Hey guys. I ventured out to Grattan Raceway yesterday, 10/10/15. Gates opened at 7 am. It was still quite dark, and the fog I had driven in to was getting thicker. I started to become concerned about the conditions at the track. The thermostat in the truck read a balmy 43°F. Through the gates to the paddock, park, and begin to unload the rig. Fast Foreward to the riders meeting were it was announced that corners 2 and 3 were freshly resurfaced, and we would be braking them in. Race temp eventually reached 65°F.
I had stripped the Repsol of her mirrors, turn signals, etc, and a few days before a new set of Diablo Rossi 2s mounted. I had no hard info on tire pressure, so I started with 28/28 cold. After 2 sessions and a full cool down, I dropped them to 26/26 cold. I had 3 small moments hauling the bike around the track. Each time I had for some reason been pushed off the proper line, and each time I ran slightly over the edge on the rear tire.
The 250's suspension is stock. I have not done any work here as the bike is "technically" my wife's. She has told me she will be annexing it in the spring. The suspension is probably spot on for her weight. I am 185lbs dry......
The bike is incredible. If you have the skillset, you are able to put on one hell of a shock and awe campaign. I definitely have to give credit to the tires. They are very sticky, had great feel especially in the front end despite being so lightly sprung, the rear was excellent under braking , and very stable the two times I locked it.
The highlight of the day came as I was just finishing packing up the truck. A young man that was a member of the advanced group approach me. He complimented the bike on its looks, and then told me "your corner speed is insane!"
I have not taken a bike to the track in over 10 years. I decided to take the 250 because I did not want to have to worry about doped related issues. I wanted to stay relaxed and focus on becoming reacquainted with operations, scheduling, and make sure I was still practicing the fundamentals properly. I ended up having a riot. It was soooooo satisfying getting blown past in the straight by supersports, hunting them down, and being in passing position by the exit of turn 3. I know you have heard people ask you "it's only a 250?" with discontent in their voice. Don't let it bother you. Those people don't know just how sharp a track weapon you have.
I had stripped the Repsol of her mirrors, turn signals, etc, and a few days before a new set of Diablo Rossi 2s mounted. I had no hard info on tire pressure, so I started with 28/28 cold. After 2 sessions and a full cool down, I dropped them to 26/26 cold. I had 3 small moments hauling the bike around the track. Each time I had for some reason been pushed off the proper line, and each time I ran slightly over the edge on the rear tire.
The 250's suspension is stock. I have not done any work here as the bike is "technically" my wife's. She has told me she will be annexing it in the spring. The suspension is probably spot on for her weight. I am 185lbs dry......
The bike is incredible. If you have the skillset, you are able to put on one hell of a shock and awe campaign. I definitely have to give credit to the tires. They are very sticky, had great feel especially in the front end despite being so lightly sprung, the rear was excellent under braking , and very stable the two times I locked it.
The highlight of the day came as I was just finishing packing up the truck. A young man that was a member of the advanced group approach me. He complimented the bike on its looks, and then told me "your corner speed is insane!"
I have not taken a bike to the track in over 10 years. I decided to take the 250 because I did not want to have to worry about doped related issues. I wanted to stay relaxed and focus on becoming reacquainted with operations, scheduling, and make sure I was still practicing the fundamentals properly. I ended up having a riot. It was soooooo satisfying getting blown past in the straight by supersports, hunting them down, and being in passing position by the exit of turn 3. I know you have heard people ask you "it's only a 250?" with discontent in their voice. Don't let it bother you. Those people don't know just how sharp a track weapon you have.