I'm still alive and doing well

This may I took the Kawasaki High Performance Riding School at Atlantic Motorsports Park. I was on my 2000 CBR 600 F4... had a blast. Really got into it and had a lot of fun - at the end of the school I was probably turning 1:40 laps (2.5km - 1.6 mile track).

So I left the bike in track trim - and decided to go back... so this friday I did my 3rd day... and managed to run a series of 1:31 laps.

Now I'm planning on going back... and debating what to do about a street bike. At the rate I'm going I might not have a street bike/insurance at all... so I'm looking for a rat bike - the cheapest runner I can find.

I'm eyeing up a non-running 750 virago... it has a backrest and would be great for commuting/touring on.

For those wanting to see pictures... I've got a couple galleries.

Here's a snap of corner 2:


And the photo galleries:
http://gallery.atpic.com/28400
http://gallery.atpic.com/27497

 

Ok, I'm jealous now. Why don't you set out for another Maxim?

 

Awesome pictures. About how fast are you going in the corners?

 

I would take a maxim if I could find one at a good price... the virago is what I consider a good price, is in good shape, and needs carb work - explaining the good price.

Carb work on a bike without plastics, and only two cylinders... that's my kind of thing!

I did a few documented 1:31 laps which means an average speed of 63 mph. Turn 2, the ones in a lot of the photo is the slowest speed corner at probably 80 km/h. The highest speed corner is #7 (my favorite) and is around 120 mph.

It is a work in progress...

 

Beware the Virago starter issue; the same basic problem as the big XJs, the starter clutch housing cracking. Worse on the 920s, but they all had it.

 

Bigfitz - can you provide an idea for how bad that problem is to fix? This bike has a known starter issue - and is priced really low as a result. In all honesty I don't push the starter button on my track bike as it bump starts with ease.

 

the virago rides real nice man ..... no more iron butt competition like you have with the maxim...


btw woot i have cow ="kaw" in the barn as well 1990 600r i still think its amazing i can lift it off the ground by the front tiere ith one hand.... my maxim isnt quite that light or balanced

 

What is the fewest miles you ever got out of a tire? This one lasted 150 km... so about 90 miles.

On the right side notice a swath 1" wide that's chewed deeper? That's because the high speed/WOT exit corners are all right handers and as you exit the corner you're ripping the tire apart. It was a glorious day at the races!

Knocked a full 8 seconds off my lap times... which is absolutely huge. Now running mid-pack times for my class.

 

that tire makes me want to get out and build a drag car! I loved the smell of burning slicks and the look after a pass

very very cool

 

Dam, wish I had read this earlier... there was a guy a few weeks back selling a Fj600 on Kijiji for $500

 

sweet pic woot and nice times congrats on your progress and keep the shiney side up!!
shaun

 

So I shelled out and picked up a dedicated track bike. The F4 is back on street duty, and the new bike (CBR 600RR) is my track only bike.

Here's a few photos - I have to do a full write up... but I'm running as many laps as I can and will be going back to track school again. I missed round 1 because I blew my fork seals -- round 2 is mid June.

I was worried that the extra hp would be a handful - but really the biggest (and best) change was the suspension. Able to get on the throttle much earlier. The feedback is fantastic so my confidence is going up. So far just spent two days on it -- but already up to my best lap times of last year. Can't wait for the school again.

Looking forward to getting to ride the F4 on the street again -- I missed out on a year of street riding (essentially) last year - can't do that again!

Any of the local folks are welcome to swing by -- shoot the breeze or tinker. Always something on the go.









Blew the fork seals out - :-/ Here she is waiting for her forks back...

 

lol if you need any parts for the virago let me know and by the way i would rather pull carbs on a 4 cyl rather then a virago anytime a real pain you have to pull the intake boots off the head to get the carbs off what year virago is it? best of luck on whatever you decide

 

So maybe we can finanlly hook up for a ride this year, maybe snag a couple more of the local crew, haven't done a Fall River run yet this year.

 

i know what you mean about those tires... my friend has a cbr1000 and he gets old track tires for his bike, where the corners are completely worn out but the middle looks like new

glad to see you're doing so well, stay safe

 

I've got a busy early June - but this weekend I could make time for a morning ride on Saturday... or late June.

 

Lets plan for later in June, Sat is Suzuki Demo Day and Pro, want to try to get a test run in on a nekkid SV650

 

Hey guys, mind if I jump in too?
Mac

 

Hey Woot-great timing, yesturday I was going through some archives
and re-reading several of your threads and wondering what
happened to you.
Glad your still around.

 

Sounds good Mac .... now I need to sort out this ignition switch issue..... hehe