Well I guess it had to happen sometime. I've done 8 trackdays and 2 Pukekohe open days this year, and in the last two months my bikes only been used to do and get to trackdays!
On Tuesdays HRC trackday at Taupo I was doing reasonably well in the fast group. Trying to catch a guy on a motard some distance ahead, I proved to myself that smooth and consistent really is quicker. Aaron Slight had said that I was getting on the power early coming out of corners, and should cut this back a bit. I was also working on braking less and thus increasing my corner speed. Coming out of turn 1, the rear let go as I eased on the power. My next recollection was watching the grass and sky go by as I slid down the track to about half way between turns 1 and 2. I remembered reading Keith Codes chapter on falling off and skidded a little on a large surface area of my previously mint leathers. I remember reading about the temptation to get up before I stopped sliding, so didn't do this and waited till I stopped. I watched my bike slide all the way to turn 2, fortunately, staying on the track and on it's left side. Then I remembered reading about staying still on the track so following riders could ride around me instead of having to guess which way I was going to move. Fortunately, there wasn't anyone behind. I got up, raised my hand to say I was OK, and saw Robyn wave the red flag! Blueblade and Tim stopped to help me out and check my bike. Thanks guys!!!
Damage to the bike was minimal, all considered - the crash bung was worn to half it's width. Scraped a mirror (usually take these off, but having sheared off one of the locating bolts on Friday, I left it on), also scraped a bar end, rear fairing and rear axle bolt. Broke the clutch lever and bent the gear linkage. After checking the bike over, I rode back to the pits and later did the next session on the track, albeit at a slower pace!
So what did I learn from this?
1) Having good protective gear works!! apart from a slight bruise under my left elbow, I'm unhurt.
2) Crash bungs are a great investment (see photo)
3) Reading a Twist of the Wrist was worthwhile, and you do remember what to do when the need arises.
What I would like to know - How to avoid this next time.
How do you know when the rear is about to let go? I think the reason for my bin was that I had entered turn 1 quicker than previously, yet still rolled on the throttle at the same point on the way out. I'm unsure of the significance of the bike sliding down to turn two virtually on my usual line down that short straight - it suggests to me that I was out of the corner when I lowsided. I have experienced wiggles from the rear before, especially when I wound on too much rebound on the rear, but there was nothing this time. Any comments on the fine art of track riding appreciated!
Also is there anyone out there with a clutch lever to fit a GSXR-600 K6. There is no stock in NZ and I'll probably need one to pass scrutineering at the GSXR trackday on 10 December.
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Originally Posted by mynameis
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