I spent yesterday afternoon dropping the the forks in the yokes in order to sharpen up the steering and also to raise the rear (or drop the front if you prefer). I also wound up the damping and added some rear preload.
The result is a very (nicely) quick steering bike. In fact it's hilariously quick steering, it seems to turn before I even think about it. Quite a few SM's can give the feeling of the front wanting to tuck in when really pushed but despite how quick she wants to turn she never tries to do that which is nice
The tyres just grip, what more can I say - I've been pushing them as much as I dare but, so far, they won't misbehave.
Anyway, I took her out for her first proper run this morning, out behind Matlock, and had a ball. Everything from dual carriageway to B roads to lanes to bumpy bits to mud and she was wonderful, so much fun. The more committed you are the better she works; pussyfoot about and she's not sure what's happening and will stutter and lurch. Push her and she just says 'more please', she smooths out, the suspension tracks every little bump and she just seems to 'work'
Off the roads and onto the sort of road SM's were made for; you take the low road and I'll take the high road
I then came across a promising sign
Sadly, it wasn't quite as fun as I thought it may be but it was very picturesque
Then, what I'd been looking for, my very own SM track
which turned into a nice easy trail (oooooh this is fun
)
which then turned into a 'mmmmm I'm not sure I should be here all on my tod on 17" wheels and race wets'
I shouldn't have worried though, she took it all in her stride and soon I was in Matlock Bath enjoying some chips and pop.
I reckon the bike's about how I want her so next is a hill climb. My entry will be off this weekend for Hartland Quay 4th October (Devon).
I can't wait
Andres