Any thoughts as to which bike might be better for novice rider at Putnam Park: KTM Duke or Triumph 675 Daytona? My thoughts were Duke motard for NOT going fast on the straights, relatively(I think it tops out @ about 105), and learning RPs, lines, etc. 675 because it is the first sportbike in the garage and i got it with trackdays in mind!! Putnam seems too open for the Duke? Thanks in advance for any suggestions- John
Yes. Yes. I opened the 675 "up" to 8k for the 1st time today, that motor's induction IS music, even more than the '96 Speed Trip!!!! Doubtless what I'll be on! Thanx Gigantic for bringing me back to my senses! :lol:
You pretty much answered your own question. Bring the bike you bought for the track. The straighaway at Putnam is pretty long for a motard, plus I'd be concerned about the closing speeds of the other bikes on the track. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to pin the 675 on the straight. Give up the striaght if you're not comfortable with high speeds yet & work on your cornering. Anyone can go fast in a straight line. We're not there to teach that.
it's ALL about the turns absolutely I agree!!! DJ, will you be instructing at Putnam? Looking forward to meeting you and any and all others there! Thanks-John
I tell you what: bring them both. I'll go out on each of them first and let you know which one's best. :wink: Cheers, Lance
uuuuhhhh????!!!! .....but the Duke needs new tires, servicing, uhh, what else?, oh yeah, it's got that little glitch in the carbueration :wink: :wink: nod. nod. Cheers-John
well that's better then. Since I'll be running in Intermediate, I can get the tires warmed up for your first session... I really liked the 675 It was tall, yet tiny at the same time. I make it look even tinier!.:lol:
I'd go with the duke just because it's such a beautiful bike. I love my Kawi. but I rode my friends 998 on the street last year and it was a purrty bike. (I'm suprised he let me ride it too. Either way it was cool.)
Don't even worry about top speed in Novice group. The way the group is run, you will be behind the instructor most of the time and the instructor will not wring it out on the straights so that people on slower bikes can keep up too, plus it helps you focus more on technique than just go-fast.
I'd say definitely the 675. If you're concerned about getting over your head in straight line speed, just lower your shift points until you get comfortable. For instance, shift at 9K for the first session, then give yourself another 500 RPM each session. Your top speed will rise gradually and consistently while you work on being smooth and shortening your braking distances.