White Dalton Blog

In allegations of eating all the pies

I have at long last done my first ever track day on the full GP circuit at Silverstone.

I was more than a little nervous before hand.  I was worried that I would be too slow, that I’d trash my bike etc…..  We had the briefing before going on track which calmed me a little and the organisers (Hottrax) also gave a more detailed briefing on the track for newbies like myself.  This proved to be very helpful later!

I had booked an evening session which, as it turns out, was not fully booked.  After both groups had done their 3 mandatory sighting laps it got turned into an open pitlane session.  This turned out to be really good as I could go out and do 3 or 4 laps and come in for a short break before going and doing more.

I soon found that my 749 was absolutely perfect for a first track day outing.  It felt so stable in the corners and I soon found that I was pretty quick through them.  The bike lost out on the straights but there were very few that were as quick as me through the twisties.  I only went off track a couple of times, the most hair-raising being at Copse.  In the briefing, we had been told we’d probably go in too hot into Copse at some point but were also told that you shouldn’t worry as you just stand the bike up, go over the short bit of grass and there is loads of tarmac run off.  That said, when you get Copse right it is very satisfying – to be going that fast with your right knee buried in the race track is awesome.

I didn’t tape up the bike as is normal for track days as I had to ride too and from the track, but in the entire session I only sneaked a view at my speedo on the long straight.  Apart from that, I was counting gears, looking for apexes and looking for braking points.  I put the baffles in my G&G cans, but was a little worried that they would still be too loud.  I didn’t get black flagged, so can only assume they were quiet enough!

There were photographers at the track from whom I couldn’t resist buying a CD with all my pictures on – I’ve attached a few to this blog.  It’s only fair to acknowledge the photographers who were from www.BritishSportPhotography.com.

In short, I cannot wait for my next outing and if you’re like me and really want to do a track day but are nervous, don’t put it off any more – you wont regret it!

Here are some of the pictures I took at the recent road races – these guys are nuts.

It was a real shame about the weather, but we hope to be back next year when fingers crossed it will be baking hot sunshine!

I have finally had to admit defeat and accept that, after fracturing my scaphoid and having it pinned, my wrist is not as strong as it used to be. Therefore, riding my 749 has become increasingly painful even on the shortest of journeys.  Once I finally got passed my stubborn streak and realised that perhaps I should be looking at something with a less sporty bias, I started with my wish list for the bike; something like this:

1. I must be able to ride it longer than 5 minutes without being in pain;
2. I want to be able to go Court and go touring on it so good luggage is essential;
3. It must be fun;
4. It must start every time you push the button and be considerably cheaper to run than a Ducati.

I very quickly started considering BMW’s because of their ‘bullet-proof’ reputation and I know they do good luggage designed specifically for their bikes.  Initially, I considered the old R1150GS.  However, there is a problem with this bike for men like me who aren’t blessed with the longest legs in the world.  I looked at Mr. Dalton’s R1200GS.  The length of the leg was not so much of a factor with this bike, but it does weigh about 4.5 tonnes.  At this point I was thinking I would have to look elsewhere, but before I did, I was reliably informed that BMW had a relatively new model which would probably suit me more: The F800GS.

When looking into this bike, I found that at last BMW were starting to realise that not all their riders are 6′6” with a 42” inside leg.  They do a lowered seat.  Off I trundled then to BMW Wollaston in Northampton where I test rode the 800 with a lowered seat.  Whilst manageable, I did think I could do with it lowered just a little bit more.  When mentioning this, I was told that you can get an aftermarket replacement shock spring which lowers the bike about 1” further.  I was so taken with the bike on my test ride that I put in my order for a yellow and black one a couple of days later.  I took delivery of the bike last week.

I have just ridden my F800 all weekend and have to say that it was a cracking choice.  The bike is awesome as an all-rounder and loads of fun to ride.  I will shortly write a blog about the first 600 miles spent running in the bike, but I can already say that the 3-piece hard luggage is really good and really easy to take on and off.  It has a nice touch of being easily expandable.

A quick plug here:  I have to say that Steve Nash of Wollaston Motorrad has been very helpful throughout the purchase of this bike.  He managed to source me one, get all the extras fitted etc and through to me in under a week.  I am impressed and grateful.

Finally (and worryingly) Andrew says that I am two years ahead of him in buying my first BMW.  How many gadgets and devices I will have attached to my bike by the time I reach his grand old age?

Last weekend, Rhiannon and I attended the ‘On Two Wheels’ Event in Kingsbury Square in Aylesbury town centre.  It was good to meet quite a few local bikers and IAM instructors.  Both my Duke and Rhiannon’s Triumph seemed to draw quite a bit of attention from passers by…  most seemed to show good taste and preferred the Ducati!

This mini show was not just restricted to motorbikes as there was a bicycle stunt show and a ‘Cycle Aylesbury’ stand helping people out by servicing their bicycles.  As someone who spends quite a bit of time not only on my motorbike but also on my bicycle around Aylesbury, it is good to see how 2-wheel friendly the town is.

Have a look at the photos to see what you missed if you weren’t there…