Need help with Track build

[jmk420]

I recently purchased a 696 for my girlfriend and I inherited her Ninja 250.

I searched a lot of threads and it seemed to be very messy and lots of choices.

The bike is a 2009, with under 10,000KM

I am a very big guy and planning to do a track build on the 250.

I have purchased a suit and gear ready for track but now it comes to building it for the track.


I have just ordered these parts :

HEL SS brake line (front)

EBC HH Brake Pads (front and back)

Woodcraft Clip On

Woodcraft rear set

Renthal Medium Grips

I have also bought dot 5.1 brake fluid and oil for getting all up and ready


Now I need help, since those were the easy stuff for me to purchase...

I am looking for what to do with suspension, I am a big guy and I weight 260, I don't know what to do with the suspension, should I just respring to my weight? Or buy either ohlins / penkse or something else?

Also will respringing the front needed or what is needed for me to get it ready?


Anything else I need that anyone would suggest to start off tracking?

Thanks!


PS: for tires I was reccomended Super Corsa SC2 anyone got any other suggestions?

[sharky nrk]

Options include - front - springs/emulators/fluid/preload, cartridge inserts, newly developed GSXR based cartridge swap. Correct spring rates and dampening setup is going to be necessary regardless of which you choose.

rear - pick any shock you want from the group of options GSXR shock, JRI, Nitron, Penske, Ohlins, Elka, prices will vary from $350 to $1500. Again regardless of choice with your weight its going to have to be (re)sprung and refreshed if (used)new

[sharky nrk]

ok as a step back you can get on the track with a bone stock bike but will quickly overwhelm the stock bits at your weight. Wanted to throw that out there as none of the is "required" to just get out and turn some laps.

Also, find out who your local suspension tuner is for your local track and see what they are best at/recommend for refreshing and adjusting because price will be ball park for all shocks.

SC1/2 with rosso II rear, or SC1/2 F/R, or R10/BT003RS, or GPA/unbeatean rear all seem to be enjoyed combos. I run 003R F/003RS rear currently.

[Worldtraveller]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

ok as a step back you can get on the track with a bone stock bike but will quickly overwhelm the stock bits at your weight. Wanted to throw that out there as none of the is "required" to just get out and turn some laps.

Also, find out who your local suspension tuner is for your local track and see what they are best at/recommend for refreshing and adjusting because price will be ball park for all shocks.

I agree with this. I'd almost suggest not worrying about brake upgrades yet, either, unless you run on a really tight track.

I run stock suspension, and it will be my next upgrade, but I'm running on a really tight track budget this year. I'm only 3-4 seconds off the really fast guys, and the only real mods I have on my '09 right now are the VH exhaust and bodywork! I can tell I'm about outriding the suspension. I really need that and rearsets for more lean angle, but that is probably all I'll do this season.

The tracks I ride only have 2 hard braking sections/lap, and on the little 250, I don't find the brakes fading at all, even on hot days (just lapping around on the 600 gets the stock brakes to fade after ~5 laps, though). I'm much lighter than you, and I would think that would make the suspension a higher priority for you on a track.

[alex.s]

how fast are you? if you're a beginner, chances are pretty good that your pace won't really be quick enough to overwhelm the stocker bike setup if you try to be smooth with it so just go have fun and be safe. upgrade bits when you feel you need it. if however you're a bit quicker, go for upgrades now since you know you'll need them with your quicker pace.

how handy are you? if you know the difference between a bench grinder and an angle grinder then you're handy enough to do your own suspension stuff. if not maybe find someone to help you.

as far as suspension... get sonic springs and redo the oil in your forks. and throw on a resprung gsxr shock on the rear with adjustable dogbones. if you want to get extra fancy you can get emulators or if you want to be "that guy", you can spend about 500-800 on some cartridge drop-ins

[csmith12]

I feel like some blunt honesty right now...

Respring it for you fully geared weight with some good front brake pads and ride on. Maybe a stainless line if you can't get the feel from the front brake you like. You can get near lap record pace on the stock bits, been there, done that. I race a gent on nearly 100% stock bits, he is 245lbs and is in the mix just fine. It's all up to your tolerance of what feedback you get from the bike.

[csmith12]

Depending on your riding style and habits, the next thing(s) you will need is;

side stand removed
side stand mount tab removed
full exhaust system

[jmk420]

Thanks for the reply guys

Seems like I don't have to do that much and just ride, but I was recommended by many many people that I need to at least get re-sprung but I found out getting resprung is still a couple hundred dollars so some suggested if price aint that high might as well get a Penkse rear shock or something.

I am still looking for options, seems like somewhere like the ridge I will bottom out the forks due to elevation.

Also the bike is already jetted and have a full exhaust system!


http://youtu.be/u7Vqm6OX9SM

[sharky nrk]

I would respring and oil at least in the front. The OP at 260 has about twice as much weight as the stock bike is sprung for and it doesn't take much to bottom the forks. Less than $100 for springs and oil and very minimum effort to do. Outside of that, I stand by my previous posts.

[Worldtraveller]

Originally Posted by jmk420

Thanks for the reply guys

Seems like I don't have to do that much and just ride, but I was recommended by many many people that I need to at least get re-sprung but I found out getting resprung is still a couple hundred dollars so some suggested if price aint that high might as well get a Penkse rear shock or something.

I am still looking for options, seems like somewhere like the ridge I will bottom out the forks due to elevation.

Also the bike is already jetted and have a full exhaust system!


http://youtu.be/u7Vqm6OX9SM

Another PNW rider? Sweet. I'm hoping to be out for WMRRA rnd 3, but I'm waiting on some financial news to get it sorted out. If not, I'm always there corner working. Good luck.

I found a link once with some good, inexpensive suggestions for tracking a 250. I'll see if I can dig it up again.

[jmk420]

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

Another PNW rider? Sweet. I'm hoping to be out for WMRRA rnd 3, but I'm waiting on some financial news to get it sorted out. If not, I'm always there corner working. Good luck.

I found a link once with some good, inexpensive suggestions for tracking a 250. I'll see if I can dig it up again.

See if you got any links thanks!

I'm talking to some people and it ain't cheap to re-spring so I might as well get either Penske, Ohlins or Elka.

Trying to find a good deal now and finding some emulators as well.

[jmk420]

Just came across a very decent deal on SharkSkinz and bought them!

[psych0hans]

Don't forget the zip-tie mod to reduce your throttle throw... It's a small mod, that will take you very far. I've actually gotten rid off my stock throttle and housing and replaced it with the R6 throttle + housing and switchgear. Needed custom throttle cables to get it to work.

[cbinker]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Don't forget the zip-tie mod to reduce your throttle throw... It's a small mod, that will take you very far. I've actually gotten rid off my stock throttle and housing and replaced it with the R6 throttle + housing and switchgear. Needed custom throttle cables to get it to work.

ok, i'l bite where is the link to this "Zip Tie" throttle mod?

[psych0hans]

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=26270

[jmk420]

Bump.


I am planning to get these tires and seems like warmers are needed....

DIABLO SUPERCORSA DOT V2
110/70 & 140/70 Ninja 250 Set

Anyone know which warmers to buy?

[Worldtraveller]

Originally Posted by jmk420

Anyone know which warmers to buy?

I like my Chickenhawks. They aren't adjustable, but adjustable warmers are rarely needed.
If there's a racing club in your area, go look through their for sale section for a set of used warmers.

[jmk420]

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

I like my Chickenhawks. They aren't adjustable, but adjustable warmers are rarely needed.
If there's a racing club in your area, go look through their for sale section for a set of used warmers.

Which Chickenhawk do you have?

Seems like the size made is for all the bigger 600+ bikes

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by jmk420

Which Chickenhawk do you have?

Seems like the size made is for all the bigger 600+ bikes

You can successfully use warmers for rears up to 180. It may be tight if you have a hugger, but just take that off for your track/race time.

I only have one set of warmers, I use them both for my r6 and 250. There is a pic floating around somewhere of fitment. I can find it if you need me too.

EDIT: Don't forget to TURN THEM OFF for your session.

[Knolly]

Originally Posted by jmk420

Which Chickenhawk do you have?

Seems like the size made is for all the bigger 600+ bikes

They make them specifically for the Ninja 250, they're just not listed on their site. Either call Chicken Hawk or order through a vendor for a better price (shoot me a PM if you don't know one and I'll forward you along).

[jmk420]

Thanks guys!

I found that chicken hawk has the smaller ones and now deciding which version to go with.

I just purchased Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa SC2 110 fronts and Rosso II 140 rear for the Ninja


Suspension wise I ended up with this :


SSRBillet CNC for cap preload adjust

Gold Valve Cartridge Emulator Kit

Ohlins rear shock (KA840)

and just some fork service and everything else

Super excited!

Now I need to buy some tire-warmers, stands and I should be good to go!

[sharky nrk]

^^ FYI unless your racing and need the first lap first corner banzi move, the SC front can get away without warmers just fine with an out lap

[DCMoney]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

^^ FYI unless your racing and need the first lap first corner banzi move, the SC front can get away without warmers just fine with an out lap

+1 I don't run warmers during the track day only before the race.

The tires are more capable cold than most give them credit for.

[jmk420]

Originally Posted by DCMoney

+1 I don't run warmers during the track day only before the race.

The tires are more capable cold than most give them credit for.

For sure, but too many of my friends crashed on cold tires, so at this point perhaps $300-400 wont hurt... I'm so deeply in already.... hahaha

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by DCMoney

+1 I don't run warmers during the track day only before the race.

The tires are more capable cold than most give them credit for.

Same here, cept I don't even run the warmers for races depending on conditions and feedback I am getting from the bike.

But having them when you want/need them is nice. And like I say.... GO BIG OR GO HOME! So might as well pick some up.

[jmk420]

Hmmm, some goodies came in the mail

[psych0hans]

Are you going to use HH brake pads in the rear? Might be a bad idea... The rear brakes are too strong for the bike anyways and are prone to locking. I've heard of people switching to organic brakes to avoid this.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by jmk420

Hmmm, some goodies came in the mail

When installing those rearsets, make sure you don't pinch your rear brake line. And get LOCTITE!

[alex.s]

warmers will make those slicks last like twice as long according to some people

[psych0hans]

also, make sure you use a lock nut with the gear shift rod. Mine came lose with the vibrations...

[jmk420]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Are you going to use HH brake pads in the rear? Might be a bad idea... The rear brakes are too strong for the bike anyways and are prone to locking. I've heard of people switching to organic brakes to avoid this.

Anyone got more info on this????

I can't find anything on this....

I am planning to use that on the rear

[csmith12]

Well, this is a very personal question. If you fear that you may hit the rear brakes hard during an off track even, then yea... maybe some weaker rear pads may help. Imho, it don't really matter, organic or not, if ya gunna lock em up, it's gunna happen. So put what you want on there, the extra confidence goes a long way.

The takeaway is to progressively apply the rear brake when needed when your off track, and not just hammer it. The pads have an effect on the amount of pressure yes, your skills, however are not so black and white.

[jmk420]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Well, this is a very personal question. If you fear that you may hit the rear brakes hard during an off track even, then yea... maybe some weaker rear pads may help. Imho, it don't really matter, organic or not, if ya gunna lock em up, it's gunna happen. So put what you want on there, the extra confidence goes a long way.

The takeaway is to progressively apply the rear brake when needed when your off track, and not just hammer it. The pads have an effect on the amount of pressure yes, your skills, however are not so black and white.

I am not worried, as I am not a normal rear brake user :P


Also since I am bumping this.... anyone know of something to save my exhaust incase of a lowside?

I have a LeoVince full system.

[sharky nrk]

They make exhaust sliders .....

[jmk420]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

They make exhaust sliders .....

Any good brands you would recommend?

[mgentz]

Originally Posted by jmk420

Any good brands you would recommend?

You can adapt a frame slider for this purpose.