From: essbaum@rchland.vnet.ibm.com (Alexander Essbaum)
Subject: Re: tire discussion (kinda long)
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 19:19:43 GMT
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM
Organization: IBM Rochester

in response to Michael Tiberio's tire post:

i'm tempted to spend an hour generating a long rambling post, but i don't have
time :) so:

i think i have a good understanding of what racing means/involves/costs.  at this
time, i would like nothing more than to race/be involved in racing full time.  i
like the people (a lot), i like the bikes, i like the speed, i'm not turned off
by the cost.  currently, i am dedicating 100% of my non-living-expenses
money to riding/racing.  actually, quite a bit more than 100% according to my
last VISA bill... :(

probably what most people would suggest i do (several have...) is get like some
slightly older 500-600cc bike and start racing on that.  i should get maybe an
'87 FZ600, make sure the motor is in decent shape, stick on a fork brake, steering
damper, a pair of good tires (race compound DOT maybe), maybe steel braided lines,
make sure the brakes are good, maybe a fox shock, maybe progressive springs, and
then take it to some events.  i should ramp up to speed slowly, get as much
practice and track time as i can, don't try to win, don't be psycho and try to
keep up with everyone who passes me, and try to learn as much as i can, so
that as i can afford it i can improve the hardware and go faster safer and
still have a hell of a lot of fun.

a coupla months ago, i bought an '88 FZR750R.  according to John Jacob, who
i bought the bike from, he used it in the '88 and '89 season to turn a profit(!)
running club events.  John is now an AMA pro racer for Body by Northstar Racing.
i've been riding for 1 year + 2 months.  i've ridden maybe 15000 miles.  i am
a novice.  in the hands of a professional, this bike could do quite a bit more
than i can now make it do.  the reason i bought this bike is cause it seemed to
me a pretty good deal, and i really wanted it :) (and i got 6.9% financing).

last april i took a roadrace school at nelson ledges in ohio.  from the ~15
hours i spent on the track, (and over the last few moths) i've determined that
i really want to race.  or at least be involved, if not ride.

there are 3 race events yet this season that i could possibly attend.  2 at
blackhawk, and 1 at brainerd (CRA).

last weekend, i bought 1/2 of an '87 FZ600 for $400 (total purchase price =
$800).  with maybe $300-$500 plus tires this bike could be ready for the track.

i am faced with:
1) don't race now, fix the FZ, race a lot next season.
2) get my hands on any parts/money i can, and maybe get the FZ ready for the
   last two events (in sept.)
3) stick my money into the FZR, race all three events on it, and then fix the FZ
   for next season
4) (my choice) take the FZR to blackhawk (tomorrow), run it on the track and
see how it goes.  (then do #2 anyway)

other than race tires (i guess) the bike is 100% ready for the track (even
have extra body panels :).  i bought it that way.

tomorrow there's open practice at blackhawk.  i'm gonna try to get as much
riding time as i can, and learn as much about riding the bike closer to %100.
i've been real paranoid to go psycho fast on the street, because this bike is
too much of a step up from the old piece of shit (mark? :) that i used to ride.
therefore, i'm gonna try going fast in a much more controlled, safe environment.
if i feel i'm not comfortable or am a hazard on the track, i'm not gonna run the
races on the weekend.  i'm pretty cure i'm competent enough to deal with the
practice, and make a reasonable decision during/after it.  if the tires are
suckin, i'm not gonna push it.  i really don't want to crash (more for the
bikes sake than mine...)

well, that's my situation.  guess i had the time to ramble after all :)

axel

mail to ae0s@andrew.cmu.edu.  essbaum@ibm is gonna bounce!