3 great bikes reviewed

[Paul_E_D]

This week at trackdays I got to turn some laps on 3 verry different machines: Saxman's race prepped (Kates) cbr 600rr, his stock Ducati 848, and Jon Dixon's Willow Springs Kawi 650R special.

CBR: This is a bike I have ridden a few examples of, and I didn't gel with it at first. The riding position is awkward to me, but... Jamie's bike as set up by Peter is magic. After just 2 laps I could put the bike exactly where I wanted. I like the ride a precise line and I had no trouble hitting it lap after lap, even as I wicked up to near race pace following Peter on Tuesday. It didn't transfer weight dramatically like most 600s and it really didn't misbehave anywhere. The bike felt powerful as well. Thanks to Jamie for the privelage (sp?) of putting a lot of laps in on this machine.

to be continued...

[Paul_E_D]

OK, Next up is the Kawi Ninja 650. As an update to the venerable EX500, Kawi hit the nail on the head.

Riding position is sporty, but not extreme. The gas tank is tall, but offers a great platforn for hanging off. My outide elbow could rest comfortabley on the tank while cranked over, and I had plenty of contact with my knee/leg making it easy to get all my weight off my hands.

Jon has this thing set up stiff for Willow's high speed corners, but it was stable to ride with the feeling of plenty of trail up front. This made it a little slower to change directions than I was expecting, but gave great feedback and confidence in the front. The frame felt stout and didn't flex like the EX500. A great platform for Loudon racing.

The motor felt and sounded familiar to an EX500 racer but offered a good bit more torque and revs. The stock motor in that chasis should be good for 18s or better at Loudon. The brakes stopped it well, unlike and EX500, and I couldn't really find any complaints.

Huge thanks to Jon for the chance to ride it. Nice to see you on the right coast btw!

[Paul_E_D]

Last review is the one you're waiting for... The 848. This bike is fantastic. The best Ducati I have ridden. It's gorgeous. It's quite comfy for me AT SPEED on the track. The tank is narrow, which I love, and provides a good anchor for the knee/leg while hanging off. The only glitch was the little pipe guards were hanging up on my boot. I'd need a different set of those.

The bike handled better than anything I've ridden off the showroom floor. Jamie felt the front lacked a little trail, but I was comfy with that. I'm used to a sharp bike, and this one was sharp. The brakes were simply stunning. I had no doubts I could stop this bike (unlike a 600 which feels like it ain't stopping) even when braking quite late.

The motor on the 848 felt like magic around Loudon. Even though the gear was too tall for this track, the motor never struggled to produce forward drive all while feeling like it wasn't even breaking a sweat. I hit the rev limiter a few times because the bike generates momentum quicker than expected and the motor feels so relaxed. Unlike other powerful ducs I've ridden, this one doesn't make too much torque off idle. It builds torque in a linear way, more like a 600 superbike would. Ultra useable power. It's fast, but I never felt overwhelmed.

It seems like a relative bargain. To make a 600 or 750 go this fast and handle this well would cost more than 13k. I'm sure it would need a little set-up work to get it competitive at the top level, but so would any bike. This one is sweet right off the showroom floor.

Props to Jamie for letting me flog his new baby.

[s a x m a n]

Paul very happy to let your ride my bikes the past two days! So glad you enjoyed yourself.

The 848 is a treat for sure! My first couple sessions I was just laughing in my helmet because of how much fun the bike was to ride around the track.

I am going to be getting some rearsets for it and changing the gearing, but otherwise it will stay stock.

[GixerJockey]

I am going to be getting some rearsets for it and changing the gearing, but otherwise it will stay stock.

You keep telling yourself that...

I bet you'll be racing it by next season...

[nt650hawk]

I think I am agreement wit you Paul on the riding position is awkward on the 600. The 04 600rr is quite compact thru the leg area with and aftermarket rear sets. The standard set felt a little better the day before but I was all screwed up with the shifting. I needed the GP shift pattern. BTW thanks Pete G. for installing them with me.

Jamie offered me to romp on the 848. I could not pull myself to throw a leg over. Thanks for the offer. I am shy when it comes to riding other bikes.

[Paul_E_D]

Don't worry Gene, after you total the first one it gets easier!

[Honclfibr]

The frame felt stout and didn't flex like the EX500. A great platform for Loudon racing.

Production Supertwins? SomewhatLessShitty McBikeFest?

It would be nice to see a more modern bike added to the production class lineup. I don't really think the monster 620 qualifies, too expensive to be wortwhile.

[a13x]

I am shy when it comes to riding other bikes.

Haha! I've honestly ridden bikes that 'aren't mine' at least 2x's as much as I've ridden 'mine' around the track.

Sorta sad actually

Agree with ya Paul! 848 is a bad bird!

[improvedfd]

I have to agree about the 848...cause i also own one and had it out for the 5/28 track day. I dropped one tooth on the front sprocket and it was in the sweet spot most of the time.
The bike handled better than anything I have ever ridden on the track, I am no expert but the harder i pushed throughout the day the smoother i became. I am also looking into some rearsets and I think I will leave it alone for a while. I did however remove the cats last weekend..she sounds purdy

[SVRACER01]

Production Supertwins? SomewhatLessShitty McBikeFest?

It would be nice to see a more modern bike added to the production class lineup. I don't really think the monster 620 qualifies, too expensive to be wortwhile.

that ninja 650 is LW bike. they should make a proddy SV class

[Honclfibr]

Exactly. Production class, twins to 650cc, no modifications except brake pads and number plates.