BurnCycle
04-25-2006, 08:14 AM
Yes, I did get a few “what kind of bike is that?” comments! The 2-1 did throw a few off a few people looking at the bike.
I pitted with RyanNJ (TLZ member), his brother Matt and Amir (a tag along for the day). The fairings I have on the TLR are from Ryan’s old TL so it was like he was riding against his old bike, well, somewhat anyway.
I started the day in the White (beginner) group as I had done for the last 3-years. Since this was the first for both riding this bike since its build up and riding a TLR, I welcomed the slower morning pace of the beginner group. Tech inspection was a little iffy since no one liked the feel of the Brembo MC while static. I was still apprehensive as well but had a few options should I need to make a chance (like another bike).
The entire first session was a learning experience. First up on the notice list…
1. 1/4" padding on a GP style tail and Woodcraft rearsets make movement hard.
2. The spongy feel of the Brembo MC while static was not the case while being used.
3. It goes around turns!
4. That front wheel is real light.
5. Not having a kick stand sucks but is livable.
OK, a few more sessions go by and although I find myself fighting for a usable position on the bike it is moving around the track a lot easier than my TLS did. Power at the top end is well above that of my TLS. I re-geared it to 17/41 but spent a lot of the day bouncing off 11k RPM. I may end up going 16/40 or 41 after all for this track. Since the power is at a higher point on the TLR I found the front to feel lighter than I did with the TLS. Over some crests I had the front lifting on me which I only noticed at first when the front would come back down and I felt it in the bars. The brakes which had been my biggest concern performed brilliantly. Yes, they had the same feel as static but so much power behind them stopping was not as issue. Even when diving down from (an estimated) 160 for the hairpin T1 at Summit with the rear swaying trying to get around the front.
Just before lunch I got evaluation for the bump into Red group. The TLR had been running better than I expected and I felt it was time to move up. The evaluation went very well. I had a lot of clear space to run and took my time with traffic (but got by it) which scored well. I let the coach know I had been doing this for a while, got some good insight from him and got my sticker to run Red (Intermediate) after lunch.
Now Ryan and I would be able to run together. He took lead the first time he headed out. I was getting use to the faster pace while fighting for position on the bike but was able to keep him in sight through traffic (both passing and being passed). The next time out I took the lead and was able to maintain a good pace which I was very pleased with. Ryan then took the next lead but I was becoming more comfortable on the bike and pulled off a nice pass just before T4 on the last lap that I now own bragging rites for until the next track day. :lol Now, granted I totally stuffed T5 but that's not the point. :lol
Got one for the office...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLR/Track1/track1web.jpg
I had the TLS for backup but never needed it...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLR/Track1/TLR_TLR1.jpg
Ryan's CBR and the TLR...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLR/Track1/TLR_CBR2.jpg
I pitted with RyanNJ (TLZ member), his brother Matt and Amir (a tag along for the day). The fairings I have on the TLR are from Ryan’s old TL so it was like he was riding against his old bike, well, somewhat anyway.
I started the day in the White (beginner) group as I had done for the last 3-years. Since this was the first for both riding this bike since its build up and riding a TLR, I welcomed the slower morning pace of the beginner group. Tech inspection was a little iffy since no one liked the feel of the Brembo MC while static. I was still apprehensive as well but had a few options should I need to make a chance (like another bike).
The entire first session was a learning experience. First up on the notice list…
1. 1/4" padding on a GP style tail and Woodcraft rearsets make movement hard.
2. The spongy feel of the Brembo MC while static was not the case while being used.
3. It goes around turns!
4. That front wheel is real light.
5. Not having a kick stand sucks but is livable.
OK, a few more sessions go by and although I find myself fighting for a usable position on the bike it is moving around the track a lot easier than my TLS did. Power at the top end is well above that of my TLS. I re-geared it to 17/41 but spent a lot of the day bouncing off 11k RPM. I may end up going 16/40 or 41 after all for this track. Since the power is at a higher point on the TLR I found the front to feel lighter than I did with the TLS. Over some crests I had the front lifting on me which I only noticed at first when the front would come back down and I felt it in the bars. The brakes which had been my biggest concern performed brilliantly. Yes, they had the same feel as static but so much power behind them stopping was not as issue. Even when diving down from (an estimated) 160 for the hairpin T1 at Summit with the rear swaying trying to get around the front.
Just before lunch I got evaluation for the bump into Red group. The TLR had been running better than I expected and I felt it was time to move up. The evaluation went very well. I had a lot of clear space to run and took my time with traffic (but got by it) which scored well. I let the coach know I had been doing this for a while, got some good insight from him and got my sticker to run Red (Intermediate) after lunch.
Now Ryan and I would be able to run together. He took lead the first time he headed out. I was getting use to the faster pace while fighting for position on the bike but was able to keep him in sight through traffic (both passing and being passed). The next time out I took the lead and was able to maintain a good pace which I was very pleased with. Ryan then took the next lead but I was becoming more comfortable on the bike and pulled off a nice pass just before T4 on the last lap that I now own bragging rites for until the next track day. :lol Now, granted I totally stuffed T5 but that's not the point. :lol
Got one for the office...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLR/Track1/track1web.jpg
I had the TLS for backup but never needed it...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLR/Track1/TLR_TLR1.jpg
Ryan's CBR and the TLR...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLR/Track1/TLR_CBR2.jpg