Tribute to you racers...

You probably know me. A strange Swiss guy pimping/blinging his bikes and replacing parts by lighter ones. The stupid guy that tries to anodize/plate even the most unspectacular parts....

From Monday to Wednesday I was in Almeria/Spain. It was the first time for me and my girlfriend on a real race track.

And I became so humble!!!!
You guys really know what's important and what's not! Even when I lost all chicken strips on my rear tire I still was sooo f#*cking slow compared to the others!

Luckily I had the opportunity to make a taxi ride with a two-time german master: and it was an eye opening! Even with two persons on the pani we where permanently passing other racers! It was a life-time experience, something I wont forget.

I took the "old" Tri to the track, not the SL. And I was suprised: no problems at all, neither technical nor any "phyiscal" issues like suspension setup or other stuff (I didn't want to play around with the OEM standard setup because I am just not experienced enough, even with 25 years of street riding). The only things I (unnecessarily) changed was the QS. For a beginner like me the Pani was just perfect!!! So much energy I never experienced on public roads before, feeling the TC beginning to engage when exiting corners, getting more and more assured when hard braking at the end of the long straights.... Sorry, I just felt in love again with the Panigale.

That feeling is what it's all about Gecko. You'll feel the desire to take it to the track more. Next time take the SL.

Congratulations, sounds like a great experience!

guess what it feels like having more fun on a 10 year old japanese twin bucket you're not afraid to toss into the gravel than on the latest and greatest from bologna.

b9009b said:

That feeling is what it's all about Gecko. You'll feel the desire to take it to the track more. Next time take the SL.

Click to expand...

BINGO... Once you take the SL thou, you will NEVER want to ride anything else at the track.

Trust me on that one.

BigBoost said:

BINGO... Once you take the SL thou, you will NEVER want to ride anything else at the track.

Trust me on that one.

Click to expand...

If I had an SL I'd never ride anything else period lol! I'd have to buy another one for a track bike.

b9009b said:

If I had an SL I'd never ride anything else period lol! I'd have to buy another one for a track bike.

Click to expand...

UGH... Tell me about it.... I don't need anymore pushing, as I am already considering that.

I don't know if I ever posted this pic of me on my SL at Road America.

Actually, I thought of buying a 2015 R, getting the rear carbon subframe & SL wheels, as I think that will get me close to a SL weight.

BigBoost said:

UGH... Tell me about it.... I don't need anymore pushing, as I am already considering that.

I don't know if I ever posted this pic of me on my SL at Road America.

Actually, I thought of buying a 2015 R, getting the rear carbon subframe & SL wheels, as I think that will get me close to a SL weight.

Click to expand...

First thats so badass.

Second let me help your decision

Ducati Superbike | eBay

Bids are open sir. DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, my name is Jason and i'm addicted to track...you will find yourself repeating this over and over with your name from now until the end of time...

Track days are like good weed - you really get into it for relaxing purposes.


Racing is like crack/cocaine.


(From what I've been told)

D'Rennstrecki het scho Mänge uf d'Wält bracht....

yeah exactly what he said !

Had to throw in some Swiss German. Hope the OP speaks Swiss German.
Basic translation: When you go to the track you are like born again. Have to learn to walk all over again.

Phl said:

Track days are like good weed - you really get into it for relaxing purposes.


Racing is like crack/cocaine.


(From what I've been told)

Click to expand...

I'll bite on that. . Coaching/track riding g is very relaxing I forgot about life's little uncertainties or any problems I may be facing at the moment and you become enveloped by the day. Friends and family at the track the ride itself. Though constantly physically and mentally demanding I always leave happy and refreshed. ..
After starting racing... oh my god.. it's scaryand anxious and exhilarating. Yet humbling calming and focused. It's truly like crack or what I assume crack would be like. No matter where you place it's a euphoria that I've never experienced before. I was left with wanting more constantly wanting the next flag to drop. Your heart pounds so hard you mouth gets dry you chest flutters and time though flying by seems like everything around you just stops.. you focus.in then whammo flag drops throttles whack open and it's pumping!

Wow.sorry little rant there.. got excited

Received some pictures today from me and my girlfriend at this event
Don't laugh, we are both newbies.

Awesome pics Gecko. Love the pics. So where is the Tricolore it seems really well black lol

b9009b said:

Awesome pics Gecko. Love the pics. So where is the Tricolore it seems really well black lol

Click to expand...

Thanks! Well, its heart and guts are still "tricolore", the rest went carbon fiber and ceramics

Gecko said:

Thanks! Well, its heart and guts are still "tricolore", the rest went carbon fiber and ceramics

Click to expand...

I love it. If Batman rode a Ducati it would look like that. With guns and a turbine engine lol

Gecko said:

Received some pictures today from me and my girlfriend at this event
Don't laugh, we are both newbies.

Click to expand...

That is freakin awesome.... I wish my girlfriend would ride with me like that!

Marry that girl!