[929flyer]

In light of;

1. chain's new dislike for Italian flavor

2. Will I/we really ever see him at the track

I just had to relate a story that I posted on Apilia site.

I just completed this evening another track outing on the Tuono. I did our Moto Mania club at Mid-America Motorplex (MAM) that runs every Thursday from 3pm until dark. $300 dollar annual membership and $40 bucks at the gate when you come. It's a super great deal if you can make it every Thursday. It's still a great deal even if you can't make it that much because it's available per your schedule every Thursday.

Anyhows, I have not been able to do as many Thursdays this year as I would normally. So, I've still been working on suspension adjustments, tire pressure adjustments and overall set-up to find the sweet spots for me. Well tonight was a super night and some further adjusting gave great results. In fact, it was such a great night in many ways a couple of guys were just running stupendously. There were many happy riders and no wipe-outs.

This evening I was lapping with a couple of pretty decent riders on 954s. To give an idea, we were running lap times (two of us have lap timers) that would give decent finishes in any of the NOVICE classes (aka middleweight, heaveyweight, Supertwins). I only mention this, not to be bragging on any of our accounts as there are several faster experts out there, just showing that we were doing pretty decent lap-times.

I would loose a few bike lengths on MAMs 2300 ft. straight to those 954s (track is 2.23 miles). Then reel the fellas in on the so-called back section. Sometimes make a pass and then have them overtake on the straight again. The straight is long enough that a litre bike is going to get top-end honors.

After one particular session that we were dicing around, a group of very experienced road guys (you could tell by their bikes, gear and odometers) had pulled into the track to check out the place. They came back to the pits from the stands and just riddled me with questions about the Tuono. They just couldn't believe that my more conventional looking bike would reel those sportbike fellas back in through the corners. You do not see many if any Tuonos around our neck of the woods and they were just amazed by the machine.

In fact, shortly after that a couple of the local expert racer guys came up to me and expressed themselves how they couldn't believe "the time" I was making on the bike.

I'd love to say guys that I'm some ****-hot rider. I do OK, but the REAL WINNER of this story is the TUONO! That bike made me look good. AND has covered for me on more than a few mistakes I've made out there. I truly am riding an incredible bike. There are numerous ways, that I haven't done yet, to make it even better! Looking forward to that.

I love riding at the track, I love riding a good bike, I try my best to do my best, but that Tuono has made my lame ass look better.

THANK YOU APRILIA.

[ccwilli3]

I tried to tell him...

[bwhip]

Viva d'Italia!

[Zeeman]

Looking forward to my '05 MV1000....

Z...

[929flyer]

Oh zeeman, that looks like the machine to have. Every first ride review that I've read has said that it possibly could be the overall best litre bike to have. It has the beautiful MV look with true giddy-up and go. Plus, they said that it's street manners appears to be the best of the bunch! If I only had.....

Great write up indeed!!! I love my Aprilia. Haven't ridden a Tuono yet, but hope to some day.

Writing like you have done here will go a long way towards making people take a good look at the Itialian bikes once more before making a new purchase.

SPEED.

[Chain]

Originally Posted by 929flyer

Will I/we really ever see him at the track?

If you'd have been at MAM in April, you'd have seen me already. I did Milroy's track school, don't forget!

As for your Tuono, I'm genuinely happy you're enjoying it. I, however, am DONE with non-Japanese sportbikes. I tried the Italian thing, didn't like the taste it left in my mouth, so I'm back to ricers for good.

As to the title of your thread, "What chain won't have happen on his new Kawk" - I assume you mean other riders won't approach me to inquire about the ubiquitous plastic-covered sportbike I now own.

Perhaps not, but frankly, I don't really care.

I used to think it was sooo cool to ride a Ducati that everyone and their brother asked me questions about, but the novelty of all that wears off when the bike breaks and has to sit in the shop for going on two weeks while they await parts. And to think there are Italian bike snobs out there who actually believe this junk is superior to the Japanese machines.

To each his own though. I wish you continued good luck with your pasta rocket.



Chain

[929flyer]

See that's the thing chain, mine doesn't break and sit in the shop for weeks.

You just bought the wrong Pasta. You went noodles, got the wrong sauce and over paid!

But, don't blame the whole nation for one bad restaurant!

OH yeah, I'll put it this way then, "will I/we ever see him at the track on his new kawk"?

[929flyer]

Perhaps not, but frankly, I don't really care.

Oh chain, you do to care. Don't get snippy with me now. We all enjoy a bike that stands out once in awhile. Your happy now with a bike that is run-of-the-mill. All the jap 600s are great bikes that's why they sell so dang many of them. Also why people go to such great lengths in the aftermarket to personalize them. I know you say that your not going to do that.

You gotta' understand if we're here with a little doubt though considering, the ah, history!

BTW, your right though on the "each to his own". Some consider the Tuono cosmetically challenged. I happen to enjoy it's appearance for the most part. I find cosmetic flaws with most every sport oriented machine except the above mention MV1000. I think that just might be perfect.

[Chain]

Originally Posted by 929flyer

Oh chain, you do to care. We all enjoy a bike that stands out once in awhile. Your happy now with a bike that is run-of-the-mill.

Run of the mill or not, it starts when I turn the key, offers up more performance than I could hope to use, doesn't cost an arm and a leg to service and maintain, and isn't sitting in the dealership service bay right now.

[ConqSoft]

Originally Posted by Chain

it starts when I turn the key, offers up more performance than I could hope to use, doesn't cost an arm and a leg to service and maintain, and isn't sitting in the dealership service bay right now.

Couldn't you say the same about your 954?

[abtech]

Originally Posted by ConqSoft

Couldn't you say the same about your 954?

Or the FZ? or the Busa?

[figment]

Nice bike! Good Report!

My friends on Ducati and Agustas get all the attention
those kids your mother told you not to play with

[Chain]

Oh I see, it's gang up on Chain time. Conq, you're a mean one!

Also, abtech, I didn't own a 'busa, only rode a buddy's two 'busas and yaked about 'em from time to time.

So guys, do tell how I can possibly repent for the err of my past.

[tigerblade]

Originally Posted by Chain

So guys, do tell how I can possibly repent for the err of my past.

Got a sister?

[Tornado bait]

Originally Posted by Chain

So guys, do tell how I can possibly repent for the err of my past.

Give me a dollar.
Ok, I stole that line.

[Chain]

Originally Posted by tigerblade

Got a sister?

Yes, and she's married to a USN Seal who's a far better shot than I am. Lucky for you he's not in country right now.

[CBR929RE]

Originally Posted by tigerblade

Got a sister?

that's just wrong but how about a second sister?

[tigerblade]

Originally Posted by Chain

Yes, and she's married to a USN Seal who's a far better shot than I am. Lucky for you he's not in country right now.

That's fine. She's probably ugly anyway.

[929flyer]

figment; That article is one of several that I had read leading to my desired ownership of the Tuono. I've found that article hits the nail on the head in most aspects. Especially the ease at which you can get up to speed. Every fellow that has traded a ride on it find themselves going as fast as on their own mount within just a few laps. One guy said, "yeah, I'll take er' out for a couple of laps" and he came back in about 16 laps later with the fuel light coming on being the only reason he did so!

I've spooned on Pirelli Diablo Corsas (sorry abtech) that have fit the bill for Street to track quite well. MAM is noted for it's harshness on softer race rubber and street/track rubber works there very well giving great grip with longer life. With the grip that MAM gives the Corsa it allows for wonderful lean angles and hook up on exit. I will be looking at the Pilot Powers in the not to distant future though. I think they might just be another little step forward.

Hey tigerblade, I've been trying to phone you by cell! Check in please!

Originally Posted by abtech

Or the FZ? or the Busa?

....When will he learn...."Never say never!"