The weekend started off a bit sour. First practice, second lap, motor died. Start tearing everything off bike to see what happened. Rear exhaust valve bent. Thought the weekend was over for me but some good friends stepped up and found/got me bikes to ride. First up was Chai. Second practice he went out and did a couple laps then came into hot pit where I would mount up and give his SV650 a try. It was very noticeable that his bike could use some help in the handling department. Back at the pits, after talking with Chai and measuring his suspension, we added 3/4″ to the rear shock which is quite a bit. AFter Chai came back from his first race (GTL) it was clear he as happy about the change. I took it out then in Thunderbike and wow what a huge difference. The bike could now hold a line, didn’t have to fight to keep it leaned over, and the exiting was loads better. The bike and myself were able to pull off a 7th place finish. Next and last race of the day for us was the Ultralight superbike race which Chai was in. This is where Vadim’s SV650 came into play. Never rode the bike but got out there. This race did not go near as well as the Thunderbike. I think after it was over some good steps could now be made by Vadim to improve his bike. The suspension was very stiff and the clutch was almost impossible to pull in. During the day I had given Brian my airbox and Power Commander so he could get his newly imported SV650 from Ireland running. The bike gets running which will come in handy for me on Sunday.
Brian decides he didn’t want to ride the new bike and stick with his SS bike. I was able to ride this machine in practice and in the Supertwins race. Altho it was sprung way too heavy for me the bike handled amazing. It did lack some speed up top but still an extremely fun bike to ride. I got the holeshot and lead the first lap of the Supertwins race before getting passed by a Ducati 1199. The next lap by another SV and then finished the race in that order. With some more time on that bike and softer springs, I believe I could have beat my personal best time.
Thunderbike – 7th
Supertwins – 3rd
Ultralight SBK – 11th
