Let's see those bikes

I plan on getting at least 1 track day next year. A buddy has a yamaha fz07 and I told him he needs to get on the track. This is his first bike, and I think he's ready after 2 years of street riding.

 

Desmo's (valves), belts and the fuel sensor failed. They are on version E with those and can't seem to get it right. Time will tell, but now that I've paid the man I should get what they call good faith warranty on a future failure. Nine hundred fifty eight bucks! This was the first time I've taken a motorcycle to a shop since about 92 when I had my 1st streetbike piped, jetted and ignition advanced. Valves are a pita in the Ducs. There's a couple special tools used to really get it right and I'm not too sure I'll take on the job. I kept setting back about $50 a week to budget for this as it's the only way I could swing it. Guess ya gotta pay to play on the exotic Italians.

You should definitely try to get to the Robbinsville area. The Dragon is just one of the unbelievable roads there. The Cherohala Skyway is where it's @!

That was a fun experience. I'm guessing it'll become an annual event.

 

Ahh yes, Italians. Those desmo valves and their lack of springs are different. Actually unique. As beautiful and interesting as the 900SSCR was, I couldn't buy it due to those desmo valves. Back then they also only were able to go 3000 miles between valve adjustments. Yearly valve work, yeah I would've owned my own tools and done that myself after one year.

Guys that have ridden the Tail on TL's say just leave it in 2nd gear and concentrate on the corners.

Yes, track days are addictive. It's been a few years for me, but you never forget things like getting a tow from a control rider and having to keep up with them, or missing your braking point at turn 14 at Road America, and riding through the gravel and keeping it upright.

Having 2 guys riding their bikes doing crew work in between sessions should be fun.

 

15k now, which isn't too hateful. Still, I'm not so confident in all the work involved. If I plan to keep it though, it would be smart for me to learn.

 

Thought I could drive over them the other day but had to back up.

 

Get a running start. I have faith in you riding skills.

 

Not exactly my bike but, bike related. Did a final tally on this seasons tire changes.

240.

 

Looks like Michelin wins the lottery here. Pricey, but always great tires-always use em on my truck too

 

Went for a short ride this morning 70°f unreal for this time of year......

 

I used to go with Michelin pilot powers of all sorts of flavors on my bike. I went back to metzelers after last using m1 sportec times in the early 2000's. I went with the m7rr's and couldn't be happier.


Now those shinko stickers have me wondering. You sell an awful lot of those. What do your customers think of them? I know years ago they were not so great.

 

It has been cold, maybe we'll get 55° this weekend. If so....

I have to start up the TL anyways.

The roads by my house are all salt free, unlike the roads back by work.

 

Horkn ya know if you start it you'll have to ride it.....40 mph winds by the weekend, I think I've seen the last of riding until spring.Yeah right?

 

Customers buy them because they are the cheapest, not because they are good tires. Typically cruiser type that don't really care about brand. They are also what the boss chooses if a bike he buys to sell needs new rubber.

 

I think that's a given. I don't need any excuses either

 

Ahh, cruisers, and lowest cost to say the bike's got new tires.

 

Speaking of bike tires, my buddy with the fz07 still has the stock tires on his bike. 9000 miles on the battlax tires. I had him deer hunting with me so we had some extended talks the past weekend.

He was complaining of how his tires will lose grip in corners. I told him to absolutely get a pair of new tires for spring. I also told to go with a different tire than what was stock. I explained how tire tech advancement rewards you with newer offerings/designs.

This fz07 is his first bike, so he's a little bit of a novice in regards to bike stuff.

 

Ain't that the truth. Haven't been able to ride for a bit over 2 weeks. I rolled the bike out of the garage a little while ago and started it up to charge the battery (security system runs it down). After about 5 minutes I turned it off, went into the house and got my gear on. Just took a short ride in the 36* temp, but man did it feel good! Hoping there are a couple of 40* days this weekend so I can get out for longer.

 

Did you hear? Now they make Road 5’s. They’ve dropped the pilot designation to save that for the sporting line. These new ones look good, kinda like the powerRS with siping for rain. I’m not going back to the 4, just wasn’t happy with the front. It slid on me several times taking away confidence.

Horkn I left the Metzeler Z line for similar complaints. The tire gave up grip before I wore it out. I guess too many heat cycles and it got hard. I averaged 8f and 10r on them (z6). Moved on to Stones 16f/23r and have been happy since. Well, the 23 wasn’t great on track.