Yet another newbie. Hello from Wyoming.
2012 KX450f
1993 CR250
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Created on: 02/21/15 02:40 PM
Replies: 29
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
Rook
Joined: 03/28/09
Posts: 20606
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
VicThing
Joined: 07/17/14
Posts: 2364
RE: Another newbie
02/21/15 10:29 PM
Welcome Koog, how about a little more background? What bikes did you or are you considering other than the 14?
I had a VF1000 in the late 90s, and hadn't ridden since (a couple times on other's). This year the time was right for me to get back into it. It's basically been 15 years. I considered a few bikes narrowing down further and further. I sat on 3 bikes, and test rode one. When I test rode it, I knew the 14 is what I wanted. Not sure if you're considering or have already bought, but this thing is a freaking hoot!
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
RE: Another newbie
02/22/15 5:24 AM
Hey VicThing. The last bike I owned was a 2002 R1 which I sold in 2005 when I moved back to England from the Isle of Man. After living somewhere with no speed limit (at least on the mountain), I didn't think I'd want another road bike. It took me 10 years to decide I missed it .
I looked at an 899 Panigale, a Tuono, a Z1000 and even a Hypermotard. I guess the zx14r just felt right and I wanted something with a good fuel range (you can be a long way from the next gas station in Wyoming ). I was also given a pretty good deal (I think) on the zx14r I just bought (I only bought it 2 days ago). It's a new 2014 (31 miles) and I got it for $11,750. I couldn't resist.
* Last updated by: Koog on 2/22/2015 @ 5:34 AM *
Rook
Joined: 03/28/09
Posts: 20606
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
RE: Another newbie
02/22/15 7:52 AM
Yea, they were good times Rook. I was on the island for two and a half years with my job. I lived in tholt-y-will (between the bungalow and Sulby crossroads) so I was only a couple minutes from the mountain road. Doing 150 up the mountain mile a few times every weekend is a great stress reliever.
I keep thinking I'll go back for the TT one year, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. One day eh?
Rook
Joined: 03/28/09
Posts: 20606
RE: Another newbie
02/22/15 1:31 PM
IDK how old you are, Koog but last I heard, The Isle was booked at TT time for the next 20 years. You mighta seen your last TT unless you can stay with friends. 150 mph and no concern about police. That's a dream come true. I'd have to go back to visit at least one time every year.
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
RE: Another newbie
02/22/15 2:28 PM
Yea, I've got friends over there who would let me sleep on the couch.
I wouldn't know where to start with taking a bike over there from here though. Box it up and ship it? It'd be funny to see the looks I got over there with a Wyoming plate though.
I'm 47, by the way.
* Last updated by: Koog on 2/22/2015 @ 2:30 PM *
VicThing
Joined: 07/17/14
Posts: 2364
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
Rktsled
Location: Big D
Joined: 08/10/14
Posts: 365
RE: Another newbie
02/25/15 8:31 PM
Congrats and WELCOME!!! I'm with Rook, would be hard for me to leave the Isle!!! I have watched the Isle races on TV for more years than I can imagine, would love to be there in person. I checked in to tickets a couple of years ago, was basically told to forget it unless someone died.
Once the weather in Wyoming warms up you should have some great riding there, enjoy!!!
Wolfman
Joined: 03/29/13
Posts: 6714
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
RE: Another newbie
02/26/15 5:28 AM
Thanks for the welcome guys.
I know we used to book the hotel for the next year each time we were there but I don't think it'd be impossible. The last year I was there for the TT (2005) we stayed at the Hydro in Douglas. The 3 years prior to that I was living on the island anyway. Getting there with a bike from England wasn't too difficult if you booked the ferry a year ahead. (Steam packet is the ferry company). If you're just crossing as a foot passenger, I doubt it'd be very difficult to get a ticket at all. If you're only going once, go for both weeks (practice week and race week) to get some practice in and get used to driving on the left. You may also wanna look at going to the Manx (MGP) at the end of August. Same course but only for amateurs and nowhere near as busy. You won't see the likes of John McGuiness or Michael Dunlop racing, but it's still awesome to watch and nowhere near as crowded to ride the course.
You've got me wanting to go over there again now. :-). Maybe I need to make a few phone calls.
motero
Location: Ireland
Joined: 02/17/12
Posts: 493
RE: Another newbie
02/26/15 10:06 AM
welcome koog...hardest part is sticking to the speed limit in designated areas on the island after goin so fast over mountain,
its not booked up for 20 years, its just heavily booked early,
motero
Location: Ireland
Joined: 02/17/12
Posts: 493
RE: Another newbie
02/26/15 10:07 AM
michael dunlop will be racing at the manx this year, in the classic tt as far asi know, the manx is great too, but if i was coming from the states, id defo do the TT...but you really need transport when you are there to get the best of it
* Last updated by: motero on 2/26/2015 @ 10:08 AM *
06blackpearl
Location: South Jersey
Joined: 07/27/12
Posts: 605
RE: Another newbie
02/26/15 12:35 PM
Welcome!!
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
RE: Another newbie
02/26/15 4:23 PM
Thanks 06blackpearl.
Hey motero. Cool that Michael is at the Manx. I didn't know that. I used to enjoy watching Joey, Robert and Phillip McCallen race there. I think Dave Jeffries was the one who scared me most though. He always looked so wild.
I didn't really ride the bottom of the course much when I lived there so I don't know it very well. In fact, I probably only drove that road when they closed the mountain for snow and I had to get to work in Douglas and Onchan. I'd usually just ride from Ramsey to the Creg and back several times on the weekend. The R1 that I was talking about I bought from Paul Deadman's in Ramsey. Chopped in my old Thunderace for it. Good times
I almost went over for the Northwest 200 while I was on the Island. One of my few regrets in life that I never went over to see that.
motero
Location: Ireland
Joined: 02/17/12
Posts: 493
RE: Another newbie
02/26/15 5:02 PM
McCallen was pretty intense rider, ye my mate won the irish senior support road race championship last year, and did the manx in 2014, he was leading it in 2013 when his clutch gave up ,
Should get talking to Michael at some of the road races here ,,see what his plans are, he doesn't give much away,
Guy Martin and William were racing here last weekend, Nifty Fifty endurance race.... Honda 50 cc! 4.5 hours
Racing honda 50/70/90 , 3 categories all on track at the same time!!
The northwest 200 is pretty good, the Ulster gp is just as good
motero
Location: Ireland
Joined: 02/17/12
Posts: 493
RE: Another newbie
02/27/15 3:27 AM
most of the big names competed in last years Classic TT...if nothing it gives them more track time
2014 Classic TT report...
* Last updated by: motero on 2/27/2015 @ 3:28 AM *
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
RE: Another newbie
02/27/15 5:05 AM
Ok, cool. I don't remember that at the Manx (must be an age thing).
I flag marshaled at the bungalow for the 2004 Manx. That was kinda interesting. Only did it once though as I was off the island before the next year. Still got my TT & MGP flag marshal jacket though. Good memories.
Last time I was there for the TT, the mad Sunday cones started between Windy Corner and Kate's. They seemed to start further up the mountain each year.
motero
Location: Ireland
Joined: 02/17/12
Posts: 493
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
Koog
Location: Wyoming
Joined: 02/21/15
Posts: 22
Wolfman
Joined: 03/29/13
Posts: 6714
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