vman1300
Never Forgotten
As most know, I aquired a 2005 R1 a few months back. With all that has been going on and with the bike still in Atlanta after some major suspension mods, I havent spent but about 20 miles in the saddle on the way home from the shop.
Before I go any futher, MAJOR shout out to Ted for meeting up with a few of my Atlanta friends to transport my R1 to the Bash. I owe ya one my friend.
At the Bash, I spent Friday afternoon and Saturday morning on the Busa, a machine I am very comfortable with at the Gap. I made quite a few great passes Friday afternoon and more than likely my smoothest pass ever Saturday morning with a couple of new friends from Nashville on a 06 R6 and a 748. It was great riding with you two.
After an afternoon break for some rest and food, I saddled up the R1. Current mods include:
Akrapovic Full Titanium Evolution
PCIII
Pazzo's
BMC
Graves stacks
Graves block off plates
Graves sliders
Graves clutch slider
And what I was most excited about....
AK20 cartridge kit in the front forks
Penske double rear shock
The above were installed by Traxxion Dynamics. If my past experience was any indication of what to expect, I was in for miles of smiles.
I left the Phillips and headed up to the Gap. In just casual curves, I could fell the improvement in the forks especially. I know I only spent about 20 miles before the suspension changes, but with my weight ALL stock suspension in not gonna cut it.
Under light to medium braking, there was no more of the dive in the front forks. And in the corners, the planted feel was amazing. I have been a big pusher of suspension modifications and I still believe it should be at the top of your mod list as well.
Once on the Hill, and after finding out where the THP were, mile marker 6, I began my 1st trip through on the R1.
By mile marker 2, I was getting more and more comfy on my new track weapon. Even hitting my knees on quite a few corners. Something I have never done on a new to me machine on a maiden journey.
The suspension was just that confidence inspiring.
By mile 3 and 4 I was really moving, coming into corners faster than I exit them on the Busa. At mile marker 5, a wonderful sweeping up hill left, knee on the ground, sparks flying and...THP right there...at mile 5 not 6.....
Thankfully they were kind busy......
On to the overlook, I took my time, just to be sure there were no more LEO's there.
While at the overlook, another THP rolled through, making 3 total there. I bided my time and waited them out. After all 3 made their way out...I headed back to the CROT......
The ride back was amazing. The R1 is an incrediable machine in the twisties. So flickable, keep the RPM's above 9k and corner exits are....well...hummmm kinda fun......
Overall I am very happy with my new to me track weapon and the power is impressive. I just cant wait to get some quality track time on this machine.
Before I go any futher, MAJOR shout out to Ted for meeting up with a few of my Atlanta friends to transport my R1 to the Bash. I owe ya one my friend.
At the Bash, I spent Friday afternoon and Saturday morning on the Busa, a machine I am very comfortable with at the Gap. I made quite a few great passes Friday afternoon and more than likely my smoothest pass ever Saturday morning with a couple of new friends from Nashville on a 06 R6 and a 748. It was great riding with you two.
After an afternoon break for some rest and food, I saddled up the R1. Current mods include:
Akrapovic Full Titanium Evolution
PCIII
Pazzo's
BMC
Graves stacks
Graves block off plates
Graves sliders
Graves clutch slider
And what I was most excited about....
AK20 cartridge kit in the front forks
Penske double rear shock
The above were installed by Traxxion Dynamics. If my past experience was any indication of what to expect, I was in for miles of smiles.
I left the Phillips and headed up to the Gap. In just casual curves, I could fell the improvement in the forks especially. I know I only spent about 20 miles before the suspension changes, but with my weight ALL stock suspension in not gonna cut it.
Under light to medium braking, there was no more of the dive in the front forks. And in the corners, the planted feel was amazing. I have been a big pusher of suspension modifications and I still believe it should be at the top of your mod list as well.
Once on the Hill, and after finding out where the THP were, mile marker 6, I began my 1st trip through on the R1.
By mile marker 2, I was getting more and more comfy on my new track weapon. Even hitting my knees on quite a few corners. Something I have never done on a new to me machine on a maiden journey.
The suspension was just that confidence inspiring.
By mile 3 and 4 I was really moving, coming into corners faster than I exit them on the Busa. At mile marker 5, a wonderful sweeping up hill left, knee on the ground, sparks flying and...THP right there...at mile 5 not 6.....
Thankfully they were kind busy......
On to the overlook, I took my time, just to be sure there were no more LEO's there.
While at the overlook, another THP rolled through, making 3 total there. I bided my time and waited them out. After all 3 made their way out...I headed back to the CROT......
The ride back was amazing. The R1 is an incrediable machine in the twisties. So flickable, keep the RPM's above 9k and corner exits are....well...hummmm kinda fun......
Overall I am very happy with my new to me track weapon and the power is impressive. I just cant wait to get some quality track time on this machine.
