2016 northeast track day thread CT MA RI NY

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by Sirref

@Ducati999

Link to original page on YouTube.

@Sireff Thanks for that, it is one video I have not seen before. They are so right on the "needs to be on a track" part! Bike sucks around town but give it an open track and you cant get enough! My bike is a bit more powerful than that one as I have the "S" cams installed along with the Racing ECU and exhaust. Cant wait to get it all shiney again and back out on the track I just had my contract extended for another 6 months so as long as my wifes mother is still OK I will be doing more track days next season than this past one!

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

Sweet. Another track. Awesome. Looking forward to two days at Thompson Sunday and Monday.

I was at Gordon's right after the trackday and he said things went great. I have to do some trackdays outside of FL soon. It seems year after year I'm just too busy. I missed the Vintage races with Dale at Barber because of this Huricane also. I have to get my priorities straight. I'm here at Biketoberfest and too busy to ride Daytona (Team Hammer)also. Life sucks.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Sirref

Link to original page on YouTube.

[Bigballsofpaint]

[IMG][/IMG]

Yaaaaaaaaaaa, so that was def a spun bearing (im in process of swapping the motor now)

[Sirref]

Damn, after your done change the oil twice to get any remaining shards out

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

Yaaaaaaaaaaa, so that was def a spun bearing (im in process of swapping the motor now)

[csmith12]

[Bigballsofpaint]

Originally Posted by Sirref

Damn, after your done change the oil twice to get any remaining shards out

I have a "race" motor im just swapping in, wont be using anything off the old motor. I just wanted to know how bad it was, im surprised it kept running!

[Sirref]

I gotcha, if you can fix it it never hurts to have a spare

[Bigballsofpaint]

The cost for just a re-done crank, rods, bearings and studs was 900 alone....a full rebuild was 2800. I got this for 1300 with 4 races on it, and i can sell parts off it and my current. The motor im pulling may turn into furniture later on honestly. If the new motor i put in blows, ill burn the bike to the ground and start with another platform honestly. (By burn to the ground mean i will just sell a broken ducati for **** money and start with something else).

[Sirref]

Hey guys heads up

rumor mill has the TPM/ACE crew up at the freshly repaved pittrace for a weekend or two next year. That would be a perfect track for us to ride together next season. I might be able to get everyone a group rate. So long as it doesn't conflict with CCS I'll be your personal liaison like @csmith12 was for us at mid-O

[csmith12]

[adouglas]

schweet

[nickjpass]

I miss riding

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

I miss riding

so do I, that's why I'm getting a new mountain bike and a dirtbike

[Bigballsofpaint]

Im attempting to make sure we have a real Taj Mahal to stay in next season.

Got a GMC Sierra 1500 with full tow package, and me and the wife will be going to a big RV show this winter, i have my eye on this puppy

http://www.seegrins.com/uploaded_images/87808510.jpg

[csmith12]

Nice!

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

Im attempting to make sure we have a real Taj Mahal to stay in next season.

Got a GMC Sierra 1500 with full tow package, and me and the wife will be going to a big RV show this winter, i have my eye on this puppy

[Bigballsofpaint]

Ill be able to bring 3 bikes, MAYBE 4 (i have to see if i can squeeze 2 or 3 in the front garage area) and put 1 in the bed. And it will sleep 6, so were all set. Nice outside grill and awning. I got you guys this year.

[adouglas]

Shucks. And I just bought a new air mattress.

Now you just need to get the mrs. on the track.

[Bigballsofpaint]

You remember the ride home last year.... im fine with just being able to still go to the track.

Plus you do more days than me so im sure your new air mattress will get some use.

[Ducati999]

Killer Mobile home there! Really like the "Garage"! Should make the 50 degree nights much better for sleeping than last time! Cant wait for the return of warm weather next season and getting back out on the track. My wife is finally back home after her mothers funeral and we are sorting out the financial details. I am not sure at this time of how many track days will be in the budget but I will go to Pitt Race even if I need to sell one of my other toys to afford the trip. Sorry I have been mostly absent from the Forum the last few weeks but my life has been quite hectic (like everyone else) the last month. I have not even seen my bikes in 5 weeks and they are just down stairs in the Garage!

[csmith12]

Best you're family Ant.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Ducati999

So lets hear what you see VS what I describe. Im not the only one that can learn from this crash!

! 2 pronged cause is my best guess....

1. Aggressive throttle control
2. Tight on the bars

#1 is easy to hear if you close your eyes and listen from lap to lap. The crash lap was more aggressive than the others. Not a whole lot, but enough... and sometimes that is all it takes. :\

#2 I say tight on the bars, why? Read between the lines of the comments. If you don't have a foundation (footing on the pegs and grip on the tank), then what are you holding on with? Sad to say... but soooo much of the time tight on the bars is a very subtle thing that we don't catch.

Now for full disclosure, I will put all of my clues into context here for all to see...

1. I have ridden with Ant since he was a beginner
2. I have chatted and followed Ant as he has come up in pace
3. I have answered questions from Ant in various threads about his feelings on the bike at pace. I don't normally say "I told you so", but since Ant is a straight shooter I will and he prefers it like that. See thread https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=248551 post #49. Take it from those who has seen soooooo many people go down.

When the bike starts talking to you... Stop and LISTEN!

4. His bike started talking to him and he posted a question and got mixed responses, some good some questionable. :\
5. He has taken a school with ME as a coach and rode within his limits, so imho his down is not a direct result of what he knew, but instead of what he didn't know
6. We covered his needed mods in riding position and erog changes that he has acknowledged per previous comments
7. He is aware of his bp changes that could help him in his quest for pace and fun factor
8. Despite his unfortunate event, he remains with a good attitude to future events as he predicts them to occur

In his own words, there are 4 things that would vastly improve chances of success in further track days.
#1 Really fine tuning throttle control
#2 Setting a good turn in point - The turn in point affects soooooooooo many other aspects of the corner. If you blow the turn in point, that nearly the entire corner turns into recovery vs solidifying confidence and pace. :\
#3 Setting a good entry speed - Your turn in point defines your braking marker and therefore defines your ability to set a good entry speed within a given distance.
#4 Better bp as his riding gets more aggressive

After watching the video many times, at full speed, various other speeds and with sound only, you can see and hear the throttle control lap difference and multiple steering inputs on that faithful lap.

The question is... where does he go next at the start of his next season?

[Ducati999]

First off,
I would like to thank Chris and Misty and all the rest of you for you input and advice over the last 2 riding seasons! There are lots of riders but few are as willing as this group of wonderful people who are willing to give up their on track time to not only answer the million questions but who will also go out in the "Slower" groups to show you the right way. You deserve a trophy! The patience and gentle way they teach you to find the right way to do things is amazing. Thank You all.

I will try to answer CSmith12 's question of where to go next season.

I know I need some further work on my body position. I am not a person that requires kid gloves when given directions and I will address the elephant in the room. My fat belly is the largest issue with my riding! This or actually the cause of my belly--lack of fitness is my biggest issue. I believe it was the #1 cause of my crash and has kept me from moving even further forward towards my personal goal than any of the other "causes". My crash was caused by too much throttle at the wrong time (way too aggressive and too soon). CSmith12 pointed out that the Final (crash) lap was different than the other laps before it--besides the crash part. I rode all day Sunday and I was worn out by Monday morning. I was sore and stiff and my lack of focus was what led to this accident.
Step one Physical fitness!

Next up is throttle control: Like CSmith12 noted, My earlier laps while not perfect were much better and smoother. There are a few issues surrounding this point but I will simply say: I will be slowing down a bit and focusing on smooth application of the throttle

The last point brings me to the final piece CSmith12 mentioned: Me being too tight on the bars. Part of the bikes repair/rebuild will include Stomp Grips on the tank for a more solid grip on the bike when she is leaned over. The increase hold onto the tank along with a stronger core and the proper throttle control may not make me a word champion but I think you all might agree that it will be a big step in the right direction. I have a few other minor changes to improve the bike and a plan to be in much better physical shape for next season. My riding season may be cut short this year but I still want the few days, should that be all I am able to do this year, to be as productive as possible. I really considered getting a new Ducati 959 just to have the Traction Control but this would have prevented my crash but not really dealt with the reason(s) it occurred!

The points listed above are a simplification of the issues and planned corrections but I wanted to address the Post Chris made since he took time out of his Hectic schedule to watch and review my video. Please do not be afraid to comment on my plans or suggest others. My feelings are not easily hurt and I don't get insulted when people are being honest and trying to show me what I am doing wrong.

Thanks Again
Ant--AKA---Ducati999---Not 959!

[Bigballsofpaint]

899 or 959 is a nice bike though .

Or do like i did, i got a Bazazz with the T/C and quickshifter options, lets see how it all pans out next year! Cant wait until all the groups release their scheduals

[Ducati999]

899, 959, 1199 or 1299 are all beautiful and fully capable bikes! Your 848 will be right there with them once the new motor is installed with all the goodies you have. That bike will be changed from a stock bike with race fairings to just about a fully race ready track bike with more power and less weight! Total monster of a track bike since the 848 is already considered quite a track weapon! Cant wait to see it once you finish. Our Ducs will look great next to each other in the paddock!

[Bigballsofpaint]

I was able to get the motor in last weekend, havent hooked up most of the sensors or bazazz yet though. Were getting our ready to sell . I told Justine no way am i moving this bike in pieces, itll never go back together! What a fricken task swapping motors though...thank god for good friends.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Ducati999

Our Ducs will look great next to each other in the paddock!

.... as you wrench on 'em....



(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

I was able to get the motor in last weekend, havent hooked up most of the sensors or bazazz yet though. Were getting our ready to sell . I told Justine no way am i moving this bike in pieces, itll never go back together! What a fricken task swapping motors though...thank god for good friends.

You could have called and asked me to help but with my work schedule, I am not sure I would have been able. I think I may be doing the same thing on my 748. I need to replace a crank bearing and I think if I am going to do that much work I will begin with a lower mileage motor. I will be doing more than just a motor swap so I will try to find a rebuilt or low mileage motor or bottom end to begin the build up. Since this one was full of water and leaves when I bought it, I don't feel it owes me any more run time than I got out of it so far! I still cant believe I got an entire track weekend before it had any issues! Laugh if you want about me wrenching on my Duc's but lets see how your bike runs after we fill the entire motor with leaves, bugs, dirt and water ---- and then we will see who's laughing!!!!!@agouglas

[csmith12]

Ant, if you're gunna put a lot of work into your physical health and ability while riding then be mindful of the changes it makes.

A while back... I created a thread "getting in race shape." At the end I learned there is a TOTAL new world out there when you are in good physical (and mental) shape to "merge" with the bike. It's NEVER wrong to improve the rider. As much as I preach listen to the feedback of the bike, there is something even more important that I kinda take for granted. Listen to yourself, feedback comes from both the bike AND the rider.

GET READY TO WORK HARD sir! The amount of effort, dedication, schedule, mindset it takes to "REALLY" change your physical being is incredibly hard, but I have 100% faith that you can push though.

Now... You are going to need some help in a few places. First off, ask you wife to stop cooking all that good food! She will need to support your diet plan in order to reach your goal, she is also you first but also your last line of defence when you need help. Talk with her about it so she knows and can help you reach your goals, everyone needs help sometime.

Next... We are here for you if you need anything, just ask.

Best to ya'lls!

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Ant, if you're gunna put a lot of work into your physical health and ability while riding then be mindful of the changes it makes.

A while back... I created a thread "getting in race shape." At the end I learned there is a TOTAL new world out there when you are in good physical (and mental) shape to "merge" with the bike. It's NEVER wrong to improve the rider. As much as I preach listen to the feedback of the bike, there is something even more important that I kinda take for granted. Listen to yourself, feedback comes from both the bike AND the rider.

GET READY TO WORK HARD sir! The amount of effort, dedication, schedule, mindset it takes to "REALLY" change your physical being is incredibly hard, but I have 100% faith that you can push though.

Now... You are going to need some help in a few places. First off, ask you wife to stop cooking all that good food! She will need to support your diet plan in order to reach your goal, she is also you first but also your last line of defence when you need help. Talk with her about it so she knows and can help you reach your goals, everyone needs help sometime.

Next... We are here for you if you need anything, just ask.

Best to ya'lls!

The wife is also in the "improved physical condition" camp! Since her mom just passed from Cancer, she is all about eating better and getting more exercise. We have a plan--always open to advice on how to do it better-- and have started already. There was a time in my younger years when I was in great shape. Things are not as easy now and I have so much less fee time but I think I have the dedication to make a noticeable change. Not going for the gold but I hope the next time you see me you will see I was serious!

On a slightly different note: My riding season will NOT be as bad as I feared. We had a few things in the works that could have tied up a lot of $$$ causing me to do less track days this next season. Well as always, Things have changed and the season looks bright, parts are being ordered and I think I will finally get a membership to Tony's Track Days!

[Bigballsofpaint]

I am not doing a membership because im sure i will only be able to do 6ish days next year, 2 of which would not be with Tony for sure. Hopefully things change, but I have other hobbies and were looking to move next spring. My plan is 2 days wherever we all decide to meet up for our yearly gathering, pittrace or whatever. 2 days at NYST if possible, and 2 at tamworth if Tony runs there.

[csmith12]

You guys are too lucky...

Tamworth NH, Club Motorsports

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by csmith12

You guys are too lucky...

Tamworth NH, Club Motorsports

Not on the schedule yet and may not be in 2017. Tony @ttd says that the club members (some of whom have been waiting for over a decade) will get first dibs, which is quite understandable. He's going to try to get at least one day in up there, but we'll see.

In the meantime, they did do a test day. Your Tuesday Torture...

Link to original page on YouTube.

[Bigballsofpaint]

Chris may have to make a return trip if Tony gets some days there. Im REALLY hoping he does. I wont have too much time to take off this year for weekday stuff, so im goign to have to play everything by ear. I know i will go to the Sunday NYST Date, thats about all i can confirm right now.

[CC Cowboy]

That guy must had a pipe on that 250. It sounds sweet and fast. I bet he was going well over 70mph.

Also, nice runoff with rock cliffs! I'd still do it.

[adouglas]

That's not a 250. That's a Daytona. Lawd, I do love the sound of those triples. Too bad Triumph has pulled the plug on that bike.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Sweet track

[Sirref]

Alright, so in the spirit of looking forward to riding with you fine folks again next season.

what track do we want to ride and when do we want to ride it?
I'm feeling NYST but it'd be pretty cool to get everyone over to summit to experience shenny.

For shenny/main the dates are:
5/7-8 (sun/mon)
6/17-18 (this one has jefferson/shenny so not quite as good)(sat/sun)
7/8(sat)
8/20 (I'll be riding sessions at shenny while racing CCS at main)(sun)

A teaser of what shenny is like

Link to original page on YouTube.