| Author | Message | ||
     Dago |
Well I had my first low-side last Friday while sparing with a ZX-10.  It was actually one of the best road-racing experiences I've ever had. Granted, it was just a track day. But it sure felt like a race. Motorsport Ranch is a very twisty track with only one one short straight of any consequence. So their hp didn't give them any advantage at all. It was all about who broke harder, got through the section & and on the gas the fastest. I won.(?) We played quite a bit during our first 20 minute session, letting each other in front from time to time. It was really amazing watching that bike in action. I was then even more amazed to see my front wheel continually riding up his a$$ while entering, traversing & exiting the tight stuff. I had thought his power would walk away from me. Nope. But I know damned good an well he would have on a longer track. During the last session, we were both riding at 100%. I had passed him without him letting me, which surely got his goat (I know: he had just done the same thing to me a few turns before). It had rained earlier in the day and there were still a few tiny wet spot in some cracks. In an attempt to dig even deeper into a turn, I changed my line slightly and found one of those tiny wet cracks with my front wheel. The front end went right out from underneath me at about 45 mph. I watched the bike slide away in slow motion off the track and into the dirt. I eventually caught up to her with a semi-warm right cheek. What a cool experience. It felt like I was on a HUGE wet banana. So what did I learn from this experience? 1. If you don't already have the swing arm & front fork sliders from Darkhorse Moto GO GET THEM NOW. 2. The same goes for the Buell frame sliders. 3. Wet cracks can sometimes be bad. 4. I need a full-on track bike. One more thing I thought interesting was how many people came to talk with me about my bike after seeing it work. A few of them were stunned that I could out gun the spec sheet king on a track. | ||
| Xbcrazy |
It is amazing what a Buell can do at a trackday. Dago...I'm sure you turned quite a few heads. And probably heard a few "What the f***!" too. Buells aren't that fast, right? So keep up the good riding out there. Don't worry about the low-side, it is bound to happen while exploring the outer limits of your bike on the track. Out of curiosity, what tires were you using? Generally, street tires can only hold on for so long during a trackday before they crap out on you. | ||
| Dago |
I showed up that day with a brand new set of Diablo Corsas. They still have life left after 4 20-minute sessions. | ||
| Odie |
"Wet cracks can sometimes be bad....."  Hope you're ok!!! | ||
| Rpmchris |
Bummer, man! Is your "R" OK? Are YOU OK? Any pics?  | ||
| Dago |
I'm absolutely fine. So is the bike. It went down on its right side. The brake pedal, clip-on, hand-grip, clutch-lever, header, and all 3 frame sliders took a hit. Nothing major at all though. Dave S, a few hundred beans, and the time it takes to wait on the parts is all I need to take her back to tip-top status. My leathers are broken in now too!  | ||
| Ingemar |
I'm sorry to hear about your mishap, and I'm glad you're oke. I guess you're right about them wet cracks man, they can be dangerous! | ||
| Daves |
I'm glad you are OK Dago! I should have everything you need on hand. | ||
| U4euh |
I 2nd Odie! Isn't it amazing how slow happened in your head. Same way I felt when I went down for the first time not so far back. It takes about 3 or 4 minutes to describe a 3/4 of second episode. All praise to the protection gods! (Message edited by u4euh on June 06, 2005) | ||
| Ortegakid |
Dago, sounds like too much fun!, can't wait to get out there, glad you are ok and will be riding again soon! |
