| Author | Message | ||
     Gearheaderiko |
For the second year in a row I got to do the Buell Inside Pass. For those that dont know, Buell rents out a racetrack and holds a track day bringing with them the current new Buell bikes to demo ON THE TRACK. No cars, no lights, no speed limit, no cops. As with most track days they have 3 classes. Novice for anyone with less than 3 track days (includes first timers with no track experience or instruction whatsoever). Intermediate for those with some or a lot of track experience and Advanced for licensed racers and those very skilled riders. For Novice the rules are pretty lax as far as equipment. Taping up the lights is required (nothing else). Modular helmet is okay (full face with flip up chin bar) and even 2 piece textile suits (they should zip together though, somewhat). Back protector not required. (more protective apparel is always a plus though and recommended). Thats a brief summary, but fairly accessible to most newer riders with protective gear (not the flip flop and shorts crowd). Almost any bike was allowed as long as it wasnt underpowered and had decent lean capabilities (which included 3 Blasts and a near new stock Sportster). Last year they had a host of talent (names you'd recognize) to coach you along with some classroom instruction. This year they had at least 6 coaches and split all the novices into like skill levels or confidence, which meant you werent pushed at all to ride beyond your limits (real or imagined). NO pressure. With classroom instruction for the first half the day between sessions. There was no minimum requirement to test ANY Buell demo. Demo a Blast or 1125R, you just needed to stay in your group (novice, etc.). $150 for the day which is a really, really good deal when you consider whats included: Breakfast ($10) Lunch ($10) Snacks, drinks ($5+) T-shirt ($20+) Knee pucks ($15+) Pictures ($35+) Classroom instruction and coaching?? (Priced Superbike school lately?) Its also not a Buell exclusive event. So you can bring whatever brand you have and probably see some really nice European bikes too. When it comes around next year, check it out and sign up early. (Message edited by gearheadErikO on November 13, 2008) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Seriously, if your already grinding footpegs or a 'spirited' ride through the twisties is the best part of your ride, then you should check out a track day. Intimidating at first (for some), they usually have a novice class for people just like you (new). If you're already grinding footpegs, then you probably wont be the slowest rider in novice (even on a Blast, except maybe in the straights). If you're not already grinding footpegs, doesnt matter, you still may not be the slowest rider in your group. But who really cares? If your having fun, then it doesnt matter. Leave your ego at home. Some track day events will have a lot of instruction available for new riders (usually your choice). Some are better run, some are mayhem. All stress safety, but some dont enforce their own rules. Just like street riding, you ride at your own pace. Get sucked into someone elses pace and your headed for trouble. DONT WAIT! Common excuses I've heard are "I dont have a fast enough bike"-I've seen much faster bikes passed by a Blast. Its all about corner skill. Any noob can do 140mph in a straight line. "I'm not fast enough"-Only one way to get fast is with experience. If you're confident, dont worry. If your not confident, maybe get some input on your riding from a more experienced rider. "I dont want to wreck my bike". The Blast crashes (costwise) very well. Parts are cheap and its only going to depreciate in value anyway. If you wait for that faster newer bike, you'll not want to risk scratching that new bodywork or paint anyway. You're more likely to crash it on the street too. FWIW: I've never had anybody say to me "dude, your freakin slow" or "hey, why dont you get a real bike". Many are very encouraging, thumbs up and very curious about the Blast. Remember: No cars, No speed limit, No stop lights, No cops. Slightly unrelated: Saddest thing I heard last week at the track was from a Buell retailer (who I wont name) who didnt want to risk throwing a Buell down the track, so he brought an SV650 to run  . I just couldnt see the point. (Message edited by gearheadErikO on November 13, 2008) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
http://www.myinsidepass.com/p/1_ws_novice/inside_p ass_willow_springs_11-03-08_sm_gm5v364438 http://www.myinsidepass.com/p/1_ws_novice/inside_p ass_willow_springs_11-03-08_sm_gm5v37330 http://www.myinsidepass.com/p/1_ws_novice/inside_p ass_willow_springs_11-03-08_sm_gm5v312315 | ||
| Evilbetty |
Wow looks like a lot of fun! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
IT IS!!! | ||
| Jsg4dfan |
I went to the one at Eagle's Canyon Raceway in Decatur Texas several weeks ago. Best $150 I've EVER spent, hands down... | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
 I did demo ride an XB9S(?) as I wanted to test something as close to a Blast as possible. For the most part it handled exactly like my Blast. Powerband was the same (I'm running an XB top end and cams) and the track felt the same. The wide tires however felt so much better and I could still move the handlebars in the pits as I didnt have a steering dampener cranked all the way up. The seating position was hideous, mostly because for all intent and purpose it had rear sets (not my bag baby) and I couldnt get comfortable. I felt like a pretzel when I got off  Again, thats just me. The bars were also tilted forward and the suspension was set very stiff to accommodate the variety of riders demo-ing the bike. All in all a nice ride. Drag bars and move the pegs forward 4-6 inches and it would be perfect (for me). Some notes. Last years Inside Pass was held at "The Streets". A slower and much more technical course with almost twice as many turns.The Blast was much more at home there and stability and a needing a steering dampener wasnt an issue. This year it was held at "Big Willow" (as its sometimes called) which is a much faster track and the emphasis is much more on speed. The steering dampener really helped, although cranking it up that stiff is really just a bandaid for other problems, it made a HUGE difference in handling (aka: confidence) to me. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Off topic suspension posts moved to suspension section for beneficial discussion: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-auth.cgi?file=/20164/33309.html | ||
| Ezblast |
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/5-*B*nc8pDTU23#a/maps/l ::1734+Linden+Pl:Antioch:CA:94509-3165:US:38.00479 4:-121.827363:address:Contra+Costa+County:1/l::182 5+Monterey+St:San+Luis+Obispo:CA:93401-2613:US:35. 288833:-120.651515:address:San+Luis+Obispo+County: 1/m:::::0:::::/io:1::1:::s:EN:M:/e The ride to SLO 5 - just have to go over some of the connectors - make sure they are all good. The ride back home - http://www.mapquest.com/mq/5-qWb4XeMrUxK8o8 Gv Both should be fun! So where do you want to meet folks on the ride down - to join in the fun! Saturday can be done either way - a small ride & a visit to the Motorcycle Museum, or a longer ride together followed either way with a great dinner at a terrific rib house. Great riding, fellow Blastards - who can ask for more. EZ (Message edited by ezblast on November 17, 2008) | ||
| Swampy |
Have I ever told you guys(and gals) how much I hate my situation? I was shoveling the driveway after driving 1/3 the way across Canada in a blinding snow storm, only to be jacked up by Motherland SSecurity upon trying to re-enter the good old USA. The wife came out to the porch and asked if I could rescue Sweet Baby Jesus, his mother Mary and step dad Joseph out of the snow so everyone could see them on our snow pile. I am really not liking it here, I try hard to not think about not being able to ride. I am really concerned about making it through this winter. | ||
| Reuel |
You going to pick up some studded snow tires for the Blast? Maybe you should get a snowmachine. Um, snowmobile for those who aren't Alaskan. | ||
| Evilbetty |
I feel your pain. I have resorted to eBaying parts I don't need, and decided to tear down the Tiger for it's 24k maintenance (at 21k miles) to kill the time, since I don't think they make these tires for the Tiger or the Blast.  | ||
| Johnnymac |
Boi-oi-oing!!! | ||
| Berkshire |
...say now, that's something you don't see every day.  | ||
| Indybuell |
Where do you hook your plow up to on that thing? | ||
| Ezblast |
That puppy is supposedly for ice track racing - lol EZ | ||
| Fast1075 |
Whats a snow plow??? LOL | ||
| Ezblast |
"The Buell is my shepherd; I shall not want. It maketh me burnout on black pavements; It leadeth me from busy freeways; It restoreth my soul; It leads me in the path of quickness for its name's sake. Yea, though I ride through the valley of rice, I shall fear no turbo, for Torque art with me; Thy clutch and thy throttle they comfort me. Thou preparest a Track for me in the presense of mine enemies; Thou hast anointed my engine with synthetic oil; My bike overpowers. Surely traction and victory shall follow me, All the days of my life, And I shall dwell in the house of Buell's, Forever. Amen " ---The Holy Trinity of Tech (Message edited by ezblast on January 25, 2009) | ||
| Dankno |
... Amen. The Torque be with you. | ||
| Ezblast |
And also with you. Amen | ||
| Themagster |
I feel as though a light has just appeared above my head and just by reading these pages, and walking with you in kindred spirit, I too am Blessed. Great words...I love this site! Happy Trails to all | ||
| Roysbuell |
Did something dumb this morning. It is a bright sunny day and 50 degrees so I'm riding my Blast to work. There is a nice tight S-curve (left then right) on my way, and I take it a bit too quick. In order for me to stay in my lane I had to lean the bike further then I have done before. It felt good but then my left boot hit the ground and in 1/10th of a second my foot comes flying off my peg and slaps the ground. I held the curve and leaned the other way while dragging the rear brake to slow down a bit. Then I did the holy hell that was close and thanked my lucky stars that I didn't fall. Anyone else ever experience this kind of oops? Is there something I did wrong. Is there something I could have done better? | ||
| Ezblast |
Welcome to the Dark side! Think rear-sets my friend - you did nothing wrong! EZ | ||
| Reuel |
I was doing low speed maneuvers, showing the sport bike riders how it was done. Several times, doing sharp S turns, I squished my foot between the Blast and the ground. I then offended someone for talking about how much more maneuverable my Blast was. He talked smack about my skills, but didn't say anything about the Blast, except that he thought it weighed as much as his engine. I posted it in more details in the Tales section. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Yes. The Blast pegs can be a little small so your foot hangs over and can be the first to contact the pavement. When wearing a nice set of motorcycle race (or race style) boots they have 'sliders' on the side so your foot doesnt get dragged back (and off). Rearsets can help, but if your not riding on the balls of your feet (sportbike style) they can still be dragged back (or worse dragged under in the case of rearsets). Using the rear brake during hard cornering can lead to a 'slowside' crash. As also can backing off on the throttle too quick. Its best not to panic!I wasnt there so I cant tell you if or how wrong your actions may have been. I probably would've grabbed some front brake and backed off a little on the throttle.The Blast rear brake can be a treacherous thing as the front loads up real quick and the back will slide. Congratulations on a lesson learned (without going down)! | ||
| Roysbuell |
I have only been riding a street bike since October, after a 10 year break and previous experience limited to dirt bikes. I stayed on the throttle and only slightly dragged the rear brake. Since I was toward the end of the first curve I was able to straighten out the bike to regain my balance before going into the second curve. Any advice is appreciated and lessons like this are priceless. Thanks again. | ||
| Ezblast |
Sure - unless you are in gravel, water/rain, or trying to hold on a hill, or in a total emergency - don't use the rear break. EZ | ||
| Reuel |
Sometimes, when I'm stopping normally, I'll rest my foot gently on the rear brake.  | ||
| Ezblast |
Yeah - me too, when in SF. EZ | ||
| Ezblast |
I'm 49, working as an accountant for three medium sized companies, going to school to add to my resume and debt, just bought a house to add more to my debt, and have been so busy doing stuff that I haven't had time to breath. Time to ride. So I posted - "Erik up for another SLO ride?" - wildly he said yes. So I promoted, and even posted on the Buell website as a Owner Event the details of the SLO Ride, and still could only get my buddy Scott and Paul to come and represent Northern California. The morning of the ride I awoke at 630, sleeping in (I usually get up at 520), and packed the car, tools, parts, whatever short of an engine itself, to guarantee in my mind that anything going wrong would be righted, yet the only tool needed the whole trip was an adjustable wrench(something I always carry anyways). With my wife as official chaser and drag I was secure. It was just Scott and I leaving at 8:30 in the morning, all that answering of phones, and emails for nothing. Its usually just too hard to pry a Northern Californian away from their favorite roads - can't say I blame them - our roads are the best. Will be teaming up with Paul further down the road. The weather cool and brisk - as usual - I didn't wear enough warm clothes, yet I didn't care. I had been months preparing and dialing in both bikes, and my dance partner was ready to roll. As the wind played it games, my thoughts cleared, and as the bucolic scenery rolled by layers of stress pealed off me. Scott riding my other bike, so the Force was singing duet with my toy - bass and baritone. The calmness of the ride was setting in, and only the occasional looking down at directions reminded me that there was a destination involved. Cruising back-roads, averaging an average speed of around 70mph, comfortable in the act of riding, we picked up Paul in Gilroy and continued our ride. Day One:     We arrive first, 289 miles,for both bikes, Paul's around half, but it was a good half. As the So Cal group came rolling in, I saw some familiar faces and some new ones - life was good. We cleaned up and headed for a cafe famous for its clam chowder - I had a burger, and I really don't think they served a bad meal. While there I checked in with James and was told that this ride would be different. The roads would be paved and no rivers to ford - we talked a little treason - lol - 1%'s - lol - it was a good night. Day two: The day was cool and just right for a ride. We kicked tires a bit as everybody got ready, James and his beautiful damsel on his Uly would lead a pace and we would follow, I took second because I didn't know the roads and trusted James immensely in his knowledge - I knew I would have fun!   To be continued - EZ (Message edited by ezblast on April 27, 2009) |
