Tracking the Rockster

hrothgar02 · Post by **hrothgar02** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 11:29 pm

I did a crazy thing couple of weeks ago. I "tracked" the Rockster! Why was it so crazy?
1. Our bike weighs over 500lbs
2. Peak HP in the 80's
3. It's pretty damn expensive if you crash!
4. I was on sports touring tires

Conclusion:
1. My sphincter muscle is MUCH tigher thank you very much
2. Utilizing the engine/torque effectively controlled velocity in the S turns(don't downshift too quickly before the corner or your rear wheel will lock up hence point number one)
3. The Rockster is incredibly stable in the corners
4. I was the only one who took the numbers and headlight tape off my bike and RODE it home
5. I got blown away by 600cc bikes but was a damn good time

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 6:35 am

Great...and good for you...I would love to do a track day on mine...

Great pic...are you sure you're having fun..

DJ

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 9:11 am

There's another member here who also took his to the track. Illuvatar is his user name.

Post by **duke** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:53 pm

I think Riceburner from Blighty

has done it before his bike was >:*&^$ OFF by some Chelsea tractor (read 4x4). Please check the archives.

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 4:18 am

Aye, I've done it...

Not the quickest bike out there - I was in mortal fear of decking the cylinder heads everywhere.

rockster.ch · Post by **rockster.ch** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 2:52 am

RB, just tape your knees to the heads and be done with it

Post by **beekstersocal** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:39 am

took my roadster out to the track [buttonwillow] this last monday in the rain had fun but couldnt open up though there was a gal out there on a green rockster who did quite well infact it was her 3rd track day , i informed her of this site hopefully she'll log on with some pics ill post mine in a few days all i was doing was rooster tailing

Illuvatar · Post by **Illuvatar** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 12:25 pm

Right on hrothgar02!! Go you!!

Just got back from another Track day meself!

Got to meet the Beekster even! I think we had more fun just fellowshipping the night before than we actually did on the track this time.

This was my 3rd Track day on the Rock and I can well relate to the sphincter factor! lol My first time out there showed me after 15 years of riding...just how much I DIDN'T know but it was defo fun and and I'm hooked.

I've since attended Reg Pridmore's CLASS Track School and now am practicing my cornering skills on our local onramps every chance I get!

A couple of observations:
1. The Rock is indeed stable in the corners and if you blip your throttle when entering it really reallllly helps to avoid chirping the real wheel.
2. The handlebars while great around town cause me to work harder when getting my butt off the saddle in the corners as they aren't the kinda bars that help you when you are trying to tuck in.
3. Track days in the rain really and foretruly SAHHHHUCK! I go to the track to #1. Get my speed willys off and #2. To put to the test everything that I've learned and have been practicing. I want to see how deep I can get into the corner before braking, I want to see how far off the bike I can get, I want to see my Rock take a high banked big sweeping right hander at max torque in 3rd gear, I WANT to see just how hot I can get coming out of said corner and I WANT to pass and not BE passed!

NONE of these things can you do when your whole focus is keeping away from puddles, working hard to keep your speed down to avoid sliding, and freaking out when you hit new patched wet pavement that causes your front tire to kick out. They say that "It's good practive for foul weather riding on the street!" Well....I have a car for that bucko!

So bugger that! I am sooooo looking forward to a rematch dangnabbit!

*Breathes* Rant over*

Hey mate, glad you had a blast and really though, other than the bars (which is a real good excuse for getting me an S

) , I find the Rock to be quite fun out on the track and really hope that you get the chance to get back out there soon!

Ride on!

Oh hey RB!! Good job of looking through that turn! Nice shot!

Post by **beekstersocal** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 6:43 pm

could'nt of said it better myself

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 5:20 pm

Cheers Illu.

Has to be said though - my ZXR400 is a much better track bike than the Rock.

Illuvatar · Post by **Illuvatar** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 7:53 pm

riceburner wrote:Cheers Illu.

Has to be said though - my ZXR400 is a much better track bike than the Rock.

lol.....well..yea...I would quite believe it!

To me...it's the handle bars that are the biggest drawback when tracking the Rock...tis one of the main reasons (other than 167 HP) that Daddy is getting an S.