Gorecki

Yes, am getting the impression my track availablity isn't all that bad. Unfortunate element of parental duties is I'll be lucky if I get 1 day to do what I want every couple of months and often don't know what that day is until it happens. Many times I've had to cancel best laid plans but the good news is it's almost certain in 2 years, it'll all be over. So who knows, that may be just enough time for me to develop the skills to ride track properly. Thanks much for your input Kev!

I definitely agree with you to a certain extent but at the same time after reviewing test results from multiple sources, there are differences. When it comes to race machines or the like that will have the oil changed out after a few hours of use, these differences are trivial. Often those same race machines will have engine rebuilds before an oil can have any real cause/effect. For 'normal' bikes (used lightly, sits for days, used hard, short distances..etc) there are a lot more elements that come into play. Also, the term 'Synthetic' has been abused in marketing and what is actually the composition of the oil varies quite a bit. In turn the result is individual compositions show different characteristics. Between different additives, friction modifiers and a boat load of other things these synthetics are often very different from each other, especially compared to mineral based oils. A good example is a couple of predominant racing sponsor oils (Royal Purple & Lucas) in tests often don't fare well at all! Now all that being said, what I'm not finding is clear reason why I would use lets say Motul $10 oil vs. their $17 oil? I suspect, I simply won't know without actually using them. Interestingly enough Eirik, Quaker State doesn't offer a motorcycle specific oil here in the US. I think they have in the past but not presently. Wonder why these companies sell something in some countries but not in others?

Yeah, that Shell blend is not available in the US for what ever reasons.. But at the same time, you OZ folk have had the cool little Kawi ZX-2R's and Honda CBR250's available over the years we've never seen. Those small displacement inline 4 rockets have to be fun little trackers!

I've been going through the most ridiculous pursuit of engine oil research. There are SO many choices and even more opinions. But frankly I can’t seem to find an absolute. Some examples are: Motul 300v Synthetic – Expensive but good. Repsol Synthetic – No opinions yet. Mobil 1 Synthetic – Seems largely liked. AMSOIL – Seems really good but can't get turned off by pushy sales people. So what are your likes?

That was an extremely informative and objective post Rainman. I've experienced considerably harder sells by substantially less genuine people who had much less to offer. I believe I am going to do the school before I get on a track and possibly more than once. I can't ignore the value people are expressing and the value of the materials I've already read/viewed. Then really riding with a group of people with like desires is probably pretty fun to boot. I know there's an event coming up soon in Jersey but I can't get there yet. That's an over night trip if not a couple days (suspecting a level of being exhaused at the end of a day). Summit is a little less than 60 miles away (Jersey nearly 3x that, Virginia more), so I expect I'll take a little time to go up there just to watch a track day for a while...so to in the least see the chaos and how crazy it is over there. I believe CSS will be back to Jersey in August and September, so I'm thinking of that as a marker, I'd like to get a track bike running by then...but probably not. Thanks for the response..

Well I have to admit, as someone who has yet to have done any track days, I'm quickly becoming even more hesitant then I have been based on this thread. My largest concerns outside of just never having been to one is fear of doing damage to my bike (that OEM plastic stuff is freaking expensive!) and was starting to think of just getting a track only bike going for such things. Now, it sounds like too often, too many idiots on the track makes for some serious danger and frankly is it even worth it? I'm most certainly not afraid of taking a hit but @ 100+ mph, someone ELSE could take me out! Unfortunately, my butt's worth more alive then dead, still need to get two more through college! Anyone have any experience of the track days over at Summit Point in West Virginia?

User Interface - It's what you see, how it works, looks like and 'feels'.

Looks like all is going well so far. Good luck as I'm well aware upgrades can be traumatic.

Ew, ew and more Ew! The UI went bye-bye.. Sure it'll be back..

This part of Twist 2 was huge for me, never really thought about counter supporting counter steering. It REALLY creates a sense of added stability and support IMO. Just never really crossed my mind that the opposite peg being 'pushed' could give so much. I'll slalom down the road on occasion just get a stronger feel for it. I have to admit, there has been a couple times where I got a little dyslexic on a couple sequential corners trying to apply it.

Seeing visions of Buggs wheelie off the track heading for the road on a bemmer.

So driving away on one of the BMW's after a day is probably not going to be taken too well? Awe, shucks!

I just discovered USGPRU recently and in being such a racing novice (the more I learn, the less I know) I looked at it at first as a potential good method of building foundational skills in the smaller bike classes (125-250). I used the same thinking in motocross years ago as in the more I learned to 'work the bike' on 125's, efforts on larger bikes in the dirt came more easily because I didn't have to work as hard. THEN...I started looking into sources (importers) of these 125 2 stroke or related GP style machines and OMG! I could buy 2-3 new 600's for the price of those things???? How the heck do people do it? It must be a huge commitment to even get started?

Find your turn point Just before turn point, look into the turn BEFORE you steer the bike

Thanks dude! She's a little hottie! Whouldn't give it up for anything...maybe one of those bemmer's might tempt me.. ...Nahhhh

Don't know where in the Carolina's you are but the mountains offer some great riding. I've only traveled a little in the (less than massive) mountains near me and there is tons of riding I haven't touched yet. Just a thought?

Whao...I so can't do that. Cool! You replace pegs often? Welcome!

My first thought is it isn't riders/racers exclusively; it's anyone who is 'young' in a high profile competitive arena especially where media is involved. It’s all a big ego stroke in construct and these guys are young guys soaking it up…ever notice how lady racers are in comparison? I cheer on chick racers, to me that’s cool!

Building an arch is a fairly tall order, I've built my share of solid bodies and I've never attempted it. Not impossible, just a lot more involved. I have a full dedicated digital studio but use it for my own pacifications. My little bro's a fairly well known jazz guy out of Encino, been on a dozen movie sound tracks and more CD's than some people own. To be honest, the music biz just wasn't for me. Peace!

I went with t-rex racing's front & rear set. I don't have a lot of experience with stands so my opinion is probably of limited value. I've used them a few times, mostly the rear and they seem quite stable. They come in a S (single bar) or V (V bar) design, but I would say the *best* aspect of them is often you can get a front & rear set with spools for your bike for less than the price of a single Pit Bull rear.

I see CSS is going to be at a couple of them in the coming months, it's something I'd like to do, making it happen is always the difficulty. I have had all of my weekends for years commited to soccer players in the family and usually I know what's coming in the summer, this year I don't for sure other than it'll be more national travel then previously. Thought so! You supported that kawi very well! There is A LOT of great twisty roads here, there is also A LOT of totally insane drivers and a fair amount of deer. I lifted the back of the bike just the other day while out working on cornering, 5 deer out of no where! Heart skipped a beat or three. The more I ride, the more I'm sure I'll encounter locals. So far only a couple gixxer squid kids who aren't going to live very long from what I've seen so far. Thanks for the warm welcome Cobie, look forward to learning from ya.

Good to here, I've already encountered 'opinions' I didn't really agree with elsewhere but I'm really not going to be too postured about things. This is a new form of riding to me so I'm gonna suck up all the info I can and hopefully apply it. But I already know I need mentoring. Guitars, well I have more of them than fingers and toes (yes I have all of them..lol). Just about any flavor you can imagine, built quite a few as well (another hobby mine). Played most my life, played clubs @ 15 with rock bands one night and jazz combos with guys old enough to be my grand parents the next. Played the west coast curcuits for a long time (Oakland CA is home) in long hair shredding metal bands till about the early '90's where I got tired of being a starving musician. Been a programmer for many years now and starving far less! Thanks for the greet man!

Hi Cobie, didn't I see you in the Twist II DVD 'sag' setup? I'm in Maryland about 40 miles north of DC. As tracks go, I only have the internet as a resource because I honestly don't know anyone else who would care and I believe I'm the only one in my general area who even owns a bike. Summit Point in WV is ~ 60 miles (Closest) Thunderbolt in NJ is ~ 150 miles Pocono in PA is ~ 220 miles Beaver Run in PA is ~ 260 miles Virginia International is ~ 260 miles There may be something closer but I'm not finding it.

Hello all! I've been lurking here a bit but figured I better sign up. I recently started riding again after going years without, unless you count off-road. Last fall came to the conclusion I wanted a sport (never had one) and this spring picked up a shiny new ZX-6R and man did I pick a winner, awesome machine! My desire is to truly ride this machine not just cruise on it. I expect to learn it inside and out to the degree of doing as much of my own service as possible. So, over the course of the winter I read quite a bit of riding material but it was about 3 weeks ago I ordered the Twist II DVD from CSS and inpatient for its arrival went to the book store and picked up the Twist II book. Finished reading it and some re-reading before the DVD finally came. Good stuff, if for in the very least it communicates to someone like me very well using 'technology' to express a point and logically evidencing that point. I've attempted to apply some of what I've read and already proven what was written is true. Track riding is becoming more and more of an interest though I have no experience other than what I've read or seen on TV. I get the impression it's addicting! But it hasn't been an easy task even getting to a track let along getting on one. Busy life, parent and tracks not very nearby has made it a little difficult and I simply can't safely try so much of what I've read on the streets. So, I think I would like to attend some CSS sessions if ever possible if for any reason to get to ride one of those new BMW's. I run a couple of forums like this but for guitar players so it's kind of odd being the NOOB but I want keep improving my riding and so here I am. Looking forward to spunging off anyone and everyone I can!