RE: Harris buys a Ducati: PH Blog
Discussion
s3fella said:
hthiel said:
Dear Mr. Harris: Well done! You had the wisdom/luck of choosing one of the best sorted motorcycles available today. People who rode older Ducatis may be fearing for your life, but nowadays they can be ridden at very low RPMs and they will not lurch, nor they will try to slide wildly or lift the front wheel when coming out of a turn unless you deliberately ask the motorcycle to do so. We also must keep in mind that you are not riding any of the older big-engined motorcycles, that could deliver their power viciously, with so-so tires, making them unmanageable and very dangerous unless you were an experienced rider.
On the other hand, from what you are telling us, you are using all the available power in a very sensible way and from your racing experience, you already know how to use your eyes and how to react to your vehicle's feedback,so there was no solid reason to go the "traditional way", starting with underpowered motorcyles until you were experienced enough to handle the more powerful ones.
My two pennies' worth of advice: as your skill level improves, try other motorcycles. There are some tall ones, as Ducati's own Multistrada that are incredibly comfortable. BMW's R1200GS is also worth a try. I am 5'7" tall and even if I stand on tip-toes riding the aforementioned motorcycles, I enjoy them tremendously, even in congested traffic. An amazing traffic-slicing tool is the Ducati Hyperstrada. Is very slim, so threading through dense traffic is incredibly easy, but it is a somewhat nervous mount, with a very light front-end under hard acceleration and at speed, but nothing really troublesome. Once you are comfortable riding your Monster at 8 or 9 tenths, try the KTM 1290R. This is a viciously powerful motorcycle when ridden hard, but it should be tried at least once in a controlled environment. Also, experiment with different kinds of protective clothing, including helmets. You will discover how different can the riding experience be because you changed just one item. Let us not forget accesories such as gel seats. Sir, you are embarking in a splendid adventure. Enjoy it and please, share as much as possible so that we may continue living great adventures vicariously through you.
Christ, what a rimmerOn the other hand, from what you are telling us, you are using all the available power in a very sensible way and from your racing experience, you already know how to use your eyes and how to react to your vehicle's feedback,so there was no solid reason to go the "traditional way", starting with underpowered motorcyles until you were experienced enough to handle the more powerful ones.
My two pennies' worth of advice: as your skill level improves, try other motorcycles. There are some tall ones, as Ducati's own Multistrada that are incredibly comfortable. BMW's R1200GS is also worth a try. I am 5'7" tall and even if I stand on tip-toes riding the aforementioned motorcycles, I enjoy them tremendously, even in congested traffic. An amazing traffic-slicing tool is the Ducati Hyperstrada. Is very slim, so threading through dense traffic is incredibly easy, but it is a somewhat nervous mount, with a very light front-end under hard acceleration and at speed, but nothing really troublesome. Once you are comfortable riding your Monster at 8 or 9 tenths, try the KTM 1290R. This is a viciously powerful motorcycle when ridden hard, but it should be tried at least once in a controlled environment. Also, experiment with different kinds of protective clothing, including helmets. You will discover how different can the riding experience be because you changed just one item. Let us not forget accesories such as gel seats. Sir, you are embarking in a splendid adventure. Enjoy it and please, share as much as possible so that we may continue living great adventures vicariously through you.
Brilliant.
Disastrous said:
s3fella said:
hthiel said:
Dear Mr. Harris: Well done! You had the wisdom/luck of choosing one of the best sorted motorcycles available today. People who rode older Ducatis may be fearing for your life, but nowadays they can be ridden at very low RPMs and they will not lurch, nor they will try to slide wildly or lift the front wheel when coming out of a turn unless you deliberately ask the motorcycle to do so. We also must keep in mind that you are not riding any of the older big-engined motorcycles, that could deliver their power viciously, with so-so tires, making them unmanageable and very dangerous unless you were an experienced rider.
On the other hand, from what you are telling us, you are using all the available power in a very sensible way and from your racing experience, you already know how to use your eyes and how to react to your vehicle's feedback,so there was no solid reason to go the "traditional way", starting with underpowered motorcyles until you were experienced enough to handle the more powerful ones.
My two pennies' worth of advice: as your skill level improves, try other motorcycles. There are some tall ones, as Ducati's own Multistrada that are incredibly comfortable. BMW's R1200GS is also worth a try. I am 5'7" tall and even if I stand on tip-toes riding the aforementioned motorcycles, I enjoy them tremendously, even in congested traffic. An amazing traffic-slicing tool is the Ducati Hyperstrada. Is very slim, so threading through dense traffic is incredibly easy, but it is a somewhat nervous mount, with a very light front-end under hard acceleration and at speed, but nothing really troublesome. Once you are comfortable riding your Monster at 8 or 9 tenths, try the KTM 1290R. This is a viciously powerful motorcycle when ridden hard, but it should be tried at least once in a controlled environment. Also, experiment with different kinds of protective clothing, including helmets. You will discover how different can the riding experience be because you changed just one item. Let us not forget accesories such as gel seats. Sir, you are embarking in a splendid adventure. Enjoy it and please, share as much as possible so that we may continue living great adventures vicariously through you.
Christ, what a rimmerOn the other hand, from what you are telling us, you are using all the available power in a very sensible way and from your racing experience, you already know how to use your eyes and how to react to your vehicle's feedback,so there was no solid reason to go the "traditional way", starting with underpowered motorcyles until you were experienced enough to handle the more powerful ones.
My two pennies' worth of advice: as your skill level improves, try other motorcycles. There are some tall ones, as Ducati's own Multistrada that are incredibly comfortable. BMW's R1200GS is also worth a try. I am 5'7" tall and even if I stand on tip-toes riding the aforementioned motorcycles, I enjoy them tremendously, even in congested traffic. An amazing traffic-slicing tool is the Ducati Hyperstrada. Is very slim, so threading through dense traffic is incredibly easy, but it is a somewhat nervous mount, with a very light front-end under hard acceleration and at speed, but nothing really troublesome. Once you are comfortable riding your Monster at 8 or 9 tenths, try the KTM 1290R. This is a viciously powerful motorcycle when ridden hard, but it should be tried at least once in a controlled environment. Also, experiment with different kinds of protective clothing, including helmets. You will discover how different can the riding experience be because you changed just one item. Let us not forget accesories such as gel seats. Sir, you are embarking in a splendid adventure. Enjoy it and please, share as much as possible so that we may continue living great adventures vicariously through you.
Brilliant.
downstairs said:
I was going to do a Direct Access and get myself right onto the big bikes just like you Mr Harris. I had it all lined up with a training centre nearby and was very excited about my imminent traffic freedom and spirit of adventure, and then my wife said "eight hundred quid!!? For you to try and kill yourself on a motorbike? If you've got eight hundred quid lying around you can take me on a bloody holiday!" so I didn't do Direct Access.
Tell us more....Kawasicki said:
downstairs said:
I was going to do a Direct Access and get myself right onto the big bikes just like you Mr Harris. I had it all lined up with a training centre nearby and was very excited about my imminent traffic freedom and spirit of adventure, and then my wife said "eight hundred quid!!? For you to try and kill yourself on a motorbike? If you've got eight hundred quid lying around you can take me on a bloody holiday!" so I didn't do Direct Access.
Tell us more....RocketRabbit said:
The biggest difference though is the circle of grip. In a car (Excluding a downforce car), you can use 100% of the circle all the time. On a bike, you can't. If you're cornering at 50% of the tyre capacity, you cannot use the other 50% for braking.
Not strictly comparable. Cornering on a bike is very different to car but you'd be surprised how much braking force is available when cranked over at, say, 20 deg. Or how tight a radius you can turn using your body to shift the CoG.RocketRabbit said:
The biggest difference though is the circle of grip. In a car (Excluding a downforce car), you can use 100% of the circle all the time. On a bike, you can't. If you're cornering at 50% of the tyre capacity, you cannot use the other 50% for braking.
I am not so sure about that. How does the rubber know whether it's on a car or a motorbike? From my extensive experience with cars and moderate experience with motorbikes they are very similar. I could be wrong though, but they feel very similar.Dear Sir Chris,
Its an absolute pleasure than we share a common interest in our small group that I like to call the "Leather Clad Man Loving Motorcycle Fraternity".
I was thinking about purchasing a Ducati Monster but I now must. What colour is yours and can you give me the registration so I can see if I can get one similar?
Also will you accompany me on a trip to the Evo Triangle? Will you Chris? Just Will you?
Let me know your thoughts.
Please Respond.
Its an absolute pleasure than we share a common interest in our small group that I like to call the "Leather Clad Man Loving Motorcycle Fraternity".
I was thinking about purchasing a Ducati Monster but I now must. What colour is yours and can you give me the registration so I can see if I can get one similar?
Also will you accompany me on a trip to the Evo Triangle? Will you Chris? Just Will you?
Let me know your thoughts.
Please Respond.
Kawasicki said:
RocketRabbit said:
The biggest difference though is the circle of grip. In a car (Excluding a downforce car), you can use 100% of the circle all the time. On a bike, you can't. If you're cornering at 50% of the tyre capacity, you cannot use the other 50% for braking.
I am not so sure about that. How does the rubber know whether it's on a car or a motorbike? From my extensive experience with cars and moderate experience with motorbikes they are very similar. I could be wrong though, but they feel very similar.A good explanation of traction circle for bikes here :http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-riding/riding-skills-series-traction-circle
Lots to learn for the newly qualified rider
Kawasicki said:
downstairs said:
I was going to do a Direct Access and get myself right onto the big bikes just like you Mr Harris. I had it all lined up with a training centre nearby and was very excited about my imminent traffic freedom and spirit of adventure, and then my wife said "eight hundred quid!!? For you to try and kill yourself on a motorbike? If you've got eight hundred quid lying around you can take me on a bloody holiday!" so I didn't do Direct Access.
Tell us more....
sc0tt said:
Dear Sir Chris,
Its an absolute pleasure than we share a common interest in our small group that I like to call the "Leather Clad Man Loving Motorcycle Fraternity".
I was thinking about purchasing a Ducati Monster but I now must. What colour is yours and can you give me the registration so I can see if I can get one similar?
Also will you accompany me on a trip to the Evo Triangle? Will you Chris? Just Will you?
Let me know your thoughts.
Please Respond.
Hah!Its an absolute pleasure than we share a common interest in our small group that I like to call the "Leather Clad Man Loving Motorcycle Fraternity".
I was thinking about purchasing a Ducati Monster but I now must. What colour is yours and can you give me the registration so I can see if I can get one similar?
Also will you accompany me on a trip to the Evo Triangle? Will you Chris? Just Will you?
Let me know your thoughts.
Please Respond.
bogie said:
Kawasicki said:
RocketRabbit said:
The biggest difference though is the circle of grip. In a car (Excluding a downforce car), you can use 100% of the circle all the time. On a bike, you can't. If you're cornering at 50% of the tyre capacity, you cannot use the other 50% for braking.
I am not so sure about that. How does the rubber know whether it's on a car or a motorbike? From my extensive experience with cars and moderate experience with motorbikes they are very similar. I could be wrong though, but they feel very similar.A good explanation of traction circle for bikes here :http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-riding/riding-skills-series-traction-circle
Lots to learn for the newly qualified rider
Contact patch pressure distribution is arguably better on a production sports bike than a production sports car. Cars need highish negative camber to even out the pressure distribution during cornering, bikes don't have that problem.
I was once lucky enough to share a handling track with a motorcycle tyre test rider. I was carrying out car tyre tests. He was riding a Ducati Monster, funnily enough. We agreed to share the track with the provisio that I wouldn't run him over. I followed him for about 3 laps about 4 car lengths behind him while he did his test manouvres. He then followed me. Both of us were surprised how even the capability was and also the similarities in the behaviour.
Yes it's easier to push a car to the limit, because they are obviously more forgiving past the limit. But at the limit they are surprisingly similar.
Oh boy!
I went through a similar process - Learner licence and BMW G650GS. Quite liked it, but it gave me a sore ass. 18 months later, Full licence and two days after that, sold the BMW and bought a bright red 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring, and love it. After a few weeks of ownership, I decided it wasn't noisy enough a ripped out the standard exhaust in favour of an Italian aftermarket carbon fibre thing that makes a satisfying banshee howl. So childish, but very pleasing when it sets of car alarms in the office carpark as I leave :-)
I did do a California Superbike course at a local race track early on - very useful, particularly picking a line, accelerating through the corner and using counter steering to tighten the cornering. I'm still slow, but very happily so!
I went through a similar process - Learner licence and BMW G650GS. Quite liked it, but it gave me a sore ass. 18 months later, Full licence and two days after that, sold the BMW and bought a bright red 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring, and love it. After a few weeks of ownership, I decided it wasn't noisy enough a ripped out the standard exhaust in favour of an Italian aftermarket carbon fibre thing that makes a satisfying banshee howl. So childish, but very pleasing when it sets of car alarms in the office carpark as I leave :-)
I did do a California Superbike course at a local race track early on - very useful, particularly picking a line, accelerating through the corner and using counter steering to tighten the cornering. I'm still slow, but very happily so!
Edited by ikarus on Saturday 9th August 05:18
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