Today I rode:

[308mate]

A new R1, a new GSXR600, the current Fireblade and a current GSXR750. Round Silverstone.

Sadly it wasn't the arena circuit, it was the national circuit but it was still bloody good cause I haven't ridden silverstone at all.

Didn't think much to the R1 it pains me to say. Deceptively, mind bendingly quick but ruined by hideous mid corner fueling/power delivery.

GSXR600 was loads of fun. Most time I've spent on a 600 and I cocked up the gears a bit while I got used to it. Definitely got a new found enthusiasm for 600s.

Blade was easiest to ride. Real quality feel, easy, planted and FEELS faster than the R1, but this was not borne out on the speedo. R1 wasn't as enjoyable but assuming the speedos can be believed, loads faster. Maybe it was just more accesible to me cause I have one? Anyway, others had similar experience.

GSXR750? Well now I really get these. Not ridden one since I did about half hour on an old SRAD on the road. But now I REALLY get the 750. None of the previous 3 bikes made sense compared to this. They're not exactly a best kept secret but if you're a litre bike stalwart who has avoided anything without 3 zeros in the name, it's worth swallowing your pride for and trying out. I'm a convert. Now if only Yamaha made one these days....

Anyway, this is all purely subjective and IMO yaaada yaaada

In other news, parked behind me was a black ZX6 with a sissy bar and a "CMR" sticker on the screen.

[308mate]

smack said:

I stopped by late in the afternoon, but all that was running was the Haslom School...

We were still running the national circuit until half four. I think Haslam were using another section and the European GT boys were setting up too. It was standing room only. Capirossi evaluating new Arena circuit for GP use Thursday by the way.

[308mate]

Biker's Nemesis said:

Did you ride the R1 in "a" mode?

Good question.

I wasnt able to find anyone close at hand for that session who could tell me watch each mode did, so I flicked through them and settled on "std", in case A & B were softer settings assuming that standard would be just that. I wish I'd read up on it now.

Having said that, we were sat with a magazine Journo at lunch and asked his thoughts. He said the launch bikes were all faultless but of the 15-20 he's ridden since, he didnt think any two were the same and although there were good ones, the majority of those had a snatchy power delivery which would was worse in "A" mode.

Regardless, I never selected A mode myself so cant comment. They were only 25min sessions so I wanted to just set it and use the opportunity to concentrate on my riding.

Oh and the new Dunlop GP Racers are really really good. Which was to be expected really.

[308mate]

Biker's Nemesis said:

308mate said:

Biker's Nemesis said:

Did you ride the R1 in "a" mode?

Good question.

I wasnt able to find anyone close at hand for that session who could tell me watch each mode did, so I flicked through them and settled on "std", in case A & B were softer settings assuming that standard would be just that. I wish I'd read up on it now.

Having said that, we were sat with a magazine Journo at lunch and asked his thoughts. He said the launch bikes were all faultless but of the 15-20 he's ridden since, he didnt think any two were the same and although there were good ones, the majority of those had a snatchy power delivery which would was worse in "A" mode.

Regardless, I never selected A mode myself so cant comment. They were only 25min sessions so I wanted to just set it and use the opportunity to concentrate on my riding.

Oh and the new Dunlop GP Racers are really really good. Which was to be expected really.

the smalest amount of throttle see's the bike lurching forward, not good when you're on a bumpy road at full lean.

// my mates 09 track bike on the other hand is a bit of a nightmare, rolling off the throttle and then back on it snatches all the time

Those symptoms are exactly what I found. Liveable (just) if you have a clear line through a corner but on a track day picking through traffic, you're on and off the throttle trying to pick a line. It trips over itself off the gas and getting back on, the bike suddenly fires forwards out from between your legs like a Wyle E Coyote cartoon.

The difference between yours and your mates would seem to back up the journo's experience.

Edited by 308mate on Thursday 29th April 19:29

[308mate]

RemaL said:

308mate said:

A new R1, a new GSXR600, the current Fireblade and a current GSXR750. Round Silverstone.

Did you see a chap, 5ft 10" little goatee, talked with a South west accent called Chris. As my mate was also there

I may have done. More likely to recognise the leathers and helmet though!

I was Black Arlen Ness leathers and blue Kagayama rep lid in yellow group.

Edited by 308mate on Thursday 29th April 19:51

[308mate]

Finally got a CD through from the track day so here is my gatuitious cornering shot.

Go easy, it was my first track session in about 6 years

R1





GSXR6

Edited by 308mate on Friday 28th May 09:50