Planning my first track day.

[Cab305]

Hey guys,

I'm planning my first track day. What should I do to my bike?

I'm planning on doing a complete track bike conversion (slowly cause I'm broke.) So far all I have are woodcraft clip ons. I was planing Spiegler brake lines next. Planning on flipping to GP shift, by cutting crank cover.

I saw a safety wire kit a while back (can't find it now) Is this mandatory for a track day?(as opposed to racing)

Once I had all the requirements met, I was planning on a Area P full race exhaust, as well as jet kit, and removing airbox + Dynojet Kit # 2193, Stage 2
Eventually a race body instead of taping up glass.

Any recommendations, advice or encouragement is welcome.

[CC Cowboy]

Just go ride. There isn't a lot you have to do for a trackday. Are you going to Homestead, Moroso, or Jennings? If you are broke just ride your bike stock. With all the mods I don't think it will make 5 seconds difference at the track. What will make a difference is amount of laps you do, so go often.

[Betlog]

I wouldn't worry about GP shifting. The only other thing I would probably invest in is a good set of tires. Search around here for some recommendations. Good luck and keep safe.

[Cab305]

Homestead Sept 12th Track Day Novice School. I haven't registered yet. Still a bit apprehensive, so far i have 700 miles riding experience, but I feel comfortable going 60-70 (as fast as I've gone, can't afford any tickets) Im getting off my seat and hanging off on turns, doing what I've read online.(Have leaned over enough, that now I want MORE!)

Was trying to juice up the 250 as much as possible. From what I've seen on local forums, almost every novice is on a 1000.

I've read adding the jet kit, exhaust and removing airbox (would want to do for street anyways) makes a big difference in the low-mid engine range. If I'm riding novice, i have to keep up with instructor + group and stay ahead of following instructor.

If I have to brake with group and slow down every turn (loose 250 advantage) I'll never keep up on straight. What's your take?

Your opinion is most welcome cowboy, Betlog, thank you.

I was also thinking of adding brake lines, for less than $100, and bike running near limit... seems like a smart investment.

Heres my wish list in no particular order. Have you any experience with these products.

K&N Filter R-0990 (to remove airbox)

DynoJet #2193 Stage 2

Sportisi VR Full Exhaust

Galfer SS Front B, HH pads

Wodcraft Rearset/pedals

BT-003 R 140/70ZR17 F 110/70ZR17

[CC Cowboy]

Just ride the bike!

You won't be anywhere near the limit of the bike's capabilities.

Watch out for brake jobs from squids on 1000s jamming on their brakes going into turns. If you set up for it that will be your fun. You can pass them on every turn. Who cares who is fastest on the straights (Homestead has some big straights), it's the turns that count. That's where the fun is. Any idiot can go fast in a straight line.

Remember to watch for people outbraking themselves and running off the track.

[almost40]

Tires, rearsets, clip-ons, EBC HH pads(front), jetkit exhaust + k&n (all at the same time), stainless brake lines.
IN THAT ORDER ............... Skip the GP style shifting (a TOTAL waste of time).... Check your trackday org about saftey wire.

Tires have been subject to debate here ALOT. check out the threads and pick your poison
Good luck and have fun

[tiggen]

food, water, shelter, gas...

[paterick4o8]

Originally Posted by Cab305

Was trying to juice up the 250 as much as possible. From what I've seen on local forums, almost every novice is on a 1000.

dude sounds like you're gonna be passing a lot of newbies.

for my track day I used the stock fairings. dont worry about getting track fairings.

I had my bike modded for a while but I say what matters most is how comfortable you'll feel on the bike going fast. so:

1) clip-ons
2) adjustable rearsets
3) tank grip i.e. stomp grips or tech spec grips

I would say that's all you really need to rock it out there. dont worry about the bigger bikes you'll easily pass them on the corners. they'll probably even slow you down

I already had a stainless steel front line with stock pads, worked out fine but I also engine braked. Water wetter to keep the bike a little cooler. And BT003rs in 110 front & 140 rear but these were overkill as I was at a high speed track (BT016 would have been fine there).. if the place youre going to is fairly technical, the 03rs tires will be very nice.

[Cab305]

Awesome feed back everyone, thank you all.

I plan on keeping this forum updated till september. So far the only "track mod" I have done has been the clip ons, feel much better than stock. I really would like rearsets before sept., but it all depends on budget.(or lack thereof)

I'm planning on doing the brakes less than $100 bucks for sure. (I've been practicing my engine braking, loved doing it in my sports cars)

The BT003's tires I will have put on at track, just have to arrange make sure they have size.

If I can score some extra cash about $800 before end of August, Ill do the intake and exhaust.

Till then I just have to get psyched up, and de-pussified.

[JS73]

Cab- I would not worry at this point with exhaust, jet-kit etc... With only 700 two-wheeled miles under your belt, seat time will do a LOT more for you than any exhaust or jet-kit ever will.

Get some good tires and that's it. I am running the 003 RS's and love them. You mentioned you have clip-ons, that's good but not necessary (at this time). When you get more comfortable and pick up your corner speed, you'll find out that the next add-on will be rearsets, as your boot will touch. I see you are looking at woodcraft. I use them and they are nice. The pedals are not really necessary, run your stock pedals and save some $.

Seat time, this is where your money is best spent. To echo CC Cowboys statement, the turns is where the fun and challenge are in. A trained monkey can go straight.

If you ever plan on going to Jennings GP, send me a PM, hopefully we can plan and meet up there. Check novice days on their forum. Great intro to track riding with lots of instructor-student contact time.

Good luck and get ready, cause it's addicting.

[Cab305]

Originally Posted by JS73

If you ever plan on going to Jennings GP, send me a PM, hopefully we can plan and meet up there. Check novice days on their forum. Great intro to track riding with lots of instructor-student contact time.

Good luck and get ready, cause it's addicting.

Hell yeah! Dec 3rd, 3 day track school. I originally planned on waiting till then to go on track. But I got the bug early, can't stand going 60 anymore, must lean more!

I'll give you the heads up. Will try and convince a few locals to come up and share the drive time.(Can't stand car trips, my ADD is too advanced. lol)

[DRivero]

Cab, if you go on Sept. 12, I'll go too. Maybe. Okay, yes, I'll go. I just have to get...what was it you said? De-pussified? Yeah, that.

[TrueFader]

you ca spend 10k on your bike, you will still be passed by every 600 and 1000 on the straights. get good tires and work on your riding and end day you can be passing them back in the breaking sections and taking the turns faster just to have them pass you in the next straight. for mods go with good tires and maybe a braided front line, all you need.

[Cab305]

Just curious how crappy are the original tires? Have started to push my riding a little, and have felt the rear get a little squirely. Not sure, but I might have drifted a turn.

I'm not sure what it feels like when the rear tire breaks loose, I just started riding. I was accelerating through a turn maybe 35-45mph, was hanging off pretty far when it kind of felt like the back broke loose. I kept accelerating through turn (I'm terrified of high sides, I studied how they happen) so the last thing I wanted to do was ease off. As soon as I came out of turn, the tail felt like it snapped back (didn't feel violent, it felt very deliberate).

Also have noticed a bit of suspension dip on hard turn, I have it set to the 3rd notch and I weight 174 lbs.

I will definitely be upgrading to the BT-003s for track day, just curious as to how much better do they feel?

Substantially better, or just a little better than stock. Right now, Im feeling a bit sketchy about the factory ones, I have about 900 miles on them. No highway, all surface streets.

[Alex]

BT-003's will feel significantly stickier than the IRC's. It will be quite noticeable.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by TrueFader

you ca spend 10k on your bike, you will still be passed by every 600 and 1000 on the straights. get good tires and work on your riding and end day you can be passing them back in the breaking sections and taking the turns faster just to have them pass you in the next straight. for mods go with good tires and maybe a braided front line, all you need.

I never knew they had special sections for breaking. You learn something knew everyday.

[Cab305]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I never knew they had special sections for breaking. You learn something knew everyday.

I'll be sure to bring my Adidas, and Kangol.

[almost40]

Good luck at the track and yes any other brand of tire will be an improvement over the IRC's. I run the BT-16. Alot of others like the 003's. A good radial tire will do wonders for you at the track.

[Cab305]

These are some interesting questions, not for the ladies.

Do any of you wear a cup?
How tight are the leather suits around crotch?

Not to sound like an a-hole but I have balls, that sometimes get in the way of sports. Not abnormally large freak show porn type nuts, just slightly large enough to be bothersome. I can't stand 5 point harnesses on cars, and have issues wearing climbing/diving harnesses. Proper technique dictates that I will be moving around alot on the seat, which could lead to potential pinching.

Again on a completely serious note are there any suggestions.
Most likely my first few times they will be neatly tucked from fright, but as soon as I get comfortable....

Also in a completely not gay way, do any of you wear mouth guards?

[ithaca00]

No, most people don't wear a cup while riding a motorcycle. If you're having issues with this, and I'm sure most of us do from time to time, wear something a bit more form fitting and supportive as a base layer.

I can't say that I've seen anyone wear a mouth guard either. Your main concern for head injury is hitting the side of your head.

[Alex]

I tuck mine in my socks.

[CC Cowboy]

Don't worry about your balls. You'll be so scared they will be in your mouth most of the time. Believe me you won't have time to think about pinching, banging, or stuffed socks. Although, once you get good at the track you will notice you will have bigger balls.

Under Amour shorts work well.

[almost40]

jock-strap duh lol...if you have good fitting leathers it is nothing to worry about.

[Cab305]

One week to go, I'm behind the eight ball. Still don't have my track rubber (bt-003s). Haven't finished reading twist of the wrist II, still haven't nailed down transport. Starting to freak out. Did a little more highway riding this weekend, some 60-70 mph sweeping turns. Leaning it over as much as i feel safe in traffic. Been watching lots of video tutorials on track riding.

Man this is going to be awesome scary fun!

[Snake]

Try not to worry so much and you will have a blast. Next year I'm planning my first track day.

[CC Cowboy]

Remember not to ride over your head. Just because you're at a track doesn't mean you have more skill. You are there to learn the skill, you won't start out with it. Keep a record of your lap times. After you get used to the track, pickout where you need help and work on those corners. Use reference points around the track ( points where you should start your turns, points where your bike should be). Find someone that is a little faster than you are and follow them around the track.


Remember this is a trackday not a race. It is for fun.

[2WheelGuy]

The best advise I can give you on your first day is to GO SLOW. Take your time to learn the track. No one expects you to be draggin' knees your first time out.

While race tracks are meant to be ridden fast they are designed to be difficult. It's not fun going home with a broken bike.

[esi7esi7]

Relax! Also, don't forget to hydrate.

[CC Cowboy]

Cab, you might want to replace your front brake pads before you go. If you do, don't forget to "brake" them in.

[Cab305]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Cab, you might want to replace your front brake pads before you go. If you do, don't forget to "brake" them in.

I have 1200 miles on bike since new, they feel good..... Did some hard stops today.

New question, how should I set my rear suspension? I normally have it on the third notch, should I compress it to 4 or 5 for track?

Will start setting up bike tomorrow, any tips?

[2WheelGuy]

Originally Posted by Cab305

New question, how should I set my rear suspension? I normally have it on the third notch, should I compress it to 4 or 5 for track?

Your looking for about 30mm of sag in the rear.

[CC Cowboy]

I didn't read back through the posts but be aware of your tire pressures.

It's kinds important.

[Cab305]

Originally Posted by 2WheelGuy

Your looking for about 30mm of sag in the rear.

For the members that might not be as knowledgeable as us.....
Why don't you go ahead and explain the significance of that.



Lol

[Cab305]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I didn't read back through the posts but be aware of your tire pressures.

It's kinds important.

Having the Tire supplier for Track Day install brand spanking new BT003s Sunday morning. I hope he knows the correct pressure.

By the way, just got back from quick ride went to get cat food, the long route. Had some jerk-off slam on his brakes in the center lane while passing a car stopped in the left lane. Completely blocked the street, had like 5 feet to stop from about 15-20 mph locked the front, skid for at least a foot. But stayed upright. Brakes are a-OK. Underwear... needs changing.

Plus I had just come off such a rush, read about it on main forum.

[2WheelGuy]

Originally Posted by Cab305

For the members that might not be as knowledgeable as us.....
Why don't you go ahead and explain the significance of that.

You'll probably need some helpers. Lift the rear of the bike until the suspension is fully extended and measure the length from the rear axle to a fixed point on the tail. Note that measurement. Next, get on the bike in your riding gear. Bounce up and down a couple of times then with someone holding the bike put your feet on the pegs and assume your riding position. Have someone measure from the axle to the same fixed point on the tail. The difference between the two measurements should be about 30mm, 25-35mm is good. If it is not move the preload adjuster and measure again.

Having proper sag allows the suspension to compress over bumps and expand into dips properly.

[2WheelGuy]

Originally Posted by Cab305

Having the Tire supplier for Track Day install brand spanking new BT003s Sunday morning. I hope he knows the correct pressure.

I've found that 25psi front and rear cold is a good starting point for these tires. Some racers go as low as 22psi in the rear but while I've found that they do stick a little better they wear really fast at anything under 25psi.

[ithaca00]

Originally Posted by 2WheelGuy

I've found that 25psi front and rear cold is a good starting point for these tires. Some racers go as low as 22psi in the rear but while I've found that they do stick a little better they wear really fast at anything under 25psi.

I've been running 24psi front and rear but on cold days/mornings I'll drop to 22psi rear and 23/24psi front.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Cab305

Having the Tire supplier for Track Day install brand spanking new BT003s Sunday morning. I hope he knows the correct pressure.

Don't forget you'll be ice skating for the first few laps with new tires.

[Cab305]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Don't forget you'll be ice skating for the first few laps with new tires.

Definitely good to know: because they are brand new or just typical warm up?

I'm almost ready, picked up tinted visor and bike ramp today. Have all my registration, rentals paid. Have U-haul and tie down straps ready. All I need to do now is prep bike.

Taking off all turn signals, rear view mirrors. Tapping up front/rear light and speedo.

Should I fill reservoir with distilled water? or just plain drinking water?

Shoot, I know I must be forgetting like a million things, Oh I did buy a mouth guard, it was recommended on track day site, didn't mention anything about balls.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Cab305

Definitely good to know: because they are brand new or just typical warm up?
Oh I did buy a mouth guard, it was recommended on track day site, didn't mention anything about balls.

Both

Don't worry about your balls, they are the first thing to go when you fall.