Trackday Stuff

[patricks2r]

absolutely...  and I would love some company      [as I will be pretty new to it - I've only done one track day].
I made a promise to myself to make a serious effort to get into it next season.

[GLantern]

si si amigo...  2003 600rr track bike  [moto]  - sorry for the thread jack Ben

NP man my problem was solved!

I hope to be joining all of you next year on the track just waiting for my jetski to sell........then i should have enough for a setup track bike

[Grrrly]

I hope to be joining all of you next year on the track just waiting for my jetski to sell........then i should have enough for a setup track bike

why not just get some race plastics for the 1098? that bike is perfect for the track!!

[FLSTFI_E46]

why not just get some race plastics for the 1098?

... http://www.sharkskinz.com/

[GLantern]

why not just get some race plastics for the 1098? that bike is perfect for the track!!

I have been seriously considering it if the ski doesn't sell i am just nervous bout dropping it on the track. Of course in reality i shouldn't be considering a street drop would be ten times worse in my opinion, and the conditions will always be better on a track.  Setting it up for track what would you think i should invest in IG?  

This was my current list-
Track Fairings
Rear and front axle sliders, already got the frame sliders taken care of
Stainless steel or other hard clutch cover

And that was all i had in mind so far.  I had saw this though and figured with the amount i spend on setting up the 1098 i was about halfway towards a track bike that i would not mind dropping.  Any tips and kind words about how i will be fine with proper instruction etc are welcome

[Grrrly]

as for a clutch cover what about the stock one if you're worried and I would second the suggestion of sharkskins as already posted. As for instruction, every trackday organization now offers instruction in the beginner groups.  Some charge extra for more personal attention, some don't and it's usually pretty easy to snag a control rider/instructor to come out with you if you need help. 

As far as concerns of dropping the bike,  it really shouldn't even be a thought in your head, unless you are in the habit of crashing on the street.   Many times the riders that you see crashing at the track in beginner and intermediate groups are pushing themselves beyond their skill level, (same as on the street) and many times you will recognize early on which ones will end up off the track at some point.


I wouldn't really bother with getting a track-only bike unless you've done a slew of days and know it's something you want to do, and especially if you are running in the top intermediate/advance groups.    Most run their street bikes in the beginning especially.  And you will see many 1098 s on the track!   A fellow DESMOite has a D16 which he runs on the track, he's selling it as he actually prefers his 1098R for the track.  (and hes frightened of crashing it on the track).   one thing you will have to learn is corner speed, and not relying on your throttle to catch up and blow past slower bikes on the straights...   This is where is sucks to run a SV650 like Terry and I do.  He's much faster than me, but it's a lot of work for me to pass guys riding 1098s.  It sucks to get stuck behind slower riders that blow past you on the straights and then park it in the corners! uggggh  But it forces us to corner faster, not a problem when you can pass in corners, but usually in beginner groups your not allowed to pass on corners, and especially not on the inside.  but when you do it feels good.  I think the last trackday we ran at Thunderbolt, we were both in the intermediate group, and the two of us had the smallest/slowest bikes, and it was nice to be able to pass people even though your're on a smaller bike.  But it's nice to have to the power to pull away after a corner, I always get ready to pass and then they pull away from me, and I catch them at the next corner again.  It can get frustrating. lol but I digress....

Your first trackday will be about you learning the specific track you're on, and working on body position, reference points, (entry, mid, exit points), and very important, is beginning the skill of SAFELY passing other riders, and most important is having fun.       As far as your first trackday, I can recommend some UnderArmour to wear under your leathers, if you don't already do so.  In warmer months it's very important to stay HYDRATED!!!!  Drink a bottle of water between your riding sessions.  You will be told, if you aren't peeing after every session then you aren't drinking enough.   It's easy to get dehydrated and then you aren't mentally fit to ride, and once fatigue sets in this is when accidents happen.  You will learn that most of the red flags will occur after lunch, and in the late afternoon.  The same principals you learn from street riding, about being mentally fit, riding within your limits, KNOWING your limits, KNOW YOUR SELF! all apply to track riding as well.   I've often come in early in a late afternoon session if I feel like I'm getting tired because I would rather end that session on a good note, than push it the extra 5 minutes....  It also really depends on the track, some are much more physically demanding than others.   This is all I can think to write right now, I just got home from work.. But if you have an questions, ask away.

[GLantern]

Well looks like i will use the 1098 thanks for the info IG.  Just one more thing most trackdays have a suspension guru there right to do any quick adjustments for a couple bucks?

[Grrrly]

no.  You should definitely invest in getting your suspension set for you over the winter! 

You don't set your bike up differently for different tracks unless you have a lot of names on your leathers and bike that match the names on your paycheck. 

[GLantern]

no.  You should definitely invest in getting your suspension set for you over the winter! 

You don't set your bike up differently for different tracks unless you have a lot of names on your leathers and bike that match the names on your paycheck. 

K looks like i have a nice winter list, ill have to get the suspension tuned on my 7500mile service

[patricks2r]

I'm picking up a 2003 CBR600rr from the WERA forum...  I'm only spending $3k on it so I'm not too concerned if anything happens to it.  Track the 1098..  I'm sure it will be awesome.  I'd also suggest waiting on getting the fairings....  you can go and tape over/remove your lights for your first time.   Unless you have the wallet to back it up I'd go with something that isn't so precious - just my 2 cents if you decide to get into it.  I don't want to be a buzzkill...  your bike is meant to be ridden!   You can also find awesome deals on craigslist right now for r6's, 600rr's, and sv650's.

like this...
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/mcy/893281921.html

ok..  back to work

[patricks2r]

Oh snap!...  my new [used] weapon for next year.  I am sooo excited!   

[GLantern]

Sexy   Congrats man!

[tommys67]

[Kool-Aid Voice]

OH YEAH!!!!

[/Kool-Aid Voice]

That is pretty badassed, Pat!!  Kind of a "Batbike" look there.

Congrats!!

[Kroe]

So Stealth!!! Congrats on the bike! Mean as hell!!!

[Grrrly]

congrats    looking forward to seeing you next year, I'm sure I'll be staring at the back of it as you pass me