First track day soon, advice needed

Hi,

I'm pretty new to biking having not long past my test.

I rode around for a bit on a CBR 400 which quickly became to slow for me so ive recently aquired a 2001 RSV Mille which I love.

I'm going on my first track day next week and want to start with some new tyres, ive been advised that the corsa 3's are the way to go but not having bought tyres for bikes before I dont know what sizes are best for front and rear and i'm a little unclear of a different sizes effect. I also have no idea where the best place to buy them from would be?

Also my Mille has the damping front and rear set full stiff, is this normal, if not whats a good set up?

|Many Thanks

Rob

Welcome aboard raustin :thumbup

Tyre sizing, stick to the recommended sizes. You'll see no advantages in going for something abstract. Some of the gentlemen on here have reported that some makes of tyres in the 190 size rub against the chain. Standard sizes are 120/70-17 front and either 180/55-17 or 190/50-17 rear. Buying wise, you can pick a set up cheaper over the net, but then factor into the costs for having them fitted and whether you can remove the wheels yourself for this.

Suspension is all personal choice and feel in accordance to your riding style and weight. So the best way forward if you aren't happy with the way it is set at the moment is to set it all back to standard and then go from there. If you have a search around you'll find details on measuring sag etc

Enjoy the track day and best of luck squire.

Keep it sunny side up :thumbup

If it's any help, I just did Cadwell on Michelin Pilot Powers (180 rear, which I found turns quicker than a 190) and was 'very 'appy'.
I'd suggest getting a set-up specialist to have a look at the suspension, full damping isn't necessary the best setting for good track handling and the settings should be taliored to your weight and what you're doing with the bike. There are all sorts of aspects of the suspension/ride-height that can be adjusted and you could find yourself with an ill-handling pig if you mess them all up. My Mille (non-Ohlins) has been set-up for the track at some time and is brilliant on track and off.
Have fun.

As far as the tyre choice goes, I have just put a new Corsa 3 on the back of my bike but not had the chance to get out on it cos its always raining and although its sunny this morning I am stuck at home with the kids! I had it fitted to a loose wheel for £130 (I went for the 180 width) It was twenty quid more for a ride in/ out fitting:jack. Just remember not to over torque it when you put the wheel back on and if the garage does it for you remind them that the Aprilia recommended torque settings are too high and can damage the bearings. So tighten it up to 95nm and no more.:eatcorn
As I said I have not tested the corsa 3 yet but decided to stick with Pirelli as I had a Supercorsa on there before and it was the stickiest tyre I have ever used. Bags of confidence gassing it out of corners. Cant comment on it in the wet as I am a "Water soluble" biker. And If you do high mileage you might want to try a harder compound as the Pirrellis don't last too long. (average to fast riding 1500 miles) Hope this helps mucker:thumbup


irate

hi raustin
which track are u doing trackday?
im going to put 021 on my 2001 when my tyres want changing. run 020 on my bmw and
done 2 trackdays at caady went very well even in the wet.
u can get of fleabay roundnblack.
A T B
dave

Some suspension setup info here that you would be interested in reading i think.
As the lads say..move all back to std. settings and work on one at a time..starting with bike & static sag for your weight.
http://www.moto-racing.co.uk/Guides/motorcycleSuspensionSetup.htm