HRC Trackday on the 07 Honda CBR600RR - 27 March 07

[oldguy]

Excellent writeup leong, went to botany honda the other day, saw your bike in the shop, ask Danny, he said you had taken the new 600 out for a test, didn't say you were taken it to the track to test it, lucky bugger.

cheers John.

Just may call in to Botany Honda today, go for a test on it, if you haven,t already brought it.

[blueblade]

Mate, are you sure it wasn't me?? (Check out the photo below) Early in the last or second to last session of the day you outbraked me at the end of the back straight, then I spent most of the session trying to find a way past. I was surprised that the CBR could almost keep up with you on the straights!! The CBR is really good thru the middle section, and eventually I got past you round the outside of turn 3, or maybe on the inside of turn 4. I hope you weren't too sore at me if it was more like the inside of 4. I really enjoyed that session!!

Robyn emailed me a photo from the day!!

No it wasnt you the time I described above. That guy was on an 06. I knew it was you when we were together in that last session. Think I was getting too tired by then and started making a few mistakes so I gave up trying to stay with you. The Tuono is fun but it is quite a handful around Taupo and needs quite a bit of muscling through the tight turns. Was starting to spend a bit too much time going sideways. First time ever I actually pitted before the end of the session. Good to see you at the racing on Sunday. Now that really was a blast. I didnt really get on the pace till the third race after we did a bit of tinkering with my rear preload. Made a huge difference to my confidence, particularly in the faster sections. Reckon I'd give those 600's a good run for their money on the motard now (on the small track !!).

[Leong]

Excellent writeup leong, went to botany honda the other day, saw your bike in the shop, ask Danny, he said you had taken the new 600 out for a test, didn't say you were taken it to the track to test it, lucky bugger.

cheers John.

Just may call in to Botany Honda today, go for a test on it, if you haven,t already brought it.

When I saw my bike in there lined up with those for sale, I though it just looked WRONG. Don't think I'll be buying the demo - If I were moving up to a 600, or going to a new 600 from one two or more yrs old, I would get the CBR, but don't think it's worth changing from my bike.

Did you ride the CBR600? Would be interested to know your thoughts coming from a VTR1000.

[Leong]

First time ever I actually pitted before the end of the session.

Surprised!! I though that with all these track/race days you do... (was it three this week? )..... that you'd be used to it... must be all this time on the light motards - the Tuono more work?

Good to see you at the racing on Sunday. Now that really was a blast. I didnt really get on the pace till the third race after we did a bit of tinkering with my rear preload. Made a huge difference to my confidence, particularly in the faster sections. Reckon I'd give those 600's a good run for their money on the motard now (on the small track !!).

You looked good out there, and improving each time I thought, especially for a first timer. Guess you're hooked then!!!

I noticed that most of the guys on the motards, you included, once they've come out of the last turn onto pit straight, look downwards at the tank then up again. What's that about?

[blueblade]

I noticed that most of the guys on the motards, you included, once they've come out of the last turn onto pit straight, look downwards at the tank then up again. What's that about?[/QUOTE]

Probably just an instinctive thing, trying to make an effort to tuck down for the run down the straight. Not too sure really.
Funny though, even though it was my first time racing for real, it felt much safer than an average track day. All the motard guys tend to be very good riders and you just seem to trust that they wont do anything stupid at close quarters. Only had one moment all day when I overcooked it going into the chicane at the end of the back straight. Stuffed up my line and hit the big cone on the apex of the right hander. Threw the bike a bit sideways. But as tends to happen with the motards, the bike quickly sorted itself out and carried on.
I actually dont intend to take the Aprillia onto the track again. Just too much hard work and stress compared to the fun on the motard. I also reckon I would now be quite a bit quicker around the short track on the motard compared to the Tuono.
Catch ya next time.

[Leong]

Only had one moment all day when I overcooked it going into the chicane at the end of the back straight. Stuffed up my line and hit the big cone on the apex of the right hander.

Hah!! Not that I stick my knee out very far, but I've hit the cone there with my knee before and knocked it over...

[liviy]

Sounds like you had a good time and interesting to hear your comments on the longer ride comfort to Taupo.

I have one more test ride to do before making a decision soon !

Any comments on NinjaBoy's question about the longer ride comfort? I'm curious because for those taking the 600rr07 out for a test ride, isn't usually a Auckland to Taupo length ride!

[Leong]

Any comments on NinjaBoy's question about the longer ride comfort? I'm curious because for those taking the 600rr07 out for a test ride, isn't usually a Auckland to Taupo length ride!

Yes, I summarised them at the end....

In keeping with the Honda theme, I rode home in the company of three Fireblades. With more time on the bike, this trip was fine on the body. I was mentally tired after six riding sessions and the ride home, but there were no physical aches or sore bum this time. Easily made the trip all the way home without a fuel stop.

Since then I've got myself a more aerodynamic helmet, and have been surprised how much difference it makes. I think with the better helmet the lesser wind protection on the CBR would be less obvious.