CB1100 meets Buttonwillow

[Rolls_imp]

Looks like a great trip and track day. Love the pictures. I'd be interested in doing a track day of this sort with my CB1100. I'd want it to be with riders that share my goal of being in better control of my bike rather than having the lowest lap times. Maybe someday..

Thanks, MTC! I think you’ve shared an excellent insight. Clarity of your goal at the track, and fellow riders understanding it, is key. I share your goal of better control and shun the fastest lap time in favor of the smoothest and best planned line through the track. The big CB11 is actually a good ally in that regard, as it’s weight encourages you to be planful and it generously rewards your finding a smooth arc through any curve or set of curves.

It’s nothing like a primitive old CB750 or CB1100F out on the track, even though it retains their ancient chassis architecture. The frame is massively stiffer (thank you, computer aided design) and very responsive and communicative right up to its (admittedly modest) limits. If you’re a safe and prudent rider on the street, it’s my belief you’ll be the same on the track.

I think that, if you’re already inclined to try a track day someday, it’s a good idea.

The extra confidence in what your bike can actually do, which you gain on the track, can be extremely helpful on the road when something unexpected comes up. Remembering to push left to go left, for example, to get around a surprise in the road mid-corner, and knowing your bike can do it, can sometimes be the difference between panic braking and rolling on through.

Even if I’m I’m wrong about that, you’re still going to have a moment when you’re riding on the track safely and concentrating on your goal of better control and for a split second you’ll be like, “I can’t believe I’m doing this. It’s awesome! ” And that’s worth something in my book.

I hope things work out such that you get the chance to do it, and that you enjoy it safely and greatly when you do!

That was a really cool report and great pics! Loved the Indian and the Corvette and the you on the track pics...oh and the goodnight Buttonwillow pic too.

Thanks, Mickey! You reminded me, I forgot to credit those photos. For any photo where I’m wearing an orange safety vest, image credit: CaliPhotography. All others ar from my good old iPhone 6.

And I neglected to mention, that ‘42 Indian was produced just before manufacturing was diverted to the war effort, and is one of only 60 produced that year. Amazing to see it and hear it run. You could almost feel the history bundled up in it. Glad you enjoyed it.

Why am I wearing an orange vest? The organizer, in a lapse of judgment, designated me as a helper in the event of anyone going off track. In general, if you see a rider go off during a track day, you never stop - it only causes more problems and hazards. Don’t even watch them as they go off, or you might, too. In any case, we had a very safe day, and I never actually needed to spring into “helper” mode.