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Dedicated to the memory of our Mentor, Uncle B.

This week our two selectors both chose Kinje.

Thanks Mrs Kendog and Daza for your selection, and also I want to acknowledge Merv for his input guidance. (I actually went back through Kinje’s posts and came across Merv’s input – thanks Merv)

Originally Posted by Mrs Kendog

I choose Kinje, because I think his post shows he has put some thought into how he's riding (something I often forget to do) and not just how fast he can ride. Onya dude.

Originally Posted by Daza

I think i will also pick Kinje because of some basic lessons that stand out.

I think we all can be a little too impatient at times with wanting to speed up the laying down the foundation process and putting pressure on yourself to progress. Thats something i can relate to.

Originally Posted by Kinje

Nah. I had a really good TCWNR to Wainui Coast road, but then I had a really shit ride back from the Hutt.

Was not concentrating on what I was doing and was riding all over the show, crossing centreline and all (gave myself, ronin following and oncoming cars a hell of a fright when I crossed yellow lines on exit of moonshine bridge going north). I wasn't going fast, I was not giving the bike the attention and respect it needs. Even after stopping and having a V my riding didn't improve.

Not good, might just take a day or two to clear my head before riding again.

Originally Posted by merv

Man what are we going to do with you? After you told me about your cornering at Easter weekend I thought it was weird when you were shaking your head coming down the 'takas last Sunday and I'd intended then just to cruise behind you but basically had to pass and get on with it even on my 28hp 250. Can you do something about trying to get it smooth and think ahead - change down gears early - think two corners ahead and be ready to tip the bike in - be proactive and not reactive. If you do that you can take all corners with the power slightly on and not the other way - panicking and having to back off. I don't know what else I can say except is your bike set up well? Tyre pressures at manufacturers recommendations? Have you got the reach of your front brake lever and the back brake lever set up just right for your body size? If you start running wide, keep the throttle on slightly but apply a bit of back brake, its amazing how that turns you around the corner more. Just keep trying stuff and see what works for you.

Mel sorry to steal your thread here but I don't want your 'rapa boy coming to grief.

Originally Posted by Kinje

After some soul searching and reflection wrote this.

Originally Posted by Kinje

Nice bike Mel. You'll be really happy with it I think once you get the hang of it. Sorry for the hi-jack reply, but they may also may be fitting words for you.

Cheers Merv. I'm guna put some more rego on the 250 and go back to basics this weekend. I said I need to know how to ride the 250 really well before moving up to a bigger bike. I need a wee refresher about being smooth.

I had been feeling comfortable on the 600, but there have been times in the last week where I wasn't in control (last sunday going down takas and yesterday coming back). You're right, I need to be proactive. When I prepare before the corner I can drive through it getting power on (eg riding 250), but yesterday I was reactive and trying to back off through the corner and it wasn't working. I'm trying to push myself too hard on the new bike too soon- my mind says its a sports bike that wants to go fast. Hopefully this is the scare I need to slow down and realise I need to learn the new bike first- it is a very powerful beast that deserves a lot of attention, respect and skill. Once I've laid the foundations I can start building, but at the moment I must realise I'm still only laying those foundations.

Concentrate. Don't try and show off. Yes it is a fast bike. You don't know how to ride it well yet. SLOW THE F*%K DOWN! It will bite if you don't give it respect. Familiarise yourself with the bike. You may know the road and how the 250 does it, but you need to learn the new bike. The 600 behaves differently.

Be proactive and get set before the corner. Thank you Merv.

Originally Posted by Kinje

The key messages I got out were that I was breaking too hard and too late which meant I missed the turn in point and unsettled me through the rest of the corner. I was also tired and hungry as I hadn't eaten or drunk much during the day.

Sunday
Jumped back on the 250 for the day riding with Lissa and Elle. Concentrated on being prepared before the corner and smoothly powering through it. Felt a lot better yesterday with the bike going right where I wanted it to. Now to apply this to the 600 after my self imposed 'grounding'.