[PICS] Took my 'Bolt to track day...

I took my 'Bolt to Hallett (http://www.hallettracing.com) for Motorcycle Lapping Day the other weekend and had a freaking blast. I ran the 1.8 mile course in 1:57.2 in the first session, and whittled my time down to a 1:46.5 in the last. Following are the pics: If you are wondering what the yellow square on my front fairing is, it's my track access pass: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Access.jpg The 'Bolt looks pretty wild with no mirrors or signals and the headlights taped up: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Front.jpg The rear end cleaned up nicely once I got the signals and all of the stupid brackets removed. My tag is now velcroed to the undertail, so I can remove it for track duty: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Tail.jpg Here is the starting grid: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Full.jpg And here is me, as if you couldn't have picked me out of the crowd above: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Grid.jpg Off I go!: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Start.jpg Here I am in the "Bus Stop" (turn #2), a very tight roundabout with a downhill approach. (Makes for a nice sig pic. ;) ) I had to drop to 1st gear to get good drive out: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Cornering.jpg This is turn #3, which immediately follows the "Bus Stop". Right about here I am shifting into 2nd gear and really getting on the throttle: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Leading.jpg Here I am late apexing into turn #4, a tricky (aren't they all?) decreasing radius turn. What makes this one particularly difficult is that the change in elevation prevents you from seeing the apex or exit point as you enter the curve. This was the toughest section of track for me to nail down: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Lean.jpg This is me exiting turn #5 approaching what is known as "Everybody's Favorite Turn" (a.k.a. turn #6). I wish the photog had setup there (turn #6) as I was really getting the bike cranked over: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Wet.jpg If the track looks wet in that last pic, it's because it is. We had a brief but very heavy monsoon at the lunch break, then the track dried off (mostly). I ran my best time of the day in the last session with spitting rain hitting my shield. Much fun! If you have not been to a track day, put it on your list of things to do. It was the most fun I have ever had on a motorcycle! :thumbs:

what is with the un used pucks? great pics

Beautiful man! I love that bike. MORE PICS PLEASE!

Stick your knee out, man. You coulda got some!! http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Cornering.jpg

what is with the un used pucks? great pics First time on a track (ever), so the pants/knee sliders and boots were brand new. Thought for certain I would touch down something before the day was out (particularly in turn #6; friend following me said my knee was "right there"), but never did. Amazing how much more leanover clearance I apparently have. Just more room to explore on the next track day. ;)

First time on a track (ever), so the pants/knee sliders and boots were brand new. Thought for certain I would touch down something before the day was out (particularly in turn #6; friend following me said my knee was "right there"), but never did. Amazing how much more leanover clearance I apparently have. Just more room to explore on the next track day. ;) In your sig pic. All you have to do is stick it out there. It will seem uncomfortable at first. It's feels almost like you're stretching it. But try it next time. You're not hanging it out enough.

You don't have to drag a knee to be fast but it does help when your fast enough to need it. Glad you had fun and it only gets easier and more addictive from here.

You don't have to drag a knee to be fast but it does help when your fast enough to need it. Glad you had fun and it only gets easier and more addictive from here. Might as well try it when you're THAT close though.

Might as well try it when you're THAT close though. True Dat!

Plus he'll be running out of tire soon and the knee would let him know that he doesn't have much more to go. Plus those are the stock Bridgestones aren't they?

:dthumb: I know you had fun.

Plus he'll be running out of tire soon and the knee would let him know that he doesn't have much more to go. Plus those are the stock Bridgestones aren't they? No, the stock tires in '05 were Dunlop D208. I burned through those in 4K miles of street riding, and I am now running Bridgestone BattleAx BT014. I did run them all the way out to the edges during track day. During one session, whenever I hit turn #6 I hung waaaaaaay off and extended my knee, but still didn't touch down. But neither did the peg feeler, so clearly I have more room to lean over. Of course, that turn is cambered to the rider's advantage and very fast, unlike the Bus Stop, which is off camber and very slow.

Just by looking at your knee and your position all you have to do is extend it out.

MORE PICS PLEASE! OK, here's a weird one the photog included on my CD. I don't recall dropping acid on the grid, but... :smoke: :D http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55/l48shark/Acid.jpg

Cool pics! Drag a knee next time tho!

Drag a knee next time tho! :bthorse: :lol:

No, the stock tires in '05 were Dunlop D208. I burned through those in 4K miles of street riding, and I am now running Bridgestone BattleAx BT014. I did run them all the way out to the edges during track day. During one session, whenever I hit turn #6 I hung waaaaaaay off and extended my knee, but still didn't touch down. But neither did the peg feeler, so clearly I have more room to lean over. Of course, that turn is cambered to the rider's advantage and very fast, unlike the Bus Stop, which is off camber and very slow. You got the same tires my Gixxer came with stock. Not bad tires over all but they do slip a little when reaching the edge.

Put some powers on that baby! You'll love them. Damn, I wanna go to a track.:cry: I'm jealous.

And that bike is absolutely SICK!!!!:drool:

Are you goin back for the 2 day event in September 2-3

Put some powers on that baby! You'll love them. I was going to get Pilot Powers until a local shop offered me the Bridgestones for 1/2 off. Couldn't pass that up considering how close the two tires are. And that bike is absolutely SICK!!!!:drool: Thanks! :cheers: Are you goin back for the 2 day event in September 2-3 I was supposed to, but this afternoon I learned my family wants to come visit that weekend (Labor Day). Priorities...

Powers and Bridgestones are apples and oranges. You can't compare them.

Powers and Bridgestones are apples and oranges. You can't compare them. Elaborate, please? :scratch:

Powers are by far a beter tire.

I was supposed to, but this afternoon I learned my family wants to come visit that weekend (Labor Day). Priorities... Hell, Its my 10 year wedding anniversary that weekend and I am going to the track...LOL The wife is gpoing to be sitting at home with the baby:angelhap:

Powers are by far a beter tire. I was wondering if you knew of any reviews, etc. to support that, because I don't think the difference is as large as "apples and oranges." For example, Road Racing World did a blind review of 8 tires last year, and rated the (now discontinued) Dunlop D208 1st, Powers 2nd, and the BT014 close behind giving up ground in bump absorbtion: Second place behind the Dunlops by 7.3 points, with 89.9 points, went to Track Day Tire Brand Five—Michelin Pilot Power, which might be the best choice if you plan to ride on the tires beyond the racetrack's front gate. "The front was tied for best with (the Dunlops)," said Atlas, "but the rear lacked a little bit of grip. Not horrible, but it wasn't great. It slid a little bit, but it slid pretty predictably." Third place, with 87.7 points, went to Track Day Tire Brand Six—the Bridgestone BT014. "(The Bridgestone) was a pretty good all-around tire," said Atlas. "It didn't do anything spectacular. Its best feature was mid-corner grip, but I gave it a two in Bump Absorption because it was really, really stiff. This was the one that tracked over the bumps well, didn't skip, but felt really harsh."

Hell, Its my 10 year wedding anniversary that weekend and I am going to the track...LOL The wife is gpoing to be sitting at home with the baby:angelhap: You'll be paying for that later! :luck: Man, I really want to run that track clockwise too... :cry:

By the way, Litalien, I agree with you that Powers are a better tire overall. But I also think the BT014 is pretty good/close (particularly when offered at 1/2 price!). :cheers:

I was wondering if you knew of any reviews, etc. to support that, because I don't think the difference is as large as "apples and oranges." For example, Road Racing World did a blind review of 8 tires last year, and rated the (now discontinued) Dunlop D208 1st, Powers 2nd, and the BT014 close behind giving up ground in bump absorbtion: I replaced the 208 with the powers. The 208 is only first place in SUCKING. Those are the worst tire ever. All they do is slide...and that ain't fun.

You'll be paying for that later! :luck: Man, I really want to run that track clockwise too... :cry: Actually the wife wants me to go, That is my 10yr Anniv. present. I know alot of guys who would like to have a wife like mine.:wink:

I was wondering if you knew of any reviews, etc. to support that, because I don't think the difference is as large as "apples and oranges." For example, Road Racing World did a blind review of 8 tires last year, and rated the (now discontinued) Dunlop D208 1st, Powers 2nd, and the BT014 close behind giving up ground in bump absorbtion: Just ask anybody here that haves/had Powers. And ask everybody that has owned 208's. Dunlop 208's are sh*t! It's not unheard of for companies to pay magazines.

I replaced the 208 with the powers. The 208 is only first place in SUCKING. Those are the worst tire ever. All they do is slide...and that ain't fun. :yup:

By the way, Litalien, I agree with you that Powers are a better tire overall. But I also think the BT014 is pretty good/close (particularly when offered at 1/2 price!). :cheers: Yeah, not bad for half price. Better than Dunlslips.

Hell, Its my 10 year wedding anniversary that weekend and I am going to the track...LOL The wife is gpoing to be sitting at home with the baby:angelhap: HA.. That is my 9 year anniversary... I usually go to the AMA races at Road Atlanta that weekend, but we opted for a week long trip to Maui instead this year. I figure the wifey never held me back from the races, so I prolly better man up for a together trip this year!:angelhap:

HA.. That is my 9 year anniversary... I usually go to the AMA races at Road Atlanta that weekend, but we opted for a week long trip to Maui instead this year. I figure the wifey never held me back from the races, so I prolly better man up for a together trip this year!:angelhap: Good on ya.

And ask everybody that has owned 208's. Dunlop 208's are sh*t! It's not unheard of for companies to pay magazines. I'll give you that. I had D208s and hated them.

And that bike is absolutely SICK!!!!:drool: :withstupi It looks great but you need to buy yourset a set of frame pucks!

Oh and PP are rode and proven. Heck I think by now... TWF should be sponsored by Michilen cause we pimp those so much.

:withstupi It looks great but you need to buy yourset a set of frame pucks! :iagree: Buells should come from the factory with'em.Oh and PP are rode and proven. Heck I think by now... TWF should be sponsored by Michilen cause we pimp those so much. :withstupi on this too.

Oh and PP are rode and proven. Heck I think by now... TWF should be sponsored by Michilen cause we pimp those so much. :iagree: We pimp those hard around here...but the results are there. I recommend what I like...and those I like. Alot.

And that Lightningbolt. Dammit I like that bike...I gotta get one. I need like 5 bikes.

:iagree: We pimp those hard around here...but the results are there. I recommend what I like...and those I like. Alot. I love mine.

Ain't Hallett fun! I love to track day there, used to do the CMRA races there. Did the Star School back in May and sure would like to go back soon... Don't mean to sound cocky but the BT014 stockers that came on my ZX6R did 1.29's at Hallett all day long for two days straight a last years rider appreciation track days in September...They are good tires. Used Metzler race tech's for the Star School and they rock! Still using them on the street and they really hold up well. I really love that Buell man! I want one but can only afford one bike for all season right now. Did you catch the Buell article in the latest sportrider? Good Stuff. Oh yeah and you can check out other AR riders on the web at www.arkriders.com or www.evreed.com. Lots of folks from Conway, Cabot areas:dthumb:

Did you catch the Buell article in the latest sportrider? Good Stuff. Oh yeah and you can check out other AR riders on the web at www.arkriders.com or www.evreed.com. Lots of folks from Conway, Cabot areas:dthumb: Yeah, I read that story just yesterday. Thanks for the link. BTW, I am in Bella Vista. :cheers:

:iagree: Buells should come from the factory with'em. They do now, I think they started that on the 06' models, which was the next model after I bought mine... and had to buy frame sliders. Nice shots by the way.. I couldn't see them at work since our network blocks most picture hosting sites. I finally got to see them at the house yesterday. Looks like a fun track! I can't wait to do my first track day. I am either going to do it at Road Atlanta, or Barber.

Yes the 208's suck. I slid mine all around the track last time I had it out. I also took the peg feelers off. I didn't like the feel of them when they touched down. The more you ride on the track you will get a knee down in time. It should be a suprise when you first touch your knee down and when you do don't chop the throttle. I did and I slid the rear tire out with all of the engine breaking. My next set of tires will be Pilot powers. Now all I need is my shoulder to heal up so I can make it out to the track again.

nice pics i need to get my arse to a track. i am jealous. love 2 see others on buells i love my xb9r.

It'll definately shock you a little bit when you drag a knee for the first time. I skimmed mine and picked it back up right away. Now I'm consistent and love doing it!

I read that article in SR. It was decent.

L48Shark... Do you do any trail braking with the front brakes on the Bolt? I like those bikes alot...and would probly buy one if a good deal came up. But I've read they stand up and run wide like crazy if you trail with the front. Truth or no truth?

L48Shark... Do you do any trail braking with the front brakes on the Bolt? I like those bikes alot...and would probly buy one if a good deal came up. But I've read they stand up and run wide like crazy if you trail with the front. Truth or no truth? Any bike will stand up. You jsut gotta go easy when you do. the only thing that would really require trail braking would be elevation changes during sweepers or something.

Any bike will stand up. You jsut gotta go easy when you do. the only thing that would really require trail braking would be elevation changes during sweepers or something. I know any bike will stand up...but this one more than others from what I read.

I know any bike will stand up...but this one more than others from what I read. Oh. I'm sorry.

Oh. I'm sorry. :lol:

...but this one more than others from what I read. You heard correctly. It was very noticable when I first got it. (Previous bike was a BMW F650GSA.) Since then, I've either adjusted to the point where I don't notice it so much anymore, or the condition was improved by switching from the stock D208 Dunlops to BT014 BattlAx Bridgestones. :confused: Here's what I typically tell friends before they ride her... The flywheel is heavy, so don't count on a lot of engine braking. She also has a tendency to stand up under trail braking. So choose your entry speeds wisely, and she is otherwise as friendly as a Labrador. Slow in, fast out. Smile throughout. :wink:

Slow in, fast out. Smile throughout. :wink: Nice!:dthumb:

You heard correctly. It was very noticable when I first got it. (Previous bike was a BMW F650GSA.) Since then, I've either adjusted to the point where I don't notice it so much anymore, or the condition was improved by switching from the stock D208 Dunlops to BT014 BattlAx Bridgestones. :confused: Here's what I typically tell friends before they ride her... Slow in, fast out. Smile throughout. :wink: Yeah I've also heard about the lack of engine braking. I don't do alot of trail braking...but at times I need to carry a little brake into my corners. I am a strong advocate of getting your business taken care of before the lean...ie: brakes, shifting, etc. I gotta ride one of these. Does Buell do test rides?

Does Buell do test rides? Yes. They frequently offer free stuff (hat, sling bag, shirt - check the website) if you do it too. They also visit all the major shows and offer test rides.

Yes. They frequently offer free stuff (hat, sling bag, shirt - check the website) if you do it too. They also visit all the major shows and offer test rides. Might have to swing by a dealer this week.

Might have to swing by a dealer this week. The '07 'Bolt in Cherry Bomb is pretty hot... :drool: http://www.buell.com/common/07/firebolt/XB12R/gallery/584/new5.jpg

How long have they had that body style? Seems like a few years.

How long have they had that body style? Seems like a few years. Not certain. It has been available with the 1203cc engine (XB12R) since the '04 model year, but it was available as the XB9R before that for at least a year. I am thinking maybe they are about due for some changes beyond badges and color schemes. :confused:

The '07 'Bolt in Cherry Bomb is pretty hot... :drool: http://www.buell.com/common/07/firebolt/XB12R/gallery/584/new5.jpg Whoooooa. I like that shiz. :drool:

http://www.buell.com/common/07/firebolt/xb12r/colors/black_right_front_angle.jpg Tell me this thing isn't just sick as hell.

I'm tellin ya.. if you haven't rode a Buell you just aren't allowed to say anything about them. They are a way cool bike and a load of fun to ride!

I'm gonna try to do a test ride soon.

They do them every year!

They do them every year! Once/year?

http://www.buell.com/common/07/firebolt/xb12r/colors/black_right_front_angle.jpg Tell me this thing isn't just sick as hell. That thing isn't just as sick as hell.

That thing isn't just as sick as hell. You're out of line, Vegas.

You're out of line, Vegas. Refer to my sig. THAT's sick as hell. to be honest and to stop busting chops, i saw the orange one in person once and I do like the looks. Will never own one though.

Refer to my sig. THAT's sick as hell. to be honest and to stop busting chops, i saw the orange one in person once and I do like the looks. Will never own one though. If your talking about Rossi laying lumber on that chick then ok. I guess your bikes not bad either. I might own one...should the right deal present itself.

If your talking about Rossi laying lumber on that chick then ok. I guess your bikes not bad either. I might own one...should the right deal present itself. :BAHA:

:BAHA: :lol:

Once/year? Well yeah... buell has a trailer of them that goes around the country and does free test rides.

Well yeah... buell has a trailer of them that goes around the country and does free test rides. F that.

Its actually pretty nice... jsut log on to the buell site and check for dates near you.

F that. You wouldn't ride one?

I might own one...should the right deal present itself. :BAHA: Don't laugh; despite their high price deals can be found. I bought 3 of them out the door for $18K, then immediately sold 2 on E-Bay for $8500. You do the math. :crazy: I even advertised them here (http://www.twowheelforum.com/showthread.php?t=6699)... remember? :wink: Oh, by the way, you shouldn't have to chase the demo truck for a test ride. The stealerships should offer them. If they want to sell Buells, that is. It's the easiest way to sell one. (Ridiculous purchase price notwithstanding!)

Don't laugh; despite their high price deals can be found. I bought 3 of them out the door for $18K, then immediately sold 2 on E-Bay for $8500. You do the math. :crazy: I even advertised them here (http://www.twowheelforum.com/showthread.php?t=6699)... remember? :wink: Oh, by the way, you shouldn't have to chase the demo truck for a test ride. The stealerships should offer them. If they want to sell Buells, that is. It's the easiest way to sell one. (Ridiculous purchase price notwithstanding!) I'm gonna call them...I aint chasing nothing down for a ride.

Pretty much any Buell dealer will let you take a test ride. You don't need to wait for the demo fleet to arrive. Another thing to check out is when they do track day test rides. They bring the demo fleet out to the track and let you rip it up in the twisties. They did one back in June or July at Barber Motorsports park, and everyone who went was raving about how much fun they had. That Cherry bomb red XBr has much hotness!! They also make an XBs with the translucent airbox/flyscreen as well... that thing is S-W-E-E-T!! Deals can be found. Some folks buy them, find out they won't do 150+ and decide they are slow, so they go on the market before they really learn what the bike is capable of. The Buell is definitely not for everyone, folks either love them, or hate them.

Pretty much any Buell dealer will let you take a test ride. You don't need to wait for the demo fleet to arrive. Another thing to check out is when they do track day test rides. They bring the demo fleet out to the track and let you rip it up in the twisties. They did one back in June or July at Barber Motorsports park, and everyone who went was raving about how much fun they had. That Cherry bomb red XBr has much hotness!! They also make an XBs with the translucent airbox/flyscreen as well... that thing is S-W-E-E-T!! Deals can be found. Some folks buy them, find out they won't do 150+ and decide they are slow, so they go on the market before they really learn what the bike is capable of. The Buell is definitely not for everyone, folks either love them, or hate them. Good post. Maybe I'll go over today and peep the buells.

Pretty much any Buell dealer will let you take a test ride. You don't need to wait for the demo fleet to arrive. Another thing to check out is when they do track day test rides. They bring the demo fleet out to the track and let you rip it up in the twisties. They did one back in June or July at Barber Motorsports park, and everyone who went was raving about how much fun they had. That Cherry bomb red XBr has much hotness!! They also make an XBs with the translucent airbox/flyscreen as well... that thing is S-W-E-E-T!! Deals can be found. Some folks buy them, find out they won't do 150+ and decide they are slow, so they go on the market before they really learn what the bike is capable of. The Buell is definitely not for everyone, folks either love them, or hate them. I don't love'em or hate'em. I respect them for what the are. A great motorcycle with major character. May even own one one day.

Some folks buy them, find out they won't do 150+ and decide they are slow, so they go on the market before they really learn what the bike is capable of. Fast, no. Quick, yes. There is a difference! I swapped bikes during a ride with a friend who rides an RC51. When we stopped, I asked him what he thought. He said he didn't wan't to be unfair, so before he answered he wanted to know what was the purpose of the bike. I told him Buell strives to be the best road bike possible. My friend said in that case it is an excellent bike. (i.e. It would not make a great race bike, but it is a superior street bike.) I agreed with him. But that is not to say a Buell is not fun to ride on a track day. (I had a blast!) Also, my local track is very tight and technical, which gives me an advantage. Oh, and as for what I thought of the performance (particularly the braking performance!) of his RC... :bowdown: :mc3:

I would love to ride an RC, I have loved those things since they first came out in production.

How much did the track day cost?

How much did the track day cost? They're usually between 170 and 230. Out here in Vegas anyway.

How much did the track day cost? Hallett (http://www.hallettracing.com) has a good rate: $100 track fees for the day. My first track day I got to run eight 20-minute sessions. They ran 4 classes at my last track day and I only got 6 sessions, but it was only $80 that weekend. If you want a transponder to record your lap times (and why wouldn't you?), that is another $20. Also, if it your 1st time there, the rider school is only $20.