Purpose of rumble strips??

[ally99]

What is the purpose of rumble strips on certain corners on the track? Wouldn't it be easier to just run off on the grass if you find yourself wide in a corner? The rumble strips seems like an undue stress on suspension if you have WTF moment. I have noticed the strips are placed at certain tight corners but not all. Anyone know why?

[csmith12]

They are visual aids and help identify the "race line" around a race track (outside, inside/apex, outside).

Some tracks couldn't afford to place all of them on every corner, so some may be left out or removed because of damage. They are also raised extremely high on some tracks to prevent the cutting of tighter corners. They can be flatter on some corners giving you just a few more inches of track to use.

tip* stay off them in the wet!!!!!!!

[csmith12]

For example;

Have a peek at the img below. Am I off the race line? Yes! how do I know? Because my placement on the track in relation to the rumble strip tells me I am taking a late(r) apex. Fine for passing on outside corner entry, sucks for defending your position in a race.

[alex.s]

i assumed they were there to discourage cutting. you notice on the areas where you wouldnt gain anything by cutting that the tigerteeth aren't really rumble strips as much as they are for other more critical areas

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by csmith12

For example;

Have a peek at the img below. Am I off the race line? Yes! how do I know? Because my placement on the track in relation to the rumble strip tells me I am taking a late(r) apex. Fine for passing on outside corner entry, sucks for defending your position in a race.

i heard someone call that a "qualifying line" vs. the "race line" or defensive line

[ally99]

Got'cha! That makes sense, thanks!
It just seems weird to encounter rumble strips like those at Little Talledega which are raised and bumpy.
I'm riding Barber next weekend and they have strips similar to those in your picture, but behind of the stripes are asphalt ripples. Those are just strange, especially if the knee drags them!

Edit: The cutting theory is interesting. Thanks for your answers!

[csmith12]

Oh! hahahahah some racers think they are passing lanes too!

[Rexbo]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Oh! hahahahah some racers think they are passing lanes too!

Nah that's the dirt

[Shawn3210]

Originally Posted by Rexbo

Nah that's the dirt

Cheeka?

[Jiggyfly]

Watch what you do with the rumble strips in regard to your knees......I've had the front edge nearly rip me off of my bike because my knee was low enough that it caught my knee sliders.

[ally99]

Yes, me too...minus the "nearly" part.

[sharky nrk]

they are for putting me on my butt and tearing the bike to shreds when I make a stupid mistake lol

[ally99]

I hear ya. They suck.

[Jiggyfly]

So you crashed?????

[leed]

It also seemed like much of the design is intended for the cars that use the tracks as it keeps them out of the dirt, which keeps dirt off the track and prevents ruts and pools from forming. (and as a result, yellow flagging or what have you). I know VIR has essentially saw-tooth rumble strips better known as the gator-tooth curbs. You can see the old strip, and the additional new strip for higher car certification. Note: The track typically runs forward in the picture (away from you).


There have been stories and a few photo ops who have had their knee pucks torn off on this type of curbing! Check out in front of the Mini Van's grill!

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Jiggyfly

So you crashed?????

A little. Got back up and rode again though. And going to another track this weekend. I did, however, have to get a new helmet, and the one I had on was brand spanking new. I was pretty pissed.

[alex.s]

congrats on your first track crash ally!

[Ritter]

Rumble strips were invented because cars would make ruts at the edges of some corners.

[Jiggyfly]

Yes.....congrats on losing your crashing virginity, & minus broken bones!!!


What kind of helmet you using?
I used to be an Arai guy, & switched to Scorpions.
I've put 3 of them to the test & they passed with a double thumbs up!

[ally99]

Fuggin sucked y'all. Lame as HELL for my first track day to result in a crash, especially after doing soooo well the first day and a half. The instructors were going on and on about my great lines and form. I had that 5hit down! And then came the right handed decreasing radius and the rumble strips. lol! Oh well. I actually landed on my head on the asphalt, got rashed up and bruised on my right side (yes, even with leathers), but I rode again. When the corner worker ran up and asked if I was ok, I said, "I'm fuggin PISSED". I was LIVID for a while.
Anyway, it really sucked, but the weekend was still the TIME of my LIFE! Just have to make sure NOT to crash at Barber this weekend. lol!
Nine out of 50 riders crashed that weekend. Just sucked I had to be one of them...damn rumbles.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by ally99

........... And then came the right handed decreasing radius and the rumble strips....damn rumbles.

Picture from track day in Florida:
http://www.soflasportbikes.com/forum...ml#post1329028

[ally99]

Dude, that sucks Hernan! Damn rumbles. You and bike ok I assume based on your last pic? Were you able to ride more that day?

[Motofool]

That was not me; I was just taking pictures that track day.

Yes, the rider did continue on.

As I understand, the rumble strips (the technical name is apex kerbs) are there as a requirement of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for racing cars only.

Evidently, they don't have any purpose for motorcycle racing; however, we have to deal with them, as most tracks are shared by four and two wheels machines.

Glad you are OK after your mishap.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by ally99

Fuggin sucked y'all. Lame as HELL for my first track day to result in a crash, especially after doing soooo well the first day and a half. The instructors were going on and on about my great lines and form. I had that 5hit down! And then came the right handed decreasing radius and the rumble strips. lol! Oh well. I actually landed on my head on the asphalt, got rashed up and bruised on my right side (yes, even with leathers), but I rode again. When the corner worker ran up and asked if I was ok, I said, "I'm fuggin PISSED". I was LIVID for a while.
Anyway, it really sucked, but the weekend was still the TIME of my LIFE! Just have to make sure NOT to crash at Barber this weekend. lol!
Nine out of 50 riders crashed that weekend. Just sucked I had to be one of them...damn rumbles.

My situation was quite similar. Been to a handful of days and never down, pushed wide trying to stick a pass and caught the rumble. SPLAT. Rashed nad bruised side, but bike was beyond unrideable so it was the end of my day (at least it was the last lap on the second to last session and not the first lol). Oh well, getting her back together now.