Track Day Questions
04-23-2005, 12:16 PM
#1
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Location: Springpatch, Flatland, Illinois
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Track Day Questions
Ok, after a long talk with a guy at a dealer, I am fired up to do a track day. Being in central Illinois, my choices seem to be Gateway [STL], Putnam[indy], Autobahn[joliet], or Blackhawk[rockford]. I would like to hook up with another superhawker that already does track days, and maybe tag along to one of these events. My questions fall into three [obvious] categories:
Bike: What do I need to do to it, what should I do? How close am I to passing Tech as it sits? Currently I am about bone stock, with high TBR pipes as my only performance mod (the rifle case dosen't count, it comes off..) Pics of my bike
Gear: I know I need more, but my only resource being the net, I am confused on some things. Too bad Daryl dosen't still have those used leathers, who was it in Minn that did leathers?
Knowledge: After watching some track videos, I realized I am lacking in the fundamental knowledge of some of the how's and why's of track riding. I have Keith Code's books, and have read them, but I think comprehension won't come until I do it. I think NESBA's introductory rider program might be a good start.
So, is T2 on this board? Daryl? "in MINN" crew? Please help a NOOB out.
Bike: What do I need to do to it, what should I do? How close am I to passing Tech as it sits? Currently I am about bone stock, with high TBR pipes as my only performance mod (the rifle case dosen't count, it comes off..) Pics of my bike
Gear: I know I need more, but my only resource being the net, I am confused on some things. Too bad Daryl dosen't still have those used leathers, who was it in Minn that did leathers?
Knowledge: After watching some track videos, I realized I am lacking in the fundamental knowledge of some of the how's and why's of track riding. I have Keith Code's books, and have read them, but I think comprehension won't come until I do it. I think NESBA's introductory rider program might be a good start.
So, is T2 on this board? Daryl? "in MINN" crew? Please help a NOOB out.
04-23-2005, 11:59 PM
#2
Hmm?
SuperBike
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Gabriel Valley
Posts: 2,069
Generally, you'll want relatively fresh tires and brake pads. Flushing the coolant and an oil change are also on the list, if those haven't been done in awhile.
Some organizers require you to tape up your wheel weights, lights, and sometimes your speedo.
As long as you don't have parts dangling off the bike, you should be fine.
And depending on who's hosting the party, you can get away with a textile suit (Aerostitch). I recommend a comfy 2 piece or 1 piece leathers. Boots, gloves, and a helmet. Ear plugs, too.
Bring lots of liquids (water, gatorade) to ensure you're properly hydrated. Some snacks, too, for when you're just sitting around.
Have fun! My first trackday was a blast. I've done 8 trackdays since my first, and they're always a fun learning experience.
Some organizers require you to tape up your wheel weights, lights, and sometimes your speedo.
As long as you don't have parts dangling off the bike, you should be fine.
And depending on who's hosting the party, you can get away with a textile suit (Aerostitch). I recommend a comfy 2 piece or 1 piece leathers. Boots, gloves, and a helmet. Ear plugs, too.
Bring lots of liquids (water, gatorade) to ensure you're properly hydrated. Some snacks, too, for when you're just sitting around.
Have fun! My first trackday was a blast. I've done 8 trackdays since my first, and they're always a fun learning experience.
04-29-2005, 07:29 PM
#4
Hmm?
SuperBike
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Gabriel Valley
Posts: 2,069
Do you fit off the rack suits?
www.newenough.com usually has a suit or two on Closeout (--> inexpensive)
I highly recommend www.terra-powersports.com (they can usually beat most retailers' prices, except eBay).
www.newenough.com usually has a suit or two on Closeout (--> inexpensive)
I highly recommend www.terra-powersports.com (they can usually beat most retailers' prices, except eBay).
05-10-2005, 08:15 PM
#5
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Re: Track Day Questions
Ok I got a set of leathers on the way.. what's next? I think wiring and tech is next.
I have new pads on the way.
I think a full fluid change is in order, so that is:
Coolant:
Distilled Water and Water Wetter, OR Engine ICE...
Brake/Clutch Fluid:
Dot 3 or 4? How much should I buy to change everything? Can I use the same stuff in the brakes and the clutch? Is there a prefered brand? Do I really need speedbleeders?
Fork Fluid:
I have a 100% stock front end. I weigh 220# without gear. What weight fluid and how much?
Saftey Wire:
Are the saftey wire "kits" worth the effort? I have some .035 SS wire and small spinner pliers already, but I still need to drill parts or get the special washers. I had the idea of buying extras of the parts that need drilled, so I can have spares and also so I can "undo" the wiring if I want, later on.
What else?
I have new pads on the way.
I think a full fluid change is in order, so that is:
Coolant:
Distilled Water and Water Wetter, OR Engine ICE...
Brake/Clutch Fluid:
Dot 3 or 4? How much should I buy to change everything? Can I use the same stuff in the brakes and the clutch? Is there a prefered brand? Do I really need speedbleeders?
Fork Fluid:
I have a 100% stock front end. I weigh 220# without gear. What weight fluid and how much?
Saftey Wire:
Are the saftey wire "kits" worth the effort? I have some .035 SS wire and small spinner pliers already, but I still need to drill parts or get the special washers. I had the idea of buying extras of the parts that need drilled, so I can have spares and also so I can "undo" the wiring if I want, later on.
What else?
05-10-2005, 08:50 PM
#6
Hmm?
SuperBike
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Gabriel Valley
Posts: 2,069
Re: Track Day Questions
Ok I got a set of leathers on the way.. what's next? I think wiring and tech is next.
I have new pads on the way.
I think a full fluid change is in order, so that is:
Coolant:
Distilled Water and Water Wetter, OR Engine ICE...
Brake/Clutch Fluid:
Dot 3 or 4? How much should I buy to change everything? Can I use the same stuff in the brakes and the clutch? Is there a prefered brand? Do I really need speedbleeders?
Fork Fluid:
I have a 100% stock front end. I weigh 220# without gear. What weight fluid and how much?
Saftey Wire:
Are the saftey wire "kits" worth the effort? I have some .035 SS wire and small spinner pliers already, but I still need to drill parts or get the special washers. I had the idea of buying extras of the parts that need drilled, so I can have spares and also so I can "undo" the wiring if I want, later on.
What else?
I have new pads on the way.
I think a full fluid change is in order, so that is:
Coolant:
Distilled Water and Water Wetter, OR Engine ICE...
Brake/Clutch Fluid:
Dot 3 or 4? How much should I buy to change everything? Can I use the same stuff in the brakes and the clutch? Is there a prefered brand? Do I really need speedbleeders?
Fork Fluid:
I have a 100% stock front end. I weigh 220# without gear. What weight fluid and how much?
Saftey Wire:
Are the saftey wire "kits" worth the effort? I have some .035 SS wire and small spinner pliers already, but I still need to drill parts or get the special washers. I had the idea of buying extras of the parts that need drilled, so I can have spares and also so I can "undo" the wiring if I want, later on.
What else?
With regards to fork fluid, I honestly don't know. I had the dealership (oh the shame!) install my Race Tech front springs. I believe Race Tech's website has more information regarding what weight springs you'll need, but definitely consider this modification. You are close to my weight, and I chose 1.0kg/mm springs.
Use DOT4 for your brake and clutch lines. I believe one bottle should be enough for the front lines and the clutch line, but I like to have a backup bottle in case my bike's really thirsty (or I forget to close the line as I'm filling up). Get a brake bleeder - it makes life much simpler.
Lastly, I use Water Wetter and water. I've never tried Engine Ice but I imagine they accomplish similar goals.
05-11-2005, 10:36 AM
#7
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Superstock
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Western NY
Posts: 347
Also, if you don't already have one, I'd suggest a back protector, the hard-shell type or similar to the Bohn or Knox brand. Many trackday org. are now requiring them, not sure about yours though. Either way it's good insurance for your body.
05-11-2005, 01:12 PM
#8
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Good Luck on your first track day!
I agree with Darrren about the spine protector.
Springs would be helpful for a heavy rider, but probably not essential on your first track day. Concentrate on safety equipment and tires.
Our local trackday organizers require that the oil filter and oil drain plugs be safety wired. For the filter, use a hose clamp and wire it to a small boss that sticks out the front of the block.
Stay calm, keep your arms and shoulders relaxed and don't try too hard. If you find yourself tensing up back off. You will find riding on the track to be WAY faster than anything you would do on the street. Don't try to be a fast guy. Keep it smooth and bring it home in one piece. Many "fast" street riders wind up wadding it on their first track day.
In one day last year I saw an '04 R1, '04 CBR1000RR and an '04 Z6R go home in broken pieces, with corresponding rider injuries. All of them wannabe fast guys with little or no track experience. The CBR had just been pieced togather after a street crash 2 weeks earlier.
Keep it cool and it will be the most fun you've ever had on a motorcycle!
I agree with Darrren about the spine protector.
Springs would be helpful for a heavy rider, but probably not essential on your first track day. Concentrate on safety equipment and tires.
Our local trackday organizers require that the oil filter and oil drain plugs be safety wired. For the filter, use a hose clamp and wire it to a small boss that sticks out the front of the block.
Stay calm, keep your arms and shoulders relaxed and don't try too hard. If you find yourself tensing up back off. You will find riding on the track to be WAY faster than anything you would do on the street. Don't try to be a fast guy. Keep it smooth and bring it home in one piece. Many "fast" street riders wind up wadding it on their first track day.
In one day last year I saw an '04 R1, '04 CBR1000RR and an '04 Z6R go home in broken pieces, with corresponding rider injuries. All of them wannabe fast guys with little or no track experience. The CBR had just been pieced togather after a street crash 2 weeks earlier.
Keep it cool and it will be the most fun you've ever had on a motorcycle!
05-13-2005, 05:41 PM
#9
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Location: Springpatch, Flatland, Illinois
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Anyone have a spare oil filler cap?
I use K&N oil filters, so wiring is simple as they already have a hole. I just bought a "spare" oil drain plug to drill. I am going to order speedbleeders, are they all the same size? [2 fronts, one rear, one clutch]
05-13-2005, 07:52 PM
#10
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Posts: n/a
I have the Bohn (pro racer or something like that). It is hard to get my leathers on and off. I am considering changing to a hardshell, armadillo style. I think they are probably safer if you hit something hard ( like the ground, a car, a curb, a rock, a tree, a guardrail).
05-13-2005, 09:19 PM
#11
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Armadillo style, as in like the second link on my post?
What makes it hard to get into and out of leather? My plan is to order a suit that was one size too big specifically to allow me to add armor - is this a valid theory?
What makes it hard to get into and out of leather? My plan is to order a suit that was one size too big specifically to allow me to add armor - is this a valid theory?
05-24-2005, 07:44 AM
#14
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 150
Re: Track Day Questions
Under your leathers, get some good synthetic "cool max" or similar material. The stuff is made for hot weather and wicks away moisture keeping you cool (rather than keeping you warm like conventional long undies), and the fabric is very slippery, allowing you to slide into/out of your leathers with ease (compared to hot, sticky sweaty skin or t-shirt).
http://www.sweatitout.com/
They also sell "suits" made of similar stuff, but they are sorta overpriced compared to the performance long underwear. Kushtani makes one, but it's a full suit with a crotch to neck zipper and runs about $200.
For REALLY hot weather track days, I HIGHLY reccomend this
http://www.actionstation.com/coolmax.html
Sure you look like a NASA reject out of your suit, but the stuff REALLY works. You can remove the shirt (little hard to remove the pants, but if you've got no modesty problems, go for it) and dunk it/soak it in water, then lightly wring it out. The "tubes" hold the water and give extra evaporative cooling without making you "wet" or getting your leathers wet.
http://www.sweatitout.com/
They also sell "suits" made of similar stuff, but they are sorta overpriced compared to the performance long underwear. Kushtani makes one, but it's a full suit with a crotch to neck zipper and runs about $200.
For REALLY hot weather track days, I HIGHLY reccomend this
http://www.actionstation.com/coolmax.html
Sure you look like a NASA reject out of your suit, but the stuff REALLY works. You can remove the shirt (little hard to remove the pants, but if you've got no modesty problems, go for it) and dunk it/soak it in water, then lightly wring it out. The "tubes" hold the water and give extra evaporative cooling without making you "wet" or getting your leathers wet.
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