spthomas
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Posts posted by spthomas
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Very cool indeed. But their words about "built-in webserver" and "runs on Linux OS" makes me wonder if it's just an elaborate prank. From thevideo they're linking to, it obviously isn't.
The power pack isn't huge: the biggest is 11kWh and a MotoGP has around 240bhp, and uses on average, say, half the power for around 45minutes of racing. That's ½*240bhp*736W/bhp*3/4h = ~66kWh, ie 6x the energy of the TTX02.
What am I missing here? That the TTX2 doesn't put out a lot of bhp?
I don't think these will compete with MotoGP for awhile (horsepower per pound, hardly anything else does anyhow!), probably better to think of this as a light 250 or 125 bike. Another thought, this is just me guessing, is that regenerative braking can influence these number quite a bit too. Racebikes accelerate hard, but they brake hard too, so maybe the net energy usage isn't so high.
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Hello!
I'm purely a street rider and my Nirvana is a totally unfamiliar road littered with hairpins. Many moons ago I tried riding on a track, but was bored stiff after 8 laps. However, having ridden for 30 years more or less clueless, it's probably about time I took a class (or several) and perhaps understand a little about what's going on when steering a motorcycle. And if a few days at the track is required, I think I can endure it for the learning experience. Until then, I'll probably pester you on this forum with some questions
Welcome to the forum! Most guys here, like myself, like track and road riding, you can certainly learn a lot on the track that will enhance your time on the road. Each place has its advantages. The school might be helpul to overcome the boring part of the track because learning and having those "aha...." moments (not the "aaaaaahhh...." moments!) is rewarding.
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There was a thread not too long ago where someone posted a video asking for feedback; it was on the tank and there was a comment it was hard to see much. But each position (tank, helmet, rear tail) has advantages, as well as having someone else follow you and film you.
My track day buddy got a Go Pro Hero Wide, but it rained and we haven't tried it yet.
Another friend uses one, and I've seen a number of guys using them. There are some Youtube Videos you can see.
There is a new HD version that looks interesting.
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...In a couple decades we'll have powerful long-range electric bikes and this whole silly shifting business will be a thing of the past that only old guys remember, so what's the point in even worrying about it?
Don't have to wait for decades, the slipper clutch had already done that for bikes. Just like what DSG transmission and Nissan's SynchroRev Match did to the skill of heel & toe downshifting....
I hadn't heard of synchro-rev but I read about it and it sounds like it would be pretty fun in a car, or bike I guess!
But screw the DSG, the synchro whatever, CVTs (continuously variable transmission), and the whole transmission altogether, plus clutches, torque converters, intricate valve trains, catalytic converters, and fuel injection systems... all a bunch of complicated expensive solutions to overcome the inherent flaws in combustion engines.
And after all that, you still need a battery and an electric motor to bring the engine to life in the first place. People have gotten so used to these things that they take for granted how complicated it all is. And despite all the expensive and complicated emissions ######, they still end up causing smog in every city around the world.
Electric engine: Attach engine to rear wheel with chain and sprockets, twist throttle to go! Max torque from zero rpms! Wheelie machine! No clutch, no shifting. Totally off-topic but just say'n, my little rant, hehe. Where is that magic battery.
I wanted to continue this on a different thread...
I ran across this the other day and I thought "I want one!":
http://www.mavizen.com/Bikes_and_Kits/TTX02.html
It would be interesting to ride one and compare the dynamics, cornering, etc. Has anyone done that?
A co-worker found an article about some guys at a university that figured a way to get 10x charge in Li-Ion- one break through like that, which works, will change everything.
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Just bought one of these alpinestars vests!
http://www.rocketclothing.co.uk/alpinestar.../prod_1500.html
haven't tried it out yet because its snowing here, but feels like a comfy fit off the bike anyway!
Bobby
That's a nice product... doesn't seem to be available here yet though
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I totally agree to the ATGATT philosophy. When I started using a backprotector some 12 years ago, using one was rare among street riders - now it's like "are you stupid or sumthin'?" if you don't wear it on the street.
I'm glad to hear ATGATT has taken hold in your circles, and I subscribe to it, but I have to say with my friends that ride it hasn't, it's more like STGATT (Some of The Gear All The Time), where boots, pants, and back protectors are left out, but usually helmet, gloves and jacket (textile) are commonly used.
I'd be curious to know what forum members feel just what "all" the gear is, and what your riding friends do.
I'll go first and list what I do:
1. track: 1pc suit, back protector, race boots, gauntlet gloves, helmet
2. riding twisty roads: jacket, pants (both leather,zipped), race boots, gauntlet gloves, helmet
3. commuting (5 turns from driveway to parking lot, but 29 mi): jacket, icon leg armor under work pants, over-ankle boots, gauntlet gloves, helmet.
(I always wear ear plugs too, and now I can add back protector to 2nd and 3rd items)
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Back in the summer of 2002 I took level 1 of 2 of the school at Putnam Park Roadcourse in Indiana. I am considering taking some more classes this coming summer at VIR in May.
My question is......Should I retake level 1 and 2 since it has been a while since I had the instruction? I will admit that I cannot remember each and every moment of the 2 days that I spent learning but I do remember a majority of it. I still have the class materials that Keith handed out after each classroom session. Having said that I don't want to bite off more than I can chew by jumping right into level 3 if I should not be there.
I have participated in track days. I am not unfamilar to the track. What do you think?
Craig
Welcome to the forum by the way! I do my track riding at Putnam, it sure would be handy to have the school come there! My riding buddy and I are looking at doing the level 2 at VIR next May too.
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Here the max average piston speed is 15500/60*2*42.5mm = 22m/sec, which is close the what has been considered "the limit" for production bikes for some time.
Electric bikes don't have this limit of course... it will be interesting to see how they progress over the next few years. Any wagers on when MotoGP will have a "e" class!?
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... I realized that I had this preconcieved idea it was flat and desert around there...
I did too! Welcome to the forum! This is how and why you learn so much here!
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Just as a follow-up to the original discussions, I did get a separate back protector (Knox Aegis) I can use with jackets for street riding as well as my 1pc suit for the track. One thing to note is that it takes up a little more room in the jacket; fortunately I had extra room so it works out just right. But from this I learned that I would add to my list of advice for new riders choosing gear, to make sure you factor in protection gear when selecting jackets or a suit, especially if you're getting a custom suit made.
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That brings us to the current Qualifiers. I've chased students at our race school, they on our school bikes with Qualifiers, me on a coach bike with race tires. Once we got the tire pressure sorted (we were too high to start with), the Q's were no disadvantage for a fast rider. And they take less time to warm up. A better alround choice for sure.
I can't comment on Metzlers; I don't know anyone using them. I can say as a user of the Dunlop Qualifiers that I'm happy with them for both track and street riding. My track day buddy has an R1 with Michelins and he has traction problems in places I don't, although that could be him getting on the throttle too hard in places (but I'm not slower
).Cobie- any feedback on the new Q2's yet? My impression is that is a successor to the Qualifier- is that right?
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...but when they've stayed for a while in Scandinavia, they come to appreciate they tradeoffs made.
I hope to visit someday. I have a friend who is a classical musician based in the U.K. and plays concerts there frequently and absolutely loves Denmark. I wasn't aware of what riding opportunities were there, so now I'll make sure to bring my helmet!
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Welcome to the forum... it's really interesting to hear what the sportbike scene is there. Can't get my head around the 180% tax!
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had left a load of gravel around a roundabout...
Sorry to hear about this. I was wondering if this was the first time there had been gravel in this area? It sounds like that was the case. On my way home I turn into a left turn lane on a divided highway and one day the whole lane was covered in that kitty litter looking gravel. It looked like maybe there was a fuel spill and they use that stuff to soak it up. Fortunately I was in my car that day because I hit it going about 65mph and my ABS kicked in. If I was on my bike it would have been a problem I think. Since then I'm a lot more cautious about intersections and not coming up to them so hot (I have a bad habit of liking to brake hard).
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They ought to take a visit to the burns unit and check out what gravel rash looks like
There used to be a ride2die.com website (it's something else now but if you google it and look at google's cached version, it works) that had photos of what happens in accidents. Lots of nasty rashes for starters and it gets worse as you go down the page.
I always have good protection when I ride but the back protector that comes in jackets isn't much. The only issue with using my track suit for road riding it it's a one piece so it's a bit of a hassle stopping for lunch etc. But I have leather pants (no knee pucks) that zip to the coat (also leather) so it's almost the same as my track gear. The back protector in my 1-pc snaps in at the top and the snap often pops loose when wiggling into the suit so it's a bit of a pain, which is what got me to thinking about getting a vest type for the track which would then also be easily usable for the street. Looking at the Knox Aegis- anybody have one?
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On the track my 1-pc suit has a back protector that came with it, but when I ride on the street either commuting or touring my jacket has just a flimsy foam piece in it. Is it a good idea to get a "real" back protector for non-track riding? What do you guys do?
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For sure it changes the position. I'm not a helmet rep, so only my opinion on this. A little extra foam I wouldn't think would be an issue, and the little bit of position change (as a trade off for actually being able to see) I'd think worth it.
Aha! now we know why Simoncelli keeps his hair long
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How long have forum members been riding?
Had a Honda Shadow 500 from '88 thru '99, was bike-less till 3 years ago when I got my CBR, which was almost like starting over.
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On top of this, shoving your knee down to get it on the ground is also screwing with your torso's position. It has you twisted up while you're leaning off the bike.
Work on leaning evenly off the bike and just dropping your knee. It'll get back to the ground when you get farther over. It's what I've started doing, and you won't get the wonderful feeling of plastic attached to your knee sliding over the pavement as often, but it will help you more in the long run.
I think the problem is I may be too far over. I'm scraping the feeler pegs at this point, plus it's wearing the outside edge, not the top or bottom or inside edge. But I have a difference in right and left turns.
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Hi Mate,
It is, as you suggested, because your rotating your knee downwards, rather than outwards. You can see you doing so in your avatar. Does it really matter? Hell no, though it could be corrected or improved for sure.
Bullet
Yeah, I will think about that. Unfortunately no more track days till spring here. I hope to get to level 2, hopefully VIR in May this time. I think I have all the elements there in my riding, braking, looking, quick turn in, leaning, dragging, throttle control, exiting, but I just need to get it all dialed in better.
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I've attached a photo of my knee pucks. My right side has all the wear on the outer edge (30-45 deg angle), whereas the left side is more even across the face. Is it an indication of something really wrong with my body positioning, and/or just a simple matter of repositioning them with the Velcro?
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Rarely we have seen a rider go easy for a lap (or 2), then drop the hammer and crash.
Starting easy, then gradually increasing the pace is a good rule of thumb. Remember to warm both sides of the tire.
I do the easy first two lap thing, which sounds like what others are doing. My strategy on track days is to get ready at the first call for the group (beginner) so I can be first in line to get on the track. I like having clear track in front of me without traffic, so I go first and try to move along but not too excessive. On the initial straight part I go fast to get some distance but take it easy on the corners. I figure the straight line speed helps warm up the tires. After two complete laps I go as fast as I can. Sometimes I will get passed in the first two laps but it's better than crashing. I run Dunlop Qualifiers at 30/30 and haven't had any signs of slipping or feel problems that I can sense.
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My 02' F4i has custom built forks and an Ohlins rear on Michelin Pilot Powers.
Have you done anything with the foot pegs? I had a track day last Saturday and I'm scraping the feeler pegs more often although it doesn't spook me and make me want to stand the bike up and go wide. Two options- take them off (cheap) or get other rear sets (expensive).
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Anyone ever notice what Rossi's helmet looks like on his head?
Shot this photo of him at qualifying a few weeks ago here in Indy. It looks like he's staring at a spot 6' in front of the bike, so he's got to be looking upwards. I find that hard to do since I wear glasses now, which is probably why I tend to sit up too much.
I have participated in track days. I am not unfamilar to the track. 
).
Video Camera For Filming Own Progress
in School Questions/General Discussion
Posted
No, we haven't had a dry track day yet to even try it out. Another buddy had one, and had put it on his helmet but it was too high (it's hard to see the screen when it's on your head!), so next session we set him on the bike and then adjusted while he was in position so it looked right. I do believe having several SD cards is convenient, and a laptop that can read the card directly will read it faster.
I like the idea though because I think seeing yourself is a great educational tool. I haven't had this yet but my last track day my wife came and took shots with the DSLR all day and it was interesting to compare how I felt my position was with how it actually was.