Track bikes

[phoenix]

If you have a dedicated track bike, or if you have taken a bike to the track more than a few times, I'm curious to know how or why you selected that bike.

Like everything else in life, my riding time and interests have changed. I have a super short commute to work that is flat and straight. Even if I went a hour out of my way, I'd scarcely find any roads of interest. After doing my first trackday, this has me thinking that a change in bikes is in order. I'd like to transition into something that is a good bike for the track as a higher priority to being comfy for long rides. Having aftermarket support would be great, for anything and everything (touring included). Probably a 600 or 650 would be fine.

Please list any and every detail, good or bad, about the bike you take to the track.

[jeremy556]

Buy something that is already race prepped, and is a popular bike (think finding spares in the pits), and you can pickup cheap parts on eBay.

If you are interested in racing, you will want to start thinking about what kinds of classes you would want to run.

SV650s are a great track bike to start on and great to race in lightweight twins if you want to stay out of the meat grinder classes. They are light, cheap, have a friendly power band, are popular, and tend to crash well. I am going to be looking for one myself at the end of this season to race next year.

[burnergold2B]

 I got my race license with CCS on a large twin, went to a GSXR 1000, then an RC51, and now run an '01 GSXR750. As mentioned by guy above it was already prepped by a trackday guy, 3 sets of bodywork, clean title, 3 tanks, & tons of extras for $3500. This bike simply needed the suspension re-worked for me, by my suspension guy, some motor tuning, brake work, and now she's a bad ass killer again. Parts are everywhere and several gens of the GSXRs' parts interchange; '01-'03 is considered the K1 generation of 600/750/1000s. Many of these parts interchange with each other. (read very cheap on e-bay) A typical race weekend will run me $600-1500 for class fees and tires. I didn't/couldn't run a $10K machine if I had 3 wives supporting me!!

[ZED]

My Z1000 is my track bike.  This is an odd choice, especially for someone in the 195lbs and 6'2" range, but the choice was carefully thought out.  I already have the bike!  

I looked at maybe getting something else, but I'd have to spend a pile to get the bike and then maybe still do a bunch of prep work on it.  My Z doesn't owe me anything, so I'll have the suspension rebuilt for the track and add a stabilizer.

If you have racing aspirations, look for something like a GSXR, or if you have an unlimited budget a Ducati.  If you're just playing and learning, I think your Z750 could be set up decently unless your bigger than I am.

My two cents, you'll find your own way.

[miles]

I'm with Zed on this one.  Run what you already have.  Unless you are looking for an excuse to dump the 750, a couple of grand spent on that bike will make it an excellent track day tool as well as better on the road.  Upgrade the suspension first, then the power.

If you plan on racing, it's a different story- buy a race-prepped sv650 and call it good.


miles

[garry]

A local guy that I ride with once in a while just put the swingarm and shock from the Kawi 636 on his Z750 and is hunting for a deal on a set of triple clamps so he can install the front end (forks, brakes, wheels I believe) from a 636 too. Should be a great bike once he gets the suspension upgraded.

[tomek]

Been there, done that,,,,,,,it is way better to get used,build track/race bike.Converting your street bike into track bike can be very expensive,,,,,suspension,brake pads and lines,gearing,rearsets and handlebars,extra set of rims( you don`t want to waste your expensive/fast wearing track tires on the street),some cheap precrashed set of body work,,,,,you could almost get race/track ready SV/GSXR for not whole lot more money,,,,,,,,Race bodywork is more crashable and easier/cheaper to fix,same with bars and rearsets,,,,does not have to look very pretty,,,you would not wanto to dump your preety street bike on the race track.

Best of all ,if you are not really into track days you can alaways sell you track bike, and your street bike is still unmolested,unaltered and preetty,,,,,,,,,

[Gaolee]

My track bike is very carefully selected.  It is the bike I own that also runs.  If the Norton ran, I might take it to the track just for a giggle, too.  The friends I ride with on the track also use their street bikes.  A set of track plastic, crash bungs, and some engine covers were cheaper by far than another bike, and my wife doesn't object.  Keeping your wife happier is a key to going to the track more.

If I did more trackdays than I do, maybe it would make sense, but I don't see the point in a while 'nother bike I would only ride five or six times a year.  Even if I went all out and was on the track a dozen times a season, it would be hard to justify.  I will admit to modifying my bike slowly but surely, and the modifications are making it more and more of a track bike and less and less of a street bike, but so it goes.  The latest was rearsets with a reversed shift pattern.  You can now start the betting pool on when I forget the pattern and go over the handlebars.

Part of the reason for riding the same bike on the street and track is familiarity.  Joking about the GP shift pattern aside, I enjoy knowing what my street bike can actually do, so if I need to do it on the street, it is all familiar.  Likewise, when I get to the track, I don't have to remember different ergonomics, different dynamic behavior, etc.

All that said, if I could afford another 675 for a dedicated track tool, I would do it.

[phoenix]

I'm with Zed on this one.  Run what you already have.  Unless you are looking for an excuse to dump the 750, a couple of grand spent on that bike will make it an excellent track day tool as well as better on the road.  Upgrade the suspension first, then the power.

Not really looking for an excuse to dump the Z750. I'm a grown up, if I don't like it, I'll make a change. Our relocation has changed some things about my life, my freetime, and then I did a trackday and came away feeling like I would like to do more of that. Maybe 5-6 times a year, maybe for whole weekends, maybe just single days. Not sure. The Z750 is a pretty decent bike, and I bought it with a specific intention, and then the situation changed and now that intention is practically lost. In my ideal world, I think I'd like a completely farkled out FJR for touring, and 600 race replica for weekend fun. My long trips have been few and far between in the past few years, and I don't expect that's going to change much.

If you plan on racing, it's a different story- buy a race-prepped sv650 and call it good.

no, I'm not that optimistic. trackdays are fine. Maybe after I do 5-10 more that tune would change, but I doubt it.

[miles]

Part of the reason for riding the same bike on the street and track is familiarity.  Joking about the GP shift pattern aside, I enjoy knowing what my street bike can actually do, so if I need to do it on the street, it is all familiar.  Likewise, when I get to the track, I don't have to remember different ergonomics, different dynamic behavior, etc.

Exactly.  if going and doing track days is about becoming a better rider, run the same bike you ride the rest of the time.

[burnergold2B]

 Maybe 5-6 times a year, maybe for whole weekends, maybe just single days. Not sure.
no, I'm not that optimistic. trackdays are fine. Maybe after I do 5-10 more that tune would change, but I doubt it.

 Very good. Are you doing BFR or MAM?

[Gaolee]

Exactly.  if going and doing track days is about becoming a better rider, run the same bike you ride the rest of the time.

Becoming a better rider is just cover.  I do trackdays because it is FUN!

[ZED]

Not really looking for an excuse to dump the Z750. I'm a grown up, if I don't like it, I'll make a change. Our relocation has changed some things about my life, my freetime, and then I did a trackday and came away feeling like I would like to do more of that. Maybe 5-6 times a year, maybe for whole weekends, maybe just single days. Not sure. The Z750 is a pretty decent bike, and I bought it with a specific intention, and then the situation changed and now that intention is practically lost. In my ideal world, I think I'd like a completely farkled out FJR for touring, and 600 race replica for weekend fun. My long trips have been few and far between in the past few years, and I don't expect that's going to change much.

no, I'm not that optimistic. trackdays are fine. Maybe after I do 5-10 more that tune would change, but I doubt it.

You've about hit where my thoughts were a month ago.  I purchased my ST3s for touring yesterday.  After the riding season is over I'll be reuilding the suspension on my Z for the track.  I just figured that for 5 or 6 track days a year, I'd be farther ahead to mod the Z.  Also, it's still a head turner, even at the track.  And, as a bonus, I've found that there is not much to damage on a naked when you crash at the track!

[cjohns]

Some stray thoughts:

Least expensive route is what everyone else has recommended--find a used race bike already set up, wired, and ready to roll.

If you eventually wanted to race, something like that could get you going for the first few years for cheap.

The SV650 option/suggestion is a great one.  

For the one bike route, have you thought about a ZZR600???

Smooth power!  Great for touring/road trips, and is the former production ZX-6r.  Very comfortable bike, (I am 6'2, 185).

All you would have to do for track days is remove the mirrors, tape signals and light (or remove) depending on requirements.  You could also do this with the SV650.  Downfall to the ZZR would be that it would not compete too well with modern 600's if you decided to race.  The 650 would move right on up, though cheaper to find a race bike from the get-go.

_______________________________________ _______________________________________ _________________________

That said, I started racing this year with a '91 CBR600.  Bought it because of the price, and the former owner sold everything with it--spare parts, lap transponder, tire warmers, stand, etc.......That is the glory in finding a used racer.  

Should also be easy to find parts for it, and not a lot of investment lost if I crash.

Feel free to PM or ask if you have any questions.

cj

[Lucky_Devil]

I have a dedicated track bike that I picked up for several reasons... some of which have already been mentioned by others.  The major deciding factor for me to get a separate bike for the track was the fact that no insurance company would cover a bike at the track (considered an "exhibition of speed").  If I crashed at the track I would be SOL.... I would lose my only ride, and it would be financially difficult for me to recover completely out of my own pocket.  After discussing it with some other, more track savvy riders, the recurring theme was "don't track a bike that you're not prepared to set fire to and walk away from."  Since I couldn't say that about my current bike, I decided to take their advice and buy a used track bike that had already been set up and was ready to go.  I picked a Honda F4i because spare parts are cheap/plentiful, and it came with tons of upgrades & extras from the previous owner.

[Mookie]

I guess I feel the opposite of Gaolee in that I think using my street bike as a track day tool just slows me down.  I know I'd be much faster if I had a dedicated track bike I wasn't so afraid of getting dirty.  

Getting a race prepped SV650 is probably cheaper than fixing up a crashed 675 and would take a lot of the stress out of trying to improve your times out on the track and allow for greater line/braking experimentation without all the worry about messing up your pristine baby.

But I'll take anything out on the track if that's my only option  

[jeremy556]

I wouldn't run a nice bike like a 675 on the track unless I was racing at the top of the expert classes at the club level and wanted it for the performance advantage. I have seen a lot of bikes get completely destroyed at the track. Lowsides are usually OK, but a highside or a collision can turn a $10k bike into a wad of crap in a couple seconds.

[Gaolee]

Absolutely, and it keeps me from really going all out on the track.

[phoenix]

 Very good. Are you doing BFR or MAM?

that's my hope, along with Autobahn, maybe Road America, maybe Brainerd MN, and I think there's something in Kansas. I might need to buy a trailer.

Hopefully I can find a decent SV650s later in the year or next spring. I think I could tolerate it for a few trips and it seems to be maybe the best option for some track learning.

[hobbes]

Absolutely, and it keeps me from really going all out on the track.

Then what's the point? Go all out to your comfort level on the track, but a dedicated track bike will push that comfort level a bit farther than on your only street ride. No way would I ride my street bikes on the track like I did my track bike. I learned to control slides, be comfortable with extreme lean angles, and get the power down early from riding hard on the track.

Phoenix, the comments here are spot on regarding a prepped bike. They are a dime a dozen, so you can haggle and get a great bike needing only suspension adjustment for usually around $3500 max. I chose an '99-'02 R6 because it seems to be the most popular bike around my parts, and there are a ton of spares available. It also had a few interchangeable parts with my FZ1, so that was an added bonus. Maybe you can find the same with a ZX-6R?

I'd stay away from SVs unless you want to drop a bit of cash on suspension, but a prepped SV is an awesome track tool. They basically need an entire new GSXR front end with triples, wheels, brakes, and steering bearings. I find the best way to get into track riding is to buy a bike with decent stock suspension, then spend cash upgrading it as you'd like. I rode my R6 with stock suspension into the advanced group around riders with fully-prepped suspensions. Not sure I could have done that on an SV, and of course the extra HP helped a lot.

[dm_gsxr]

I'd go with a race prepped bike as well. They're cheaper because it's been raced unlike a street bike that someone babied or only "rode on Sunday"

I got the SV650S with street plastic, race plastic, wired, air box, pipes, and a box of extra parts. I put the street plastic back on because I don't have a trailer and the track is only 10 minutes away. Since it's not my only bike, I'm not afraid of dropping it (although I try not to ). I've pushed it a little and stepped out the back several times (which feels great when you recover without incident).

Carl

[tumbler]

If the z750 is paid for, I would keep it for the track. You just need rearsets and framesliders and it is track ready. Later if you want to throw money at the suspension and brakes go for it, but I wouldn't do that until you can actually feel that they are holding you back. The engine on the z is so mildly tuned it is pretty much bullet-proof, which exactly what you want for thrashing at the track. I'd save the money keeping the bike you have instead of taking a hit selling it and getting another for more track days and tires.

[Mr Sunshine]

Buy something that is already race prepped, and is a popular bike (think finding spares in the pits), and you can pickup cheap parts on eBay.

If you are interested in racing, you will want to start thinking about what kinds of classes you would want to run.

SV650s are a great track bike to start on and great to race in lightweight twins if you want to stay out of the meat grinder classes. They are light, cheap, have a friendly power band, are popular, and tend to crash well. I am going to be looking for one myself at the end of this season to race next year.

+1 to all of that.  The meat grinder is also a major reason why I sold the F4i and got an SV650.

[Mr Sunshine]

Exactly.  if going and doing track days is about becoming a better rider, run the same bike you ride the rest of the time.

If you are a good rider, the bike you are on doesn't really matter. Sure there is a few moments of getting familier with it but that generally isn't that too bad.

So I say if you are going to a far amount of track days and the finances allow it, get a dedicated bike.

[Gaolee]

Then what's the point? Go all out to your comfort level on the track, but a dedicated track bike will push that comfort level a bit farther than on your only street ride. No way would I ride my street bikes on the track like I did my track bike. I learned to control slides, be comfortable with extreme lean angles, and get the power down early from riding hard on the track.

I guess it depends on what you mean by all out.  I use the bike's abilities to the point my abilities stop, but when the choice comes between making a slightly risky pass or not, I don't make the pass.  Likewise, when there is a question about advisability, I err on the side of doing what I am more sure will work.  Yes, it does slide, and yes I get knees down.  I haven't got an elbow down without falling off yet, but it will happens one of these days.  On my previous bike, I used every inch of cornering clearance it had and more, including sliding the bike at both ends.  It was my street bike, too.  Tire technology has progressed and the 675 handles so well that I don't slide much at much higher speeds.  It handles like a 250 GP bike, so it suits my riding style better than a point and shoot bike anyway.

If I had a track bike, there is no question I would take more calculated risks.  So, it holds me back to a point, but it is a different point for me than for others.  It depends on your risk tolerance.  Mine is fairly high, so the calculated risks I take on my street bike might be higher than somebody else's on a dedicated track bike.  Likewise, my risk tolerance is probably lower than some others'.  If I had the option of buying a dedicated track bike, it would be high on my list, but we have other priorities for the money and I have nowhere to put it even if I got one.  Given the choice of going to the track on my street bike or not going to the track, I go on the street bike.

[Mr Sunshine]

I'd stay away from SVs unless you want to drop a bit of cash on suspension, but a prepped SV is an awesome track tool. They basically need an entire new GSXR front end with triples, wheels, brakes, and steering bearings. I find the best way to get into track riding is to buy a bike with decent stock suspension, then spend cash upgrading it as you'd like. I rode my R6 with stock suspension into the advanced group around riders with fully-prepped suspensions. Not sure I could have done that on an SV, and of course the extra HP helped a lot.

The only thing the SV *needs* is someone who is willing to do some welding an drilling in the damping rods inthe front end.  Respring and oil with that work and the front is ready to go.  For the rear put in an aftermarket shock.  That's all you need as our number 2 plate guy proves every race weekend when he goes out and kicks superbiked SV's with a motor and all of that suspension work.  His bike doesn't even have much of a motor.  He's just that good.

[phoenix]

Phoenix, the comments here are spot on regarding a prepped bike. They are a dime a dozen, so you can haggle and get a great bike needing only suspension adjustment for usually around $3500 max.

please point me toward any source for "dime a dozen race prepped bikes". I am having no luck finding such deals.

[Mookie]

http://forums.13x.com/forumdisplay.php?f=48

[hobbes]

The only thing the SV *needs* is someone who is willing to do some welding an drilling in the damping rods inthe front end.  Respring and oil with that work and the front is ready to go.  For the rear put in an aftermarket shock.  That's all you need as our number 2 plate guy proves every race weekend when he goes out and kicks superbiked SV's with a motor and all of that suspension work.  His bike doesn't even have much of a motor.  He's just that good.

...and there are a million people like that who could kick our asses with a Vespa on the track. There's a Team ProMotion coach John Stevens who just crushes on an SV650S. He's amazing. That doesn't mean that starting with a good base of a bike with decent stock suspension isn't a good way to go for an amateur.

I'm all about SVs. I've owned two, and might buy a 3rd but it sure isn't going to be for a track bike without some major suspension work. I'd buy a stock older R6 and track it as is with much better results.

[hobbes]

please point me toward any source for "dime a dozen race prepped bikes". I am having no luck finding such deals.

Try finding a local race series forum. I got my bike from here:

http://lrrsracing.com/

[dm_gsxr]

please point me toward any source for "dime a dozen race prepped bikes". I am having no luck finding such deals.

http://forums.mra-racing.org/viewforum.php?f=8



Carl

[Mr Sunshine]

That doesn't mean that starting with a good base of a bike with decent stock suspension isn't a good way to go for an amateur.

There is what you feel you need and what you actually need.  They are very different in this case.  If you feel you need the front end of a GSXR then you are wrong.  It you just want the GSXR front end cause you want it, then there is no fault there.

I race on what has been described as a motorcross track due to the poor pavement.  I run the stock SV front end (some welding, oil and springs.  NO emulators) and I do ok.  I don't need a GSXR front end on the bike but next year I'm going to have another SV race bike with a GSXR front end and a 180 rear.  Why?  Cause I want to....but I fully understand it isn't going to make me faster than my stocker (until I do motor work which then it gets expensive).

Just be sure you seperate need from want.

[Windblown]

After I got the track bug I was faced with a similar delima.

Being as much of a bike whore as the budget allows I deciced to not have one bike that would force me to compromise on what I wanted on both the street and the track. So I bought a dedicated track bike.  

If the budget allowed I'd probably have at least 6 bikes to fit all occasaions. Sadly I have to compromise a little now and then. Silly wife and kid refuse to live in a tent.  

A used trackbike or if you want to splurge a new street bike for the track is the way to go IMHO.  I'd be pissed if tossing my trackbike meant I'd lose my street ride too!

[Mr Sunshine]

Silly wife and kid refuse to live in a tent.  

Sell the house and get a 5th wheel toy hauler with a garage.  Problem solved.

[Windblown]

Sell the house and get a 5th wheel toy hauler with a garage.  Problem solved.

 

Sadly the Toy haulers these days cost just about as much as my house!  

[crb987]

please point me toward any source for "dime a dozen race prepped bikes". I am having no luck finding such deals.

http://www.cra-mn.com/forum/index.php?s=293dd897ce2bf1a352ce77303f72e999&showforum=12

[NWFJR]

+1 to all of that.  The meat grinder is also a major reason why I sold the F4i and got an SV650.

+2

I used a '91 F2 to get through my Novice season then bought a prepped SV for the EXACT same reasons.

[Gaolee]

+2

I used a '91 F2 to get through my Novice season then bought a prepped SV for the EXACT same reasons.

If I ever go racing for real, it probably won't be on a 675, as much as I like it on the track.  600s are the ax murder class, and there are lots more ax murderers running around loose than you would think.  All of 'em ride 600s.

[Mr Sunshine]

 

Sadly the Toy haulers these days cost just about as much as my house!  

Remind me to buy a house where you live!

[dinolee]

If I ever go racing for real, it probably won't be on a 675, as much as I like it on the track.  600s are the ax murder class, and there are lots more ax murderers running around loose than you would think.  All of 'em ride 600s.

 

[Mr Sunshine]

If I ever go racing for real, it probably won't be on a 675, as much as I like it on the track.  600s are the ax murder class, and there are lots more ax murderers running around loose than you would think.  All of 'em ride 600s.

You 675 can run a really cool class called Formula Thunder.  Its where I can run my SV and show you how slow you are on your 675.

[Mr Sunshine]

+2

I used a '91 F2 to get through my Novice season then bought a prepped SV for the EXACT same reasons.

And cutting it up with you makes it all that much funner....now if my video camera willa ctually freaking record!  That was awesome....too bad you never got to see me show you a wheel.

[Gaolee]

 

OK, so I am an ax murderer these days, too.

I seem to recall a bit of a speed difference last time we got on the track at the same time, Mr. Sunshine.  I will let you say who passed who.

[hobbes]

There is what you feel you need and what you actually need.  They are very different in this case.  If you feel you need the front end of a GSXR then you are wrong.  It you just want the GSXR front end cause you want it, then there is no fault there.

I race on what has been described as a motorcross track due to the poor pavement.  I run the stock SV front end (some welding, oil and springs.  NO emulators) and I do ok.  I don't need a GSXR front end on the bike but next year I'm going to have another SV race bike with a GSXR front end and a 180 rear.  Why?  Cause I want to....but I fully understand it isn't going to make me faster than my stocker (until I do motor work which then it gets expensive).

Just be sure you seperate need from want.

I feel that's over simplifing the situation. It is about needs in relation to the levels you want to achieve. Could I ride a bike with old suspension tech on a bumpy track? Sure can, and I'm sure I'd be on the limit pretty quick. I sure wouldn't be as fast as I could be with better suspension though. What I'd be doing is exploring the limits of the suspension, not the limits of the bike. I prefer to start with a decent base where the suspension is not going to be a limiting factor in my riding.

I prefer to start from a level that gives me a chance to succeed. Hell give me a bike with a hard front and hard tail, I'll still ride it. Will I be able to explore it's limits? Not as well as a bike with stock suspension.

It's all about personal preference, which is your point I believe. I prefer to start at a level that I feel gives me the best chance to succeed.

[phoenix]

Pete, Chris,

someday, maybe, you will have offspring of your own running around the house, who want to debate every little comment that comes out of your mouth. And somewhere along the journey you'll understand how to JUST LET IT GO.


 

[Mr Sunshine]

OK, so I am an ax murderer these days, too.

I seem to recall a bit of a speed difference last time we got on the track at the same time, Mr. Sunshine.  I will let you say who passed who.

Lets see...SV650 vs a 675....and you passed me on a straight.

We'll meet again...don't worry.  

[Mr Sunshine]

What I'd be doing is exploring the limits of the suspension, not the limits of the bike.

This past weekend one of the tracks I race at had its track record smashed by 1.4ish seconds.  The bikes motor was stock sans a 2 year old fuel map for a different generation of bike.  What wasn't stock was the suspension.  That was dialed in.

Exploring the limits of a bikes suspension is exploring the limits of the bike as the chassis is the key to the bike.


And here I am saying this with my '06 SV650S street bike up on stands with a 06 GSX-R600 front end partially installed.  

[Gaolee]

Lets see...SV650 vs a 675....and you passed me on a straight.

We'll meet again...don't worry.  

   Let the trash talk begin!  Lying about lap times and trash talk are half the fun of track days!

[Mookie]

 

Will you guys just arrange a race, please!  

How about this, we all line up at the beginning for a normal track day, I'll crash and cause a red flag, then you guys can have a one lap race back to the pits.  

I think it'll be worth it    

[Gaolee]

 

Will you guys just arrange a race, please!  

How about this, we all line up at the beginning for a normal track day, I'll crash and cause a red flag, then you guys can have a one lap race back to the pits.  

I think it'll be worth it    

Nah, that's Paul's job.

Besides, Chris will be over in Spokane racing on the 1st and 2nd, unlike us wannabes who will only be going around in circles and destroying tires as fast as we can.

[miles]

Lets see...SV650 vs a 675....and you passed me on a straight.

We'll meet again...don't worry.  

Hey, the Triumph is only 25cc bigger than the Suzuki- the extra cylinder's weight probably negates that power benefit!

[Gaolee]

As of today, my 675 is officially a complete track ho anyway.  So bring it on, baby!  I done dragged a shoulder.  Don't try it at home!

[bizarro]

Well, I guess I can post the pics now. As soon as myspace catches up.  

[garry]

Ouch!

[Gaolee]

Oh, well.  Live by the track, die by the track.  Except it was only outer beauty damaged, not the bike's inner beauty, and its ability to go fast won't be held up by not wanting to drop it.  Next time it goes on the track, it will have real track tires instead of street tires.  I discovered that Pilot Powers have a limit and the limit is pretty abrupt.

If you are doing trackdays on Pilot Powers, they harden and polish off in a very odd way.  Everyone at the track who looked at my tires said they were completely cooked hard.  On the side that let go, there was a polished strip that looked almost like a chicken strip, except it was a funny color.  It was also very, very hard.  Looking at it, I can see why it let go.  The tires had two and a half trackdays on them, and they were beginning to slip a bit here and there.  Pirellis spat me off a few years ago, and Bridgestones melted and slid around very progressively.  Live and learn.  I think I will go back to Bridgestones next year and use BT002 DOT race tires for track days instead of expecting tires to do double duty.  If you are using Pilot Powers, change them if they start to slip at all, because once they go, they really go in a hurry.

The day was a whole lot of fun until the lowside.  It was a bit frustrating, since there were people all over the place all the time, and passing them was a bit like playing pinball.  There were only about three places on the track I didn't pass anybody, and just about everywhere was a challenge to find a good line because traffic was so heavy.

For what its worth, I got the bike apart today, and it needs clip ons and some left rearset parts.  The tank is dented but serviceable, and the frame is scratched a bit.  I was able to replace the clipons with a set of Vortex clipons, and I ordered a new bracket and peg from Woodcraft.  I think a Woodcraft stator cover is a good idea, since the plastic protective cover ground through.  I hate to think what would have happened if it had slid on asphalt much farther.  The frame sliders did their job, and it only needs a new bung.  The rest looks new.  The bolt holding the slider to its bracket bent, and I assume it bent when the bike went into the gravel.  My suit held up just fine.  The leather just had its white finish knocked off, but doesn't appear to have any other damage.

The only other issue is a problem starting.  I don't know why it doesn't seem to have enough juice to start, but it doesn't.  Maybe the battery didn't like crashing.

[miles]

Look at the positive side- all you need are a set of bug-eye headlights and a tubular handlebar to upgrade that Daytona to a Street Triple!

[DogBoy]

Awwww Dang! Sorry to hear about new track mods to the D675. Glad you weren't hurt.

Look at this way: your bike may worse but your suit probably looks better.  

[Gaolee]

Yeah, no kidding about the suit!  I dragged a shoulder- don't try this at home.  A white track suit looks really ludicrous.  Now it looks ludicrous with skidmarks on the shoulders and on the OUTSIDE of the seat.

[Mr Sunshine]

Ah that sucks Gaolee.  Sounds like you are ok so that's good and it good the damage isn't too bad.

So we'll have some fun next time on the track.

As to the tires....the Powers will start to slip towards the end of a session if it is really time for you to switch over to race tires.  If your Powers were really hard in that spot then the tire was spinning up and you didn't know it.  So you should have been running race tires awhile ago.

As to which tire...well if you are going to go Bridgestone be aware that Tracy (the Bridgestone guy) doesn't go to many if any track days.  I personally would want my tire guy at my track days so that is Pirelli, Michelin and Dunlop.

[Mr Sunshine]

Oh and as to the battery.  Check the voltage.  Its possible the internal plates failed.

[Gaolee]

The battery was at 10.2 volts, so I threw it on the charger.  It seems to have taken a charge, but we will see.  I will check it again before putting it in the bike.

You are probably right about needing to be on different tires for a while.  I could feel the back spin up, and I could also feel the front push.  The spinning up almost high sided me a couple times coming out of 4, and I could feel it spin up coming out of two as well.  Beats me why it didn't spin much coming out of the bust stop unless the new pavement is just stickier.  The front was pushing a bit in two and three as well.  I was not very happy about crashing because I was having a complete blast playing in traffic and messing around with body position.  The rearsets really help with body position a lot, although the change to GP shift had me fouled up a bit.

The reason for Bridgestones is the feedback I got from a number of people using them.  They just seem to have the right tires these days.  One of the CRs is opening a shop with the rep as a business partner, and he will be around for information.  I wouldn't have any problems buying Bridgestones as long as somebody is available who knows what is going on.  If they aren't available at the track, it just means a bit of planning.  Another reason for Bridgestones is their behavior when they go off.  If they still go off like the set of 010s I had a few years ago, they start to get progressively slimier and you can slide all over the place without them letting go completely.  I might use Pirellis, too.

The PPs let go completely without much movement.  I would prefer a tire that slides just a little more before it just quits.

Yep, it is going to be fun next year.  I might sign up for the new racer clinic just to do it, although I am not sure about racing.  Time and money are issues, but if I could manage to graduate and then run one or two races a year, it would be worth it.

[Mr Sunshine]

That tire gave you plenty of warning that it was going off.  All of that pushing and spinning up was that warning.

But people also have complained that the Power Race doesn't give any warning...I've never had that problem as I notice it when it goes.

As to the NRC...just sign up...hell there is on later this month with the track portion in Oct.  Your bike is ready for it...so just go out. putt around and get your novice license.  Then you can start up next year when you have money and time.  

[Gaolee]

Oh, you are a bad influence!  I might have to do it!  The bike isn't wired yet, and the stator cover needs a bit more armor than just a plastic slider, but I was planning to do those things sometime now that it isn't exactly a pristine show bike.

[Mr Sunshine]

Oh, you are a bad influence!  I might have to do it!  The bike isn't wired yet, and the stator cover needs a bit more armor than just a plastic slider, but I was planning to do those things sometime now that it isn't exactly a pristine show bike.

Bring the bike over...we can get that puppy wired up and converted to only water in an hour or so.  *evil grin*

Heck if it rains that weekend (like it usually does) I'll let you use some michelin race rain tires I have which I was planning to sell that weekend anyhow.

[NWFJR]

Anyone see anything wrong with this pic?  

[Mookie]

Ouchie!  

[Mr Sunshine]

Anyone see anything wrong with this pic?  

So that is what it looked like.  Nice.  

Ok I shouldn't laugh...but that does look cool.  Too bad I won't be able to go out there and seeif I can kick your ass....now I'm going to have to live all winter with "haha I'm faster than you" coming from you.  

On a side note...that failure is the a-typical SV failure.

[NWFJR]

It's all good Chris....you'll have way more track time than me this year. I think that evens things out considerably.

[Mookie]

Pardon my ignorance but what happened to that motor?  

[Gaolee]

Bring the bike over...we can get that puppy wired up and converted to only water in an hour or so.  *evil grin*

Heck if it rains that weekend (like it usually does) I'll let you use some michelin race rain tires I have which I was planning to sell that weekend anyhow.

Looks like I am going to have to postpone until the spring.  I should be able to get it all put together for the track over the winter.  How long do you suppose it will do double duty until I convince my wife I really need a commuter nail, and the 675 isn't it!

[bizarro]

Looks like I am going to have to postpone until the spring.  I should be able to get it all put together for the track over the winter.  How long do you suppose it will do double duty until I convince my wife I really need a commuter nail, and the 675 isn't it!

It's far better to apologize than ask for permission.  

[Mr Sunshine]

Pardon my ignorance but what happened to that motor?  

What you are looking at is the side of the motor where the rotor in the charging system attaches.  What happened is the part of the crank shaft the rotor attaches to sheered off.

This is a pretty normal failure with the SV when run in a race environment.  It looks like Scott got luck though because the cam chain didn't come of so the head isn't trashed.

[Mr Sunshine]

It's far better to apologize than ask for permission.  

Yeah what's she gonna do?  

[phoenix]

Unless something goes horribly wrong, I pick up my trackbike this Saturday!!!!!

   and also one of these   from the bank account. oh noes.

[DogBoy]

Congratulations phoenix. Enjoy the road to ruin.  

[phoenix]

picked up my 2001 R6 on Saturday, ran at Iowa Speedway with NESBA on Sunday. 

Before the end of the day I had touched both knees down!!!! First time for me!!!! The right touched maybe a dozen times, the left only once.

maybe later I'll have an image of me going through a corner or something.

How do you folks explain to your significant other about trackdays or club racing or whatever? I don't talk about it much at home, as my wife isn't crazy about it. She was asking me what's the appeal last night, I think she was looking to jump on any answer that sounded like "I like living on the edge" or "its the adrenalin rush, baby". Neither of those are answers for me anyway.

[Windblown]

Congrats!  Get ready to redefine "disposible income" LOL.

As to explaining it to your wife... Obviously if it not the physical/mental challenge of bringing yourself and your machine to the edge of your abilities (Living on the edge), and it doesn't kick up your heart rate a little (the rush), ....it must be..... I dunno?

Why the heck are you doing it?

It doesn't really matter why just as long as you had fun.  

[phoenix]

yes, it is a physical (as my soreness can attest) and mental challenge. And it definitely does increase the heartrate. Its just that any answer that sounds like "I like living on the edge" or "its the adrenalin rush, baby"  can be interpretted as  I HAVE A DEATH WISH. Not the case for me.

And in reality, I suspect I was very very far from the edge of the capability of this bike, especially as CR's go around me with so much ease, carry far more speed into and out of a corner, etc etc etc.

I continue to be amazed by these machines and these tires. I've got that thing leaned over much farther than I ever have, thinking "ohmygod I'm gonna crash" ..... and then I get through the corner without even a little bobble or slip and think to myself "DAMN! Go harder next time I guess."

[Gaolee]

I call it a concentration rush.  There isn't any other way to describe it.  You have to be completely focused on what is happening RIGHT NOW.  When you start getting dialed in, your vision expands and you can see, hear, smell, and feel all kinds of things going on, all at the same time.  When your vision narrows, you have to back off and regroup.  As it widens out again, then you can go fast again.  At its best, time slows and you can think about where to brake, where to put the tires, think about exactly which mark use to start braking, where to let off if you are trail braking, where to get on the throttle and how much, what gear you are in, and all kinds of other things.  You can see people off the track, you can track other bikes up to a point, you can see the track in great detail, you can feel your tires and your bike, and all kinds of other things.  Other competitive sports are similar, but none quite pack in as much pure concentration.  Everything else in the world doesn't matter at all when you are on the track.

[Hoss]

How do you folks explain to your significant other about trackdays or club racing or whatever?

Congrats on the bike!

I had signed up for a track day, and in the mean time brought my wife to the track to watch a friend race. I watched her head spin around trying to take in everything around the garages. And then when the first wave of the first race went off and she heard the bikes for the first time in full aggression I could see the fear in her eyes.

After a few races, and many explinations about what was going on in each corner by my friend, she looked at me and said she could see the draw in this. She gestures with her hand a bike going through the corners (you know, the one we all use) and says: "the leaning and swooping, that has to be fun.".... I was in!


Then a red flag in front of us...we spin around and see the R6 that caught on fire on one of the back straights  


She loved watching during the track day as well. Again, until a guy did the cat in the dryer impersonation coming out of the bowl at NHIS right in front of her.  

[miles]

I call it a concentration rush.  There isn't any other way to describe it.  You have to be completely focused on what is happening RIGHT NOW.  When you start getting dialed in, your vision expands and you can see, hear, smell, and feel all kinds of things going on, all at the same time.  When your vision narrows, you have to back off and regroup.  As it widens out again, then you can go fast again.  At its best, time slows and you can think about where to brake, where to put the tires, think about exactly which mark use to start braking, where to let off if you are trail braking, where to get on the throttle and how much, what gear you are in, and all kinds of other things.  You can see people off the track, you can track other bikes up to a point, you can see the track in great detail, you can feel your tires and your bike, and all kinds of other things.  Other competitive sports are similar, but none quite pack in as much pure concentration.  Everything else in the world doesn't matter at all when you are on the track.

That's funny- for me it's purely the opposite.  The less I think the faster and smoother I go.  When I'm working The Streets in the low 1:30s hardly a conscious thought enters my brain.  I hate to use the hackneyed phrase, but a track that demanding at a pace like that (to put it in perspective, that's in the top 25% of the fast group on a good day) puts me in a flow state, and doesn't allow any thing else.
On the Road Course at Willow SPrings it's a different story.  There is so much time between the turns that the mind can wander.


miles

[bizarro]

I gotta agree with Miles on this. 'Flow-state' describes it exactly. I don't think about anything and it's as if I'm not riding the bike but that it's being ridden through me by something else. When I start thinking too much is when I start getting sloppy. 'Course my track days are over, perhaps for good, and riding the Goose is a zen of another color altogether.

[Gaolee]

That's funny- for me it's purely the opposite.  The less I think the faster and smoother I go.  When I'm working The Streets in the low 1:30s hardly a conscious thought enters my brain.  I hate to use the hackneyed phrase, but a track that demanding at a pace like that (to put it in perspective, that's in the top 25% of the fast group on a good day) puts me in a flow state, and doesn't allow any thing else.
On the Road Course at Willow SPrings it's a different story.  There is so much time between the turns that the mind can wander.


miles

I didn't say anything about mind wandering.  It is a pure, simple, uncluttered awareness of everything, and the ability to respond instantly.  Flow is another way to put it.

[Mr Sunshine]

"Flow-State" == The Zone.

Alot of things enter my mind when I'm in the zone but all of them have to do with the task at hand.

[dinolee]

'Course my track days are over, perhaps for good, and riding the Goose is a zen of another color altogether.

Bullshit, we are soooo getting you and the goose back into trackdays next year.  Even if your brother has to kidnap you, dammit!  

[Gaolee]

Bullshit, we are soooo getting you and the goose back into trackdays next year.  Even if your brother has to kidnap you, dammit!  

 

[bizarro]

We shall see.......