tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post3888489321768213849..comments2024-03-28T20:30:35.448+13:00Comments on Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist: Losing my virginity!Geoff Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-40950574416038169392016-02-22T17:22:01.091+13:002016-02-22T17:22:01.091+13:00Hey Jules - many thanks and great to hear from you...Hey Jules - many thanks and great to hear from you! Err... agree but the opportunity arose and it was one of those things which was an experience not to be put off. First time out on the track was fine as the instructor kept the speed down so tyre temps and grip could gradually build. On subsequent sessions, those of us without tyre warmers kept our corner speed down for the first lap. <br /><br />Tyre pressures may get exaggerated on the track because of the forces involved (as shown by melted rubber on the PR4's. They'll certainly go up on a hot day on the road buy maybe by not as much as you wouldn't normally "press on" as hard. The higher pressures you mentioned would probably help too. On the Street Triple, I used to run 32psi front, 38psi rear compared with the manufacturers recommendation of 36F, 42R due to warmer conditions in NZ as opposed to the UK recommendation. There's probably scope on the GSX-S too but with traction control, that helps a bit with grip. Might still tinker a wee bit though after the track experience.<br /><br />That's fantastic mileage you're getting from the PR4's on your bike - amazing in fact! Just goes to show what great tyres they are.<br /><br />Safe riding mate!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-35609263389103317352016-02-22T16:55:41.356+13:002016-02-22T16:55:41.356+13:00G'day Geoff, I thoroughly enjoyed your detaile...G'day Geoff, I thoroughly enjoyed your detailed account of the day. I think that you were pretty brave taking a new bike to the track actually. How did the bike handle on the first half lap or so when running 30 psi? I wonder if 30 psi becomes 40 psi on the track, what does (my) 42 psi on the road become on a hot day? I'm guessing that it wouldn't go up as much as it would probably run cooler at the higher starting temp.<br />Those PR4's are damn good tyres. I'm just back from a 3K kms run. I thought that my now 11K kms rear PR4 would be stuffed on return, however, I think it has another 2K kms or so left - pretty amazing on a heavy bike and some two-up riding as well.Tarsnakes Down Underhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04859439380216890525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-86488121316356657092016-02-17T17:48:42.439+13:002016-02-17T17:48:42.439+13:00Many thanks Paul! Having a dose of the nerves is ...Many thanks Paul! Having a dose of the nerves is pretty healthy to stop me doing dumb stuff! However, the Playdays on Track team have made the system for newcomers pretty bulletproof so nothing to worry about other than the expected fear of the unknown. That's another bucket list item knocked off!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-77304881234571611612016-02-17T17:42:08.677+13:002016-02-17T17:42:08.677+13:00Thanks for the write up Geoff, As usual you have a...Thanks for the write up Geoff, As usual you have a very enjoyable turn of phrase and it made me feel like I was there - as nervou8s or more so than you !Paul Quilternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-5328493277177448962016-02-14T20:49:31.940+13:002016-02-14T20:49:31.940+13:00It's pretty addictive eh? Trouble is, my time ...It's pretty addictive eh? Trouble is, my time is taken up instructing advanced road riding and if I spent any more time on bikes, my wife would slaughter me in my sleep!<br /><br />Yeah, we occasionally get redbacks around our ports but your whitetails are a bigger problem here. Not so venomous but more common.<br /><br />Same to you - age and cunning beats youthful enthusiasm every time :-)<br /><br /><br />Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-88473286230699897612016-02-14T19:52:57.219+13:002016-02-14T19:52:57.219+13:00Bloody good on yah, I am trying to get fellow GSXS...Bloody good on yah, I am trying to get fellow GSXS 1000 owners to come and do a track day here in Perth WA. Hopefully some of the forum members will read your excellent piece, and be able to take the plunge, am 62 and addicted to the track , the Redback, as my son nicknamed my red/black GSXS after a very venomous local spider, has done 3500k's<br />and 2000 of them have been at the track. Keep on having too much fun for many more years to come sidney's dadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15774725143308032139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-26131092746705952482016-02-12T06:57:47.802+13:002016-02-12T06:57:47.802+13:00Hi Lloyd,
It was a fantastic experience - thanks...Hi Lloyd, <br />It was a fantastic experience - thanks for the kind words. Just up the road for you so maybe next time!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-44710150196645375632016-02-12T01:50:55.948+13:002016-02-12T01:50:55.948+13:00Thanks so much Geoff, for sharing your story and w...Thanks so much Geoff, for sharing your story and with such great photos! I should’ve thrown a sickie ;-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08658370459062458144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-28111010581747349852016-02-11T14:07:07.199+13:002016-02-11T14:07:07.199+13:00Cheers Rob,
A fantastic experience for a newbie in...Cheers Rob,<br />A fantastic experience for a newbie in a pretty safe environment - the Playday organisers are really on their game. You're right on the money - when I see a particular photo, it brings back that moment and the emotion of it in real clarity.<br /><br />Absolutely correct. The D214's would have been down to the canvas and besides, they wouldn't have handled anywhere nearly as well as the 55 section PR4's you recommended - good one mate!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-67305337918412502112016-02-11T13:59:10.935+13:002016-02-11T13:59:10.935+13:00Very well detailed write up Mr James! Just the rig...Very well detailed write up Mr James! Just the right mix of fun and informative.<br /><br />The story you tell sounds familiar, good fun to read but more fun to experience first hand. Best of all, when you look at the pics you get that buzz all over again.<br /><br />PS. I'm guessing you were well pleased you didn't try to squeeze this track day into the tail end of your OEM tyres' life. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13750598498391739381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-32965240143971163482016-02-11T07:07:32.171+13:002016-02-11T07:07:32.171+13:00Hi Loui, great to hear from you - it's been a...Hi Loui, great to hear from you - it's been a long time and hope you're well! The posts will be a bit sporadic but the new bike gave me something to write about, hopefully without being too boring. Safe travels!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-19732596922154844372016-02-11T07:04:44.259+13:002016-02-11T07:04:44.259+13:00Anthony - how the heck are you??? Great to hear fr...Anthony - how the heck are you??? Great to hear from you and hope you're still riding. You'll find why I switched brands 4 or 5 posts back. Still a Triumph man at heart and this may be a temporary switch! Take care mate.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-39896309864813304142016-02-11T01:20:24.006+13:002016-02-11T01:20:24.006+13:00Thanks for taking the time to write again Geoff - ...Thanks for taking the time to write again Geoff - it's always a pleasure to read your posts - LouiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-55769115932815648242016-02-11T01:13:38.787+13:002016-02-11T01:13:38.787+13:00Awesome read there sir!!! It's been forever si...Awesome read there sir!!! It's been forever since I checked in on this blog....and what the bloody hell happened to the triumph?? 😀Anthonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07158034455791059826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-837575776582031152016-02-10T09:51:31.771+13:002016-02-10T09:51:31.771+13:00Thanks Brandy!
Totally understand. Tessa, our IAM...Thanks Brandy!<br />Totally understand. Tessa, our IAM Treasurer also expressed exactly the same sentiments that a lot of us felt. Most of us lead comfortable, sheltered lives and stepping out of our comfort zones, no mater what it is; is good for our souls!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-8818849538593464952016-02-10T09:47:10.820+13:002016-02-10T09:47:10.820+13:00Good job Geoff!!
I'd have such an anxiety att...Good job Geoff!!<br /><br />I'd have such an anxiety attack I probably couldn't even get suited up, but you did it!! Well done.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing the pics.Trobairitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03453398807198746434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-50409548005786621262016-02-10T08:47:11.919+13:002016-02-10T08:47:11.919+13:00Hi Steve and thanks! Yep, the organisers were real...Hi Steve and thanks! Yep, the organisers were really good about explaining why you tape your mirrors up. Made perfect sense but it's still hard breaking good road habits!<br /><br />I don't think we're in any real disagreement. My comment was personal to me based on the Roadcraft training I've done with IAM for use on public roads. I certainly didn't mean to imply that it had no value for riders in general.<br /><br />All the best for Eastern Creek. Despite the enormous fun I had, I probably won't do another one as there are heaps of other things on the bucket list!<br /><br />Haha! I guess that's why there were a couple of Highway Patrol cars sitting not far from the track! My route home was through the countryside and I did find my speed drifting up on a couple of occasions!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-71052439282514726872016-02-09T23:30:07.814+13:002016-02-09T23:30:07.814+13:00Geoff
A well enjoyed read mate, and I know exactly...Geoff<br />A well enjoyed read mate, and I know exactly what you mean in every instance having done quite a few track days myself. There is no mistaking the butterflys in the stomach before each and every session, that never seems to go away. Mate I once did a track day with out taping my mirrors up and it was the worst one I’ve ever done. I was constantly looking behind to see that I wasn’t going to get T boned instead of consentraiting on what I was supposed to be doing. Now I just take the mirrors off completely. No problem.<br /><br />One thing I’d have to disagree with your comment on will it help you on the road – Probably not. To that I would say that there is no better place to learn how your bike actually handles and how far you can push it to it(your) limits in a relative safe environment. I believe that WILL translate back to your road riding, yes they are both different but you will definetly know your bike and its limits a lot better which will make you a faster and at the same time safer road rider.<br /><br />I have another ride day booked in at Eastern Creek coming up in April. Can’t wait, not sure if I’ll take both R1’s yet or not.<br /><br />Yes you really do have to watch your speed when you hit the road after the day, very good advice if you can manage to follow it....heh heh....<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />Steve<br />Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10160712689280276620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-33713140629534622152016-02-09T22:52:15.523+13:002016-02-09T22:52:15.523+13:00Thanks Barry! Look forward to riding with you on ...Thanks Barry! Look forward to riding with you on the next one. Your magnificent photos will provide wonderful memories for us all. Yep, we all learned heaps and the competitive edge started coming out, haha!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-11923641008228790192016-02-09T22:47:34.774+13:002016-02-09T22:47:34.774+13:00Likewise my friend. I do however have a sentiment...Likewise my friend. I do however have a sentimental attachment!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-32435265826554402502016-02-09T22:03:04.292+13:002016-02-09T22:03:04.292+13:00At my age the balls are nearly redundant so I woul...At my age the balls are nearly redundant so I would think carefully if I had the same choice to make!Nikoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03119901226987582553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-21901571571972739912016-02-09T19:35:11.183+13:002016-02-09T19:35:11.183+13:00Thanks Andrew - I'm still re-running it in my ...Thanks Andrew - I'm still re-running it in my head right now with a big grin! Tell you what..... one of our members on a 650 V-Strom was fair flying round the circuit, even on half-worn adventure tyres!<br /><br />Errr..... no :-)Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-672962603381312922016-02-09T19:32:47.243+13:002016-02-09T19:32:47.243+13:00Thanks Nikos! I have a photo of me on my Tiger 10...Thanks Nikos! I have a photo of me on my Tiger 100 at the 1969 IOM TT way back in the blog. At the rate I chewed up the new tyres on Sunday, the Chief Financial Officer is likely to cut my balls off (a technical term) with too many more outings like that :-) .Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-14934264467139215852016-02-09T19:26:50.951+13:002016-02-09T19:26:50.951+13:00Awesome stuff Geoff! I bet the smile lasted all t...Awesome stuff Geoff! I bet the smile lasted all the way home!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />PS: Can I borrow your bike this weekend?Andrew Thomsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00716829007873864871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-76062881363772102562016-02-09T19:21:47.389+13:002016-02-09T19:21:47.389+13:00Good stuff Geoff! Now that you have mastered the t...Good stuff Geoff! Now that you have mastered the track I shall look out for you on the IoM TT circuit?<br />Nikoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03119901226987582553noreply@blogger.com