Hampton Downs

**Shaun** · 22nd November 2009, 19:04

Originally Posted by scracha

Well I did come over and ask. To be fair, the talented Mr Taylor came over to twiddle with the compression on my forks which made a big difference. Mibby I got the wrong end of the stick but both he and Mr Shirrifs implied that regardless of suspender setup, the compound on my tyres was simply not going to last the distance and that was primarily due to the extra grap at the track compared to Manfeild.

If Rob and Craig said that mate, it is fact then. Sorry, I was not aware that you are using Proper race set up suspension stuff.

What tyres and comp and pressures are you using????? And do you use tryre warmers??

as I said about the Superbike school bikes, look at the tyres on them next time, they are using STD Road suspension, and the tyres are turning to poo

The bike I had there for Midge Smart, has Ohlin's fork kits and Ohlin's TTX Shock, the tyres are Pirelli, the front was a SC1 and the rear a SC2, these tyres had done 43 laps of test riding at Taupo, and then did all 6 sessions on Saturday

The front is still a very very good condition tyre, the rear is deff past it's best, but we know what to do in the future now, to eliminate this from happening today.

Between Robert ( CKT) Craig S, and Midge Smart, and my initiall test work on Moto-Dynamix GSXR 600, we all learnt a huge amount of things on the day for the future, and you guys, the customer base.

**scracha** · 22nd November 2009, 19:51

Originally Posted by Devil

There is a small bump in T1 but nothing to be concerned about.

Tis when you're thowing the front end in on a downhill right hander

Originally Posted by Devil

If you're getting a wiggle on through 2 and 3 can I suggest you lighten up on the bars a bit, it's smooth as silk through there. Rider input is the most likely cause.

Oh the track is smooth there, just the combination doing a fast flick from right to left combined with a bit more throttle than normal (it's up hill) made it "entertaining". Oh...and it's an 05 ZX-6 so it's prone to it. Rider input...not sure what ya mean but I must save up for some proper training. I'm a proper cynical bastard but I only heard positive stuff about the training.

Originally Posted by Devil

T4, not sure what you're talking about here, can you be a bit more specific?

Bit bumpy about 2m from the left on the exit just as you're rolling on the throttle. It's not significant but am left wondering how it's there already and if it's a sign of things to come when the very powerful vehicles start tearing around there.

At least guys like Steve seem open to constructive feedback. Hope the guys running the circuit are of the same mind-set.

Originally Posted by R6Kid

The questions hanging on everyones noses is - Does it smell?

Didn't seem to...but there was a slight wind (good enough to dry out the mild drizzle) and regardless, I smelt far worse than any rubbish tip by the end of the day.

Originally Posted by Shaun

Shock, the tyres are Pirelli, the front was a SC1 and the rear a SC2, these tyres had done 43 laps of test riding at Taupo, and then did all 6 sessions on Saturday

Oh...Robert fixed my front forks but it's been Drew who's been setting up the bike for me so kudos to Robert that he was still quite happy to nip over and check it out. On at least 2 occasions (t1 and t6 exit) I'd have 100% been on my arse had it not been for the yellow springy things)

PM sent re rubber.

**Devil** · 22nd November 2009, 19:54

Originally Posted by R6_kid

The questions hanging on everyones noses is - Does it smell?

I remember someone bitching about it being next to the landfill...

Probably smelled it once (briefly) over the last 7 dates i've spent out there.

Mercer however, on Wed/Thurs farking stunk.

**Devil** · 22nd November 2009, 19:54

Originally Posted by scracha

At least guys like Steve seem open to constructive feedback. Hope the guys running the circuit are of the same mind-set.

Yer they are good guys.

**Shaun** · 22nd November 2009, 20:13

Originally Posted by scracha

tis when you're thowing the front end in on a downhill right hander

# you are on the wrong line then!

Oh the track is smooth there, just the combination doing a fast flick from right to left combined with a bit more throttle than normal (it's up hill) made it "entertaining". Oh...and it's an 05 zx-6 so it's prone to it. Rider input...not sure what ya mean but i must save up for some proper training. I'm a proper cynical bastard but i only heard positive stuff about the training.

Come see me mate, best to run in a taller gear for t2 to t3, as exit of t3 is down hill, and you are on the side wall, so revs climb very quick, and bike is more stable in a taller gear there, also by running in the taller gear, the High speed kick exiting T3 is not as bad.

bit bumpy about 2m from the left on the exit just as you're rolling on the throttle. It's not significant but am left wondering how it's there already and if it's a sign of things to come when the very powerful vehicles start tearing around there.

I never fealt that mate

at least guys like steve seem open to constructive feedback. Hope the guys running the circuit are of the same mind-set.

Didn't seem to...but there was a slight wind (good enough to dry out the mild drizzle) and regardless, i smelt far worse than any rubbish tip by the end of the day.

Oh...robert fixed my front forks but it's been drew who's been setting up the bike for me so kudos to robert that he was still quite happy to nip over and check it out. On at least 2 occasions (t1 and t6 exit) i'd have 100% been on my arse had it not been for the yellow springy things)

there are a few out there that think because they have tinkered and read a lot know a lot, but fact is, it takes more than just turning a screw driver, to set up suspension to it's best condition

( no offence drew)

pm sent re rubber.

pm replied

**R6_kid:Me** · 22nd November 2009, 20:52

Originally Posted by Devil

Probably smelled it once (briefly) over the last 7 dates i've spent out there.

Mercer however, on Wed/Thurs farking stunk.

Sweetas, when is it my turn to wave the flags?

**Gremlin** · 22nd November 2009, 21:19

T1 claimed a good scalp on Saturday

Devil: T4 definitely appears to have a couple of patches, one mid corner, just left of the apex, 1 just further on, their surfaces do not appear consistent with the surrounding area of track. Patches would not quite be larger enough to park a bike on, but certainly big enough to notice.

So from some comments, the track is only the small version for now? Nice corners, but its short at the moment... even at my instructed touring pace.

**Devil** · 23rd November 2009, 08:22

Originally Posted by R6_kid

Sweetas, when is it my turn to wave the flags?

I'll be looking at the schedule this week to see who's available. It's a long list though!

**Drew** · 23rd November 2009, 12:33

Originally Posted by scracha

Oh...Robert fixed my front forks but it's been Drew who's been setting up the bike for me so kudos to Robert that he was still quite happy to nip over and check it out. On at least 2 occasions (t1 and t6 exit) I'd have 100% been on my arse had it not been for the yellow springy things)

PM sent re rubber.

Oi, dont give him any ammo to retort my shit stirring ya fuckin import!!!

**javawocky** · 23rd November 2009, 12:37

Well it was my first track day and I had an absolute blast with the other n00bs

Even though I got up to some serious speeds in parts (for me anyway) I never felt like run off was an issue - I felt much more uncomfortable on the way home, at least on the track everyone is going in the same direction. Even when those California GSXR Cylons wizzed by I wasn't disturbed until one of them snuck up the inside of T5 and cause me to wobble a bit. Those bikes need after market pipes.

As a n00b I had bad arm pump so couldn't brake as hard as I would have liked to later in the sessions - suppose I need those hand squezzy exercise things.

My only complaint about the track is a lack of markers being such a new track. The little poles are way to far down the track to use as markers.

Anyway, great day, next time will upgrade to the Greens. Sure have some pace on them.

**Shaun** · 23rd November 2009, 12:51

Originally Posted by Drew

Oi, dont give him any ammo to retort my shit stirring ya fuckin import!!!

Don't need amo to land a big turd from high in your BIG mouth dude

**cowboyz** · 23rd November 2009, 13:34

so whats a good "road rider" time round there? All reports I have seen is its very very fast. Anyone put a stopwatch on it ? I got to get up and have a play very very soon! just waiitng for work to calm down.

(by "road rider" i am talking about 1.20-1.25s round manfield?)

**vtec** · 23rd November 2009, 19:15

I love the track. Grippy as hell, and the best surface I've ever been on. Some rather tricky and interesting corners, so advantages will be able to be eeked out if you spend some time there. I tried really hard but could not crash the SV650 that I just got.

I'd say a fast time for an IL4 600-1000 road rider would be 1.15 to 1.20 Maybe. That'll probably change as people learn the circuit. Smoothest circuit I've ever been on. Or maybe it's just that my SV is soft and lardy. I like it though, and I feel really fast.