Bikers!?

[George S]

HEEEEEEEEEEY! I was at Phakisa this past weekend also.
You are running epic times.
I was on a blue and white daytona 675... Managed a staggering 2:05...
I've been helping newbies at midvaal trackdays so it's made me slower :/
My bike also feels a little down on power, not reaching the speeds I was previously on the back straight... it feels "lazy".
Also I'm shifting like a granny... at like 8000RPM instead of much higher.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm being silly or because the bike feels like it has started running out of "pull" in that gear so I go for the next.
Need to investigate.

View attachment 5166

I remember that Blue Triumph well. Glad to see that you also enjoyed it. Thanks was really happy with my time. Those 600cc are not easy to pass at all.

That 7 Kawasaki was passing guys in the corners the entire day on the inside, Hate it when guys do that when i am behind a slower rider and pass me, when i clearly also want to pass them.

 

[thePridge]

I remember that Blue Triumph well. Glad to see that you also enjoyed it. Thanks was really happy with my time. Those 600cc are not easy to pass at all.

That 7 Kawasaki was passing guys in the corners the entire day on the inside, Hate it when guys do that when i am behind a slower rider and pass me, when i clearly also want to pass them.

B group was crazy on Saturday... the guys were all passing like chops.
I often would be following someone slower for a few corners to try see where to overtake safely, especially cos I am on a 600 class bike and a lot of guys are on 1000s in B and are slow in the corners but hard on the gas in the straights...

Then they come diving down the inside through a turn... which is just daft because it's 1. a TRACK day not a race, and 2. B group... Go play in A if you want to dive up the inside into a turn.

 

[D3TTOL]

Oh.. I forgot.

I took my bike in last week for it's first service and fitting of it's loud maker.
Looks better and sounds better, Much happiness

I reckon two months from now I'll be replacing my tyres if not sooner. I think I'm gonna stick to the Pilot Road 4, PR5s are not in the country yet?
Or would it be a bad idea to stick PR4s onto a 1290R?

 

[Reap3r]

Hmm.... buying second hand is risky. You can get lucky and get a bargain or unlucky and they dumped a dying bike in your hands. Jap bikes are a bit easier to get parts for.
Nothing particularly wrong with brands like Sym or bigboy etc etc. They ar'nt the fastest or best performing bikes but if you maintain them properly and avoid abusing them then they should be suitable for point A to point B.

If I'm not mistaken though, At 16 you are not allowed anything bigger than a 125cc?

This is correct, under 18 is restricted to 125cc.
I use a bigboy daily, no problems.

 

[D3TTOL]

B group was crazy on Saturday... the guys were all passing like chops.
I often would be following someone slower for a few corners to try see where to overtake safely, especially cos I am on a 600 class bike and a lot of guys are on 1000s in B and are slow in the corners but hard on the gas in the straights...

Then they come diving down the inside through a turn... which is just daft because it's 1. a TRACK day not a race, and 2. B group... Go play in A if you want to dive up the inside into a turn.

lol. It reminds me of my first track day. I walked into group C because I was never on a track before. After a few laps I was put into group B and It made my day a living hell. Being the only guy on a 650, which is frankly way down on power compared to the few 600cc and many 1000cc superbikes that were in group B. I still rode but damn it was uncomfortable and they would pass me without thinking "hey, this dude is going to turn in now, lets wait until the next straight and blast past him", Nope. They just passed whenever and wherever they could, usually forcing me out of my "chosen line", I dunno, maybe I was doing it wrong but it wasn't pleasant.

I have been on a few more track days and it was fun but I no longer feel the need to go to them anymore. I went to become more confident on my bike, learning how far a bike can really lean

 

[George S]

B group was crazy on Saturday... the guys were all passing like chops.
I often would be following someone slower for a few corners to try see where to overtake safely, especially cos I am on a 600 class bike and a lot of guys are on 1000s in B and are slow in the corners but hard on the gas in the straights...

Then they come diving down the inside through a turn... which is just daft because it's 1. a TRACK day not a race, and 2. B group... Go play in A if you want to dive up the inside into a turn.

Yeah I hate it, Point and Shoot for the slow guys, was behind a lot of S1000RR's and ZX10R's(a White one probably with Big sprocket change that was pulling away EASY on the SD, even when I had good drive out of a corner, was not easy to pass) on Saturday and no way I was going to out accelerate them passing them into the next corner to out brake them and they lean in very early. And they brake DEAD into a corner.

Have to say as well that there are a lot of guys that should be in the A Group but do not as they are scared for some reason. There was probably only like 10 Guys in the A Group.

Have a feeling there was also a lot of new guys as a guy on a Panigale 959 almost made me drive into him, when he decided to shoot for the pits from the left side to the right, and i am sure the Marshals saw it cause on Sunday's meeting they told the guys PLEASE indicate before the right turn and take the Turn wide so that guys know they are entering the pits.

 

[George S]

lol. It reminds me of my first track day. I walked into group C because I was never on a track before. After a few laps I was put into group B and It made my day a living hell. Being the only guy on a 650, which is frankly way down on power compared to the few 600cc and many 1000cc superbikes that were in group B. I still rode but damn it was uncomfortable and they would pass me without thinking "hey, this dude is going to turn in now, lets wait until the next straight and blast past him", Nope. They just passed whenever and wherever they could, usually forcing me out of my "chosen line", I dunno, maybe I was doing it wrong but it wasn't pleasant.

I have been on a few more track days and it was fun but I no longer feel the need to go to them anymore. I went to become more confident on my bike, learning how far a bike can really lean

This is unfortunately why people are so afraid of track days the B Groups gets packed with to many riders. They should get a make a B1 and B2 if the groups are to big.
And that is the problem why if you want a track bike you should not get a 600 unless you are already skilled you will be frustrated to death as you will pass a guy in the corner and then he passes you on a straight and you stuck again.

 

[iamgigglz]

So this is a good place to ask:

I'm going to be riding the Husky Vitpielen 701 around Kyalami at the festival in a few weeks. Problem is I'll be sharing the track with litre superbikes, dukes, 250s and Harleys...

I would consider myself pretty competent in the corners, but I have no idea what the do's and don'ts are in terms of allowing others to pass me and how to safely overtake noobs on a track. Any tips?

 

[Flex]

So this is a good place to ask:

I'm going to be riding the Husky Vitpielen 701 around Kyalami at the festival in a few weeks. Problem is I'll be sharing the track with litre superbikes, dukes, 250s and Harleys...

I would consider myself pretty competent in the corners, but I have no idea what the do's and don'ts are in terms of allowing others to pass me and how to safely overtake noobs on a track. Any tips?

Stick to your line, and do not dive bomb. That is about it.
faster guys will know how to get passed you safely, changing lines to allow them to pass will result in lots of confusion.

 

[iamgigglz]

Stick to your line, and do not dive bomb. That is about it.
faster guys will know how to get passed you safely, changing lines to allow them to pass will result in lots of confusion.

Makes sense. I had ideas of holding the inside exiting corners to allow faster guys to take the racing line out but yeah, that'll just confuse matters.

 

[Flex]

Makes sense. I had ideas of holding the inside exiting corners to allow faster guys to take the racing line out but yeah, that'll just confuse matters.

Yeah no don't do that.

Take any line you wish in a corner, and just stick to it. Do not worry about what is behind you.
But yeah, dive bombing much slower people will cause them to get a fright and jerk to one side all of the sudden

 

[George S]

Oh.. I forgot.

I took my bike in last week for it's first service and fitting of it's loud maker.
Looks better and sounds better, Much happiness

I reckon two months from now I'll be replacing my tyres if not sooner. I think I'm gonna stick to the Pilot Road 4, PR5s are not in the country yet?
Or would it be a bad idea to stick PR4s onto a 1290R?

Since you daily it the PR4's will last longer than the Metzeler M7's. You will loose a little bit of Grip, but wet weather will be awesome.

 

[thePridge]

So this is a good place to ask:

I'm going to be riding the Husky Vitpielen 701 around Kyalami at the festival in a few weeks. Problem is I'll be sharing the track with litre superbikes, dukes, 250s and Harleys...

I would consider myself pretty competent in the corners, but I have no idea what the do's and don'ts are in terms of allowing others to pass me and how to safely overtake noobs on a track. Any tips?

They should give you some form of "riders briefing" before you go out on track... But from what I understand they control these demo rides a lot more than track days.

1. Hold your chosen line, it's up to the guy behind you to find a way around. If you switch lines up you become unpredictable...
2. Don't move over for someone coming from behind (whether on a straight or in a corner).
3. Have fun

 

[SauRoN]

So this is a good place to ask:

I'm going to be riding the Husky Vitpielen 701 around Kyalami at the festival in a few weeks. Problem is I'll be sharing the track with litre superbikes, dukes, 250s and Harleys...

I would consider myself pretty competent in the corners, but I have no idea what the do's and don'ts are in terms of allowing others to pass me and how to safely overtake noobs on a track. Any tips?

The festival days are like road demos but on a private road. They aren't track days and usually the mirrors are left open and nothing is taped up so just ride as you normally would.

 

[SauRoN]

Oh.. I forgot.

I took my bike in last week for it's first service and fitting of it's loud maker.
Looks better and sounds better, Much happiness

I reckon two months from now I'll be replacing my tyres if not sooner. I think I'm gonna stick to the Pilot Road 4, PR5s are not in the country yet?
Or would it be a bad idea to stick PR4s onto a 1290R?

Don't see why you can't fit PR4's.

I run them on my R1200 which has only slightly less torque without any issue. In fact I would go so far as to say they make better every day tyres than the sportier rubber which is usually terrible while cold.

Had Pirelli Diablo Rosso's before on my Street Triple and they were horrendous the first 5km from home and if you stopped at a traffic light for extended period of time in the winter had to start all over again and would often slip in the wet.

PR4's I have never ever slipped without forcing it.

 

[Superflan]

Don't see why you can't fit PR4's.

I run them on my R1200 which has only slightly less torque without any issue. In fact I would go so far as to say they make better every day tyres than the sportier rubber which is usually terrible while cold.

Had Pirelli Diablo Rosso's before on my Street Triple and they were horrendous the first 5km from home and if you stopped at a traffic light for extended period of time in the winter had to start all over again and would often slip in the wet.

PR4's I have never ever slipped without forcing it.

+1 for the road 4s, amazing tire, even in the wet. Have some silly bridgestones on now that i got for free, Wheel spins a few times then bike comes up for a wheelie 4 seconds later.

 

[SauRoN]

Don't see why you can't fit PR4's.

I run them on my R1200 which has only slightly less torque without any issue. In fact I would go so far as to say they make better every day tyres than the sportier rubber which is usually terrible while cold.

Had Pirelli Diablo Rosso's before on my Street Triple and they were horrendous the first 5km from home and if you stopped at a traffic light for extended period of time in the winter had to start all over again and would often slip in the wet.

PR4's I have never ever slipped without forcing it.

+1 for the road 4s, amazing tire, even in the wet. Have some silly bridgestones on now that i got for free, Wheel spins a few times then bike comes up for a wheelie 4 seconds later.

I think it's the best wet tyre I've ever had.

On my third set now.

 

[George S]

Since you daily it the PR4's will last longer than the Metzeler M7's.

I think it's the best wet tyre I've ever had.

On my third set now.

Same here, My K1300GT, My Dad's K1200GT and brothers R1200R, used about +/- 9 sets between them and the PR3 before that.
and Accourding to the launch of the Michelin the PR5's are Better at 20% tread left then a PR4 new.
Will most Certainly get PR5's on Dads bike when it needs to be replaced.

 

[AinsleyHarriott]

People in my school take 250s and put 125 sticker kit on. What do you guys/girls think?

 

[George S]

People in my school take 250s and put 125 sticker kit on. What do you guys/girls think?

I am going to tel it to you straight, Do that at your own risk. The problem comes in an accident and they scrutinize this, you will be liable for all the costs as no insurer will pay out then.

I would rather than get a 250cc Offroad and learn to ride that way and not on public road, and when you are 18, get a 701 Supermoto or Something like that or what ever you fancy. I have seen this happen too many times, a guy rides his dad's bike and then bike and is in an accident and insurance do not pay out.

 

[AinsleyHarriott]

I am going to tel it to you straight, Do that at your own risk. The problem comes in an accident and they scrutinize this, you will be liable for all the costs as no insurer will pay out then.

I would rather than get a 250cc Offroad and learn to ride that way and not on public road, and when you are 18, get a 701 Supermoto or Something like that or what ever you fancy. I have seen this happen too many times, a guy rides his dad's bike and then bike and is in an accident and insurance do not pay out.

I do not have money for insurance
If I break it, it is gone

 

[George S]

I do not have money for insurance
If I break it, it is gone

Better hope you do not ride into a P1 or Ferrari than, as they would be able to sue you for everything they have lost as well.

 

[thePridge]

Better hope you do not ride into a P1 or Ferrari than, as they would be able to sue you for everything they have lost as well.

@joostebenjamin1 I strongly suggest you find a way to afford third party insurance at least. If you have an accident, even if not your fault, you can end up being liable for damages to property, medical costs etc etc.

 

[SauRoN]

People in my school take 250s and put 125 sticker kit on. What do you guys/girls think?

Utterly pointless because when it comes to anything that matters they'll simply look up the license disc and registration an discover it's true capacity.

These things exist for a reason. Nobody cares what the stickers say.

 

[D3TTOL]

@joostebenjamin1 I strongly suggest you find a way to afford third party insurance at least. If you have an accident, even if not your fault, you can end up being liable for damages to property, medical costs etc etc.

I strongly agree but I also understand where they are coming from.
I bought my KTM alongside a friend who bought a 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000. The Price difference is quite large with mine being worth more.
My Insurance is R900 which is what I expected, My friend is paying R2.5k because he recently got his licence.

I have seen a few examples of younger drivers/riders that get insanely expensive quotes for their vehicles.

Still agree though, A accidental bump or scratch to any vehicle will make life really hard without insurance.

 

[thePridge]

I strongly agree but I also understand where they are coming from.
I bought my KTM alongside a friend who bought a 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000. The Price difference is quite large with mine being worth more.
My Insurance is R900 which is what I expected, My friend is paying R2.5k because he recently got his licence.

I have seen a few examples of younger drivers/riders that get insanely expensive quotes for their vehicles.

Still agree though, A accidental bump or scratch to any vehicle will make life really hard without insurance.

Third party insurance is a lot cheaper than "normal" insurance and only covers you for damage to other people's vehicle.

 

[Phence]

Third party insurance is a lot cheaper than "normal" insurance and only covers you for damage to other people's vehicle.

Isn't that obvious, hence the name third party?

 

[thePridge]

Isn't that obvious, hence the name third party?

It doesn't seem so since he quoted my previous statement where I suggested that the person get at least third party insurance and went on to mention regular insurance (and from the prices, it would appear to be comprehensive insurance) prices.

 

[D3TTOL]

In my opinion I would not insure a vehicle for third party only.

Yea, it sorts out the damage to vehicle that you damaged but your vehicle is scrap metal then and you are out of a vehicle.
I know there are reasons for taking third party only, but my opinions are based on my experiences where my bike is my main transport, therefore it always needs to be in running condition and cannot afford to lose it with third party insurance.

 

[sabie]

@joostebenjamin1 Just my two cents. If you can't afford the responsibility that comes with riding (protecting yourself) you should probably pass on riding on the road.

You don't want to be the person that finishes school with a lawsuit against your name just because you didn't want to pay insurance, even if just third party.

We might sound like a bunch of party poopers, but a lot of us have been riding for years. It is about being prepared for when it happens, and not if it happens.