BLSJDS

Thanks Timmer - no worries! What is the better way to handle it - killing the fuel or killing the spark? What do you recommend? The additional cost of the ignition module is not an issue. What about the QEM quick shifter expansion module? Is that worth consideration? Thanks again! Dan

Thanks fossilfuel - the quickshifter is actually what I am most interested in now. My first trackday with the Ohlins suspension is in 2 weeks - I can't wait.

"Paging Timmer - Doctor Timmer - you are wanted in the Tuning Forum"...

FWIW, I am also looking into a quick shifter - any compatability issues there?

It is not so much weighting the outside peg as it is locking in with your outside leg by applying pressure with your outside foot on the foot peg in order to lock your knee into the tank. Done correctly, there are several benefits.

I cover it and apply very light pressure; in most cases, I probably don't need it. However, I've had those 1 or 2 "oh sh!t" moments where I was extremely glad to have had the additional stopping power AND that I was prepared to use it.

Bueller? Bueller?

Hi Timmer, I have a 2008 Honda CBR600RR that is basically a track-only bike. It is registered & inspected so I can ride it on the street maybe 3 or 4 times a year, but it's primary use (95%) is for track riding. I've done some modifications for the track like rear-sets, ss braided brake lines, -1 +2 sprockets & 520 chain (and the speedo healer), as well as Ohlins suspension front and rear. The rest of the bike is bone stock, so I was thinking I'd like to increase / better manage the power as well. I've noticed at lower rpms, as I roll on throttle in a corner (from being off throttle), the bike isn't as smooth as I'd like - it "jerks" a little bit, if that makes sense. At CSS last year, Will had mentioned this is a common problem and that something like the Dynojet PC would be able to tune that out. What do you recommend would be the best bang-for-the-buck modification(s) to start with? Full exhaust, PC, auto-tune, some other combo? What full exhaust system do you recommend? What about air intake - any mods needed there? Thank you so much for your help! Dan

That is a real trick set up! I am very happy to see this tuning section - I think it's a great idea and thank you very much for your time, information, and assistance, Timmer! It comes at a perfect time, since I am ready to start making some power mods, etc. I will post a new thread to discuss.

+1 Great idea Cobie, and thank you very much Tim!!!

I've almost given up street riding altogether because it just doesn't offer me the comfort level I need to ride fast. There are WAY too many things that require some of my $10 worth of attention (other drivers, animals, unfamiliar roads, obstacles, road hazards, etc). When I do street ride, I take it very easy, but I also constantly practice the techniques I learned in Levels 1-3, just at a much slower pace. For me, there is just no comparison between what I can do on the track vs what I am comfortable with on the street. IMHO, you should ride in the manner that makes you most comfortable.

Thanks guys! I have a type III separation and the orthopedist confirmed that surgery wasn't necessary. I'll be back on that bike soon .

Thanks! Unfortunately, I took a spill on my dirt bike this weekend and separated my right shoulder, tore a bunch of ligaments, etc. I had to cancel the Monticello track day for this coming Monday . I should be good to go next spring, but my riding season (definitely dirt, probably street) is likely over for this year. I'm heading to the Orthopedist as we speak to find out how bad the damage is... Dan

Sorry it took so long to post pics - I just got around to taking these this morning: http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/blsjds/Motorcycles/IMG_0245.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/blsjds/Motorcycles/IMG_0246.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/blsjds/Motorcycles/IMG_0248.jpg The "cut" frame sliders I installed a few weeks ago: http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/blsjds/Motorcycles/IMG_0250.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/blsjds/Motorcycles/IMG_0253.jpg Crappy pictures of the safety wire job I did: http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/blsjds/Motorcycles/IMG_0256.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/blsjds/Motorcycles/IMG_0255.jpg I've put about 50 miles on it in total and plan to head out this weekend for a few more. First track day with it is planned for October 11th at the Monticello Full course. Hopefully it still looks like this after the day is done .

Did anybody watch this? If yes, weren't you the slightest impressed? If not - you're missing out Insane!

Believe me, Cobie - if I could swing the new BMW, it would be sitting in my garage right now . I did Levels 1,2, & 3 on the BMW and it was THAT bike that made me realize what I am missing. The 600 is a great bike, but I will own the BMW in a few years . BTW - when does the 2011 schedule come out??

I picked up a bone stock 2008 CBR 600 RR on Saturday. All I can say is "wow"! I haven't taken it to the track yet, but I can confidently say that, for me, this bike outperforms the 954 in every category except power (which is still ample, especially at higher RPMs). I absolutely love it and can't wait to get it out on the track. I'll try to post up some pictures this weekend.

Great questions for sure. To me, accurately guessing how fast you are going (without looking at the speedo) is not what the concept of "sense of speed" is about. It is about everything else around you "slowing down" (so to speak) because your riding skills have improved. Taking a particular corner at 45 mph may seem quite overwhelming to a beginner, even though he/she didn't even know he/she was going 45 mph. After Levels 1 and 2, taking that same corner at the same speed (45 mph) would likely seem slow because of the improved skills and confidence, and now can be taken at say 50 mph easily. Tough to measure without actually looking at a speedo, but I would say that person's sense of speed has improved quite a bit. After CSS Level III at Thunderbolt last month, I pulled onto the main road in my car. It was a 45 mph road. Before I knew it, I was doing 75 mph quite comfortably, I might add, as it felt like I was doing no faster than 35 mph! I couldn't believe it when I glanced at the speedo! Yeah, I'd say my sense of speed improved, but my ability to estimate my speed was WAY off - ha ha

It sounded that way to me. IMHO, the crash was a result of adding throttle AND lean angle, which I believe is a common cause based on what I've learned at CSS. Glad you are ok!

Thanks Eirik - your post is definitely relevant; exactly the type of confirmation / information I am looking for.

Thanks Kelly - great to hear the perspective from a fellow 954 rider. I had the suspension set up for the track this year and I should add that I am 6'0", 185 lbs. There is no doubt it is a capable bike, but I think the 600 will be a better track bike / help me be a better track rider. Dan

Rainman - I plan to get a used bike for the street next year, something that a passenger can ride comfortably on. My wife won't even sit on the 954 and my daughter complains of numb feat after about an hour . The 600 will be used almost exclusively for the track. Bullet - thanks very much for the advice and for confirming my initial thoughts. I suspect I'd be faster around the track on the 600, especially if I am more comfortable (physically and mentally ). I will probably go with the CBR as I've always been a Honda guy, but the R6 got HIGH marks in '08 and looks like an incredible machine. Thanks again, guys! Dan

I currently own a 2003 Honda CBR 954 RR. It is a GREAT all around bike, but I'm finding it is not ideal for the track. I've done CSS levels 1,2, & 3 (all on the BMW S1000) and have been able to elevate my skills quite a bit, but find that my 954 is nowhere near as "track friendly" as the BMW. It is very light in the front end (head shake, wheelies, etc) and the seating position, although comfortable on the street, is not as "track inspired" as the BMW; I really don't feel properly positioned on it, so to speak. I feel right at home on the BMW . Before you say it, a new BMW is out of the question (though I'd pick one up in a heartbeat if I could afford it) . When I bought the 954, I planned on mostly street riding and track use 2 or 3 times a year. Things have changed quite a bit (thanks to CSS ) and now I want a bike that will be used on the track 90% of the time and only occasionally on the street. I am looking at a 2008 CBR 600 RR; do you think this is a good choice, based on what I want from the bike? It seems to be more "track inspired", and I no longer want the violent power of a liter bike, especially on the tighter tracks. What do you guys think? Thanks so much for your advice! Dan

As a side note / follow up, I took my bike to a local suspension shop (seemed like a knowledgeable guy; he took CSS Level I and II and knew ATOTW I and II front to back ). Sag was way off and compression / rebound settings were far from ideal for the track. I have him doing fork seals now, as well as some safety wiring. Once done, I have to go back and then we'll fine tune the suspension. Can't wait to feel the difference! (Although, the BMWs at the school set the bar too damn high - LOL).

Jason - once again you are right on! Thank you so much for taking the time to elaborate. As you noted, my initial question was referring to the "abruptness" of the quick turn on the initial push of the bars, not the lean angle. The point that Jaybird (hey James!) brought up about suspension is also something I've considered as a possible factor in my quick turns looking a bit choppy last week. At Level I and II (on the BMW), my coach felt that I was quick turning nicely / smoothly, and the bike never felt "unsettled". However, I did notice that my CBR 954 didn't feel as stable during braking and the subsequent quick turn (braking was done prior to QT). I've never had the suspension tuned on it, so I'm having that done this weekend. Less lean angle in the rain is DEFINITELY more desirable!