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( 3 / 100 )Last weekend I went on a bike trip to the Eastern Transvaal again. Louis and myself hit the road Saturday morning at about 5:45am to Nelspruit. From there we worked our way up to Graskop where we stayed the night. Weather was fine and we actually did some very enjoyable riding. Not speeding excessfully but kept more a constant speed when riding through the twisty roads. I really enjoyed it. Hardly using the brakes, purely using the engine to control speed. Had steel braided hoses fitted to my K7 a few weeks before just in case if we were to nail it a bit.
There was a point on this trip where I thought to myself 'This bike is now setup nicely'. Everything about it was pure joy. So on Sunday morning we were met with rain and mist. We both took every precaution concerning riding in wet weather. Riding to Sabie, over the Long Tom Pass, Lydenburg and then to Dullstroom. I was wearing every peace of clothing I had in my bag, still I froze my butt off but at least did not get that wet actually.
;)
After breakfast at Dullstroom is was a short stretch to Belfast then it would by the highway straight home. I approached the last turn before entering the town of Belfast, reduced my speed and slowly leaned into the turn. Halfway through the turn in a instance my front wheel came out underneath me. I hit the road and just kept on sliding on my one side. My bike hit the road barrier, front wheel got stuck and ripped loose from the rest of the bike. Due to the low speed and my gear I did not even get a scratch, but the bike is basically a right off. As it seems it was just my luck to hit a slick or oil spot on the road with the wet weather to boot too.
I am so highly annoyed about this! My bike was setup great, we did over 900km of riding the weekend, and I lost my bike about 3km before getting on the highway and heading home! Firstly thanks to the farmer Pieter who lives closed to where I came down, for helping me and letting me leave my wreck at his place until I went to pick it up the next day.
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( 2.9 / 119 )Today is a sad day for the South African motorcycle community. Brian Cannoo, the founder of Think Bike South Africa, past away today due to injuries sustained from an accident this past weekend. Apparently a bus did a u-turn in the road. His organization has set the standard for safe and fun motorcycling in this country. I am honored to have had the opportunity to ride with the original ThinkBiker, Bucc.
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( 3 / 62 )A week ago I went for my first track day in 2008. This would be my second track day on my K7, and was planning to push it a bit harder this time. I started in B-class (will probably stay in this class till I get my racing suit) and stayed in it for a total of 4 session. Weather was bit cloudy but still warm, and at about the second session did the sun come out. Track was pretty good condition in my opinion, so I opened up full out.
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Nearing the end of the second session I started to notice my brakes becoming a bit 'spongy' when braking hard before the corners. After a chat with one of the resident experts I realized my rookie observation. The hard braking and temperature build up caused my brake lines to swell upon braking. At the beginning of the next session the brakes bite down as it should do, but later I felt it again going a bit 'spongy'. Another mistake I made is to pop the bike by accident into neutral, making me end up in the kitty litter. Luckily I was able to keep the bike upright.
;)
;)
Well next on my shopping list is a proper set of braided stainless steel brake lines!
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( 2.9 / 112 )I took this movie from my Oregon Scientific ATC2K Action Cam mounted to my bike going around Zwartkops Raceway. The mounting bracket it still a prototype, will build a better one that should allow for a better view angle of the road.
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( 2.9 / 83 )This past holiday season i decided to load my bike and take it on holiday with me. I strongly feel that Christmas and New Years is meant to be spend with family and loved ones. Hence I packed my bike and gear and headed of to Graaff-Reniet and Port Elizabeth to visit my Grandma's and close friends.
The Eastern Cape province have received quite an amount of rain recently, and its showing. Its one of those part of the world that you need to appreciate before you can actually see its beauty and magnificent. Yet these rains also caused the roads to be washed away and I was stuck on the farm for an extra day.
First thing I did when I arrived in Port Elizabeth is to offload my bike and go for a ride. Its the first time the bike was started at sea level altitude. Took it easy to the nearest gas station, but then I open the throttle all the way. The first thought that went through my mind was "Oh God help me!". The higher air density gave the K7 a huge boost of power, it felt like you entering warp speed! I took a couple of ride during my stay in Port Elizabeth, from which one day was a quick trip to Jeffrey's Bay and back.
Now I have taken my bike for a ride since I got back home, at an altitude of about 1300 meters I guess. And its notable unfortunately that the boost felt at the coast is gone, yet the bike still fly down the highway. But now I wonder, does the lower air pressure felt against your body when accelerating give the impression that the bike is slower?
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( 2.8 / 116 )This last Sunday I attended a track day held at Zwartkops Raceway. Its been a while since I been there, but am at least very familiar with the track and its ins and outs. The difference this time would be that its the first time that I am riding with my GSX-R 1000 K7. I have performed very well with my old FZ6, but things would be different now. Started out with the C-class riders, decided to go slow to get tires warm as well as to have enough time on the track to get used to the bike on the track environment. But got used to the track must faster than I anticipated, by the end of the session I lapped everyone in the group. Upon entering the pits after the first session the one marshal walked straight to me and told me get my behind up to B-class immediately. After getting of the bike, I looked down at my left boot...YIKES!
;)
One characteristic with Zwartkops is that its a very short track, lots of packed corners and no real stretches to pick up speed. I was constantly flipping between 2 and 3 gears upon entering/exiting the corners. While getting into my gear shifting grove, I got a tad lazy not to take my left foot out underneath the gear selector. Hence this caused the 'polish job' on my left boot. Not to worry, got that habit removed with the second session in B-Class.
About 5 laps into the B-Class the rain came pouring down. This was deja vu all over for me. Completed the lap and pulled into the pits immediately. Thanks to the rain, one of my mates came down with his ZZR1100 on the last lap, sorry Stephan! There were another incident where some idiot rode like a total arse, and took out another 3 bikers with him. I doubt that his name would appear on the riders list soon!
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( 3 / 125 )Last week Thursday I headed down to Bloemfontein to attend a friend's wedding. Since the rest my family was also attending, I took the opportunity to rather go by bike instead of my car. Whether if that was a good idea is debatable now.
The trip down was not so bad, the K7 was running smoothly as always. I did have nervous incidents since the national highways were pretty congested with all the holiday goers. Some idiot nearly killed himself by trying to be polite and staying in the oncoming traffic lane waiting for me to pass BETWEEN him and the truck in front of me. I waved at him to get back into our lane since a car was about to hit him head on. Luckily he looked in front of him and jumped back into our lane.
So got safely to my destination of Brandfort after about 2:45 riding time. The next day was the wedding, went as most weddings. Got home probably at 12:30 that morning knowing I have to get up in 6 hours to ride back home.
The original plan was to ride back on Sunday, but since my parents are also acting as the support vehicle and that my father had to fly to Sweden Saturday night I pretty much did not have much of a choice. I did check the weather reports last Wednesday, and weather was basically set to cloudy for the most of the northern Free State province.
I left Brandfort, only to be greeted by rain about 30km later.... and for almost 250km afterwards. Every now and then when I think back on it, I reckon I must have been barking mad. The K7 was basically in 'C' mode the whole time, definitely making the bike much more manageable on the wet roads and compensating for any slipping. About an hour into this trip and my clothes were soaking wet. Not to mention the wind chill factor working in as well. Finally after Kroonstad, about 180km from Johannesburg, did the rain stop and pockets of sun was shining thru. But it came to late I think, was shaking so much that later I could not tell the difference if it was me or the bumpy road.
Upon finally and gratefully arriving home, I took of my gear and my arms were blue. First I thought must have been some ink or die that imprinted itself on my skin. I tried to quickly wash it off when I realized it was my actual muscles. Only when standing underneath the hot shower could I see the color slowly disappearing.
This was probably one of the greatest introduction of the hardship of motorcycle riding (apart from falling off of course) and I hope it does not get repeated soon.
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( 2.8 / 90 )This past week I went on a bike trip to the Eastern Transvaal province. It was such a great trip and I love every moment of it. Especially since I grew up in that regent. It is without a doubt the most beautiful piece of earth for me.
We pulled away at 5am Saturday morning from Delmas, and head straight to Middelburg and on to Dullstroom. After which the world literally changed with a turn of a page. The road became more twisted between the green hills and small lakes. As we entered this new realm a smile started growing on my face, knowing that it is here where the fun starts!
;)
We reached Lydenburg around 8am and stopped for breakfast. Then we headed off to Sabie first, going through the Long Tom pass. There were some road works on the pass so it took some time to get through. Down Devils Knuckles to Sabie and on to Graskop where we would stay for the night. Did the big cable swing over a ravine as bonus. The afternoon we took the scenic route to Hoedspruit, stopping at God's Windows and Drie Rondawels. After a late lunch we headed back to Graskop to relax after a hard day of riding, with which we already cover over 700km. The Sunday we headed off to Hazy view for breakfast again. Then past White River to Nelspruit, and down the N4 highway to home.
One thing I can say about my K7, what a joy it is to ride! I was surprisingly very comfortable during the trip. Most of the time I had this constant thought about how I can do this for hours. The trip took its toll on my rear tyre, this morning I had it replaced with a new Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tyre. The old one was worn down to the canvas. Overall I won't forget this trip soon, and can't wait for the next one.
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( 3 / 66 )Will i took my K7 on her very first breakfast run. Everyone were very impressed and pleased with my choice and the changes i have made to it. Yet again on the closed road section i was allowed the opportunity to open it up and get the speedo limiter at 299km/h again. Otherwise i kept the speed rather slow, and used the run to get comfortable with the bike's cornering capabilities.
Its was a very nice run with a great group of people!
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( 2.8 / 77 )This past Sunday was my 26th birthday. I have done my first quarter century in this world, and more than ready to tackle the rest. Now if you read my previous entries, I was in an accident with my FZ6, which was a blessing in a disguise since now I don’t have to sell it. I also started to have a growing interest in the new Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K7. Also I started a new job and things seem to be going well on that front as too. So on this note, I thought it would be a good I idea to get myself a kick-ass birthday present….and here she is…..
An AWESOME bike! I picked it up last Friday afternoon, and up and till Sunday night I already clocked over 700km on it. The level of performance, speed and comfort is just so unbelievable. On Sunday a friend from my previous work and myself took a nice long ride to a town named Parys in the Freestate province. The road was a very good choice to ride a new engine in, pretty straight and no too many turns. During the whole trip I basically kept the bike in 4th and 5th most of the time, slowly winding it up to 11 000 rpm then slowing it down to 3000 rpm. I believe in the concept of constantly applying variable pressure on the piston rings so that they seal better. Ok yes and I did took it up to 280 km/h at one stretch…;-)
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( 2.6 / 74 )Well is just had to happen to me... again. I took my bike to some dealers in Pretoria so see what price they will give me for it. Did not go as well as i hoped for, but that does not matter now. On my way back to the office in mid-day traffic some idiot took me out on the highway. For what is typical of peak traffic that people in the fast lane brake for stupid reasons, made this person decide its better to "quickly" jump to the middle lane. What he did not plan on was that i was right next to him. Its hardly a year a ago when a Maserati driver took me out in exactly the same fashion, but this time the knock was to much. Bike got out of control and i bailed. Took a hard knock on the left side of my body, but after just slided my way of the highway. Bike is not happy, whole right hand side is damaged. Best of all is that the driver was driving a company vehicle... without a license. Typical South Africa i guess. Man what did i do wrong to deserve this?
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( 2.9 / 62 )Well about 2 weekends ago i took the new GSXR-1000 K7 for spin, and man was i surprised. I never thought it would have been so comfortable and precise. I am a regular reader of the UK Superbike Magazine, and one thing that one of the journalist mentioned really stood out for me personally on this bike. He mentioned that no matter if you are doing 100 km/h or 200 km/h, the handling keeps its consistency and precision. This was so true, and it generated in me some respect towards Suzuki.
Now the Yamaha R1 is still a beautiful bike, but the GSRX-1000 is just starting to make more sense to be used as a road bike. I would like a bike that i can simply ride where ever there is tar, and GSXR-1000 seems to fit the bill. Its very broad range of power delivery makes it much simpler to get used to the bike. I have started to get my ducks in a row, hopefully a month from now i will have a new one.
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( 3 / 55 )I was sitting at home yesterday and very bored. Not keen on riding because my rear tyre was worn to the canvas. But screw it, i got up and got it replace with a new Michelin Pilot Road2 tyre. Was originally opting for the Power 2CT tyre, but after having chatted with the fitment guys on other people's experienes and checking the specs i decided otherwise.
The reason i went for the Road2 is because it was rated much better for all round usage, and one particular point. When you look at the percentage hard and soft compound structure on each tyre, you will see the Power has actually a much larger 'hard' section in the middle than the Road2. The feedback that the guys have been getting is that this becomes an issue when you in a nice low lean when turning, when the tyre contact point is right on the line where the 'soft' and 'hard' compounds meet. Apparently the tyre becomes a bit unstable as grip gets shifted between the two compounds. Read More...
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( 2.7 / 68 )So went racing around Zwartkops Raceway again, and it just keeps getting more fun. This time around i though screw it, lets join the B-Class riders. Well my and my trustee FZ6 did not seize to impress. Keeping the corners nice and tight, i was able to gain enough time to keep up with most 1000cc riders.
;)
This time around i was constantly scrapping pegs around most of the corners. It is so much fun leaning with the FZ6, it makes you think wish that the corner was tighter so that you can go lower. This is all possibly with my set of Michilen Pilot Sport tyres, naturally. But my tread on the rear is basically worn, so I am taking it easy till payday before buying a new rear Pilot Power 2CT tyre. Read More...
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( 3.1 / 68 )
;)
Thanks Broodforce!
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( 3 / 70 )Did my motorcycle license test today and passed. Finally one less thing to deal with the government. I have been trying for months to get an appointment for a test. Luckily one of the driving schools got me in today due to a cancellation. I also booked a K53 Motorcycle License course just before my actual test. The guy took me through the ins and outs, and after a hour of training it was time for the test. The test only lasted about 15 min. The instructor knew i was doing a training course just before, which i think counted to my advantage. I was only required to do every technique once, hence the 15 min before i was done.
So what next, hmmmm.... maybe go test ride the new 2007 Kawasaki Z1000.
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( 2.9 / 130 )Yesterday I went on my first official track day at Zwartkop raceway in Centurion. Oddly enough I can’t remember why I have not been to a track day before, but still I really enjoyed myself. My FZ6 got a set of Michelin Pilot Sport fitted, with reduced pressure: 1.5 bar in front and 2.1 bar at the rear. With the first session I joined the D group to warm up my tires and get a feel for the track, after which I continued riding with the C group.
;)
Read More...
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( 2.6 / 91 )Well it has been a very relaxing Easter weekend for me. I decided to take the off time to get on my bike and take a ride. My parents decided to drive down to Brandfort in the Free State Province to visit some friends, so jumped at the opportunity to use them as my support vehicle.
;)
I got on my bike the Friday morning at 6:30am. Sun was hardly up, and the air was very nippy. But this was not a problem for my fleece apple warmer and thermal long johns. Traffic was almost non-existent, almost like no one has planned to go away for the long weekend. Was nice easy cruising, trying to stay above 180km/h. Yet again my FZ6 was running like pretty well, it was purely a case of relaxing while listening to my tunes. Read More...
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( 3 / 91 )Man i hate that plastic scratching sound! Only difference is the car actually slammed the side of my bike. Luckily i was still able to regain control of my bike stop next to the road.
Stupid Driver Causes Bike Crash - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!
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( 3 / 74 )Another Sunday another run. Its days like this that I treasure the beautiful African sky. Not a single cloud in the sky, just endless blue. Was not to keen on going a run this morning because I have reached a service interval on the FZ6, but yesterday I thought what the hell. As usual I met up the Rock Riders at the Total garage with my friends from CIT Menlyn Gideon and Frikkie.
;)
So Helmut decided would a trip round Lanseria towards Die Bosvelder would be a nice trip. The Lanseria road is a bit controversial, people enjoy the turns and hills, but the condition of the road is not as good as it used to be. Well I still enjoyed it, still able to enjoy the road, even with a bit of traffic. Read More...
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( 2.9 / 101 )About two days ago I stopped by boys at CIT Menlyn, just to chat and show the one guy the movie clip I have of him popping a wheelie on his Yamaha R1. Gideon has been asking when I am trading my Fazer in for the R1. Bastard knows I will do it in a heart beat ;-) But I have reached that awkward point again, after talking to a lot of people on their experience and reading about all the new write ups in the new models coming up. The question is, what the hell so should I buy next?
Ok, my heart is with Yamaha and will always be my first choice. I always have been saying that I am getting the new R1 as my next bike. But will also admit that I am having second thoughts about my Fazer. The bike is just getting better and better. I can’t imagine that a bike can be so versatile in terms of sport riding. What I really enjoy the most is the amount of seating positions you can play around with, and how the bike adapts with you. I remember when starting on the bike I was basically sitting as far back and comfortable as I can. Then I started to lean forward, pivoting around the fuel cap with my hips when leaning in the turn. Now these days I tend to sit upfront as possible, trying to put more weight on the front wheel. It’s almost like adopting a typical Buell Lighting riding position, got me looking at them again. Well I had a bit of thought, and would really not mind have the same type of ride, but obviously with a litre engine.
;)
And the verdict is … the Kawasaki Z1000. The more and more I think about it, the more would I really not mind to ride this bike. I have not actually been on one yet, but according to all the write ups in the bike magazines it is the one that will give me what I want. A reliable all-round hooligan bike that can do just about everything just short of climbing Everest. Well I have some time before reaching that bridge, but sure would not mind to buy one now!
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( 2.9 / 97 )I was invited by my dealer Gideon from CIT Menlyn to join them on a run yesterday. They were taking out 2 new guys and wanted to know if i would join them. Cool Beans.
;)
Well i actually got home at about 6am yesterday morning, was out on a boys night. Lets just say i am going to need some therapy for all the things i saw on Saturday night. Any hows i got home to was the liqueur out of my hair and clean up before going on the run. Met up with the group in Pretoria at about 7am, and everyone were of at about 8am. As we got on the highway i could see who were the "hotheads" in the group. More specifically these two guys, not one with a proper riding jacket on. Read More...
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( 2.9 / 65 )I was invited by my dealer Gideon from CIT Menlyn to join them on a run yesterday. They were taking out 2 new guys and wanted to know if i would join them. Cool Beans.
Well i actually got home at about 6am yesterday morning, was out on a boys night. Lets just say i am going to need some therapy for all the things i saw on Saturday night. Any hows i got home to wash the liqueur out of my hair and clean up before going on the run. Met up with the group in Pretoria at about 7am, and everyone were there at about 8am. As we got on the highway i could see who were the "hotheads" in the group. More specifically these two guys, not one with a proper riding jacket on. Read More...
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( 2.9 / 96 )Had a nice breakfast run this morning with some mates of mine. First I am sorry for the fellow rider (sorry i forgot his name as it was his first run with us) who came of this bike, glad to hear his injuries was not too serious. I hope a speedy recovery for him. Apart for the unfortunate mishap it was actually a very enjoyable biking day. Nice high speed runs and long sweeping turns. Especially with a great group of riders to hang out with.
;)
We met up 6:30 this morning at the News Café Centurion, nice and early. It was pretty chilly, definite indication that summer is starting to slow down. Everyone was already at the meeting point with my arrival, everyone apart from the group leader. Let’s just say he had a rough night. We pulled away and met up the PineHaven Garage on route to Krugersdorp. After waiting for the remaining riders of the group we head of on the run. Read More...
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( 3 / 84 )I have come to the point to change my bike tyres, the previous set of Dunlop tyres have worked great. I got over 10 000 Km on my rear, but tread is basically gone. After asking around i then decided to go on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. Since I tend to ride like a Rossi wanna-be I though it would be interesting to try out the more sport orientated set.
Well I am pretty broke after the holiday season spending, but I though what the hell. I got a set for a very good price. I also bought a BMC Racing Filter as my current was clogging up. Got it all fitted this past week, and have been riding most of the weekend. At first I got a bit worried when I started riding on the new tyres, kept looking down checking that my tyres are not running flat, but they seem fine !? The bike was definitely riding more softly on the road. Then I convinced myself to just leave it and ride it, slowly pushing it further and see what the tires do. Ironically I was at a biker birthday party this weekend as well, chatted with a fellow rider who fitted Michelin Pilot Power on the rear, and laughed when I described my experience of mine. Hey also have noticed how softly the tires are riding and also thought they were running flat.
So far I think these Michelin Pilot Sports are awesome tyres, it hold so well and ride softer over the road. With addition of the BMC filters the bike overall is joy to ride, so comfortable when cruising on the highway. I am planning to go down to the track in the near future and see what the bike is overall made of.
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( 3 / 79 )Well i thought what the hell, i need to get away. My cousin works on game farm 50 odd kilometres from the town of Piet Retief in the province of Mpumalanga (formerly known as Eastern Transvaal). Me and riding partner Gregg have already been planning this trip a while back, but we both came down with the flu on the particular planned weekend....
Read More...
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