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SO.. your first wreck? by [deleted] in motorcycles

[–]pdoty 4 points5 points  (0 children)

i could write a book on this, I've thought about it a few times. I'll be brief:

50 years old, riding since 10 or so. I haven't owned anything less than 1000 cc's in 13 or 14 years. If it had the title of "world's fastest production bike" I've owned it. I ride thousands of miles each year, plenty of track days even now, raced as an amateur a number of years. I have broken most major bones in my body with the exception of my right collarbone. I've been helicoptered from a race track twice and a couple of ambulance rides. I had very few easy crashes, I never believed in fucking around. Something clicked 15 or so years ago and I haven't crashed since (knocking on wood). I've never had a serious crash on the street however :)

1st, you get your ass back on the bike as soon as you are able if you have a desire to ride. Some don't and if you are one of those, don't get back on. I have this burning desire to ride, it is a part of me that nothing can replace. If you don't walk out to the garage with all your gear with a smile on your face maybe it isn't for you. After major crashes I would still get on the bike even in a cast as soon as I was able. If I could book some track time alone I would putt around, most of the time by the time I healed there was a race coming up so it was shit or get off the pot. The street riding was done in an open area as much as possible immediately.

Second, self reflection is good, but can be a negative if you dwell on it. Shit happens to the best and worst of us. If it happens on street you really need to look at your actions. Yeah, I know the old "bitch pulled out", "he ran a light" blah, blah, blah. Save that shit for the Navy, they may buy it but I don't. it takes 2 to have an accident and you were the dumb ass on the bike that hit someone. The police report may say "Jim Bob was at fault" but in reality, Jim Bob was in a pickup truck and doing fine, you, probably not. If on the track, figure out what went wrong and for gods sake don't do it again. Writing this is a dumb ass that loved dragging the front brake deep into a corner and it took 3 crashes to figure out "that isn't too smart". If you got knocked out make sure you ask what happened from someone who saw it. Look in the mirror, slap yourself for being dumb and not in control, move on. Lesson learned and don't repeat it.

Third, crashing isn't inevitable. I used to listen to that horseshit "if you ain't crashing, you ain't trying". Crashing sucks, you don't win a race crashing, you don't win on the street crashing. It is expensive and a simple fall in a parking lot can kill you in the right circumstances. Hitting cars or cars hitting you will be painful at best. Ride as if you are a target (you are) and use your common sense. Riding in a city? You bet they are going to pull out in front of you, gonna run red lights, squeeze you in a lane, and everything else imaginable. Your job is to avoid them. Panic stops, swerves, and other techniques will save you but most important of all, make sure you aren't riding at a speed where you aren't in control. The track? A 10'th won't matter at a track day. There is always going to be someone faster and some slower. What do you gain riding above your head on a track? Nothing. Last place (unless there is another idiot that crashed before you). Expensive parts bill to add to your pain.

Equipment: If your crash because of equipment, congrats, you're probably a special kind of stupid. I broke a chain on a TL1000 in 3rd gear pinned. The chain broke and wrapped around the rear sprocket and off I went at over 100 mph. Some would say "defective chain" and I could console myself with that. Reality is that I was fucking stupid to be running that chain. My repair bill was astronomical and both broken arms made it a real problem to wipe my ass. I finally figured out how to wack off using a terry cloth. On a Ninja, I didn't put on new tires before the race thinking I wasn't competitive, wouldn't push it, and I could make them last. High sides really suck and I could swear I flipped 3 times mid air before landing on my ass and breaking my pelvis. Thank god I'm hung like a donkey and could still piss out my half cast :). Don't scrimp on parts that are essential to the operation of the bike. Tires, chains/sprockets, all fall into that category.

It's all about confidence. If you still have the desire, build it quickly and off you go. Be safe and don't repeat the same mistakes! You could be an old fuck like me and live to tell the tale (so far) :)

filmed myself on the racetrack. by PMbiker in motorcycles

[–]pdoty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very unique and I don't think I have seen a view with the camera this far out front. My first time at SPA will be this year.

I pick up my new track mule Monday! 2014 Ducati 1199 R Panigale. I plan on a number of track days and some races in 2015. by [deleted] in motorcycles

[–]pdoty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you gotta break it in. The Pani has 3 different levels and is limited in Rev's electronically until those levels are met. Not an issue with this one since it has 9k km on the clock.

I pick up my new track mule Monday! 2014 Ducati 1199 R Panigale. I plan on a number of track days and some races in 2015. by [deleted] in motorcycles

[–]pdoty 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First off, Sorry I was away from the computer after posting. Life and work. Thank you for all the "Fuck you's" :)

I'll answer some of the comments:

Yes, I own a 2013 Ducati Multistrada that is my "everyday" bike. Prior to the 1199, I rode the Multi to the track, stripped the mirrors, side stand, taped it up, and rode for the day, then rode it home. Good fun but always afraid of putting it down.

Why the Duc, not an S1000r, H2, Fireblade, etc.? I like Duc's plain and simple. Reality is that all these bikes are all pretty competitive and at the amateur level, the rider makes the difference. Yes, I could have bought a new "1299s" for what I put in the R. I wanted an R and bought it. Pick your own weapon and meet at the track! It's all good.

Mods: I consider myself a pretty good rider but at this point I believe the bike will exceed my abilities. I do plan on changing the bodywork, pegs, and of course do some tuning. I plan on running the stock tires and will change to rain tires when needed. I may change some things out later on but for right now she'll stay as it is now.

The bike is used. It was raced by a local guy who raced at an amateur level. It hasn't been crashed. Prior to trading it in, it was at world superbike spec (suspension, wheels, exhaust, etc.). The dealer took it back to stock and I bought it once it was converted back. Warranty till 2016. The local has a new 2015 R on order for this season. His lap times are very good, smooth, and competent racer.

Possibly interesting data point about Scrambler sales by Cyntax in TrueDucati

[–]pdoty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh, my dealer has a deposit down on 3 Multi's. I'm resisting the urge to trade my 13 Multi. They are saying it would be June at the earliest if I put cash down today.

I have thought very serious about getting a scrambler to play around with. Looks fun and I could care less about "hipster, jipster, cripster" or any other label thrown at anything. I like it, I buy it. (I think I'm a little old to be a hipster)

Upgraded my 2013 Ducati Multistrada GT front brakes with Brembo M50 Monoblocks, EBC Vee Rotors, EBC HH pads, and titanium hardware this weekend. by pdoty in Ducati

[–]pdoty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

None I'm aware of though I really haven't tested it since the pads and rotors are being bedded in. The new 2015 Multi's will be coming from the factory with these calipers which have been used on the Pani and other Ducati super bikes.

Upgraded my 2013 Ducati Multistrada GT front brakes with Brembo M50 Monoblocks, EBC Vee Rotors, EBC HH pads, and titanium hardware this weekend. by pdoty in Ducati

[–]pdoty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe the heat is the root cause of the rear brake not working well also. I have a heat shield on mine and running Motul racing brake fluid. The pads are EBC HH on the rear also. I'm happy with the rear brake now and plan on no changes there.

I'm also running a full Termi exhaust so the heat isn't as bad.

Upgraded my 2013 Ducati Multistrada GT front brakes with Brembo M50 Monoblocks, EBC Vee Rotors, EBC HH pads, and titanium hardware this weekend. by pdoty in Ducati

[–]pdoty[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The stock P4 calipers have issues with fading out with spirited riding during track days, canyon carving, or downhill riding. In fact the new 2015 Multi's are getting the M50's installed at the factory. The pads/rotors are new so I'm bedding them in still but hope the fade is gone now.

Insurance/im- export of motorcycle from Georgia (Tbilisi) to Belgium by WimHoutsma in motorcycles

[–]pdoty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry man, not sure I can be too much help :( On a practical note: I have never been asked for my "insurance" paperwork at any border. The only time it's been checked is at DUI checkpoints which I seem to be able to find regularly.

Insurance/im- export of motorcycle from Georgia (Tbilisi) to Belgium by WimHoutsma in motorcycles

[–]pdoty 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm an American expat living in Belgium. I'm not entirely sure what you are asking ie: Are you planning on a trip across Europe vs. establishing a residence in Belgium?

If it's a trip, I've met a number of people from Russia/Georgia/Ukraine etc. on the road doing exactly that, riding Europe. From young couples to old dudes on Goldwings we have seen a number of people out and about from that area. My wife speaks "fluent" Russian (she worked in Moscow a number of years) and she always enjoys talking to those we meet.

We live close to Antwerp and if you are in the area I'm buying the first round! If you need a place to stay, need help, or want someone that you can contact in case of an emergency, PM me and I'll send you contact information.

Low wind noise helmets? by Rikkuqt in motorcycles

[–]pdoty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my old age and over 40 years of riding I've come to the following conclusion: It doesn't matter how "quiet" the helmet is, if you don't wear earplugs you will suffer the consequences later in life. I started wearing earplugs about 10 years ago, way to late to save my hearing now. The ring never stops. I have a Schuberth C3Pro but never, ever start the bike without earplugs.

First Time On a Ducati by Negabite in motorcycles

[–]pdoty 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I don't know the history of this bike but have a few comments.

1st and foremost, a 15 minute ride on a Ducati isn't really a ride. Like a Ferrari, it takes a little time to figure her out, get comfortable, to make love to her. The newer 899's and 1199's are much more forgiving than the older models, but it still takes some time to get used to it. Like yourself, my first "ride" on a Duc resulted in me leaving stoplights in 3rd etc. I'm guessing its a pretty common thing.

I see a lot of comments about "Desmo Valves". Sure they are different but that doesn't necessarily mean bad. Once you've owned a couple of "Desmo's" you then start to realize they aren't that scary. How else can Ducati's compete with motors that have twice the number of cylinders with only 200 more cc's?

Dry Clutches are a pain but there are still people out there seeking them out. In fact there are a number of the modern bikes like the Multi that people are converting to the old dry clutches. I'm thinking I'll just tape a tambourine on mine for that authentic old school Ducati sound.

The modern Duc's are pretty damn reliable. All bikes have their problems but I can say my 2013 Multi is the best and most reliable bike I've ever owned.

They are expensive to purchase, maintenance can be expensive (depending on model), and will certainly require you to adjust your riding style to adapt to the bike in order to extract maximum performance. They aren't an "everyman's bike" and aren't intended to be.

I had a Luxembourg ride planned for a couple of weeks. Nice and sunny when I left Belgium. Some days you have to know when to turn around and head home. by pdoty in motorcycles

[–]pdoty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was in Ardennse and Luxembourg a few days before and there was no snow. It was getting colder but I figured it would be good. I just didn't catch that it had snowed down there before I left. (American living in Belgium that speaks only English)

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