Session Two
I’ve just ridden it in race mode (which is the second setting off the max) and you get the feeling of real power and you can’t feel the traction control working like you can in rain mode. It’s really unobtrusive when you’re tramping on a bit.
In race mode you’re riding it a lot harder and you’re less aware of what’s going on with the electronics. The traction control is closing the throttle for you. It works in three stages: throttle mechanism, then butterfly, then ignition timing. The reverse happens when you get grip again…
I stiffened the front forks by two rings of preload as I wanted less weight transfer which helped it on the brakes, turning in and made it more stable on the straight. It still tank-slaps over any crest where the front goes light - it needs the back firming up for the next session to stop it squatting as much.
I’ve suffered from lots of brake fade – particularly in that session. I’ve heard these are pre production brake parts but the faster I’m getting the more of a problem the brakes are becoming.The track temp isn’t crazy, just 20 degrees.
I’ve seen 280kmh in fifth on the straight. Troy Corser’s not out yet. I’ll wind him up over lunch and then have a go at him out on track. Ha, ha!
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