Jay1
8th March 2009, 11:33
I was lucky enough to visit Ruapuna Sound of Thunder last week with the KTL/Anglo American team. Friday's test day came around and I was kindly offered to take both team bikes out for a play.
After never piloting a Duc before I took out the 749R having know idea what to expect except it's rider raving on about how fantastic it was:shutup::msn-wink:.
I was quite shocked tipping into turn one with the way the brakes and the whole bike felt, it was exceeding my expectations already! What a friendly wee lass! her brakes and handling got me a bit excited! I was quite impressed with the power delivery being so smooth and heaps on tap. I could have spent all day riding around except SOMEONE ensured there was limited fuel in the tank!:crazy:
I can now understand why people that ride these models love them to bits.
but wait there's more.....
After demonstrating that I could return the 749 in one piece.....I was kindly offered to take out the team 999R for some laps.
On taking this beast onto the track, the first thing that sprung to mind was FARK!
I was not expecting a V-Twin to produce that much power, power standing down the back straight (out of veiw so I thought:Oops:). It had the handling and brakes of the 749 but a shit load more kick in the pants. But again some bugger only put enough fuel in for a few laps just to tease the hell out of me! the bastages.
Overall I was very impressed with the way both bikes handled, braked and performed. Well beyond any expectations I previously had. The feeling and feedback these bikes gave offer so much confidence and controllability to slide out of corners and remain totally un phased. Something that I dont feel on many bikes.
As a result I had a grin from ear to ear for several hours! I'd really like to thank Kerry of KTL Motorcycles, Rob and the team from the Anglo club, Cherry for keeping me in line with her stick, and of course Vicki and Nick O for giving me the opportunity to play with their bikes:2thumbsup.
A GREAT weekend had by all!
After never piloting a Duc before I took out the 749R having know idea what to expect except it's rider raving on about how fantastic it was:shutup::msn-wink:.
I was quite shocked tipping into turn one with the way the brakes and the whole bike felt, it was exceeding my expectations already! What a friendly wee lass! her brakes and handling got me a bit excited! I was quite impressed with the power delivery being so smooth and heaps on tap. I could have spent all day riding around except SOMEONE ensured there was limited fuel in the tank!:crazy:
I can now understand why people that ride these models love them to bits.
but wait there's more.....
After demonstrating that I could return the 749 in one piece.....I was kindly offered to take out the team 999R for some laps.
On taking this beast onto the track, the first thing that sprung to mind was FARK!
I was not expecting a V-Twin to produce that much power, power standing down the back straight (out of veiw so I thought:Oops:). It had the handling and brakes of the 749 but a shit load more kick in the pants. But again some bugger only put enough fuel in for a few laps just to tease the hell out of me! the bastages.
Overall I was very impressed with the way both bikes handled, braked and performed. Well beyond any expectations I previously had. The feeling and feedback these bikes gave offer so much confidence and controllability to slide out of corners and remain totally un phased. Something that I dont feel on many bikes.
As a result I had a grin from ear to ear for several hours! I'd really like to thank Kerry of KTL Motorcycles, Rob and the team from the Anglo club, Cherry for keeping me in line with her stick, and of course Vicki and Nick O for giving me the opportunity to play with their bikes:2thumbsup.
A GREAT weekend had by all!