Thinking About Running The FJR on Local Road Course

[SwollenRaccoon]

I have to agree with Mr. Big Sky. Some areas of that track look dangerous to me. Clearly not as dangerous as most open roads, but it looks like some of those solid barriers are in bad spots. Pavement looks good though.

I also agree that you need to do a better supervised track day. Hard to believe they let you keep your mirrors on. Those are only distractions on the track.

Now that you're addicted, start looking for your next one. Take it from everyone here, they just get more fun........

 

[ForJimsRedemption]

Yes indeed, lots to learn and improve on. And really that is the fun. Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed the video.

 

[gixxerjasen]

The important thing is that you learned stuff, didn't ride over your head, and you and the bike were returned home in the same physical condition you left in, all while having a total ball on the track.

 

[Jay in Ohio]

Post Ride Experience/Thoughts
First of all, LOTS of fun and thanks for the encouragement and sharing all your experiences. No problems and learned a ton. I do have GoPro video of the track ride and will post a link once I get it uploaded. However, I wanted to post some thoughts while the experience was fresh.

What I came out of the experience with regarding the FJR and going fast. The quicker you can stop, the better you can turn, and the quicker you accelerate the faster you are (duh). I was quickly schooled that the FJR being 200 Lbs more than the next heaviest bike, not to mention I had 30 lbs more than the 20 something old avg rider, on the track has a big disadvantage to start with. That said it came down mostly to the breaking and acceleration that handicapped the FJR on the track. The triples and racing bikes could stop twice as fast coming down from 125+ mph. They also were geared lower with a 6th gear that allowed them to out accelerate me AFTER 80mph. The big surprise was the turning. I think with practice the FJR could maneuver with the best of them. Mind you it will be more work. However, In Only 5 sessions of 20+ minutes each, my tires were scrubbed all the way to the sidewall lip. And, at the end, I was hanging with the bikes through most of the twisties.

Positives

- FUN

-learned a ton about FJR , racing, my limitations and other rides

-good perspective on FJR and my own skills

-improved riding skills exponentially

Negatives

-$$$ (leathers ($280) and fee($40)

-FJR driven hard... was it hard on her... I am not sure. Think she may have liked it.

-Tires - I think I burned off 500+ miles.

-Track Safety - this event was poorly organized and there were No rules. I being one of the slower ones on the track made this quite unnerving and at one point super dangerous. I almost got ran over by someone who I thought to be one of the more responsible riders. Luckily I maintained my line and he got around me without wrecking himself or the both of us. I also saw this poor guy wreck his brand new Ducati Corse. Luckily it looked like only his pride and wallet were hurt. Everyone felt his pain as he took the rode of shame home.

That said am I going to do it again... HELL YAH!!

And yes, I will be talking to a couple of the riders pre-race. Get some passing rules established.

Did you make any suspension adjustments, or did you just use your everyday settings?

Tire pressure?

It sounds like a great experience.

Thanks,

-J

 

[ForJimsRedemption]

Jay in Ohio - I have an ES so I set the suspension to Hard 0 but eventually softened it to Standard 0 as the track had some bumps. Tire pressure I checked and rechecked at the mfr suggested 38f and 42r. Suspension was not a problem except for the braking at high speeds. Nature of the beast that I certainly dont want to change as it makes the FJR such a smooth touring bike. It was a great experience. Doing it again tomorrow!