Thumper748

Yeah, but I'm only as fast as the guy in front of me. I need to learn how to pass better. I'm okay on an open lap in qualifying but racing is more difficult.

I'm bike 62 - it was pretty much this close lap after lap, race after race. All 650 twins (sv engines)

Sorry for the delay, I've been away. First I presume you got it was just a little tease. Your SV looks very naked to me as I'm not used to seeing them without one. A belly pan, case covers, frame protection and nuts amounts of safty wire are required by most racing org's I'm aware of here. I'm a little shocked you don't have a pan requirement. Here if you don't have one, you're not racing. Which makes complete sense as one bike tossing it's oil load onto the track can pretty much screw up an entire race day schedule. Interesting... Yes! Little tease! However, you're right – I agree a belly pan should be requirement. Spilling oil behind you for everyone else is not a good thing.

MrSlow, on 12 October 2011 - 04:29 AM, said: Here's my little sv. I do believe you be needing a bellypan! The sv didn't have one from factory so in Australia we are allowed to race without them. Only if the bike came with a fairing do you have to run a belly pan. Strange rule I know. But then in US you don't need case covers on the SV but here we do.

Here's my little sv.

Thanks for your replies Jason and Cobie. I do plan to do a course this year. You've given me some tips to exercise at home and on track.

I was going to post a similar issue regarding weighting / pressure on the pegs – but will just add to this one. I've now been riding my SV650 track bike much more smoother and my laps times seconds better. I'm no where near setting lap records but I'm feeling better on the bike and getting close to being able to do some club level bracket racing. Last track day I noticed that once I'm in the corner and at my desired lean angle and slider on the ground – on a few occasions I noticed that alot of weight (or maybe pressure?) was actually on the inside peg. Is this normal or incorrect? On another lap I attempted to keep some weight on the outside and relax the inside leg / foot (knee sliding) but struggled to release the pressure and weight on the inside peg.

Thanks Cobie, I found dates for next years courses in Australia – and I plan to do the Philip Island L1 course in May next year. Going to be a bit of a drive loading the bikes down to Victoria but from what I've read on this forum it should be well worth it.

Thanks for this info. I've not ridden the bike but just having a look and sit on the bike the front end seems like it's going to be too soft for the track – so yesterday I spent the day taking them out and replacing the 'filthy' fluid with 15w fresh stuff. I also swapped the pads for sintered metal gear ones. I quickly tool the bike for a spin around the block, bit hard to test anything but I think I'll need to get the stiffer springs like you've just mentioned. The brakes aren't the best either, but I'm not the best rider so I'll upgrade these areas as my riding improves. I've heard that a '04 ZX6R (636 model) is a good replacement for the rear shock and isn't too hard to do. Just need to slightly lift the battery box. I'm no professional mechanic but I've enjoyed working on the bike, although I (and my mate) triple check everything and probably spend longer than we need to everything has ran relatively smoothly and nothing too difficult... yet

Thanks guys, I ended up buying a 2000 model SV650. Can't wait to take it to the track – even with it's front poggo sticks

Hi Stevo, I posted a similar scenario on a tight right hand corner after a fast straight. I took a different bike (naked bike) the following track day with flat/upright bars and the corner was much less of a concern. Why I think what may worked for me was: 1. The seating position on the naked bike put less stress on my wrists 2. Less stress in my wrists meant I was more relaxed 3. Being more relaxed meant I could turn in quicker and with more confidence 4. Being more relaxed on the bars also meant for me that could look into the next corner better opening up my vision After a few session on improved my lap times by 3 seconds – on a bike with close 30hp less. So, this doesn't mean I'm now going to swap bikes but it has helped me work out what works best for the particular corner and now all I have to get this technique right on my regular ride. I'm not at all fast or a pro-rider but maybe some of this can assist with any similar scenarios other riders are also experiencing. Mr. Slow.

Cobie, Do you mean 'If and when I get the DVD' or 'if and when I get to know how to ride properly?' You'll be waiting a while for the latter.

I think I get what I should be learning from this... I think... 1 Body position is important to help the bike and it's suspension do it's thing better. That position could be different for different types of bikes but remaining relaxed is the key – keeping my back inline with bike and elbows dropped down could help with this? Which in the photo is roughly how I felt. I have more issues when I ride my Ducati so perhaps I should re-evaluate what I'm doing and what I should be doing to get a relaxed feel 2 But body position won't turn the bike any quicker? 3 I think I better go get that DVD before Christmas and have another read of TOW II I've seen the trailer to the DVD and the more time I spend on my bike and this forum the more I feel like one of those two blokes!

Thank you for your replies Jason and Cobie – much appreciated. I understand with out being there or knowing the corner and the bikes speed etc. it's a little hard to point out any 'obvious' right or wrong signs. The biggest concerns I have (which I'm sure will be answered through tuition once I book myself into a session at the CSS some time) is the position of my outside knee, elbow etc and general body line and where it/they should be as the bike leans into a corner, once it's at my maxium lean angle for the corner and then as it exits the corner. I lot to ask from a one picture I know! Sorry! I have read articles (which I could have misinterpreted) on suggesting the outside knee should push against the tank and the inside elbow tuck more in so it pushes the bars(opp. direction) rather than pull etc..?

Hi there, I'm new and have no idea what I'm doing I've read Twist of the Wrist II but still need to book myself into a CSS to get the most out of my riding – I even think there's a DVD I think I should be buying myself for Christmas Anyway, I've found a picture of myself online. I want to learn how I should be sitting on the bike, where my arms/elbows should be and where my head should be looking etc... so please feel free to blast me with plenty of constructive criticism and tips to help me improve. This photo was taken earlier on in the day, and later on I recording some better lap times as I felt more comfortable on the bike – but hopefully I could pic to start from – see what I should be doing etc. http://www.atkimages.com.au/champions%20Ride%20Day%2007%2008%202010/slides/sized2_IMG_0371.html Thanks, Mr. Slow.