Jolley's 848 - Experience to Date!

[royum]

That's the man, anyone know how he is? Last time we heard he had eye problems and we don't wish that on anybody.

[singletrack]

I think it is definitely worth the money, Jolley.

I can't wait to see it in August in its new full glory!

Remind me NOT to work out exactly how much my Monster has cost me though! (even though it is nowwhere near what you have spent on the 848)

[edcase]

Jolley,

useful comments. Interesting to note you are a downhiller...I also agree this helped me pass my DAC first time with 3 minors!

FYI I am off to morzine on sat then on to alpe d'huez the following weds for the megavalanche, don't supposed you are going?

thanks
Ed

[Jolley]

Originally Posted by edcase

Jolley,

useful comments. Interesting to note you are a downhiller...I also agree this helped me pass my DAC first time with 3 minors!

FYI I am off to morzine on sat then on to alpe d'huez the following weds for the megavalanche, don't supposed you are going?

thanks
Ed

I passed 2nd time... but only because I talked myself out of the u-turn on the first test! My confidence on the bike is good, and I am sure the downhilling must be the reason... although most "experts" deny this and explain to me it is not a crossover skill.

I do have to do the Megavalanche one year, but my 223 has been in storage for the past 2 years in the uk (not much need for a downhill bike when the highest natural point is 2.0m above Sea level!), so I am a bit out of practice! My current avatar/profile pic (whatever the pic under my name is called) is me dropping off the shed in the Kona Bike Park in Les Gets in 2006.

[edcase]

I was there then! My friend Jean Michel owns (owned) the boomerang, it's him I'm staying with next week in Morzine!

Small world

Can't wait to get up mt chery on sat!!!

[Jolley]

The bike went to Ducati Aylesbury on Monday to have the Ohlins R&T Forks, Nichols adjustable fork clamps, Ohlins TTX rear shock, adjustable link, Gilles Rearsets, Gold Chain, and DP neoprene race seat fitted. I will try to get some pics up as soon as the bike is back.

Originally Posted by edcase

I was there then! My friend Jean Michel owns (owned) the boomerang, it's him I'm staying with next week in Morzine!

Small world

Can't wait to get up mt chery on sat!!!

Had a few drinks in the Boomerang, but tend to stay with these guys: Riders Retreat - Chalet L'Ecuire in Morzine

[edcase]

back in one piece....just!

Came 118th.... what an amazing event. You really have to do it!

Ed

[Jolley]

....after my recent trip back to the uk I have a few things to update (anyone that is interested!). I was fortunate enough to attend a trackday at Brands, complete Levels 2 & 3 of the Californian Superbike School, and bee unfortunate enough to suffer a breakdown.

Bike Upgrades:

The bike has benefitted from The fitting of the Ohlins R&T Forks and FFX rear shock, Gilles Rearsets, a Gold chain, and a DP Neoprene Seat:



I know the exhaust pipes are not pristine, but that will not matter when a full (to be decided) exhaust system goes on.

Gorgeous, gorgeous rearsets!


If you like a bit of spirited riding I can fully recommend one of the DP Neoprene seats. Comfy and very grippy.

I have also fitted the Rizoma Bar end weights and Stomp Grips since these photos, but have yet to fit the tinted screen (didn't have time).

Brands Hatch Trackday 12th August:

Rain at the start of the day didn't look promising, but with a breeze, plenty of bikes, and a bit of sun the track dried out very quickly and by the time I had warmed up to riding again (first day on bike in 3 months) the track was plenty grippy enough.

There were a lot of bikes in the gravel traps and at one point every session was being Red Flagged. This led to Hugh (955SP) swapping groups to the Green with me to avoid some of the stopped sessions (Green group was not so badly affected). I enjoyed following him round, learning exactly how quickly it is possible to go into Paddock Hill Bend if you are following someone else. Hugh also got to witness me making a mess of my pants when my toe hit the track shortly after this photo into Druids

As I wasn't insured to be on track I decided to take the chicken route and call it a day when it started to rain after lunch.

My only complaint about the day was that I booked an instructor as it was my first trackday, only to find out that one was allocated to me at 15:40hrs in the afternoon. As it happens I was not even at the circuit by this time due to the weather, but I was disappointed that I had to wait until nearly the end of the day to receive any instruction which is marketed to help first timers.... the end of the day was a little too late, but fortunately there were a few helpful Ducatisti around.

Breakdown:
On my way out of London the night before my CSS course the bike decided to die on Kilburn High Road just outside a little Cafe called "Small & Beautiful". The reason for mentioning the specific place is that the Manager/Owner was a biker and let me sit in the front window drinking free coffee whilst I waited for recovery. A big thank you to that man for putting the coffee machine on after he had closed.

Now for the debacle of Ducati Assistance! I had the card with me, but the 00 number was not connecting to any number, and if I dropped one of the zeros it would put me through to Chevrolet recovery! I scoured the net, but not even the Ducati Website had a recovery number listed which worked. After much frustration I remembered that I have AA cover free with my bank account, which probably worked out better in the end anyway.

First man out diagnosed battery not being charged properly (maxing out at 12.7v charge over 4,000rpm), which I am told is not enough. Ducati have since diagnosed a faulty Voltage regulator, which is a known problem and they replace it with a modified regulator.

For those that might find it as amusing as Lisa (thank you for waiting with me for 3 hrs!), here is a photo of me loading the bike onto the recovery trailer.


CSS Level 2 & 3:
Firstly, related more to the bike than the course, you will note in the picture below the change in rubber on the morning of level 3 on a damp track. I wasn't sure this would be a good idea, but it turned out to be an inspired move. I like the Dunlop GP Racers much more than the OE Pirellis.

(Oh, I have to credit any pics taken at CSS to picman.co.uk ... always great shots!)



I will not dwell too much on what is taught, but I will say to anyone that didn't feel any massive leaps in their riding after Level 2 that they really should book in and do Level 3 also. Apart from Level 1 (where I learnt a lot because I had only been riding a bike for 2 weeks), Level 3 was the one where I really felt my riding kick up a gear. The proof is in the photos..... I am not the most leant over or hanging off like a GP star, but you have to consider that at the time the following photos were taken I had only been riding for a total of 5 weeks. My own personal confidence in husling my bike round a corner have improved massively since the Hook Turn was introduced to me in Level 3.

To really pile the pressure on, one of my Instructors for Level 3 was the Man Andy Ibbott himself!

Anyone that has done Level 3 will understand why I love this picture. My inside elbow pointing at the track shows I am putting into practice the theory of the Hook Turn.

I am not sure who the Hyper rider was or if he is on here, but he was really having some fun on that thing... I just love this photo!

[Ducati Girl]

Great photo's - I have a tingly feeling all over! I'm gonna get mine out now - suns out!

[ducbird]

brilliant read Jolley looks like your having
the time of your life on that track...

Is there much left now on that old bike of yours to
change....

848 eh should be in white......

[ducbird]

Originally Posted by monstergirl

Great photo's - I have a tingly feeling all over! I'm gonna get mine out now - suns out!

yep Karen im off out on Dizzy in a bit

Sun shining here too..........

[Jolley]

Originally Posted by ducbird

brilliant read Jolley looks like your having
the time of your life on that track...

Is there much left now on that old bike of yours to
change....

You should see the size of the box I have in storage with all of the old bits in!! I keep wondering if there is some way I could put them to good use or get some money for it all. I have no intention of ever selling the bike (it is my first bike), and if I crashed it I would want to replace the bits with those I have upgraded to... so why bother keeping them.

I would enjoy myself a lot more if I could find a cheap way of extending my insurance to track use. I saw the state of one of the bikes (Kawazaki I think) in the pits at Brands Hatch and got to thinking how much similar damage to mine would cost to put right!.... although it would provide a good excuse for a different paint scheme!

[Cess pit]

Jolley
The bike looks awesome mate......do you notice that much of a difference now the goodies have been installed?

[Jolley]

Totally different bike. It is a lot more compliant. The back end actually soaks up bumps and doesn't kick you out of the seat. The front seems to turn in with a lot less effort, and once there seems to track the corner much more easily without further inputs. It is subtle... but noticable (in fact it is noticable how much you do not think about the suspension doing anything... shows just how well it works compared to the standard stuff).

[Dementor]

Fitted the Ohlins TTX36 to mine.....total transformation as Jolley says