I had the 890 out for its first track day yesterday and I had an absolute blast! Overall my lap times were 1-2 seconds slower tha my previous bike (K6 GSXR-1000) Not bad at all for being down 50 HP and about 40MPH top speed.
Some observations (most all comparisons are from the K6 gsxr)
Bike is WAY more comfortable! My legs hurt MUCH less today and I was able to do full sessions for all 7 sessions.
Bike is much faster in the corners. I was able to get my right knee down for the first time in several corners. My left knee was touching down much more consistently and with a bit more pressure than before. I think this was a combo of higher corner speeds and being able to get off the bike more and get my knee out a bit more.
Traction control saved my bacon when i had a missed shift at full throttle in 2nd gear. Before I knew what was happening, the engine revved up, slammed into gear, front wheel came up and traction control put it back down. I found i had to be careful when shifting my body weight while preparing to upshift. My toe would bump the shifter and the quick **** would cut ignition and try to buck me a little bit. I made a slight adjustment to the shift linkage to give my toes more room to get under the shifter.
Power cup 2 tires performed very well. I was a bit concerned the rear tire was getting plenty of heat but not the front. I had to adjust my normal brake markers and go deeper into my braking zone so I could brake hard enough to put more heat into the front. Slight pressure adjustment and harder braking helped a bit, but I would like to see more. This tells me I need to run a harder compound rear in the heat or a softer front if its cold out..
![5465]( "5465")
![5466]( "5466")
![5467]( "5467")
![5468]( "5468")
![5469]( "5469")
![5470]( "5470")
![Image]()
![5473]( "5473")
![5474]( "5474")
Some observations (most all comparisons are from the K6 gsxr)
Bike is WAY more comfortable! My legs hurt MUCH less today and I was able to do full sessions for all 7 sessions.
Bike is much faster in the corners. I was able to get my right knee down for the first time in several corners. My left knee was touching down much more consistently and with a bit more pressure than before. I think this was a combo of higher corner speeds and being able to get off the bike more and get my knee out a bit more.
Traction control saved my bacon when i had a missed shift at full throttle in 2nd gear. Before I knew what was happening, the engine revved up, slammed into gear, front wheel came up and traction control put it back down. I found i had to be careful when shifting my body weight while preparing to upshift. My toe would bump the shifter and the quick **** would cut ignition and try to buck me a little bit. I made a slight adjustment to the shift linkage to give my toes more room to get under the shifter.
Power cup 2 tires performed very well. I was a bit concerned the rear tire was getting plenty of heat but not the front. I had to adjust my normal brake markers and go deeper into my braking zone so I could brake hard enough to put more heat into the front. Slight pressure adjustment and harder braking helped a bit, but I would like to see more. This tells me I need to run a harder compound rear in the heat or a softer front if its cold out..
