Jolley's 848 - Experience to Date!

[singletrack]

Originally Posted by Jolley

Did you notice as we were leaving Ron Haslam that the Blonde girl from the Monster truck asked to have her picture taken on the bike with me?!! I think she was just being polite, so I let her take a picture sat on it herself!

.

Jolley - you are selling yourself short - she probably just wanted a photo of you - or at least thse lovely leathers of yours (I bet she wasn't bothered about the bike!)

I have enjoyed catching up on this thread, and seeing exacytly how much you have done to the bike.
Just one thing..........

Get those exhausts sorted!

[Jolley]

Originally Posted by singletrack

Just one thing..........

Get those exhausts sorted!

I'm still having trouble deciding between Carbon Leo Vince, Carbon Akro's (haven't seen any yet) or Termi's. Saw some Termi's on a 1098 at Ron Haslam and they did look quite nice, but I still think quality on the Leo Vince's is better. Anyway, that will be first job on next trip back...

[Jolley]

Right, a few updates from my recent trip back to the UK:

The bike (currently):

A lot can already be seen in the pictures on the previous page taken 2 weeks ago. Since then the only alterations are the removal of the rear spider/reflector to reduce the rear end (pics below show the difference in length before and after):



I have also got a Carbon cover to replace the pillion seat. So far I have done 2,800 miles and the bike is still running like a dream.

Californian Superbike School

Do it!! Do I need to say any more? I have already booked Level 2 & 3 for my next trip back!... do I still need to say more?!

Basically, I now know what I am doing. My confidence has improved infinitely and I can now enter corners 20mph+ faster without any doubt about getting round. I had only had 2 weeks experience on a bike (DAS and running-in my 848 in sub-zero conditions in December) and I went from having no idea and 30mm chicken strips to knowing what I am doing and getting my chicken strips down to about 5mm (on a damp and chilly track!!). The pictures below say it all (First one tentative before first session on a wet track on my lovely 848 with only 2 weeeks Riding experience. Second shows how stiff and reluctant to lean I was in the first session. Last shows how much more relaxed I was with cornering after just 3 of the 5 track sessions!!)




Bikesafe

The best bit was being followed by a Policeman on a big Green ZX10R!! (no spare Police bikes and the local Kawasaki dealer provides them with some loan bikes):


(not sure how sensitive the Police are about this sort of thing, so have preserved his identity!!)

Again, I can thoroughly recommend this to anyone. For £30 you get the ear of a current Police Traffic officer. It is interesting to get their views on Filtering, Positioning, and “Making Progress”. Also, it is a perfect opportunity to ask them what they would do if they caught you doing X, Y, or Z… and the answer is from a serving officer, not your know-it-all mate down the pub that read something on a motoring forum!

The sneak in me also thinks if you do a local course there is always the slim chance of being pulled by the person doing your course (stranger things have happened), and that can only improve your chances of some leniency! More than anything else it is a fun ride out with a couple of bikers.

Ron Haslam

Fun, but frustrating. The format is for one instructor to lead two students. For that reason the pace is dictated by the slowest rider (pure luck on who you are with). I only reached a pace I was having fun with during the last 2 laps of my last session. When we returned to the pits and I turned to grin at the other chap…. He wasn’t there. My instructor informed me that he had fallen 2 laps before the end of the session!!

If you are new to tracks or want an introduction to Donnington it is handy, but you will not learn anything about bike control on this first level (Premier I think it was called – they do Elite on Fireblades after this). Bike control is assumed, but thankfully I had completed CSS so had half a clue.

If a friend asked me if he should do this I would honestly tell them to save another £100 and do a Level of CSS. It was fun, but a bit of a waste if you are trying to learn how to ride fast.


The bike (plans):

Following some comments about my (lightly) corroded fairing bolts I have ordered a set of Titanium fairing and screen bolts.
Also planned for the future (some in July, some towards the end of the year) are:

• Full Termi System with Carbon cans
• Gilles Rearsets in anodized Black Ducati 1098 Gilles Rearsets
• Ohlins front forks (Hugh, you know it makes sense to sell me yours!!)
• Ohlins TTX rear shock
• Slipper clutch (also looking at possible conversion to dry clutch at the same time).

[Jolley]

I don't half go on!! Believe it or not, that is a short version of my thoughts on the different courses. If anyone wants to know anything more specific just drop me a message.

[Jolley]

Right. I have gone slightly potty and have got an itchy wallet after 1 week of boredom back in "paradise".... not to mention the bad influence of 955SP for giving me the idea in the first place!!

First off, I ordered the Gilles Rearsets.

Then, and this is the slightly potty bit! I have ordered one of these: Öhlins Racing AB

[ducbird]

looking good from here...........

[cookie]

mine's now 24th may... it was late arriving at JHP

CSS is the best. I've done levels 1, 2 and got 3 coming up at Rockingham in June.

Just debating going back to LEvel 1 to start again and get used to the 848 for track days... then I saw the Jerez 2 dayer - would be a nice way to spend a couple of days in October...

bike's looking good jolley

[Jolley]

Originally Posted by cookie

CSS is the best. I've done levels 1, 2 and got 3 coming up at Rockingham in June.

Just debating going back to LEvel 1 to start again and get used to the 848 for track days...

I don't think you would need to start again on the 848.... one track session and you will be upto speed. I am doing Level 2 & 3 at Silverstone on the 18th & 19th Aug.

Just ordered these: Öhlins Racing AB
and because they do not fit the 848 triple clamps, I have also ordered these:


Nichols 1098 Triple Clamp Kit

Looks like I have a few hours of spannering to do when I get back!!

[andrewmc83]

Originally Posted by Jolley

Right. I have gone slightly potty and have got an itchy wallet after 1 week of boredom back in "paradise".... not to mention the bad influence of 955SP for giving me the idea in the first place!!

First off, I ordered the Gilles Rearsets.

Then, and this is the slightly potty bit! I have ordered one of these: Öhlins Racing AB

Aright jolley,
just wanted to ask if you've tried the bike with the new shock yet? you see I asked Maxton suspension up by me about getting the bike set up and they said that a new shock was the best option and recommended theirs Maxton Suspension home page "GP7monoshock" for £570 plus vat seems all good but to be honest doesn't look as good daft i know but the ohlins like yours looks nicer just wondered if the standard spring you got ect all works well and provides the adjustments the standard hasn't or is it just a race compromise part? the ohlins is about £712.77 Plus vat isnt it? maxton will tailor the internals for the rider so am abit stuck.
Cheers Andy

[Jolley]

Originally Posted by andrewmc83

Aright jolley,
just wanted to ask if you've tried the bike with the new shock yet? you see I asked Maxton suspension up by me about getting the bike set up and they said that a new shock was the best option and recommended theirs Maxton Suspension home page "GP7monoshock" for £570 plus vat seems all good but to be honest doesn't look as good daft i know but the ohlins like yours looks nicer just wondered if the standard spring you got ect all works well and provides the adjustments the standard hasn't or is it just a race compromise part? the ohlins is about £712.77 Plus vat isnt it? maxton will tailor the internals for the rider so am abit stuck.
Cheers Andy

My forks have only just been sent and are due on the 19th, so the bike is being booked in for a couple of weeks time. I won't actually be back to ride it until the beginning of August though.... maybe I need a test rider?!! R6Blade already has his fitted so he would be the best person to ask: If Carlsberg made 848's .... here is what they would build :)

I think from Ducati the shock is stupidly expensive (as in over £1,300), but mine with shipping and duty payments was £720.

To be honest, as far as riding, a Maxton set up shock would probably be better.... but it is Ohlins!! (I am not good enough for it to make a difference, I just like the bling!)

[Jolley]

Right, time to confess to my sins and post a warning to all those considering an 848. As I posted in R6Blade's thread, I believed I had spent close to the value of a 1098 Tricolore on my 848. Due in part to boredom, but also curiosity, I added up the bits and bobs I have spent money on since deciding to get my licence:

Before getting Started:
Dainese Jacket £350
Kevlar Jeans £80
Alpinestars Boots £190
Dainese Gloves £90
Arai Helmet £400
Buffalo Waterproof £40
Alpinestars Leathers £850 (only bought these recently)
Total £2,000

DAS Course
Total £500

Bike:
848 £9,500
Alarm £250
Total £9,750

Additional items:
Rear Paddock Stand £125
Front Paddock Stand £125
Chain/Lock/Anchor £180
Link house alarm to garage £160
Dust Cover £45
Wheel tool £40
Total £675

Carbon Bling (The Scary part!):
CF Tank Protector £16
CF Mudguard £120
CF Hugger £120
CF Exhaust valve cover £63
CF Dash cover £66
CF Keyguard £65
CF Sprocket Cover £45
CF Chainguard £52
CF Air Duct Cover £246
CF Seat Side Panel £315
CF Bellypan £275
CF V-Plate £120
CF Seat Cover £165
Total £1668

Other Bling (The really Scary part!!)
MotoCorse Ti Oil Rad guard £129
MotoCorse Ti Water Rad guard £180
Pazzo Shorty levers £129
Wheel Stripe kit £8
Alloy Frame plugs £68
Alloy res caps (x3) £56
Steering Damper £420
Ti Fairing and screen bolts £261
Tinted Screen £46
Gilles Rearsets £350
Nichols Fork Clamp £666
Ohlins TTX £680
Ohlins R&T Forks £1384
Duty for Ohlins above £220
R&G Fork protectors £30
Termis £900 (ordered, not on yet)
Total £5,446

Service costs
First Service £50
Fit Dash Carbon £80
Fit Ohlins £180
Total £315

Courses (to try to prevent me from killing me or the bike):
Cali Superbike School Level 1 £350
Bikesafe £30
Ron Haslam Race School £250
Brands Trackday $184
Cali Superbike School Level 2 & 3 £708
Total £1522

This gives the following Grand Totals:
Finished Bike £16863
Total Spend (including first years insurance) £23,075

....and do you know what, I don't regret spending a single penny!!

Just let this be a warning to anyone.... I set out with the original intention of some Termis and a couple of hundred in Carbon bits and pieces, but like most I got carried away!!

[Ducati Girl]

[quote=Jolley;196502]

....and do you know what, I don't regret spending a single penny!!

And thats the most important part!.......good for you!

[mpk1967]

Originally Posted by Jolley

Right, time to confess to my sins and post a warning to all those considering an 848. As I posted in R6Blade's thread, I believed I had spent close to the value of a 1098 Tricolore on my 848. Due in part to boredom, but also curiosity, I added up the bits and bobs I have spent money on since deciding to get my licence:

Before getting Started:
Dainese Jacket £350
Kevlar Jeans £80
Alpinestars Boots £190
Dainese Gloves £90
Arai Helmet £400
Buffalo Waterproof £40
Alpinestars Leathers £850 (only bought these recently)
Total £2,000

DAS Course
Total £500

Bike:
848 £9,500
Alarm £250
Total £9,750

Additional items:
Rear Paddock Stand £125
Front Paddock Stand £125
Chain/Lock/Anchor £180
Link house alarm to garage £160
Dust Cover £45
Wheel tool £40
Total £675

Carbon Bling (The Scary part!):
CF Tank Protector £16
CF Mudguard £120
CF Hugger £120
CF Exhaust valve cover £63
CF Dash cover £66
CF Keyguard £65
CF Sprocket Cover £45
CF Chainguard £52
CF Air Duct Cover £246
CF Seat Side Panel £315
CF Bellypan £275
CF V-Plate £120
CF Seat Cover £165
Total £1668

Other Bling (The really Scary part!!)
MotoCorse Ti Oil Rad guard £129
MotoCorse Ti Water Rad guard £180
Pazzo Shorty levers £129
Wheel Stripe kit £8
Alloy Frame plugs £68
Alloy res caps (x3) £56
Steering Damper £420
Ti Fairing and screen bolts £261
Tinted Screen £46
Gilles Rearsets £350
Nichols Fork Clamp £666
Ohlins TTX £680
Ohlins R&T Forks £1384
Duty for Ohlins above £220
R&G Fork protectors £30
Termis £900 (ordered, not on yet)
Total £5,446

Service costs
First Service £50
Fit Dash Carbon £80
Fit Ohlins £180
Total £315

Courses (to try to prevent me from killing me or the bike):
Cali Superbike School Level 1 £350
Bikesafe £30
Ron Haslam Race School £250
Brands Trackday $184
Cali Superbike School Level 2 & 3 £708
Total £1522

This gives the following Grand Totals:
Finished Bike £16863
Total Spend (including first years insurance) £23,075

....and do you know what, I don't regret spending a single penny!!

Just let this be a warning to anyone.... I set out with the original intention of some Termis and a couple of hundred in Carbon bits and pieces, but like most I got carried away!!

Your here for a short time, not a long time.

I noticed you've stated "finished bike". Surely not?

[royum]

Who was it that was paying for their 1098 in installments, but left the bike at the dealers whilst doing so?

[Jolley]

Originally Posted by mpk1967

Your here for a short time, not a long time.

I noticed you've stated "finished bike". Surely not?

Noooooooooooooo!!! (There is the rest of the Termi System, some more Carbon, Monoblocs, a paint job........)

Originally Posted by royum

Who was it that was paying for their 1098 in installments, but left the bike at the dealers whilst doing so?

It was colicabcadam: 1098s update