m trying to decide which bike to take.  If I bring the Monster back I definitely need a stiffer rear spring.  If I bring the 748 I need new tires.  Decisions, descisions.

[Bun-bun]

Dave,
This needs its own thread. Seriously.
Great review.

[CMDRDAVE]

Dave,
This needs its own thread. Seriously.
Great review.

I also posted it up in the racing/trackday section --> track day reports.  Zoom also posted about the same event there.

[kriswhite_23505]

Dave that was a great review. I wish I had enough balls or skill to do it.

On a side note I did FATT with the same organization at Summit Point but in cars and they really were awesome. great group of enthusiasts. I can't wait to see your pictures!!!

[CMDRDAVE]

FYI:
Poe's - I don't think it is happening this weekend (Easter)

Bikersfortykesandtroops.com  This is 17-19 April.  I have never been, looks like a Harley fest but it is only right down the road.  I won't be going because I will be out of town.

OBX Bike weekend is 23-26 April.  Again, I have never been and looks like a Harley fest.  Though it might be fun to make a day of it.  Knotts Island ferry run to get down there and if it is no good, we ride around OBX and find some good roads home.  I may not make this either, this is the weekend I am coming home.

[Bun-bun]

Thanks, Dave. Definitely would have had to farm that out without you.
Jeff