well, Stealthrider & I took the day off work (as did Dawn-Stealths lovely missus) and we all went to Rockingham motor speedway in Sunny Northamptonshire for BMW's K1200S track day...
After booking in, and the briefing starting 20 minutes late, we kitted up for our first 15 minute session on our own bikes... I had the normal kneeshaking nerves when we set off round the track & Huw shot off like a bullet out of a gun (& wishing he had gone into the intermediate group, and not the beginners) I could only follow slowly in his wake.... I completed the first session thankfully without damage and lived to ride another sesh...
The second session brought the first "off" of the the day... One of the rather too eager guys on a Kwacker ZZR1200 shot off infront before being waved off by the instructio, and proceeded to spin the thing into the ground right behind Stealthy & right in front of me... I managed to avoid his bike, him, and the seperate r/h exhaust as they slid down the track, and we were brought into the pits so the track could be cleaned up... When we went out again, I had a bit more confidence, and followed Huw quite happily, only being overtaken by the instructors on their BMW Boxer cup bikes with their track experience....
The third session was on the K1200S...:bow: I just felt instantly at home on it... We did our normal 2 sighting laps, then were let loose... I shot off like an ICBM... Even Huw couldnt catch me (although he did have a mobile chicane on a 1200GS to pass)... I loved everything about the bike... Fuelling problems sorted... Suspension brilliant, and the brakes were wonderfull..... No bugger even got close untill I slowed down on the final lap after the chequered flag...Must admit, I had a grin like an extremely fat cheshire cat when I got back to the pits....I would have taken the bimmer home with me if I could have done...
Riding positon not so stretched as the bird... Suspension a lot better than the bird (as standard) The bikes Huw & I had were fitted with ABS & sevo brakes & couldnt be beaten...It inspired so much confidence in me that I will end up having one... The only thing is when ??? And that will be when the full touring gear is available to take all our boxes/bags & stuff... then one will be sat in my garage....
I have heard the tales of the plusses & minusses of the bike, but I can only say as I find, and that is that its a brilliant bike to ride......
Also, it was a bird rider that stuffed the first bimmer onto thegrass (though he was pushed off the track by another bike) and it wasnt either Huw or I... BMW even gave him the side panel to keep as a souvenier... At least he wasnt hurt, and could laugh it off afterwards..
Met some nice new peeps to introduce to the club... Nigel & his lovely wife, and the two guys whose name I cant remember(one of which when grass cutting...LOL)
Brilliant day... Some pics to follow I hope.
Even the food was reasonably priced in the diner... Drinks in the trach area were free..
Richard, you missed a first class day out (although the lucky bugger wa in France at Le Mans)
Best wishes,
Rolfy
:beer:
ps... Huw took a 1200GS out on a demo, and I took Dawn for a bimble on a K1200RT... All 3 of us wanted to go back after only about 3 miles... Feckin 'orrible machines....:f
pps... If any BMW folks are reading this... Many thanks for a superb day out... The staff were extremely friendly & helpful... No forceful selling styles, and loads of laughter to make us feel good...
After booking in, and the briefing starting 20 minutes late, we kitted up for our first 15 minute session on our own bikes... I had the normal kneeshaking nerves when we set off round the track & Huw shot off like a bullet out of a gun (& wishing he had gone into the intermediate group, and not the beginners) I could only follow slowly in his wake.... I completed the first session thankfully without damage and lived to ride another sesh...
The second session brought the first "off" of the the day... One of the rather too eager guys on a Kwacker ZZR1200 shot off infront before being waved off by the instructio, and proceeded to spin the thing into the ground right behind Stealthy & right in front of me... I managed to avoid his bike, him, and the seperate r/h exhaust as they slid down the track, and we were brought into the pits so the track could be cleaned up... When we went out again, I had a bit more confidence, and followed Huw quite happily, only being overtaken by the instructors on their BMW Boxer cup bikes with their track experience....
The third session was on the K1200S...:bow: I just felt instantly at home on it... We did our normal 2 sighting laps, then were let loose... I shot off like an ICBM... Even Huw couldnt catch me (although he did have a mobile chicane on a 1200GS to pass)... I loved everything about the bike... Fuelling problems sorted... Suspension brilliant, and the brakes were wonderfull..... No bugger even got close untill I slowed down on the final lap after the chequered flag...Must admit, I had a grin like an extremely fat cheshire cat when I got back to the pits....I would have taken the bimmer home with me if I could have done...
Riding positon not so stretched as the bird... Suspension a lot better than the bird (as standard) The bikes Huw & I had were fitted with ABS & sevo brakes & couldnt be beaten...It inspired so much confidence in me that I will end up having one... The only thing is when ??? And that will be when the full touring gear is available to take all our boxes/bags & stuff... then one will be sat in my garage....
I have heard the tales of the plusses & minusses of the bike, but I can only say as I find, and that is that its a brilliant bike to ride......
Also, it was a bird rider that stuffed the first bimmer onto thegrass (though he was pushed off the track by another bike) and it wasnt either Huw or I... BMW even gave him the side panel to keep as a souvenier... At least he wasnt hurt, and could laugh it off afterwards..
Met some nice new peeps to introduce to the club... Nigel & his lovely wife, and the two guys whose name I cant remember(one of which when grass cutting...LOL)
Brilliant day... Some pics to follow I hope.
Even the food was reasonably priced in the diner... Drinks in the trach area were free..
Richard, you missed a first class day out (although the lucky bugger wa in France at Le Mans)
Best wishes,
Rolfy
:beer:
ps... Huw took a 1200GS out on a demo, and I took Dawn for a bimble on a K1200RT... All 3 of us wanted to go back after only about 3 miles... Feckin 'orrible machines....:f
pps... If any BMW folks are reading this... Many thanks for a superb day out... The staff were extremely friendly & helpful... No forceful selling styles, and loads of laughter to make us feel good...
but who cares, we enjoyed ourselves, and thats what matters.