octonaut
Junior Member
Oh My God.... today was awesome. I attended my first "ride day" at Baskerville Raceway, in Hobart, Tasmania.
The weather was perfect, with beautiful sunshine and a light afternoon wind.
My friend (1999 R1) and i (2004 FZ6S) attended not knowing what to expect, but we were welcomed with friendly faces, lots of tips and advice and a chance to open up the bikes and test both them, and ourselves.
I stayed in the novice group all day (5 sessions) as there was no speed limit enforced, and in the next group up (intermediate) there were about 30 riders, all trying to be casey stonors, on P plates.
Majority of the track was spent in 3rd or 4th gear, occasionaly getting the chance to briefly click into fifth on the main straight, but quickly braking and looking for 4th and 3rd again, but really getting the chance to hold the FZ in the higher RPM range and test my nerve and skills.
I didn`t even get the chance to look at the speedo, as i was so focussed on picking the best line, holding speed through the corners, and maintaining awareness of other riders both in front and behind me, but probably close to 180 - 190km p/hr as a top speed.
after a few sessions, the confidence really rises, and a better understanding of the nuances of the track meant i started pushing the ol` girl a bit harder.
I did find on really leaning her over, the pegs would scrape, and i did remove those little peg spacer things, but i grated a bit of my steel cap boot off, and was a little weary of gassing it too much after this, (rear sets next mod?), as it kinda bounced me off my line on the apex of the corner.
I also totally muffed one corner and came in too hot to commit to the turn, so, hard on the brakes and straightening out, but making sure not to turn at all once on the grass, before washing off some speed, re-joing the track, a little disappointed and embarassed, but thats what these days are about i guess, learning and riding in a safe and controlled environment.
I did see 2 guys during the course of the day, come off their bikes, and this is something i was fully determined not to do, but once you get out there, all thoughts of taking it easy and just cruising disappear and all i wanted to do was hold a bit more speed through the esses, or re-take my position in front of that ducati after muffing it at the end of the straight..
Also, don`t let those old guys fool you!!!! Age is no barrier here and i was cleaned up buy a few old guys on vintage 2-strokes and a cheeky wink of the eye.
completely knackered after 5, 20 minute sessions!!!!
The concentration involved is pretty staggering, and the hour long ride home was a little faster than usual, but I can`t recommend enough for people to get to their local track, join the rider club, and have a good crack. The Fz6 can certainly hold its own!!! YIEW!!!
Definately will be back again next month, but better start saving for those rear tyres. The Power Pure stuck like glue, but i left half of it on the asphalt i reckon.
Get amongst it my friends...:thumbup:
The weather was perfect, with beautiful sunshine and a light afternoon wind.
My friend (1999 R1) and i (2004 FZ6S) attended not knowing what to expect, but we were welcomed with friendly faces, lots of tips and advice and a chance to open up the bikes and test both them, and ourselves.
I stayed in the novice group all day (5 sessions) as there was no speed limit enforced, and in the next group up (intermediate) there were about 30 riders, all trying to be casey stonors, on P plates.
Majority of the track was spent in 3rd or 4th gear, occasionaly getting the chance to briefly click into fifth on the main straight, but quickly braking and looking for 4th and 3rd again, but really getting the chance to hold the FZ in the higher RPM range and test my nerve and skills.
I didn`t even get the chance to look at the speedo, as i was so focussed on picking the best line, holding speed through the corners, and maintaining awareness of other riders both in front and behind me, but probably close to 180 - 190km p/hr as a top speed.
after a few sessions, the confidence really rises, and a better understanding of the nuances of the track meant i started pushing the ol` girl a bit harder.
I did find on really leaning her over, the pegs would scrape, and i did remove those little peg spacer things, but i grated a bit of my steel cap boot off, and was a little weary of gassing it too much after this, (rear sets next mod?), as it kinda bounced me off my line on the apex of the corner.
I also totally muffed one corner and came in too hot to commit to the turn, so, hard on the brakes and straightening out, but making sure not to turn at all once on the grass, before washing off some speed, re-joing the track, a little disappointed and embarassed, but thats what these days are about i guess, learning and riding in a safe and controlled environment.
I did see 2 guys during the course of the day, come off their bikes, and this is something i was fully determined not to do, but once you get out there, all thoughts of taking it easy and just cruising disappear and all i wanted to do was hold a bit more speed through the esses, or re-take my position in front of that ducati after muffing it at the end of the straight..
Also, don`t let those old guys fool you!!!! Age is no barrier here and i was cleaned up buy a few old guys on vintage 2-strokes and a cheeky wink of the eye.
completely knackered after 5, 20 minute sessions!!!!
The concentration involved is pretty staggering, and the hour long ride home was a little faster than usual, but I can`t recommend enough for people to get to their local track, join the rider club, and have a good crack. The Fz6 can certainly hold its own!!! YIEW!!!
Definately will be back again next month, but better start saving for those rear tyres. The Power Pure stuck like glue, but i left half of it on the asphalt i reckon.
Get amongst it my friends...:thumbup:
