Hello fellas/ladies. I'm finally going to get to the track. I've been riding motorcycles since I was 8, 30 years ago, and sportbikes for the last 16 years (FZ750, 2 ZX-11's and now a 2000 ZX-12R). I've been talking about getting to the track for years but never got around to it. I do go down the mountains of Tennessee/North Carolina, (Deals Gap area) for 2 weeks out of every year to get my good riding in as riding here in the Detroit area is just plain dangerous. I have read most threads on this site to help educate me and have spoken to some friends who have ridden at Grattan to get some additional knowledge of the track and where to set up and what to expect. I'll be in the Novice class and hope to learn a lot and just have fun. I know my ZX-12 is not the best track bike and quite frankly I hope I get the bug and if I do then I'll get add a ZX-10 and turn it into a track only bike. I'm coming out Friday (tomorrow) night and staying at a hotel near the track and my wife and 2 daughters are coming out Saturday morning. I hope to meet a bunch a great people and hope to get as much advice and instruction as possible. I'm a tall fella 6'4" and my bike is a Red ZX-12R. If you see me, please seek me out so I can pick your brain as to not make a fool of myself on Saturday. I'm smart enough to know I don't know chit and will gratefully accept any help offered. Chris
Good for getting out on the track. BTW instead of a ZX10 try a ZX6RR or 6R for a dedicated track bike. Trust me you'll be a much better rider with a smaller bike and they still go plenty fast.
I've been considering all models for a potential track bike. The ZX-6RR is up there too. I had the opportunity ride a friends ZX-10 down at the Gap and loved it. That will probably be my 1st choice.
No disrespect, but with no track experience, a literbike will be a handfull. for most of the tracks that STT goes to, a 600 is more than enough. a liter bike takes a lot of skill & concentration to keep the rear tire from spinning out and spitting you off. I know more than a few people who have gone from 1000's to 750's or 600's and actually went faster. A bike like a zx-6r is IDEAL!
Chris: You will likely love the track experiance. I am heading to Grattan as well for Saturday and Sunday with a group of fellow HSTA members (more about that later), there will be 7 or 8 of us parked together near the garages. Look us up when you get there, lots of guys in the group with many sessions at Grattan as well as a couple Novice riders including my wife Ann. Come hang out with us when you get a chance. Hey Lance...you coming to Grattan?
Yes a liter bike will be a handfull and I'm sure I'll get a taste of that this weekend on my 12. I know it's work hustling the 12 throught the Gap (318 turns in 11 miles). I'll need to be quite smooth with throttle application. Then again I'm not out to go as fast as I can anyway, just want to enjoy a safe place to ride and have fun. JC, I'll look for you. That's great your wife is going out too. I taught her how to ride 5 years ago on an old bike I bought for her, then after she got pregnant that was the end of that. What do you ride?
I'll most likely be packing for my move to Philly on sunday. unless I get a job offer locally, no Grattan for me. My mother in-law is coming to visit this weekend, though... I may change my mind at the last minute.
Chris, I went to my first track day on June 3rd of this year. I was immediately hooked! I've been riding crusiers for about 12 years and the track was my first "real" experience on a sport bike. IT WAS AWESOME. I'm sure you'll get bit too. I'll be riding in the Novice group with you on Sat & Sun. I'll be on a red SV1000s. I'll be sure to look you up...or look up at you...or both. See you Saturday!!!!
Chris, Welcome to STT! Feel free to pick the brains of any and all the instructors at the track.. we are here to help you! (careful though... some of us have more brains than others!)
Sounds great GS I'm sure we'll see each other. What's your name? Will you be too upset if I want to trade my heavy brute 12 for your nimble SV before the day is out? LOL I have a buddy who rides his SV at Barber and he loves it. Lawdog, today I've read some of your posts on the site, I'm a guy that asks lots of questions knowing I can only get better by doing so. Hope you won't mind. DO you know Bart Shuster from Chicago?
HEY if all you guys are going to grattan sunday you best be stopping by and saying 'hello' to muah! -Nathan
LOL, now if I had asked you trade a lego set or a xBox game the, yeah that'd be a little creepy. Anway, looking forward to tomorrow.