Welcome to BikeWale TrackDay 2019. Now, we are big on themes when it comes to our track days. Last year, we tested supersports that had heavy street bias. And before that, we got together the most popular bikes on sale in the country, and enjoyed a rain soaked track. This year we are seeking the answer to a new age question. And this is one that isn’t keeping anyone awake at night.
“What would you choose – a hardcore supersports so that you put in precise and quick laps on those one or two occasions a year that you come to the track?” And, as a result suffer everyday with the bike’s committed ergos and stiff and sporty ride, and also need a physiotherapist like a three old needs his mother...
Or...
“Should you buy a sporty street naked?” One, that works great on an everyday commute and on weekend rides. And then, when you decide to bring it to the track, it still doesn’t feel completely lost. Like a thirteen old without a mother wouldn’t. Well, there was only one way to settle this. Street nakeds and a race track.
The Tests
Now, it’s alright to bring street nakeds to a race track. But the concern here is - will street nakeds work for all type of riders?
To find out, we have three testers with very different track riding experience. Each of them will rate the bikes on four track-oriented parameters – Performance, braking, handling, and track goodness. The latter is all about how easy and fun to ride a bike is for their individual skill level at the race track.
First, is the Wannabe Racer. Neil. He is young, restless, and he thinks he was born to race. But, of course, he wasn’t. So, he is undergoing a training program. And that, should tell him which way the track goes, when to brake, and what lines to take. Next, is the Racer Boy. Janak. He isn’t the properly committed types who‘d sell its mother’s jewelry just to go racing. But, he has done one season of motorcycle racing. He didn’t win or anything, but he understands which way the track goes, when to brake, and what lines to take. Finally, we have the Reluctant Racer. Pratheek. He is so reluctant in fact that he has never raced! And He hasn’t been on a race track much either. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has no idea which way the track goes, when to brake, and what lines to take!
The Motorcycles
The motorcycles we picked had to be sporty. But, they couldn’t have crotch-rocket-like seating ergonomics. Or an overload of plastic full fairings either. And, they had to span a wide cubic capacity range. So, here’s what we picked.
First up, is the Yamaha MT15. It is the street naked version of the R15. It uses the same engine and cycle parts barring the swing arm. Yes, it has upright seating. But, the R15 roots should make it a light, agile and a fun thing to ride on the track.
Going up the cubic capacity ladder, next we have the TVS Apache RTR 200V Race bike. It has the same chassis, suspension, wheels, and the engine and gearbox hasn’t changed massively either. But, it runs a racier engine map, a performance intake and exhaust setup, and rearset footpegs.
Then we have the BMW G310R. Cousin to the Apache RR310, the G310 R uses the same engine, and the same suspension, brakes and switchgear as the TVS. But, as we have seen on the road, it is more agile. It should ideally be more playful, especially through quick direction changes.
Now, this one is interesting. A power cruiser on a race track. But, the new-for-2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 has had some worthy upgrades like USD forks upfront. So, even though its cornering clearance might get in the way, the sheer grunt of its engine should make corner exits fun.
Ah, the Continental GT. Such a lovely looking bike. And with those rearset pegs and the clip-on handle bars, it also stakes claim to being sporty. Plus, from what we have seen on the road, its brakes, tyres, and even the suspension should allow for some good lean angles!
Finally, the Triumph Street Triple RS. Every time we ride it, we can’t believe how good it is. The RS feels like it was built for the race track. But, with rider comfort in mind! How else do you explain the relatively upright seating ergos, a decently plush seat, and a power delivery that’s anything but snatchy. Should be a blast at MMRT.
Okay. The RS isn’t the last bike we’d be testing at the track. It is a race track at the end of the day. And as luck would have it, we didn’t have to bring one of our own bikes. So, we got the best in the business, instead.
The Ducati Panigale V4!
To read about how it all unfolded, read the detailed stories on each of these bikes.
