| Author | Message | ||
     Duggram |
Pro mechanic neighbor and I started getting ready for my first trackday tonight. He's a duc rider (1098 and 996). He really likes the 1125. Pulled the, passenger pegs, front turn signals and rear taillight asym off. He's tightening up what he can. Not much else to do right now. More $'s soon. If you have any suggestions I'd like to hear it. BTW I'm going to make my first ride at Arroy Seco Raceway, Deming, NM this weekend. Very safe track. No bearierrs. If you get into trouble just ride off into the desert. Seeing the 1125 stripped down makes me want to trade my FJR in for another 1125 so that I can keep one in race trim and one for street. Looking forward to building this unit over the winter (wheels, body work, suspension, etc). Not long ago I had cancer in my neck. Doc says I need to start doing those things in life I've always wanted to do. Man, this is it!!! | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I am thrilled for you. I'll be doing the same thing in about a month-first time too. I have an addictive personality and I have no doubt I'll be hooked. | ||
| D_buckle |
Disconnect the rear tail light, make sure your suspension is set properly, run your tires at 31 front 29 rear for the track, make sure your active intake solenoid is disconnected, and take your tool bag out! Have fun let us know how you do. | ||
| Duggram |
Solenoid is long gone. Love the clean power now. Setting the throttle to 100% make so much difference. Been riding the mountain roads here. I'm ready to go. | ||
| Bobup |
Fresno are you going to Infineon next month? I'll be there bob | ||
| P_squared |
Since you have time & you're prepping it for the track anyways: -Remove anti-freeze and replace w/ approved track coolant (Engine Ice, Water Wetter, etc.) -Tape your wheel weights (Duct tape works great for this purpose) -Disconnect your horn (wanna see a rider on the track JUMP off the line? Hit your horn before you try to pass. Don't ask me how I know.) -Create your own personal checklist of everything you need/want to take to the track (including a good tire gauge & extra key) Most importantly, have FUN. | ||
| Chadhargis |
As a grizzled track day veteran, I could give you a laundry list of things to do before you go to the track, but most of them really aren't necessary. Everyone needs to go to their first track day with an open mind and a willingness to learn. You will learn more on the track in one day than you will in a year of street riding. Bike prep is determined by the organization running the trackday, so just follow their rules so you can pass tech inspection. Most don't require much. The things most track day newbies forget are the simple things. Chairs to sit in, towels for wiping the sweat off after sessions (yes, you will get a workout), snacks, drinks, a fan (if you have power available), extra fuel (even if it's available at the track, bring your own, you never know if the track will have some or not). Nice things to have are an EZ-Up shade tent, a generator (if no power is available), a radio (many tracks broadcast their PA over FM frequency), a bicycle (or scooter or small motorcycle) to get around the pit, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes so you can do a track walk either early morning the day of, or the night before. Track walks are REALLY helpful and will allow you to pick out visual reference points on the track where you are going to do your braking, turn in, pick up the throttle, etc. Never ride by the "seat of your pants", that's how you get sucked into going too fast. Always use reference points to navigate the track. As your skills improve and you become more comfortable, you can adjust your reference points incrementally. There is no excuse to crash at a track day unless some idiot egomaniac takes you out, and you will quickly learn to stay away from those who think they are going to set the track record. Have fun, enjoy yourself, but always remember, the only "winner" at a track day is the guy who loads his bike up at the end of the day with no more scratches on it than when he got there. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Take some baby powder... it makes getting in and out of leathers when you're sweaty a lot easier. And it smells refreshing, too. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
are you going to Infineon next month? I am actually going to Willow Springs for the Inside Pass. Not sure if the Infineon session is full, but I may look into it.} | ||
| Hwyranger |
Harlan, I'll see you there at Willow Springs Nov 3....I'm going there on Monday (birthday present to myself) with fastrack riders... | ||
| Doerman |
It'll be the usual suspects then. I'll be there for Inside Pass also. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
So Ranger, so what is fastrack riders? I'll be in the slooooow class since it is my first time on a track. | ||
| Hwyranger |
I'll also be in the novice group. Fastrackriders.com is a track day organization that does Willow Springs (both big track and Streets of Willow),Las Vegas Motor speedway, and Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. They do great track days with the 3 group format so everyone can go at their own pace. They also have a novice riders class available for people in level 1... I took it in March. it is an awesome class. | ||
| Slaughter |
Bring WATER - stay HYDRATED!!! Seriously - nobody realizes how much water they lose. If you can stand eating bananas, do so - early in AM and a couple more during the day. Your body is going to lose potassium like crazy and you're muscles will never forgive you for not hydrating and shorting them on potassium. | ||
| Zac4mac |
If you want to kill your lights, you can pull the fuse once you've started the bike. The lights fuse feeds the starter relay is all. Carry the fuse with you in case you stall somewhere... Z | ||
| Duggram |
Thanks for all the advice. I've tried to implement each one. Especially liked the water and baby powder. Chad, I've got most of your suggestions covered by my toyhauler, and I do like your on track comments, I'm not there to try to win any races. It's time to go. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Have fun. As for the lights. I have found it easier to just unplug the bulbs than to fool with the fuses. On my Gixxer, the fuse box is safety wired shut, so it's a pain in the arse to get to. I just unplug the bulbs, and all is well. | ||
| Slaughter |
If you don't subscribe to RRW - at least get the Track Day special. MUCH in there of value. https://www.roadracingworld.com/rrw-store/ (about halfway down the page - $4.95) | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Just wondering, is there something detrimental by running the lights with tape covering it? Seems like a chore to pull the fuse or the bulbs. | ||
| Duggram |
Just pulled the blue tape off and there was nothing sticky underneath, no residue. Which brings up another question, if I use one of those AirTech nose pieces with no headlights, how will I deal with the headlights? Forget the fuse idea. There must be a way to remove your headlights and still have the bike run. Steve, I already have that issue. Thanks. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I'll check the manual in a minute, I think all you need is power to the lights relay. Unplugging the headlights should work. Pulling the fuse will disable the lights relay which disables the start relay. edit> no lights relay - lights fuse feeds start relay. Unplugging lights at connector 38 A/B should have no effect on start/run. Z (Message edited by zac4mac on October 06, 2008) | ||
| Duggram |
Z, thanks a ton. Did you get that info from the service manual and the electrical manual? | ||
| Zac4mac |
Electrical Diagnostic Man. Fig B-7 Back of book. Z | ||
| Zac4mac |
If you're doing track days, maybe you could build a switch and fuse that would plug in to the fuse block. With the switch accessible, you just turn off the lights after you start. Z |
