the bb trackday thread.
Discussion
hebegb said:
Ps : is that Ross Walker on the trials bike you are diving under block passing - cos he's really slow on a proper bike ...?!
George29 said:
hebegb said:
Ps : is that Ross Walker on the trials bike you are diving under block passing - cos he's really slow on a proper bike ...?!
hebegb said:
Nice one - nothing like a bit of balance .... I did wonder where Ross was at Oulton , then I realised he wasn't in our group that day - or I certainly didn't see him out in it that day , he was out in Inters also then , I guess ..?
He was definitely there as I stayed in his motorhome. Think he was out in fast. George29 said:
hebegb said:
Nice one - nothing like a bit of balance .... I did wonder where Ross was at Oulton , then I realised he wasn't in our group that day - or I certainly didn't see him out in it that day , he was out in Inters also then , I guess ..?
He was definitely there as I stayed in his motorhome. Think he was out in fast. I was at Donington on Tuesday for the No Limits day and happened by chance to share a garage with Bradley Ray and the Moto 2 bike he'll be wild carding on at Silverstone for the GP weekend. All I can describe watching him out on track as is "humbling"! Just his speed, line and braking point in to Redgate alone had me and plenty of others scratching our heads in amazement! To witness first hand on track the difference between a fast rider and a proper racer was a real eye opener; despite the stock CBR600 engine he was able to blast past R1s, Panigales, S1000RRs and anything else that was out there, purely from how much corner speed he was carrying. It wasn't just the speed though, what I also found impressive was his ability to commit to a corner and then change lines 2 or 3 times as be encountered traffic, all whilst having next to none of his body in contact with the bike!! I know the tyres and weight help, but it was definitely worth the entry just to watch.
CQ8 said:
Which dates are you doing Mugello? I'm there for the one at the end of August.
I'm there the last weekend of August with Focused. hebegb said:
Oh - yes, I know he was there , I was talking to him - Big Gaz etc etc - saw you sat down with them - some motorhome is it not - or should I say " beer bus "!
It is a fair motorhome, I prefer his other one though. RemaL said:
mitzy said:
RemaL said:
Just booked for me and 2 mates at brands (my first time) on the 6th Aug with no limits
Anyone else booked or looking at booking?
Cool RemalAnyone else booked or looking at booking?
Are you doing the Indy or GP ?
And Andy i'll be there with my repsol and another mate on a HRC blade. And another on a ltr Fazer
As it's almost 3 hours from me we will be staying in a local B&B/Hotel the night before
Good day at Combe, yesterday 
(in case anyone is interested)
Good battles with a friend on his GSXR, and faster that 90% of our group, apart from a few lunatics. Great track, just wish there was a bit more time on the circuit, as the sessions are shorter than other places.
The BMW is feeling heavy though, it's massively quick and surprisingly capable, but it's a pain to lug about. Looking forward to getting this R1.
(in case anyone is interested)Good battles with a friend on his GSXR, and faster that 90% of our group, apart from a few lunatics. Great track, just wish there was a bit more time on the circuit, as the sessions are shorter than other places.
The BMW is feeling heavy though, it's massively quick and surprisingly capable, but it's a pain to lug about. Looking forward to getting this R1.
hebegb said:
George - I must arrange a day out up there with Al Naylor and the lads on here , and yourself of course , then we shall know you are there and you can show us where exactly and how you do these passes , it was unfortunate that you did not seem to be aware we were all at Oulton the day you were there last ....
Hope to see you soon .
Graham, does your mate Al have a CB500 up for sale? Someone by the same name contacted me about one he was selling. Hope to see you soon .
clen666 said:
hebegb said:
George - I must arrange a day out up there with Al Naylor and the lads on here , and yourself of course , then we shall know you are there and you can show us where exactly and how you do these passes , it was unfortunate that you did not seem to be aware we were all at Oulton the day you were there last ....
Hope to see you soon .
Graham, does your mate Al have a CB500 up for sale? Someone by the same name contacted me about one he was selling. Hope to see you soon .
Just ask , if it is the same Al Naylor ( naylor electrical services - quick plug..) you were beside him in the garage at Croft this year - green and black Kwak600 - great lad, straight talk ,no lies no bulls
t - Al is decent ,say Hi for me - cheers Gra.clen666 said:
hebegb said:
George - I must arrange a day out up there with Al Naylor and the lads on here , and yourself of course , then we shall know you are there and you can show us where exactly and how you do these passes , it was unfortunate that you did not seem to be aware we were all at Oulton the day you were there last ....
Hope to see you soon .
Graham, does your mate Al have a CB500 up for sale? Someone by the same name contacted me about one he was selling. Hope to see you soon .
Just ask , if it is the same Al Naylor ( naylor electrical services - quick plug..) you were beside him in the garage at Croft this year - green and black Kwak600 - great lad, straight talk ,no lies no bulls
t - Al is decent ,say Hi for me - cheers Gra.Well what a day at brands. As a circuit it's impressive. compared to places like Angelsey, cadwell and combe. just for the sheer size and what they have there.
We did the Indy circuit and I knew it was going to be small but it was Tiny, but still technical.
Met Adam on his 1198S (lovely bike) and his Dad on his K1300S. Lovely people and look forward to seeing you again.
Andy VRX turned up as we where packing. Sorry I did not have more of a chance to talk. And hope you had a great evening
Well Only Adam overtook me on the day. And he's bloody quick.
My hips (due to the issues I have with them and op's) really felt the stress of riding on track but still painkillers and such helped me through.
The Blade did bloody well as per normal. Hoping pics to have up soon and need to look through my go pro vid.
Loved Paddock Hill. and a ideal place to overtake. Late braking into this only caught me out once when I missed a gear. Adam was behind do thought I was going into the kitty litter. But managed to keep it out.
Another major fun corner was Clearways into Clarke Curve. 2nd into 3rd then into 4th around there and doing about 12k at the end of Brabham straight. No idea what speed I was doing as I covered the speedo and glad I did. When Adam said he seen about 155MPH before braking when following me I think I would have braked earlier just because I could have seen the speed and chickened out
God I love trackdays. And I know i've had a work out the following day
We did the Indy circuit and I knew it was going to be small but it was Tiny, but still technical.
Met Adam on his 1198S (lovely bike) and his Dad on his K1300S. Lovely people and look forward to seeing you again.
Andy VRX turned up as we where packing. Sorry I did not have more of a chance to talk. And hope you had a great evening
Well Only Adam overtook me on the day. And he's bloody quick.
My hips (due to the issues I have with them and op's) really felt the stress of riding on track but still painkillers and such helped me through.
The Blade did bloody well as per normal. Hoping pics to have up soon and need to look through my go pro vid.
Loved Paddock Hill. and a ideal place to overtake. Late braking into this only caught me out once when I missed a gear. Adam was behind do thought I was going into the kitty litter. But managed to keep it out.
Another major fun corner was Clearways into Clarke Curve. 2nd into 3rd then into 4th around there and doing about 12k at the end of Brabham straight. No idea what speed I was doing as I covered the speedo and glad I did. When Adam said he seen about 155MPH before braking when following me I think I would have braked earlier just because I could have seen the speed and chickened out
God I love trackdays. And I know i've had a work out the following day
My TD report... it's a bit of a long one.
Last Friday morning, showered and up early getting a decent breakfast and packing the bike awaiting for a mate to arrive… bang on 9.30am as arranged, quick coffee for my mate whilst he drooled over the blade and we kitted up and hit the road. I pointed us down the M62, M6 and M56 to get on to the A494. The plan was a nice long trip down taking in some of my favourite roads that include the A494, A470 and A44, stopping on the Crossgates road out of Newtown at the New Inn pub for some food and a break. This is the route we took to Aberaeron where my best mate lives… however, we were meeting him in Newtown so he could enjoy some road riding.
The ride over the A470 over Llanbrynmair was simply incredible … lots of technical road with hairpins that rose and dropped, so we dropped off the pace a little and enjoyed the views down into Newtown. Pulled into Newtown waited for mate to arrive and had a break and coffee, before heading out of Newtown and down the Crossgates road which I never get bored of … followed the lads for a bit with the camera on then decided to nip past and ride my own ride.
Fed and watered we headed off … this time the lads up front as we joined the A44 to A470 which is his local run to Aberystwyth. The A44 is a road full of nice long sweeping bends with good vision so a nice easy ride … well it was … until someone realised he was out of fuel …
Of course, with me being the only one with little luggage I got the short straw to head off to nearest fuel station which I was informed was 5 miles away … 12 miles later (wker) it arrives in site and I purchase fuel can and fuel to strap to the bike and off I went… with enough fuel for the 9R to get to same fuel station and fill up … both the SV and the Blade seemed to be using similar amounts of fuel that made fuel stops a breeze. Filled up and ready to go we pushed on to Aberaron to pick up the camping gear, etc. from mates house and a cup of tea whilst we said hello to his wife and his son. Loaded and ready to go we thought a drink on the harbour would be a nice finish to the day for the run down to Llanelli for the evening in the B&B.
Refreshed we headed off on the last 55 miles to Llanelli and freely admit it was the worse stretch… lots of 30,40 and 50 mph limits for pretty much the last 25-30 miles so I was getting sore. But at this point so were the other two and given we had been on the bikes for the best part of 300 miles it is not surprising … rolled into Llanelli and eventually found the B&B for the evening. Dumped our bags, discussed security of the bikes (decided they would be fine) and headed to the bar for a pint … and some decent grub … plus a few more pints and a bottle of red wine for added effect.
Following morning, to be greeted with wet weather… got loaded up, stopped for fuel and headed into Pembrey for sign on… to be meeted and greeted by the usual reprobates and some new faces. Got the bikes ready and went to the safety briefing … walked back to the bike and realised I had forgot to pick up the safety briefing sticker so landed up waiting 15 mins for the novice safety briefing to finish before I got the sticker… next up noise testing…
Well talk about a farce… installed the baffle prior to riding down. Pulled up for noise testing and the guy mumbled something to be and said rev to 7000rpm … I’m thinking …. Odd? … I did it anyway and he said FAIL… 105.5Db … I said to him I’m pretty sure it is supposed to be 5500rpm for 1000cc, he said I asked you if it was 600cc or 1000cc and you said 600… I pointed to the ‘CBR Fireblade’ badge and said it’s 1000cc… at which point he told me to pull over. So I pulled over and waited until he had tested the other bikes in the queue and he came over and retested it after a bit of a lecture to me. To be fair with ear plugs and a noisy bike communication is a bit hit and miss for me with my helmet on so it is possible I fked up … anyway tested again… 5500rpm … 101.5Db … RESULT! (I was looking pretty worried apparently!) … so I slot into the back of the queue ready to head out …
First session… a little damp in places, first time on the Fireblade on track and I freely admit feeling a bit rusty and felt a little disillusioned with myself and the bike when I came in … I actually felt the bike was simply too fast for me as I wasn’t revving it out like I used to with the R1. I also felt the suspension was moving around too much under track conditions but put it down to me being rusty.
Second session… dry and warm and it was all starting to come together with good lines, cranking the bike over and getting on the power, catching people and overtaking but I’m still too polite but regardless I felt relaxed and on pace now revving the bike out properly so I was smiling …
Came in from the second session and noticed some strange tyre wear to the rear tyre.
Spoke to the tyre guy and he reckoned to try slowing the rebound, speaking to another mate when I got back he agreed the back end felt bouncy and also explains why the front was rebounding too fast into the hairpin after coming off the brakes… We dialled in one turn rebound front and rear and one turn of compression on the rear…
Into the third session I noticed the difference straight away… the bike was MUCH more stable when cranked over and I was able to carry more corner speed and even better and was one of my best sessions. I felt smooth, fast, relaxed and safe… I really do need to work on my overtakes though… I'm simply too polite!
Lunchtime so headed off to refuel the bike, grab some grub ready for the 4th / 5th sessions… both absolutely epic as in both I landed up playing with a few of the lads… I actually enjoyed just being towed along with a mate, matching his lines and corner speeds … but of course it would be rude not to do him up the inside towards the end of the session eh? All good fun.
Final session and a mate decided not to go out… so I said I’d take the 848 out for a session.
So… what did I think?
It’s certainly a fabulous looking bit of kit that draws a great deal of attention. I headed down to the holding area and the guy down there checking wristbands asked me if I changed bikes … they don’t miss much do they! Anyway off I went and promptly missed 2nd gear as the lever is set too far forward for me … out of the hairpin and start to crank the bike over … it really doesn’t like less than 4000rpm, but it doesn’t rev like the v-twins I have ridden in the past… it actually wants to rev cleanly and hard… the 848 needs effort to turn but is so so stable and just wants to lean when over on its side. As the pace picked up I was revving the bike out and ideally needed 3rd in a few places instead of 2nd on the blade and I was revving the bike out on the main straight in 3rd before rolling off rather than using 4th and having the hassle of changing down to 2nd gear for the hairpin. But I was having enormous fun on it!
So in summary, it was a great experience … I will certainly not right off a modern v-twin in future as a possible purchase but this bike as a package is excellent for the track. As a road bike it is far to compromised. But for me … is it better than the Fireblade? The answer for me is no… the Fireblade chassis is more advanced and therefore requires less effort to ride at higher levels. The brakes are on par despite the 848 having Brembos and the engine on the Fireblade is a missile although the 848 goes very well indeed, but importantly the Fireblade is both great on the road as it is on the track and that for me is the deciding point. There is no doubt however, that the 848 EVO is a fantastic machine.
Track day done and it was time to get the tent up and setup for the evening with a few beers, BBQ and banter … muggins here won the raffle … £100 cash and a lovely photo which will be framed and go up in my garage once it has been painted.
625 miles, lots of fuel, beer, BBQ, banter and fried tyres… good times and importantly top memories.
Bring on the next TD
Last Friday morning, showered and up early getting a decent breakfast and packing the bike awaiting for a mate to arrive… bang on 9.30am as arranged, quick coffee for my mate whilst he drooled over the blade and we kitted up and hit the road. I pointed us down the M62, M6 and M56 to get on to the A494. The plan was a nice long trip down taking in some of my favourite roads that include the A494, A470 and A44, stopping on the Crossgates road out of Newtown at the New Inn pub for some food and a break. This is the route we took to Aberaeron where my best mate lives… however, we were meeting him in Newtown so he could enjoy some road riding.
The ride over the A470 over Llanbrynmair was simply incredible … lots of technical road with hairpins that rose and dropped, so we dropped off the pace a little and enjoyed the views down into Newtown. Pulled into Newtown waited for mate to arrive and had a break and coffee, before heading out of Newtown and down the Crossgates road which I never get bored of … followed the lads for a bit with the camera on then decided to nip past and ride my own ride.
Fed and watered we headed off … this time the lads up front as we joined the A44 to A470 which is his local run to Aberystwyth. The A44 is a road full of nice long sweeping bends with good vision so a nice easy ride … well it was … until someone realised he was out of fuel …
Of course, with me being the only one with little luggage I got the short straw to head off to nearest fuel station which I was informed was 5 miles away … 12 miles later (w
ker) it arrives in site and I purchase fuel can and fuel to strap to the bike and off I went… with enough fuel for the 9R to get to same fuel station and fill up … both the SV and the Blade seemed to be using similar amounts of fuel that made fuel stops a breeze. Filled up and ready to go we pushed on to Aberaron to pick up the camping gear, etc. from mates house and a cup of tea whilst we said hello to his wife and his son. Loaded and ready to go we thought a drink on the harbour would be a nice finish to the day for the run down to Llanelli for the evening in the B&B.
Refreshed we headed off on the last 55 miles to Llanelli and freely admit it was the worse stretch… lots of 30,40 and 50 mph limits for pretty much the last 25-30 miles so I was getting sore. But at this point so were the other two and given we had been on the bikes for the best part of 300 miles it is not surprising … rolled into Llanelli and eventually found the B&B for the evening. Dumped our bags, discussed security of the bikes (decided they would be fine) and headed to the bar for a pint … and some decent grub … plus a few more pints and a bottle of red wine for added effect.
Following morning, to be greeted with wet weather… got loaded up, stopped for fuel and headed into Pembrey for sign on… to be meeted and greeted by the usual reprobates and some new faces. Got the bikes ready and went to the safety briefing … walked back to the bike and realised I had forgot to pick up the safety briefing sticker so landed up waiting 15 mins for the novice safety briefing to finish before I got the sticker… next up noise testing…
Well talk about a farce… installed the baffle prior to riding down. Pulled up for noise testing and the guy mumbled something to be and said rev to 7000rpm … I’m thinking …. Odd? … I did it anyway and he said FAIL… 105.5Db … I said to him I’m pretty sure it is supposed to be 5500rpm for 1000cc, he said I asked you if it was 600cc or 1000cc and you said 600… I pointed to the ‘CBR Fireblade’ badge and said it’s 1000cc… at which point he told me to pull over. So I pulled over and waited until he had tested the other bikes in the queue and he came over and retested it after a bit of a lecture to me. To be fair with ear plugs and a noisy bike communication is a bit hit and miss for me with my helmet on so it is possible I f
ked up … anyway tested again… 5500rpm … 101.5Db … RESULT! (I was looking pretty worried apparently!) … so I slot into the back of the queue ready to head out …First session… a little damp in places, first time on the Fireblade on track and I freely admit feeling a bit rusty and felt a little disillusioned with myself and the bike when I came in … I actually felt the bike was simply too fast for me as I wasn’t revving it out like I used to with the R1. I also felt the suspension was moving around too much under track conditions but put it down to me being rusty.
Second session… dry and warm and it was all starting to come together with good lines, cranking the bike over and getting on the power, catching people and overtaking but I’m still too polite but regardless I felt relaxed and on pace now revving the bike out properly so I was smiling …
Came in from the second session and noticed some strange tyre wear to the rear tyre.
Spoke to the tyre guy and he reckoned to try slowing the rebound, speaking to another mate when I got back he agreed the back end felt bouncy and also explains why the front was rebounding too fast into the hairpin after coming off the brakes… We dialled in one turn rebound front and rear and one turn of compression on the rear…
Into the third session I noticed the difference straight away… the bike was MUCH more stable when cranked over and I was able to carry more corner speed and even better and was one of my best sessions. I felt smooth, fast, relaxed and safe… I really do need to work on my overtakes though… I'm simply too polite!
Lunchtime so headed off to refuel the bike, grab some grub ready for the 4th / 5th sessions… both absolutely epic as in both I landed up playing with a few of the lads… I actually enjoyed just being towed along with a mate, matching his lines and corner speeds … but of course it would be rude not to do him up the inside towards the end of the session eh?
All good fun.Final session and a mate decided not to go out… so I said I’d take the 848 out for a session.
So… what did I think?
It’s certainly a fabulous looking bit of kit that draws a great deal of attention. I headed down to the holding area and the guy down there checking wristbands asked me if I changed bikes … they don’t miss much do they! Anyway off I went and promptly missed 2nd gear as the lever is set too far forward for me … out of the hairpin and start to crank the bike over … it really doesn’t like less than 4000rpm, but it doesn’t rev like the v-twins I have ridden in the past… it actually wants to rev cleanly and hard… the 848 needs effort to turn but is so so stable and just wants to lean when over on its side. As the pace picked up I was revving the bike out and ideally needed 3rd in a few places instead of 2nd on the blade and I was revving the bike out on the main straight in 3rd before rolling off rather than using 4th and having the hassle of changing down to 2nd gear for the hairpin. But I was having enormous fun on it!
So in summary, it was a great experience … I will certainly not right off a modern v-twin in future as a possible purchase but this bike as a package is excellent for the track. As a road bike it is far to compromised. But for me … is it better than the Fireblade? The answer for me is no… the Fireblade chassis is more advanced and therefore requires less effort to ride at higher levels. The brakes are on par despite the 848 having Brembos and the engine on the Fireblade is a missile although the 848 goes very well indeed, but importantly the Fireblade is both great on the road as it is on the track and that for me is the deciding point. There is no doubt however, that the 848 EVO is a fantastic machine.
Track day done and it was time to get the tent up and setup for the evening with a few beers, BBQ and banter … muggins here won the raffle … £100 cash and a lovely photo which will be framed and go up in my garage once it has been painted.
625 miles, lots of fuel, beer, BBQ, banter and fried tyres… good times and importantly top memories.
Bring on the next TD
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