I swapped to Ohlins shock and revalved forks on my GSXR 750 track bike. Did a track-day at Croft before the change and my next track day was back at Croft with the new suspension. I went straight on at the Jim Clark Esses (usually a full throttle right left flick) I just couldn't turn the bike. Took it to suspension guy at the track, couple of clicks later, back to a dream handling bike. Get suspension set up, even on your Jap bike.
My 07 Zx6r had an awful front end. Always felt like it wanted to tuck. When I got taken out on a roundabout I shook the guys hand and thanked him for funding my new 848. That was the start of my twin obsession. Rode a race prepped 2007 ZX6r a few years later (loan bike). Front end felt pretty damn good so goes to show what a good set up can do.
You going to take the new one to Mallory sooner rather than later, give us an objective view, and then tell us you have regrets! /no regrets, as appropriate?
Well I certainly will try and ride it this year. But depends on weather. Depends on what day the good weather falls and where no limits is running that day. There are a couple of Mallory dates though
The true question is : Do you want to beat any track record or want to have fun try to doing it? I believe duc will give you more fun!
It's a weird one. I find my jap bikes (and the Benelli) seem to love counter steering, but my Ducati hates it. When I stop consciously counter steering and just ride the bike without over thinking it, it's superb.
I don't believe (assuming you like the bike) there is more or less 'fun' bikes on track. Over the last few years as a track only tool I've had, R6, R1, zx6r, R1, gsxr750k7, 848. All have been an absolute blast to ride on there. All slightly different, but all just as much fun. The Ducati gives a sense of pride in some ways that the others don't, a sense of ownership... but that doesn't mean it's financially the right bike.
Interesting thread. I was surprised given your track experience that you didn't get the 848 suspension setup Weeksy. Surely that's the first port of call with any bike? Hope you get on better with the zx6r. It was interesting to note on my first track day that the fastest guys were not necessarily on the fastest bikes. The top guy in the fast group was on an R6. I'm sure you'll have a blast.
I think people are interpreting a few things wrong, I got on really well with the 848, it was a blast... honestly, I really enjoyed it. But life, times and the world means that a change was the best plan. Reason I didn't touch the suspension is because it was set up by a BSB (cup) level rider before me, the assumption is that him and the suspension guys have more idea than myself, so I left if on their settings. Many of my mates rode the 848 and loved it too, none of them complained about the suspension... so I was happy.
Understood: sometimes you just need a change. Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't understand the logic. It seems like a bit of a missed opportunity. Having the bike previously setup for a BSB racer would give me more of a reason to change the suspension settings, not less, and for two good reasons. First, because I know I'm nowhere near that level of skill what worked for a BSB racer who I'd expect to have a much more extreme riding style is probably not going to work for my level of riding commitment. Secondly, what an opportunity to gain a big chunk of information about suspension setup, and indirectly, where the limits are. I'd have made a note of the BSB settings, then get it setup to a good balanced base setting for my weight. Now I'd have two settings that I could compare and thereby work out at least some of what the BSB guy was probably doing that I wasn't.
I am thinking of getting a 2016 690 Duke for pootling about. Did you discount this one when you got the 390?
Yes mostly. Whilst the 690 is better, it's not almost double the price better for me. I can see where it would be better, more fun or more power, but new they're 7400, I paid 4100for a 15 model with slipper clutch etc. That's a chunk of change saved for a minor loss.
So, finally the day came to get the bike out on track In the interst of fairness i'll put into the context of "is it better or worse than the Ducati" Overall... I'd have to say as a bike to 'own' the Ducati wins, it's more of a pride of ownership, the right shape, right styling etc. But as a trackbike, the ZX6R is the clear winner... it's as most are aware SO easy to ride, the flick flack chicane is effortless on it. You walk over, press the button and it's good to go... no discussion, no debate, just goes and stops... At my level of ability, it's not the bike that makes me quicker in a corner, able to hold 90mph mid corner or brake later, that's all down to my ability. So whilst in the right hands the Ducati may be the better machine, more capable of going quickly... At my speeds, the Kwak is the bike to have.
