Observations . . .

abtech · 05-27-2004, 5:14 PM

As some of the members already know, I attended the Trackoholics track day at Grattan on Monday, the 24th. I was doing my first day as an instructor for this most excellent organization and as mentioned in a couple of other threads, the track was cold and wet most of the day. I don't usually try to mix it up a lot on track days, as I prefer to use the time to work on a particular section of the track or a technique that is either new or seriously flawed due to bad habits accumulated over time. At any rate, when I wasn't working with my class, I was able to do a few sessions with the advanced group and was having fun while taking it very easy around the wet areas of the track. During one of these sessions, I hooked up with another racer on a newer GSXR 750 and was finally able to see where my bike was at in comparison to a bike that I was familiar with in terms of performance capability. In a couple of back to back runs down the front straight with similar entry drives I was able to pull the Suzuki a couple of lengths without much drama. We both were being somewhat cautious, as the exit of turn 10B had a wide stripe of water running through the entire apex (and I was running slicks).

Anyway, I am fairly happy with the progress on the RC, as it seems the consensus is that the 51 has character but little else. NOT!

l'timbré · 05-27-2004, 5:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abtech

As some of the members already know, I attended the Trackoholics track day at Grattan on Monday, the 24th. I was doing my first day as an instructor for this most excellent organization and as mentioned in a couple of other threads, the track was cold and wet most of the day. I don't usually try to mix it up a lot on track days, as I prefer to use the time to work on a particular section of the track or a technique that is either new or seriously flawed due to bad habits accumulated over time. At any rate, when I wasn't working with my class, I was able to do a few sessions with the advanced group and was having fun while taking it very easy around the wet areas of the track. During one of these sessions, I hooked up with another racer on a newer GSXR 750 and was finally able to see where my bike was at in comparison to a bike that I was familiar with in terms of performance capability. In a couple of back to back runs down the front straight with similar entry drives I was able to pull the Suzuki a couple of lengths without much drama. We both were being somewhat cautious, as the exit of turn 10B had a wide stripe of water running through the entire apex (and I was running slicks).

Anyway, I am fairly happy with the progress on the RC, as it seems the consensus is that the 51 has character but little else. NOT!

CBRVFR · 05-27-2004, 5:58 PM

.....and wait till you see the attention to detail on this bike - it's beautiful and purposeful. Oh, incidentally, it hauls ass.. Red Rider and I watched with amusement and awe as Abtech overhauled rider after rider, lap after lap.

I've done three or four track walks at Grattan, with varied commentary from local hotshoes up to Reg Pridmore . I'm eagerly anticipating the one at the Fireblades days.

tigerblade · 05-27-2004, 6:25 PM

Can't wait to get lapped by the RC in about a month!

Red Rider · 05-27-2004, 9:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerblade

Can't wait to get lapped by the RC in about a month!

Actually, you'll probably get lapped in only a lap or two or after watching Abtech fly around the track in spite of the conditions!

CBRVFR and I stood along the hot pit wall and watched him do his thing as he picked off bike after bike...made me realize I have a looooooong way to go and a lot to learn!

edit: The '51 sure looks sweet, too.

abtech · 05-27-2004, 9:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

.....and wait till you see the attention to detail on this bike - it's beautiful and purposeful. Oh, incidentally, it hauls ass.. Red Rider and I watched with amusement and awe as Abtech overhauled rider after rider, lap after lap.

I've done three or four track walks at Grattan, with varied commentary from local hotshoes up to Reg Pridmore . I'm eagerly anticipating the one at the Fireblades days.

As long as I can get a

golf cart, the track walk will be very interesting as some of the faster sections can be described in "real time"

.

BDA116 · 05-27-2004, 9:50 PM

I noticed you didn't dispute the

condition on RC51 ownership.

Chain · 05-27-2004, 11:48 PM

I regret not being able to see abetch in action, but I will be eager to read the threads and view the pics after the schooling you give Tigerblade.

(j/k Tiger)

tigerblade · 05-28-2004, 1:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chain

I regret not being able to see abetch in action, but I will be eager to read the threads and view the pics after the schooling you give Tigerblade.

(j/k Tiger)

Oh there's no effing question about that. I'll feel like a newbie bitch compared to abtech and Red Rider (and probably others) for sure.

showmethebombs · 05-28-2004, 9:20 AM

That sounds like a really good time you had abtech! So do you feel that the 51 can be/should be classed as a 750cc I4, or do you still feel like it's more of a hyped 600cc I4.

BigDawg · 05-28-2004, 10:38 AM

Ab, being a hopeful new RC owner I find that very gratifying to hear

I rode one a year or so back and fell in love with the sound and feel. I've been toying over it for months and I'm about ready to do it. Looking for a nice 03'. Should be great.

Just show's that the RC is truely "sneaky fast". Nice job

abtech · 05-28-2004, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by showmethebombs

That sounds like a really good time you had abtech! So do you feel that the 51 can be/should be classed as a 750cc I4, or do you still feel like it's more of a hyped 600cc I4.

I still think it's best run in the H/W Twins class. Since it's 1000 ccs it would have to run against inline liter bikes and not 600s or 750s (although the smaller bikes can always move up a class or 2, the big bikes can never move down unless they're old tech, 2 valve or air cooled). I have no dreams that it would stay with any of the newer open class bikes. There was a ZX10 at the track on Monday and although the rider wasn't a racer, it was definitely the fastest thing on the track.

Red Rider · 05-28-2004, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerblade

Oh there's no effing question about that. I'll feel like a newbie bitch compared to abtech and Red Rider (and probably others) for sure.

Dude...I'm just a wannabe track day addict, never having raced a day in my life, and am nowhere near as fast as I talk! Abtech, on the other hand, is in a league all his own...

abtech · 05-28-2004, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Rider

Dude...I'm just a wannabe track day addict, never having raced a day in my life, and am nowhere near as fast as I talk! Abtech, on the other hand, is in a league all his own...

Yep, it's the woman's pro baseball league . . .

ER · 05-28-2004, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abtech

Yep, it's the woman's pro baseball league . . .

Would you play the part of Madonna or Rosie?

abtech · 05-28-2004, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ER

Would you play the part of Madonna or Rosie?

Geena Davis of course . . .

tigerblade · 05-28-2004, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Rider

Dude...I'm just a wannabe track day addict, never having raced a day in my life, and am nowhere near as fast as I talk! Abtech, on the other hand, is in a league all his own...

Just because someone races doesn't make them faster than trackday riders. Sandbagger.

abtech · 05-28-2004, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDA116

I noticed you didn't dispute the

condition on RC51 ownership.

see the above post . . .