First Ride (since last October)...

[RyanITV]

A little back story - I sold both my race bikes last March to force me to take the season off to recover from a back injury. At the time, I ran upper pack in NESBA's advanced group on my R6 - 28s at NJMP, 36s at Road Atlanta... but I needed at least 6 months of therapy and training to get a herniated disc in check.

I had been planning on doing a CSS date at NJMP in September to test the S1000RR out before building one this winter, but a jetski accident in July (shoulda bailed) broke 2 bones in my left foot and shredded my right shin. I'm entering week 8 in round 2 of being in a walking cast - it's healed, but the ankle and knee are stiff and I've got no stability.

A guy I've ridden with a bunch is getting out of it - he posted up his S1000RR for sale. It's already build - completely track prepped, full Ohlins suspension, set up for my weight and pace. I drove over to NJMP yesterday to hang out and take a look at the bike. We agreed on a number and to finalize things I took it out for 5 parade laps or so as it's been a full year since I've ridden anything other than my Zuma.

The thing feels almost as nimble as my R6, but the power delivery is intoxicating. I kept having to back down coming out of turns because it'd start carrying the front (in 20-30mph crosswind gusts)... but it's ridiculous!

I've always been a fan of good brakes - my 1098R had them, and I put a bunch of work into the R6 (monoblocs, foating rotors, rcs master, etc). I constantly trail-brake - usually on stock stuff it's too "numb" to do it. After my ride, I was shocked to find out that the brakes on the bike were 100% stock - right down to the pads. Even my 1098R got a new Brembo master.

All around, the bike felt and rode phenomenal. I'm looking forward to recovering and doing it justice next season.

Ryan