Splashing through the summer on my RC8R

For sure the wet summer has curtailed my intentions of using my RC8R at every opportunity. That said I've had a fair amount mixed weather track time around the UK which has helped me bond with the big KTM.

I've found riding at tighter twistier tracks like Oulton and Knockhill are more satisfying as the low down grunt and quick handling means you can stay with pretty much anything.

At faster sweeping circuits like Donington or Silverstone she is perfectly stable but doesn't quite have the top end of the latest Blades and Gixers. Wherever I've been the handy underseat track suspension settings guide has been useful although I've tended to run slightly more rear compression damping than recommended. 

The Avon 3D Ultra Supersports have served me well (in all conditions) but at around 2500 miles I started to experience some unexpected rear slides so I'll be having a tyre change soon. It will be interesting to visit the same circuits on different rubber.

Come hell or more high water though, more miles are going to be covered and fun will be had. On August 11th myself and some BSB stars will be joining the Robinsons of Rochdale gang to ride from Manchester round Lancashire before meeting up at the shop.

I'm then heading off with the retired Scottish racing contingent (Moodie, Duffus, Morrison, MacPherson and an equally tight Yorkshire interloper called Whitham) on a North of Scotland jolly trying out fantastic roads in the daytime and malt whisky when the sun goes down and the midges come out. Rain suits will be packed, bikes of every description will be ridden and stories of mental racing days will be told.

By Niall Mackenzie