Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit


****ing far, that! How long did it take them? a week? Did they send bikes on a trailer?

/sarcasm

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Text: Mohit Pal

KTM had organised an exclusive session for the media at Buddh International Circuit. xBhp and a few other journalists got a chance to ride the orange hooligans on track. I have ridden on this track before but it was my first time to try my hands on the RC 390 and that too directly on the super amazing BIC.

But before we got a chance to throw a leg over the saddle I waited trackside and watched the KTM owners having a ball of a time on the track. I sat and watched an entire session unfold in front of me and there were some really skilled riders in the mix. A wonderful opportunity that the company has provided to owners to experience the full potential of their motorcycles. I hope that other manufacturers will take a leaf out of KTM’s book!

When the keys were finally handed over to me for the ride I was a bit nervous. Riding the RC 390 for the first time I headed out for the initial laps quite slow in order to build up my pace gradually and get some heat into the cold rubber. I found the ergonomics to be very well sorted for my 5’6” frame. The bike performed superbly on track, showing the true orange colours of KTM’s racing heritage in Moto 3. Although being more of a tourer I couldn’t do justice with the RC 390 on track but I enjoyed myself to the core. I did make a few mistakes in the initial few laps, but as the laps ticked by I was constantly improving. And therefore very happy with the progress I made. Even though the entire circuit was not uses, but a modified version of it was given to us to ride on, nonetheless it was a wonderful experience and I look forward to more such track days for KTM owners!

A big thanks to KTM for arranging a track day in such an organised manner where bikers can learn and enjoy an international quality race track at a very nominal cost.

Another interesting thing to note was that KTM had arranged for leather riding suits and boots for all the riders at a very nominal rate of Rs 1000/-. This also included food for the entire duration of the event, as we all know how hungry bikers get after a good ride!

A few more pictures from the event -

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Nice captures Monk.

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Nice clicks. Thanks for sharing this with us. I missed it because I did not have the required gear:-( . Seems like it was a fun event!

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Nice clicks. Seems you people had a very good time on the tarmac!

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Feeling jealous as we cant experiance it kolkata.

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

My Report- KTM Duke & RC 390 Trackday (26/4/15)


I was present at the previous trackday too, which was only for Duke 390 owners, as RC was not launched by then. This event was a lot different than that one.
Instead of giving us the whole track to use, KTM in both its trackdays gave a CONTROVERSIAL S-chicane shortcut which made the entire racetrack have only 3 major straights and 5 corners. That's it. And its controversial too, read on to know why....


Medical Center & Facilities were there, including a Mercedes Ambulance, probably the only Mercedes you would pray not to get a ride in. The previously open helipad was closed this time, maybe due to heavy stunting last time there. The whole facility had CCTV cameras.


The registrations started early at 7 in the morning. The RC's and Driving Licenses were submitted by KTM. We saw a Triumph Daytona in the crowd of visitors too.

The entry was well managed. The bikes were inspected once inside, in Pit Garage #3. Mirrors were removed.
This time, chain spray was to be purchased too, even if you wanted to use just a little of it. No big deal. We took our riding gears from KTM too, but we had to return it after each session due to limited units.

Our bikes were given numbers much in advance. Mine was #19, Group 1.
We were given stickers, a hand band, etc. A short briefing was held inside the race control room, which had zoom-controllable cameras pointing at every spot on the track.

There were 3 groups, each with about 30 riders.

Accidents & Controversy: On just the start of Session 1 of Group 1, there was a big crash at the controversial S-chicane. 2 riders were taken out, one of which had a moderate crash.
A Red flag was called over the digital flag screens all over the track. Since the race just started, I was thinking, O my God, something severe has happened...

This S-chicane is controversial, because its a sharp shortcut back to the pit lane straight, which is not in the original map.
It was a tricky chicane because its comparatively narrow. Many riders in the pics have been seen riding slow through this section, that they didn't even lean much in fear. The straight leading to this chicane is a downward slope, plus it had no braking markers or so. Dear KTM, kindly abandon this S- chicane, that has caused 10+ crashes already in both your trackdays. Give us the whole track, if you can.

In the below video by a rider from the first trackday (apparently), move to 4:20, start playing, and you can see the S-chicane ahead that caused these crashes:-->

youtube.com/watch?v=VQ7wDTjbr48 (move to 4:20)

Even otherwise, KTM placed plastic cones right in the middle of the main straight and hence, my top speed was only 162 kmph this time, compared to 172 last time. One guy objected to it, the KTM people said they'll think about it. The cones were not removed. While they're not much of a threat, being lightweight, they still cause optical confusion as a cone might be behind another rider in front of you. And at 130 kmph, they're still scary to touch or crash into.

Riders were from Uttarakhand, UP, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, etc. Mostly, they rode quite well. One guy crashed so bad, that his right leg was dislocated. I'm not sure if its the same guy from the first crash... but seeing his condition, maybe it was him.
There was one guy, Shas, who had a dirt-bike/ Supermoto like modified Duke and he was riding in a dirtbike style too, with a foot out into the corner. It was a unique feeling seeing this guy ride like that, amongst others. See this in the pics.

There was no locker facility for riding gear and other equipment. Fortunately, I met a friend from Delhi, Naresh Parudiya and I had my DSLR also. So, I & Naresh took some photos too. And I will gladly give the full resolution pics to anyone who's in the photo. I have many pics, specially from the Group 1 and 3.

Later in session 2, on a particular lap, I also caught too much speed before this S-chicane. I had to lean too hard, but my right footpegs scraped the road and the bike had a sudden but slight directional change. Thank god, I recovered and did not crash. But it was my fastest passing through that section I think. My stats were:

Avg. Speed: 91 kmph,
Mileage: 23 kmpl,
Top Speed: 162 kmph (Thanks to 140/70 (taller) rear Michelin and the cones set up in the middle of the back straight).

The heat was there, but it was ok. There was no particular Lunch announcement, so that meant that some of us got cold food due to proceeding for lunch late, but it was otherwise good quality. We were given breakfast, Tea/ Coffee, Lunch & snacks at times when we went for it.. There should've been announcements and a break, I think.

Eventually, the event winded up, but unlike last time, there was no speech/ ceremony at the end. Just pack bags and go.
It happened so quick that I somehow managed to get my DL & RC, and then... I just forgot to take my Rear View Mirrors.
I don't even know if Certificates were given for this event or not, because I didn't get one at the Helpdesk, and I didn't see one in anyone's hands.

Last time, there was a proper farewell & we left happy with certificates.
This time, sadly we just winded up. Happy? Well, maybe...


Duke vs RC: In my humble opinion, Duke did appear to be better at acceleration at some points on the racetrack, specially in the lower gears. I myself noticed this too. However, RC appeared significantly faster through the corners, and in the later gears and the top speed too.
Duke's footpeg also touches the tarmac earlier than RC's footpeg does, in terms of lean angle, plus the RC turns early, which means that RC did appear to take much better corners.

Overall, RC390 was clearly the better tool for the track, from what I noticed seeing the guys in action.


Plus Points:

1. Food was good.
2. Riding gear was of superb quality.
3. The rate was nominal, and we got to try a beautiful racetrack with proper riding gears for no extra charge,
4. Polite and helpful staff,
5. Slight training was given to the participants,

Negative Aspects that can be improved by KTM, in future Trackdays:

1. That S-shaped chicane is not a Part of the original Racetrack. Kindly Remove it & give the full racetrack as it is.
2. The plastic cones are not something everyone is comfortable with. Remove them.
3. Try having a Rider school for 4-5 days, instead of a 1 day trackday, like Honda is having. That would be fun.
4. The management must be better. At some points, even drinking water was not available. Outstation riders were not given any lockers, riding gear priority, other help, etc.
5. It would be better if KTM's own photographers take a photo of every rider while riding, and mail/ provide them in their own pen drives or so... So that other DSLR guys like me don't have to do that. Of course, no big deal.
6. Please have a proper winding up session and involve your existing owners for a meaningful interaction. We owners would love to participate in discussions with management regarding ideas and future products.


Photos are as under:

PLEASE DON'T COPY PHOTOS, WITHOUT GIVING CREDITS TO "Samarth & Naresh". Thank you:-

The BIC Building:


The attached medical center and the adjoining Helipad which was closed, probably due to fear of bikers stunting on it:


The track:-






Yes, its a bee hive and there's a large screen near it:




Before a session:


Your own Samarth 619:-








Amazing lean by this guy:-




Imagine if it was MotoGP, these seats would've been filled! We wish...


RC, the better bike on the track:-


The beautiful locations within BIC:-












Shas: Look at this guy's riding style, of his modified Duke 390. He rode it like a Supermoto/ Dirtbike:-




The controversial S-chicane and its result in front of you. This is just one crash, there were few more:-


That's me with Naresh:-


Probably, the only Mercedes you don't want a ride in. The Mercedes Ambulance:-


Other Riding Pics. Please note that I'm #19 rider here:-













The amazing Gurvinder Singh Matharu ji, who also has clocked a 2:05 timing on a modified ZX10R on this circuit... I was lucky to meet him in person. His son, Simran is also into racing.

Look at that lean angle guys....





And we take leave from the BIC, in the evening:-


PLEASE DON'T COPY PHOTOS, WITHOUT GIVING CREDITS TO "Samarth & Naresh". Thank you.

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

nice write up man.. nice pics.. I'm sorry about the accident.. actually you are better off coz the guys at hyderabad hold the races at parking lots and cement roads.. this is more better (except the "S" part).. Thanks for the insights..

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

What was the purpose of cones?

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Nice Pics!

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Nice write up and amazing pic's
That KTM racing suits look really good

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Yeah. Even that S-chicane wasn't that bad after all.

Its just that it was deceptive and the guys who were there for the first time, ended up crashing mostly on lap 1 itself. I felt sad for them, that's why I mentioned it. Otherwise, the road over this S-chicane wasn't bad, just a bit narrow.

Apparently for safety. So that no one touches a very high top speed on the 1 kms back straight.

But the back straight's end has a huge run over.... There's a lot of tarmac, then there's a big section of gravel, and then impact-absorbing barriers.

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Maybe they should've warned newbies about that specific curve & let a pro rider go first with the others following him at a slower pace so that they know about it a slow round or two and then going live, maybe will take an hour more but certainly save some crashes and a ride in the Mercedes.. what say?

Re: KTM's Track Day at Buddh International Circuit

Amazing pics ... Good to see such events

Sent using Moto X