GS v GSA Track day

[patzx12]

My second track day this year.
This time i took 2 bikes my regular track bike 05 GS with 17" wheels and BSB tyres and my 10 GSA which i needed for knocking around the east coast and Dublin.
The weather forcast was terrible, gale force winds and rain.
As it turned out the gale was ever present but the heavy rain missed us.
We stayed in a great camp site on the Naas rd near Citywest.
Saturday was buzzing around Dublin, Sunday a ride over to kilbeggan to visit the American car show (no pictures). The empty back roads to Navan and back via Skerries. We had the roads to ourselves.
Sunday morning was heavy rain i stayed in bed, nothing nicer than being cosy in a campervan when its raining outside.

 

[patzx12]

Monday morning off to Mondello park Wind was very strong and spitting showers, i was aprehensive about the weather and opted to drop into the novice group to make up the numbers, this alowed 2 groups 20 mins out 20 mins in all day long.
There are some fast lads at Mondello check out this picture taken fron biker.ie.
There was also a fast guy on the new Triumph 800 later i was led to understand it was Jeremy McWilliams.
Picture of my 05 is somthing you dont see to often on here.

 

[patzx12]

I opted to take out my GSA and potter around a bit but instantly clicked with the bike in track day mode. ESA on low - Hard. and testing for grip on the damp corners.
Pace was good from the start but keep it smooth and build up thoughout the sessions.

 

[patzx12]

I alternated between the 2 bikes throughout the day, i was almost completly uneffected by the wind on the GSA but it was bobbin me about a bit on the GS due to the lack of screen. I was really suprised by the GSA the twin cam extra 1000 rev limit gives it a kick on the straight, especially with the full system Akrapovic. I was holding my own with Jap thousands and beating them on the brakes, not many bikes can out brake a BMW whilst maintaining control. The Telelever is one of the main reasons i ride a BMW. The bike felt fast.
Traction control was off its useless just a anti-wheelie system really.
I never acuated the front ABS all day.

 

[patzx12]

So which bike do i prefer for a track day tool?
A prepped 05 GS with track day wheels and tyres or a twin cam GSA with Tourance EXP.
















No question The GSA it felt light and ballanced and plenty fast. The suspension is superb.The tyres Wow i was blown away by the EXP's, tyres have come a long way these are a good a tyre as i have ever used good enough for long knee dragging on a damp day, i wouldnt consider using a full road tyre the EXP will do everything i want.
Cant wait to get them on a dry hot track day.

 

[Fanum]

A GS with tyre warmers on....

I truly have seen it all now

 

[earthmover]

A GS with tyre warmers on....

I truly have seen it all now

That made me chuckle too, but I understand why they're on. Interesting conclusion Pat, do you think it would be different on a dry, hot day?
Did a wet Oulton track day a couple of weeks ago and found the EXP's to be a lot smoother than the old style Tourance's, but I have nothing else to compare with (except TKC's, and I would expect a bollocking if I turned up on them!)
Mark

 

[ChrisK]

Took my GSA out on the nurbering back in May. Felt alittle heavy at first but after a few bends got used to the feel of things. Stuffed it up the inside of a couple of blades and 1 R1 which seemed to piss the chaps off a bit. Tough learn to take corners any numpty can be fast in a straight line.

Conclusion more track days needed.

 

[Rasher]

Looked like a fun day (except for any sportsbike owners that got overtaken by a GS)

Would like to get my GS out on a track, the Tourance EXP's seemed pretty impressive so I should be OK on Roadsmarts

 

[GS TRV]

Why 2 GSs???

I GSA and a proper track bike must be the way to go.

 

[CuzGS]

Nice style, the pleasure i get from stuffing blades and R1s at oulton make my GS/GSA more fun than my daytona 675

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

I was holding my own with Jap thousands and beating them on the brakes, not many bikes can out brake a BMW whilst maintaining control. The Telelever is one of the main reasons i ride a BMW.

Couldnt agree more, its a superb setup.

 

[patzx12]

Why 2 GSs???

I GSA and a proper track bike must be the way to go.

Its on a ratio of speed\fun i can buy a track bike but i am a GS rider a track bike will not increase my fun. Anyway the GS is a great track bike as long as it does not blow up. I have to be really carefull with downchanges, dropping a gear to early will result in literally dropping a gear\valve\conrod.
Logical step would be KTM but cannot be bothered.

 

[patzx12]

Looked like a fun day (except for any sportsbike owners that got overtaken by a GS)

Would like to get my GS out on a track, the Tourance EXP's seemed pretty impressive so I should be OK on Roadsmarts

There are sport riders who dont like being overtaken and sport riders that dont mind being overtaker but there are no sport riders that like being overtaken by a GS.

 

[GS TRV]

There are sport riders who dont like being overtaken and sport riders that dont mind being overtaker but there are no sport riders that like being overtaken by a GS.

Ive had my S1000RR round the Ring and never had any GS pass me.

 

[patzx12]

Ive had my S1000RR round the Ring and never had any GS pass me.

It must seem like a toy after your Busa

 

[Rasher]

There are sport riders who dont like being overtaken and sport riders that dont mind being overtaker but there are no sport riders that like being overtaken by a GS.

A mate leant me his old CB500 racer many years ago, I did loads of trackdays on it and many riders would get really upset if you came past, or tried to, often getting quite dangerous in a desperate bid not to be overtaken by a by a wobbly framed, skiny tyred, 50BHP commuter.

My mate used it for track instruction and the odd track day and would normally be faster than all but one or two of the fast group guys, that is the beauty of bikes, it is nearly all down to the rider, my lap times on a sportsbike were barely any faster than the CB and probably slower on some tracks as my skills are no match for modern sportsbikes.

If I get a job before winter sets in I may treat myself to a bit of sportsbike harrassing.

 

[GS TRV]

It must seem like a toy after your Busa

It sure does

It feels like a turbo charged 600 that has Nitrous kicking in at 9K

Would leave the Busa without any hassles.

 

[Spear Ruler]

Looks like you had a great day Pat your pictures are brilliant.

I have done a track training day in Mondello recently on my 650 GS and had a fantastic day. Loved the corners and scraped the pegs on more than one occassion, but could not match the other bikes on the straight. Was in a group with an 800 GS who had much more acceleration on the straight but I could corner quicker. Unfortnately there were too many on the track at any one time for overtaking.

Geraldine

 

[patzx12]

Hi, I want to get Mary doing trackdays same time as me she will be OK in the novice they really take care of the riders i cannot say enough about the staff at Mondello super people.
I would have thought it would be a bit smooth for you guys.
We still havent quite forgiven you for taking us up those farm tracks in Wicklow.
We have another adventure planned, watch this space.