Track Days
02-14-2006, 07:35 AM
#1
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Track Days
Track Days
The most fun I've had with my clothes on
I'm hooked....gotta do some more
Need to work out some....tired today...legs, calfs, back, shoulders, arms, even some stomach!
Who's got a good exercise plan?
Please share it !
The most fun I've had with my clothes on
I'm hooked....gotta do some more
Need to work out some....tired today...legs, calfs, back, shoulders, arms, even some stomach!
Who's got a good exercise plan?
Please share it !
02-14-2006, 07:44 AM
#2
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Do you have a stock suspension on yours or did you go on the track with different springs in the forks? I am planning to do some trackdays this year and I am working on getting some racetech springs for my ride.
02-14-2006, 08:03 AM
#3
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Race Tech .80kg springs (kinda light - should have .85kb for the street, .90kg race)
Race Tech Gold valves both compression and rebound
10wt fork oil
Ohlins rear shock. You can use your stock shock.
How much over 150 do you weigh?
If you have a chance for a track day just do it.
Just ride as hard as your stock suspension allows.
It will "talk to you". Start slow & slowly work up faster. It will let you know when it's reaching it's limits.
You'll start in beginners Level 1 class so you won't be trying to keep up with the rocket fast boyz !
Worry about suspension later as your time & money allow :-)
But if you have the time & bucks go ahead & do the forks :-)
02-14-2006, 08:30 AM
#4
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Aha another track addict, 
I TOLD you you'd be hooked! I did the forks first then a shock but I started with the bike stock and had no problems until I got more confident and started finding the faults. I can't wait to test the shock on the track. How did Loco do, is he hooked as well? Damn I can't wait to get back out there.
I TOLD you you'd be hooked! I did the forks first then a shock but I started with the bike stock and had no problems until I got more confident and started finding the faults. I can't wait to test the shock on the track. How did Loco do, is he hooked as well? Damn I can't wait to get back out there.
02-14-2006, 09:36 AM
#5
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Re: Track Days
Loco was rocking !!!!
That boy has some talent just waiting to be unleashed !
He rode with Jose & was keeping up with that Ducati 999R just fine !
I better let him tell you about it....but I will say they both were cooking !!!
Ask him about the Level 2 guys ....hehehe
New nickname....Valentino Loco
Hmmmm.....maybe Loco Rossi ???
I dunno
Me....I was the slowest guy out there
But had a BLAST
Put the bike back to street legal this morning....now the boring ride to work
Wonder what air pressure I should ride the Pilot Powers on the street.
28 to 30PSI is probably too low. I'll start with 34PSI & see I guess??
The stock 36/42PSI is probably too much.
Any ideas?
That boy has some talent just waiting to be unleashed !
He rode with Jose & was keeping up with that Ducati 999R just fine !
I better let him tell you about it....but I will say they both were cooking !!!
Ask him about the Level 2 guys ....hehehe
New nickname....Valentino Loco
Hmmmm.....maybe Loco Rossi ???
I dunno
Me....I was the slowest guy out there
But had a BLAST
Put the bike back to street legal this morning....now the boring ride to work
Wonder what air pressure I should ride the Pilot Powers on the street.
28 to 30PSI is probably too low. I'll start with 34PSI & see I guess??
The stock 36/42PSI is probably too much.
Any ideas?
02-14-2006, 03:54 PM
#8
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You can ride with stock air pressure but I prefer a little softer. Use your own judgement on what feels best but track pressure is usually too soft to soak up the pot holes and will wear the tires quicker.
02-14-2006, 04:07 PM
#9
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Wow. That was fun as hell. We did 7 sessions of riding, with class/discussion time in between. Each session I could feel myself getting more comfortable with the track and with the bike. Here's the rundown:
Session 1: The track was slick as ice ("wet ice" says the instructors) and we just followed the leader going at a moderate pace. Everyone complained about loss of traction around the "rattlesnake" (a really sharp double S).
Session 2: Follow the leader again, this time with some faster pace, again the track was still slick (it was only about 50 degrees when we started racing).
Session 3&4: Passing was allowed, but only on straights, and only around the outside of curves. I started gaining major confidence, and really leaning off the bike, not just extending my inside knee. I got run off the track during Session 4, because I was making a pass on a pack of 4-5 riders (on the outside) when the entire pack shifted all the way to the edge of the track, and I had to run into the gravel pit. I grew up riding dirt bikes, so I knew what to do, plus I've run off of enough roads to know what it feels like. I stayed upright and got right back out there. (That's save #1)
Session 5: I was trying like a bastard to figure out why my front suspension was acting like a whiny bitch all day. They told us to check our tire pressure because the hotter temps in the afternoon (around 65 I think) would make the cold tire air expand. They recommended 25-30 lbs in each tire. I checked my tires and I **** you not: 20psi front, 55 psi rear. WTF!!!!!!! I believe Bill summed it up best when he said "Dammit, now he's gonna be even faster!?!"
Session 6: I was really getting into the curves, and actually lost my traction completely around the last curve before the home straight. I ran up on the slower moving pack, with way too much speed, and nailed both brakes, locking up the rear tire which started fish-tailing all over the place! Let me tell you, that **** is NOT COOL at 95 mph!! Even the instructor, who was following me, looked back and did one of those "calm down man!" signals. (That's save #2)
Session 7: I thought this was gonna be a victory lap, to kinda just parade everyone around and take photos. Then they announced "Level 2 and Level 1 riders will be riding together on the same track"! I was just gonna play it cool and follow my new friend on the 2005 Ducati 999r (yeah, I know) because he was fast as hell and I enjoyed trying to keep up. I hadn't really been passed all day, and I was dreading getting passed by a Level 2 dude. After all, they had been zipping around WAYYYY faster than anyone in Level 1. (We could watch them from the classroom). Halfway through lap 1, I passed Mr. Ducati, heheheheheheh. Then I got buzzed by Ty Howard, the track record-holder. I tried to keep up but "yeah fkin right". Either way... it was on! I went two laps of *****-to-the-wall riding, and was still waiting to be passed up. Then I came up on a bike I didn't recognize, a Ducati 996 with racing everything. He was crushing me in the straights (15/43 not so good for catching a bike w/ 155 hp at the rear wheel!). But I waited for my chance, and nailed it around my favorite corner, I carried so much speed through it that I actually ran over the red and white inside edging of the next turn (I cut it too sharp because I wasn't used to going that fast). I flew way outside and ran up right to the edge of the track on the other side before I leaned like I have never leaned before. I dragged my knee, and my footpeg, and stayed in front of that Level 2 Ducati all the way to the finish line. (That was save #3)
All in all it was a blast, and next time is gonna be insane! All I can say is "wow". The 999r had a bike cam, and he took a few laps video of me in Session 3 or 4, before I was really "feeling it". Either way, I'm not embarrassed, and as soon as he Emails me back with it, I'll post it.
So... Who's coming with us next time!
Session 1: The track was slick as ice ("wet ice" says the instructors) and we just followed the leader going at a moderate pace. Everyone complained about loss of traction around the "rattlesnake" (a really sharp double S).
Session 2: Follow the leader again, this time with some faster pace, again the track was still slick (it was only about 50 degrees when we started racing).
Session 3&4: Passing was allowed, but only on straights, and only around the outside of curves. I started gaining major confidence, and really leaning off the bike, not just extending my inside knee. I got run off the track during Session 4, because I was making a pass on a pack of 4-5 riders (on the outside) when the entire pack shifted all the way to the edge of the track, and I had to run into the gravel pit. I grew up riding dirt bikes, so I knew what to do, plus I've run off of enough roads to know what it feels like. I stayed upright and got right back out there. (That's save #1)
Session 5: I was trying like a bastard to figure out why my front suspension was acting like a whiny bitch all day. They told us to check our tire pressure because the hotter temps in the afternoon (around 65 I think) would make the cold tire air expand. They recommended 25-30 lbs in each tire. I checked my tires and I **** you not: 20psi front, 55 psi rear. WTF!!!!!!! I believe Bill summed it up best when he said "Dammit, now he's gonna be even faster!?!"
Session 6: I was really getting into the curves, and actually lost my traction completely around the last curve before the home straight. I ran up on the slower moving pack, with way too much speed, and nailed both brakes, locking up the rear tire which started fish-tailing all over the place! Let me tell you, that **** is NOT COOL at 95 mph!! Even the instructor, who was following me, looked back and did one of those "calm down man!" signals. (That's save #2)
Session 7: I thought this was gonna be a victory lap, to kinda just parade everyone around and take photos. Then they announced "Level 2 and Level 1 riders will be riding together on the same track"! I was just gonna play it cool and follow my new friend on the 2005 Ducati 999r (yeah, I know) because he was fast as hell and I enjoyed trying to keep up. I hadn't really been passed all day, and I was dreading getting passed by a Level 2 dude. After all, they had been zipping around WAYYYY faster than anyone in Level 1. (We could watch them from the classroom). Halfway through lap 1, I passed Mr. Ducati, heheheheheheh. Then I got buzzed by Ty Howard, the track record-holder. I tried to keep up but "yeah fkin right". Either way... it was on! I went two laps of *****-to-the-wall riding, and was still waiting to be passed up. Then I came up on a bike I didn't recognize, a Ducati 996 with racing everything. He was crushing me in the straights (15/43 not so good for catching a bike w/ 155 hp at the rear wheel!). But I waited for my chance, and nailed it around my favorite corner, I carried so much speed through it that I actually ran over the red and white inside edging of the next turn (I cut it too sharp because I wasn't used to going that fast). I flew way outside and ran up right to the edge of the track on the other side before I leaned like I have never leaned before. I dragged my knee, and my footpeg, and stayed in front of that Level 2 Ducati all the way to the finish line. (That was save #3)
All in all it was a blast, and next time is gonna be insane! All I can say is "wow". The 999r had a bike cam, and he took a few laps video of me in Session 3 or 4, before I was really "feeling it". Either way, I'm not embarrassed, and as soon as he Emails me back with it, I'll post it.
So... Who's coming with us next time!
02-14-2006, 04:26 PM
#10
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I told you, I told you I told you, fun, fun, fun. I'd love to go with you guys, come on Jennings Fl. isn't that far away for you guys. I'll gladly meet you there, or how about Bama.
Did you get the leathers today?
I'll gladly meet you there, or how about Bama.Did you get the leathers today?
02-14-2006, 04:45 PM
#12
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Oh yeah don't feel bad about running off the track, my first day I went off 3 times in the same corner. The part that really pissed me off was it was the easiest corner on the track, I'd fly through the technical section and the F-up the fast easy sweeper. It's one of my favorite now, funny how that works, once the little bulb comes on it's like DUH!
The part that really pissed me off was it was the easiest corner on the track, I'd fly through the technical section and the F-up the fast easy sweeper. It's one of my favorite now, funny how that works, once the little bulb comes on it's like DUH!
02-15-2006, 07:50 AM
#15
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Quick comment for the guy on the silver SV650. For the love of god man, please stop hogging the outside of the track, then blasting away on the straights! I'm not allowed to pass you on the inside and I pitted twice just to get you out of my way!
--Loco
--Loco
02-15-2006, 08:32 AM
#16
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Re: Track Days
Hey Loco,
How ya feeling today?
My legs are still a little sore :-)
Dam that was FUN !
I gotta get off 3/6 for the Lone Star Track Day.
Right now I's scheduled for mandatory training (3 days) starting that Monday. (bummer)
I'm working on switching the Monday training day but no guarantee I can do it.
Really want to get out there again !
Will you ride Level 2 next time?
How ya feeling today?
My legs are still a little sore :-)
Dam that was FUN !
I gotta get off 3/6 for the Lone Star Track Day.
Right now I's scheduled for mandatory training (3 days) starting that Monday. (bummer)
I'm working on switching the Monday training day but no guarantee I can do it.
Really want to get out there again !
Will you ride Level 2 next time?
02-15-2006, 08:43 AM
#17
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I forgot my camera but remembered everything else (thank god)
They had guys out there taking pictures but I forgot to ask how to get pics from them.
Loco do you remember what they said about pics?
Be fun to see how bad I looked on the bike
I won a 2 lap DVD of me riding but they were NOT my best two laps.
In fact I kinda sucked those 2 film laps! DOH !
They had guys out there taking pictures but I forgot to ask how to get pics from them.
Loco do you remember what they said about pics?
Be fun to see how bad I looked on the bike
I won a 2 lap DVD of me riding but they were NOT my best two laps.
In fact I kinda sucked those 2 film laps! DOH !
02-15-2006, 09:03 AM
#18
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Bill..
I feel fine, I actually went to my health club after we came back, and sat in the hot tub for about an hour. Other than the old naked Russian man joining me in the hot tub, it was just what I needed.
I don't think I will do Level 2 quite yet. I still would like to learn the basics, and not have to feel very pressured to be a bat-outta-hell.
As far as pictures, I just emailed Hart Photography, who was doing the event, and they will be posting their pics very soon. They are expensive to buy (like $35 for a CD with 7 pics) but if we split the cost, it would save money. I am going to Email Jose to get the video of me. You better post your video as well!
I feel fine, I actually went to my health club after we came back, and sat in the hot tub for about an hour. Other than the old naked Russian man joining me in the hot tub, it was just what I needed.
I don't think I will do Level 2 quite yet. I still would like to learn the basics, and not have to feel very pressured to be a bat-outta-hell.
As far as pictures, I just emailed Hart Photography, who was doing the event, and they will be posting their pics very soon. They are expensive to buy (like $35 for a CD with 7 pics) but if we split the cost, it would save money. I am going to Email Jose to get the video of me. You better post your video as well!
02-15-2006, 09:19 AM
#19
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Bill..
I feel fine, I actually went to my health club after we came back, and sat in the hot tub for about an hour. Other than the old naked Russian man joining me in the hot tub, it was just what I needed.
I don't think I will do Level 2 quite yet. I still would like to learn the basics, and not have to feel very pressured to be a bat-outta-hell.
As far as pictures, I just emailed Hart Photography, who was doing the event, and they will be posting their pics very soon. They are expensive to buy (like $35 for a CD with 7 pics) but if we split the cost, it would save money. I am going to Email Jose to get the video of me. You better post your video as well!
I feel fine, I actually went to my health club after we came back, and sat in the hot tub for about an hour. Other than the old naked Russian man joining me in the hot tub, it was just what I needed.
I don't think I will do Level 2 quite yet. I still would like to learn the basics, and not have to feel very pressured to be a bat-outta-hell.
As far as pictures, I just emailed Hart Photography, who was doing the event, and they will be posting their pics very soon. They are expensive to buy (like $35 for a CD with 7 pics) but if we split the cost, it would save money. I am going to Email Jose to get the video of me. You better post your video as well!
OK I'll do it.... that will be good for some laughs!!
(gotta remember "it's a training tool" for a 1st timer)
I'm gonna keep doing track days til I get better.
Being a slow learner, that could take some time!
Dang $35 for a 7 pic CD is a little steep!
Maybe they're poster quality/sized pic files of 100MB each! :-)
Sure, I'll split a CD with ya!
But I'll be surprised if I can find one or more pics of me that looks decent...we'll see. At least i didn't crack their lens with my ugliness
Is this their web site?
http://www.hart-photography.com/mtrsport.html
02-15-2006, 03:19 PM
#20
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02-15-2006, 07:00 PM
#24
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Re: Track Days
Can your friends go to the track and take photos for you? I plan to get a helmet camera when I went to tracks, that must be fun.
In fact there is a track here and it's 100km far from me, in suburb of ShangHai , but it's small to 1000cc motorcycles. It's such a pity that the ShangHai F1 circuit don't open for us (especially motorcyclists).
Anyway, everyone look cool in corner on a motorcycle, here's a pic of my friend.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=179
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=178
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=177
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=176
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=175
In fact there is a track here and it's 100km far from me, in suburb of ShangHai , but it's small to 1000cc motorcycles. It's such a pity that the ShangHai F1 circuit don't open for us (especially motorcyclists).
Anyway, everyone look cool in corner on a motorcycle, here's a pic of my friend.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=179
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=178
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=177
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=176
https://www.superhawkforum.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=175
02-18-2006, 09:45 AM
#26
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Ok.. here's round 1:
Bill your pics are available from Hart Photography. They don't allow you to mix bikes in the prints, so we'd have to go separately. Anyway, here's the link:
http://www.hart-photography.com/2006...ue/albums.html
By the way, the red VTR in those shots is not me.
I AM however, in several of the Ducati 999r shots, when I passed him on the last session. Here's that link:
http://www.hart-photography.com/2006...ti/albums.html
I'll post mine when they are made available
Bill your pics are available from Hart Photography. They don't allow you to mix bikes in the prints, so we'd have to go separately. Anyway, here's the link:
http://www.hart-photography.com/2006...ue/albums.html
By the way, the red VTR in those shots is not me.
I AM however, in several of the Ducati 999r shots, when I passed him on the last session. Here's that link:
http://www.hart-photography.com/2006...ti/albums.html
I'll post mine when they are made available
02-19-2006, 12:06 PM
#30
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Ok.. Here's Loco:
http://www.hart-photography.com/2006...ed/albums.html
It's obvious from the photos that I wasn't really comfortable going fast until late in the day. 8)
http://www.hart-photography.com/2006...ed/albums.html
It's obvious from the photos that I wasn't really comfortable going fast until late in the day. 8)
