The Racing and Trackday Tip Thread

[shvlheadwolf]

As there are a couple of racers and former racers on the forum. I thought that we might have them divulge some riding tips, hints on set up, and any other of the million things that are needed in prepping a bike and rider for the track. What pucks work for them, what leathers are a good deal (try http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com, killer deal on the HG one piece), which helmets work ad nauseum.

Might there be a chance for a separate area for this topic?

Tips:

Tires: Don't run street pressure in your tires on a track day.

Suspension: Set the sag as soon as you bring a new bike home, it DOES make a difference. Especially if you are a fat old ******* like me.

I'm hoping that there will be some suggestions pertinent to those of us that are a little on the fluffy side and a couple of years past a race career.

Lots of other ideas and tips I think, so I am sure but this thread will take off. If we had a separate "room" for the racers and trackdayers, then we could have separate threads for tire pressure, suspension set up et al.

You guys really helped me out, I would like to pool the information and be able to share with others. Thanks all.

 

[weeksy]

Important things i found varied over time.

In the early days of trackdaying it was "relax, have fun, bring it back safely"

IT moved on from there to "find that next second, take that apex, move the braking marker forward 10m"

Nowdays i've moved on to "enjoy, what's a braking marker, Ooooh look there's an apex over there somewhere"

The only thing i've got of real importance is make sure your bike is 100%. The ammount of people i've known who turn up with a bike with bits needing doing. It totally screws up your mind and your day.

I've always paid someone to do my suspension, they're the experts, i'm just a novice... pay an expert to set it up, it WILL improve the bike.

 

[Batfastard]

The best bits of advice I was given on a trackday were;

Take it easy, warm your tyres and head for a couple of laps.
Learn the correct line around the track (ask an instructor)
Work on being accurate and smooth, the speed will come to you.

Did you ride here? Do you want to ride home?

 

[shvlheadwolf]

Thanks for chiming in lads. I 'bout peed meself reading weeksy's latest attitude at the track!! "Oh look *pleasantly surprised look* there's an apex over there". Hahahahahahahah!


I think my best piece of advice received ( and trying to be used) is, concentrate on smooth and fast will come.

 

[Nobist]

My best advise to you Shvy lad would be to turn your leathers down a 100 watt or two.:yes
Wheres the new pics anyhoo ??????????

 

[mpgscott]

Suspension: Set the sag as soon as you bring a new bike home, it DOES make a difference. Especially if you are a fat old ******* like me.

Shvl, what do you have the sag set to on the old beast?? I am also of the large variety so just looking for your thoughts??

:cheers

 

[shvlheadwolf]

My best advise to you Shvy lad would be to turn your leathers down a 100 watt or two.:yes
Wheres the new pics anyhoo ??????????

I'm getting a lot of mileage out of this phrase...

get ******.

And I need to buy the pics from the second track day as I can't swipe one with *sample* smeared through the middle.

And I found this to be helpful for the setting of sag.
http://www.trackday101.com/Suspension-set-up.html