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DLHamblin

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Posts posted by DLHamblin

  1. 4 hours ago, Jaybird180 said:

    I too had similar concern when street riding but I discovered that I could hear the important bits quite well with plugs. What you’ll find (if you’re go looking for a scholarly view) is that plugs don’t attenuate evenly across the frequency spectrum. Plainly stated, they dampen by several dB the wind noise that can cause tinnitus or hearing loss, with only minimal loss of high, mid and low pitch-tone information (screeching tires, sirens, engine noise, etc).

    Good points, I will try some next ride (I have tons of foam ones....)

     

  2. On 7/1/2019 at 8:14 PM, Cobie Fair said:

    OK pollsters, here is another look at this area, and question for you (and any others that have not chimed in) this could be considered the same question (or similar), but going to ask anyway:

    What single skill would you most like to improve in your own riding? 

    CF 

    1.  Braking on the limit, both straight up and turning.  As much for defense as going fast.

    2. For me getting more comfortable with traction/lean at the limit

    Both not easy to master (safely) on street.

  3. On 6/28/2019 at 7:22 PM, Cobie Fair said:

    OK, to move on to the next point, and that is one's attention, and where does it get put/get used/consumed.

    Keith has covered this well in Twist 1, with his $10 bill analogy.

    One thing that surprises me is how few riders new to the track use ear plugs, and for the simple reason of reducing distraction.

    What types of things do you guys do/use to have more free attention for riding?

    Let's hear 'em.

    (Should we do a new thread for this?)

    CF

     

     

    Interesting on ear plug,  while on track I get it for noise; but on the street; I think using ear plugs "could" be a way to hide info you need (a racing car engine, sound of tires sliding etc) that could be a tip of something happening around you.  Just my thought.

    As for distractions, riding for me is a way to get away from life's distractions (as you really need to focus just on your riding).  That said, I use the same approach to riding my bike as I used to use when flying.  Bike may be ready but am I.  There have been a number of rides I did not take because I either didn't feel physically or mentally up to it.

     

  4. On 7/15/2019 at 7:41 PM, Cobie Fair said:

    The fronts don't get to the edge, on any of the bikes we've had for years.  The rear will go all the way, the front always has a "chicken strip".   That's a good question though, are there any bikes they do get to the edge, besides full race bikes (WSB or MotoGP).

    CF

    I was told by a Dunlop tire rep if I get to where there is no chicken strip on front on the street I am going WAY too fast when I asked that!  I think the Q4 can do 62 degree of lean; I know my 2015 GSXR cannot anyway.

  5. This is difficult as to a point these skills will play off each other.  So, my opinion (based on street riding, not track though they are likely the same):

    #1 - Visual skill, lack of target fixation.  You have to see the situation or threat before anything else can happen.

    #2 - Quick reflexes.  Once you see the threat/issue you need to make the right reaction.

    #3 - Ability to steer quickly.  If you need to change direction, this is important.

    #4 - Physical Condition.  Its important so you can enjoy your ride and not be fatigued (and sloppy)

    #5 - A lowly last is Brave.  Just being brave will likely get you in real trouble.

    One skill not mentioned is ability to brake safely and quickly in all riding attitudes (straight up, turning, poor traction etc).

    • Like 3
  6. All I have done on my GSX-R1000 is set preload to be honest, I haven't found a need to deviate.  My thought was similar to off road bikes; if you start playing with the clickers and now its not right; always go back to stock settings as a baseline/starting point.  My son's GSX-R750 and my 1000 is what I have ridden the Q3 and Q3+ on (besides the schools BMW 1000 but I also didn't ride the BMW with original tires).

    On both the 750 and 1000; when we went to Q3 the handling became lighter (quicker?) and it seemed like you could pick and hold a line easier.

    Also, on my 1000; I used the stock rear 190/50 17 with Q3.  When I went to Q3+ (at recommendation of a Dunlop tire guy at one of the MotoAmerica rounds I was working at) went to a 190/55 17 rear.  He said it would make an even more noticeable sharpening of handling (as in theory it raised the rear slightly) which it did and I have stuck to it since.

  7. On 6/17/2019 at 10:04 PM, Jaybird180 said:

    I ran 32/32 the other day on street and it was okay...not great and not bad. I think I may go back to Michelin- I don’t feel connected to the road, but also I don’t get to ride this bike often AND the streets here have gotten just awful.

    I'm definitely in need of some suspension tuning. The bike is all over the place- can’t blame it too much though, streets are wicked. But it did seem to improve at higher speeds (sigh...)

    Couple questions, are you running correct rear tire size/profile?  Do you know if suspension is set with stock settings or has been adjusted?  Ifs been adjusted at some point (or you are not sure) look up the stock settings from owners manual and set everything back stock and see how it feels.  I have found Q3 and Q3+ to generally sharpen up a bikes handling.

     

    How many miles on the bike (and current tires)?

  8. On 10/8/2017 at 8:51 AM, ducatmh said:

    It does.  It’s the only track that it does this to me. I’ll be there again this coming Sunday so I will be putting more attention on what, if any, inputs I may be giving the bike. It has been about 4 months since... so perhaps my recollection of some of the details of the scenario have been lost as well. For example... after posting last night I laid there and was wondering if maybe the bike was actually leaning to the right vs left.  BTW... when I say “lean” I really mean that the bike is just off its vertical axis.

    Any chance you can get someone to video you?  Video can be a powerful tool in these type cases.

  9. On 9/11/2017 at 1:17 PM, Stefan said:

    Hey guys! 

    As a Senior Yoga and meditation teacher I've been thinking allow about how yoga practise could be helping riders. 

    The obvious benefits would be increasing strength and flexibility particularly in the lower body and core. But more than that the work good Yoga can do on focus, stress reduction and management, clarity etc could be greatly beneficial. 

    My question is has anyone used a regular Yoga practise or techniques to try and assist their riding? And if so did you find it beneficial? 

    YES!!!!  I am 58, but still love and prefer a sport bike over cruiser/tourer.  Several years ago I was having issues "folding up" into the bike, my neck would get cramped up, and I would be sore and stiff after any extended ride.  I was really concerned how much longer I could do it before the discomfort over ruled the enjoyment.

    Then a friend who teaches yoga suggested I try her class.  She was thrilled when I agreed (she said only one other man had attended, and he got sick halfway through and never came back :-)

    Well, that was close to 6 months or so ago.  Unless I am out of town on business or one of the MotoAmerica rounds I go twice a week.

    It has made a huge improvement.  Easily "fold up" to a crouch, no sore neck or back, can move around much better on bike, and can ride much longer at a time.

    So I am a believer!!!!

     

  10. 1 hour ago, Jaybird180 said:

    Are they keeping the chicane they added between T15 & T16? I think it would be a good permanent change but does need a little refinement. I think a little curbing could resolve the part I saw (from my TV).

    I worked the chicane Friday and Saturday (and turn 3 Sunday).  It will stay but will be modified and made permanent from what was said.  Whats not evident from TV is its actually blind to riders until then are already in braking zone.  Early Friday it would have been easier for me to call who DID make it versus who didn't.  Friday afternoon they added a few cones to give a reference.  That helped.

    I will say by Saturday morning they all (thats why they are pros) had it figured out and dialed in.  There was a couple dicey moments when 4 or more bikes arrived at same time but as I recall only one crash and that was due to a washed out front exiting when they got in the grass.

  11. Hi Cobie, Dylan.  Just got done track marshalling the first ever MotoAmerica race at PIR (Pittsburgh International Raceway).  Was my first time there as well.  If you all haven't taken a look at having a school there please do!!  The track(s) are excellent!!!!  Elevation changes, positive, negative cambers, grass run off versus gravel (like VIR), new smooth pavement.

    Plus, its only 4.7 hours from my house :-)

    The MotoAmerica riders all gave good praise as well (I drove it about 8 laps in my car, wished I had a bike the whole time.  I have a video I took while scouting track with chief flag marshal if interested,

    Dave

     

  12. In 2016 K&N (actually I think most aftermarket filters) were banned in MotoAmerica competition after Kyle Wymans K&N filter on his Yamaha R1 failed on COTA's back straight.  I actually saw that one, bike actually caught fire and it oiled down the back straight and took about an hour or so to clean up.

    From what I recall, the issues were primarily on the filter for the R1.  The threads were not machined correct so filter did not tighten right and o-ring blew out.

    I still use the K&N on my GSX-R1000 and have not had any issues.

    The #204 is the one for the R1 so its hard to say if K&N fixed the issues or perhaps still baqd ones out there.

  13. Hi all, I had promised  Aliki I would post a review of the undersuit I got from her company http://vnmsportgear.com/.  A bit late but have given the product a good test in hot weather now.

    Up to now, I had been using a 1-piece undersuit (described in another post here as a baby Onesie).

    I purchased one of VNM Sport gear 2-piece suits.

    I have found I prefer the 2-piece design much better (which surprised me).  On occasion when wearing armoured jeans (Bull-IT) with my Dainese jacket, I will wear the top only.  When wearing my 1 piece, I use top and bottom.  The top has a longer cut and silicon grip band, and does not ride up.  I am not a typical thin rider, and the size Aliki recommended fits me great. (no, I am not posting a picture of me in them, could not do that to you all).

    How does it work?  Every bit as good as my old 1-piece and maybe better.  I feel much cooler and leather are easy to get on/off even after a hot days ride.

    So I give the product a great thumbs up and recommend you give them a look if looking for a good 2-piece suit.

    Happy Riding!

  14. 1 hour ago, Hotfoot said:

    This is a very good point, the power band for two strokes is a much different curve, the power hits really hard and it is not nearly as linear as current 4-stroke bikes. Tires are better, too, more predictable. Just those two factors alone probably make a big difference on being able to slide and wiggle a lot without actually crashing, compared to the older 500Gp bikes. And that's before even taking into account the advancements in suspension and frames.

    I do agree that they are really riding on the edge - I am always amazed, watching the races, how far they are willing to push those bikes.

    Maybe the better safety gear is a factor, too, keeping those bravest-of-the-brave riders in the game, rather than suffering injuries that limit or end their riding careers.

    Yes, most of the time they are up telling us how/why they crashed or asking for a ride back to pits before the bike is even recovered.

  15. 1 hour ago, faffi said:

    I just mentioned COTA since it was the most recent race, but if you are a motogp.com member and watch races from the 90s and compare them with races of today, it seems like the bikes currently seems closer to the ragged edge.

    In 1992 the 500GP bikes probably had around 190 hp and weighed just 130 kg, so power-to-weight was in the ballpark. 

    Starting last year, they went to a spec ECU which all teams must run.  This was done to "even up" the racing.  For example, Honda's factory ECU technology was rumored to use GPS technology to adjust the bike for each corner; a technology not available (or affordable) to non-factory teams.

    So per some factory teams the spec ECU is about 5-10 years behind what the top factory was running.

    Even in 1992 the 500's were brutal.  1993 was Wayne Raineys career ending crash.  Kevin Schwantz had some pretty spectacular get-offs during that period.

    I think the current 4-strokes are easier to ride at the edge and live to tell the tale where the 2-strokes bit without warning.

  16. 48 minutes ago, faffi said:

    I just watched a few races from 1992 and was stunned by how much smoother and in control they looked back then compared to today! I remember the 1980s, when the big two-strokes were bucking and weaving and protesting - especially Gardner's Honda - but by 1992, all was calm. Hardly a wheel off line at any point, nor a wobble or a weave. The only thing similar with today was that there seemed to be next to no warning before they lost the front or, in a few cases, got high-sided. 

    If you watched the COTA race, you will have seen many riders sliding, wobbling and bobbing quite a bit, lap after lap. Now, do you think this is a result of the electronic aids allowing them to be less accurate, or that they race closer to the ragged edge today or something else?

    COTA's track had a lot of complaints from riders being very bumpy.  At turn 10 where I was stationed this year, there was a very good bump that got the bikes quite unsettled if they hit it and caused a couple spectacular tank slappers and get-offs over the weekend.  The perimeter roads we took to get on station were bumpy as could be as well.

    Plus todays MotoGP bikes are around 260 HP; quite a bit more than 1990's bikes.

  17. 4 hours ago, Jaybird180 said:

    I was a bit confused when I saw my DVR schedule but DLHamblin's post cleared up something for me.  MotoAmerica is running the same weekend as MotoGP at COTA!!!

    Yes, same thing in July when they (MotoAmerica) run with World Superbike a Laguna.  Makes for long track days, but again its a lot of racing and a lot of fun.  Regular MotoAmerica events are not nearly as hectic and cramped.

  18. I am working COTA MotoGP/MotoAmerica this year in flagging/communications.  Arrive on Wednesday night and full schedule Thurs-Sun but lot's of fun.  Then I have most of the east coast MotoAmerica races set.

    Being on track (well off to side of track) is definitely best seat in house.

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