OK I've been doing some research on some organizations/schools that offer track days. I'm leaning towards the one in South Carolina. I have an 07 750 I use as my daily commuter and I don't want to convert it to a track bike for riding one day. Can I ride it unmodified or do I actually have to safety wire and what exactly would I have to do to it?
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Most orgs just require taping up and disabling the lights, as well as taping up the mirrors.
If they dont require safety wire, you can put a dab of silicone on the drain plug, but safety wiring the drain plug is not a bad idea even on the street.
They will also check the condition of your tires as well as brake pads, all must be in good working condition.
+1 on what these guys said. All orgs post their rules. All the orgs are easy at the beginner level as far as setting up your bike. At most 1 hr of prep.If you decide to do it with Nesba I'll be at CMP on the 28th
Motorcycle: '08 GSXR 750 soon to be race prepped, '09 KX250f
Posts: 63
Re: Thinking of doing some track days...help
I know that for my own ease of mind, I removed the mirrors and passenger pegs. In addition, you may want to have someone check out your suspension and tire pressures. The suspension will need to be a little stiffer, not that stock suspension is worth a shit, as it fades away after a few laps, but you will also want to run lower tire pressures. Look into it when you get there and see what people are running with your brand of tire
I know that for my own ease of mind, I removed the mirrors and passenger pegs. In addition, you may want to have someone check out your suspension and tire pressures. The suspension will need to be a little stiffer, not that stock suspension is worth a shit, as it fades away after a few laps, but you will also want to run lower tire pressures. Look into it when you get there and see what people are running with your brand of tire
Uhhhhh, I was running mid pack intermediate with stock suspension last year, it was dialed in, but it was stock. It shouldnt be fading at a beginners pace.
And tire pressures is something he should check himself, at the track and throughout the day. every session.
He could post here what tires he has and we can suggest pressures for him.
I know that for my own ease of mind, I removed the mirrors and passenger pegs. In addition, you may want to have someone check out your suspension and tire pressures. The suspension will need to be a little stiffer, not that stock suspension is worth a shit, as it fades away after a few laps, but you will also want to run lower tire pressures. Look into it when you get there and see what people are running with your brand of tire
What?
1. There is nothing wrong with the stock suspension. I have run with the front of the Advanced group on stock suspension...even won a couple of races with stock suspension.
2. How does stock suspension "fade away" after a few laps? What are you talking about?
3. Why would you automatically tell someone to lower their tire pressure? That could cause the tire to overheat and get greasy even sooner.
I know that for my own ease of mind, I removed the mirrors and passenger pegs. In addition, you may want to have someone check out your suspension and tire pressures. The suspension will need to be a little stiffer, not that stock suspension is worth a shit, as it fades away after a few laps, but you will also want to run lower tire pressures. Look into it when you get there and see what people are running with your brand of tire
terrible advice.
stock suspensions is fine, and capable of running well into the advanced group for session upon session without fading.
and why would you tell him to lower his tire pressures? how do you know what pressures he is running now? how do you know what tires he is running? some run better at higher pressures...
I know that for my own ease of mind, I removed the mirrors and passenger pegs. In addition, you may want to have someone check out your suspension and tire pressures. The suspension will need to be a little stiffer, not that stock suspension is worth a shit, as it fades away after a few laps, but you will also want to run lower tire pressures. Look into it when you get there and see what people are running with your brand of tire
It's advice with no context. A noob at the track will not outrun his suspension. A good rider can heat up the fork oil and rear shock causing it to be less viscous and "fade" a bit, but he's a long way from that. I'm 245lbs all geared up, about to hit intermediate group, and got so low I drug my pipe on the ground. After reading my tire my pressure and rebound was off and it still stuck like glue. So you'll be fine for quite some time on stock.
Assuming he's running street pressures he will want to lower them for a track day. It's already been noted to post tires for proper advice. Arbitrary pressure changes can cause you to drag helmet. Too high and you'll skid on a cold tire, too low and you'll skid on a greasy tire.
I do suggest removing mirrors because you have no business looking behind you as there shouldn't be passing and at this level taking your eyes off the track for a split second could put you in the gravel. Don't even look at your speedo. If your body positioning is correct they can get in your line of vision. Mirrors have no place on a track.
Even though you don't have to safety wire I suggest downloading the manual and torquing all bolts associated with rotating mass, stopping rotating mass, and that hold fluids. I also would put a dab of RTV Silicone on the drain plug and oil filter to keep them from backing out. This isn't just for you as other riders could slide on oil if you are dripping.
x2 street pressures vary from track pressures. there "should" be a tire sevice at the track. and for STT its michelin. ask him/her what is reccomended, even if you dont ride on the best tires in the world (michelins, lol), they will tell you whats a proper track psi.
also, make friends there, and maby pit with someone else that doesnt mind helping a newb. most ppl at the track enjoy helping novice guys. just make sure you bring enough gas, food, and water for the day. i go thru about 18 waters and 1 large gatoraide bottle, plus food and about 6+gallons of gas (bike and generator). and find shade!!!
i might also suggestgoing to the STT forum, and making a thread about your upcoming td and if anyoe would mind you pitting with or near them and if they wouldt mind kinda helping you thru the day if you have any questions
__________________ 2007 gsxr 600 track only fvck the street
Zip ties are a very important part of track days/racing. Don't hate on the zip ties.
Don't forget about duct tape, another high tech track/racing item.
Like was mentioned earlier, your stock suspension (set correctly) and street rubber (as long as it has decent thread) will be fine for your 1st day, second day etc.
STT & TPM have excellent beginner programs, the best in the industry.
I am willing to bet that you will be back for more track days.
Re: Thinking of doing some track days...help
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