Hello Everyone, I moved to London the beginning of this year leaving behind my two motorcycles in Connecticut. I am happy to say that I just got back into the game by purchasing a 2009 Honda Fireblade ABS.

Can't wait for my first track day!

 

Congrats on your new Fireblade (they get all the cool bike names over there, don't they...lol) and welcome to CBRF! Tons of good info in here and lots of good people too so jump right in. Take care over there and don't let your affinity for the right side of the road do you in.

 

Hi & welcome to the site!
Pics are a must for new members...ESPECIALLY with new CBRS ......lol j/k
Would luv to see some pics of the Euro CBR version though
Have fun & let us know when U are doing your first track day "across the pond"

 

As requested, I have uploaded some pictures.

In the UK, the original batch of 2009 ABS bikes were only available in the Perl Siren Blue. Fortunately for me, it is the color I would have chosen anyway.

First picture is myself on the first day of ownership, keys in hand. The last picture is my first track day in the UK Circuit, Brands Hatch. What an experience.

 

Sweet ride, bud... Great pics!
Welcome to CBRForum!

I bet figuring out the oil situation is fun over there....
I was talking to a few UK riders, and I didn't recognize any of the brands except Castrol.
Will you choose Fuch's silkolene? It sound's kinda dirty, actually.... LOL..

 

Very nice wheels man ..........I'll bet coming 'round the back at Graham Hill bend was an experience !.............How was the whole Brands Hatch experience ?

 

kilgoretrout,
Thanks for the welcome. I let the dealer worry about the oil. I don't have much free time on my hands so I wimp out and do even the simple services at the dealer. Wasn't familliar with the interesting Oil names. Will have to check it out next time I am in the dealer. Come to think of it, I should ask what they are using. How is PA these days? I grew up in Lancaster. More specifically, Mount Joy. I understand it has been pretty wet this summer.

Sprockaholic,
Graham Hill bend wasn't bad. Lots of room and Druids Bend slows you down enough to give you plenty of time and room to sight the line through Graham Hill. I was fortunate enough to get a track day on the GP circuit on Brands Hatch.

The tricky turn was 'Dingle Dell Corner'. Coming off of Westfield Bend and onto the 'Dingle Dell' where you drop down into a small dell/valley with no forward visibility. To the uninitiated, such as myself, its easy to get tricked into thinking 'Dingle Dell' is longer than it is until it is almost too late. Coming over top the dell and smack in front of you is 'Dingle Dell Corner'. Throughout the day two people ditched their bikes on this corner misjudging their speed. I am happy to say, I remained upright all day long.

Interestingly, 'Clark Curve' seemed most problematic for people. Long swooping turn with plenty of visibility. The problem is that the turn is so long and swooping that people misjudge the speed they can take into the turn. Three people low sided on 'Clark Curve'.

For those unfamiliar with the circuit, here is a pic:

 

Lancaster, eh? I'm about an hour south of there... I'm almost in maryland.
Weather hasn't been too bad this summer... a little wetter than most, but not bad at all...
Glad to see you're having fun.
I can believe that dingle dell could get you. Definately made for that...