Non VFR track day

Discussion in 'Racing & Track Days' started by 01ragtop, Oct 13, 2017.

  1. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    Is it ok if I post a non-VFR trackday video? I no longer have my VFR, but I have been hanging out around here because this was the first forum I've joined that I actually met some of the members in person. Hope a non VFR video of my first trackday doesn't upset the asylum too much.

    I ran the C-Group as it was my first time and all. At 4:00 I catch some traffic and at 7:39 a fellow 675R rider nearly high sides right in front of me.
     
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  2. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    That got my blood pumpin-- glad your hangin around still


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  3. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    I'm interested in participating in a track day. What are the typical fees, and required safety updates to a street bike?
     
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  4. JimFife777

    JimFife777 New Member

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    That depend on who's hosting it, where and their requirements. Usually any glass taped up and no coolant in the system, plenty of brake pads left, no leaks, etc

    Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
     
  5. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    http://www.grattanracewaypark.com is my local track. It looks to me like they put on the sport bike track days in house. I may have to call the listed contact to get more information.
     
  6. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    Track fees depend on the organizer and the track. Well known tracks like Laguna Seca can be upwards of $400. Chuckwalla, where I went, is anywhere from $120-$150. I only had to tape headlights, tail lights, signals, and wheel weights. Mirrors and license plate had to come off. No safety wire or coolant removal was required. But it all depends. Check with your local track and organizer.

    Post back when you go. It is a blast.
     
  7. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    Thanks 01!
    I understand that most require armored leathers and boots also? I have good street leather without armor, just padding. I also have riding boots without sliders and additional ankle support. So, l assume that I have to invest some money on a used track suit too.
     
  8. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    I believe you would need a one piece or a two piece that zips together at the waist. That is what I have, but it does have armor. Good boots are a must wether requires or not, IMO. I use the TCX S-Speed which isn't really a track boot, but it's pretty close.

    Leather gloves with a gauntlet may also be required.

    Also don't forget a comfy chair, popup, cooler, food, and lots of liquids. I drank a gallon of Gatorade, a gallon of water, and a liter of Pedialyte in 5 hours.

    Air compressor, tire gauge, tools, generator, etc are also a must.

    GoPro will probably have to be tethered to the bike.

    Chapstick, sunscreen, Advil, etc are all good too.
     
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  9. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    Here is a little check list a seasoned track veteran shared with me. Hopefully, it helps.


    Motorcycle

    Key for motorcycle

    Tools/Toolbox

    Spare Parts (levers, pegs, sliders)

    Tire pressure gauge

    Air compressor (electric)

    Torque wrench

    Zip-ties (in several sizes)

    Loctite

    Mechanix gloves

    Rear Stand

    Front Stand

    Tire warmers

    Bike Cover

    Bike Lock


    Chemicals/Fluids/Spares

    Motorcycle oil

    DOT brake fluid

    Plexus plastic cleaner

    Brake/Contact Cleaner

    Spray Polish

    Distilled Water

    Water Wetter

    Shop Towels

    5-gallon gas cans

    Funnel

    Duct tape


    First Aid/protection

    Sunscreen

    Chapstick with sunblock

    Ibuprofin or Tylenol

    Sun-hat

    Card with emergency contact info

    First Aid Kit





    Riding Gear

    Gear Bag

    Leathers

    Boots

    Gloves

    Helmet

    Ear plugs

    Back protector

    Socks

    Protective shorts

    Undergarment long johns-top/bottom

    Visor wipe


    Towing

    bar harness

    tie-downs

    Ramp

    Bungee cords

    Locks & keys


    Pit Furnishings

    Awning (EZ-up)

    Collapsible chairs

    Tables

    Ice chest

    Helmet Fan

    Umbrella

    Extension cord

    Electrical splitter


    Food & Drink

    Energy Drinks

    Favorite snacks

    Gatorade

    Water

    Ice (Can you pick up @ your motel?)

    Fruit

    Lunch



    Personal Stuff

    Sunglasses

    Gum

    Cigs

    Cell phone

    Phone charger

    Tripod/monopod

    Insect repellent

    Cash/Credit Card

    GO PRO & remote- Charged

    Track binder

    Track info - map and guide

    Bike info

    Waiver


    Camping

    Bedding

    Pillows

    Sleeping bags

    Toiletry bag

    Socks

    Underwear

    Spare clothes

    Towel

    Air mattress

    Air mattress pump

    Flip flops

    Shoes

    Tent

    Carpet
     
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  10. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    Now that is a shopping list for the motor head if ever there was one!

    Thanks for passing it along.
     
  11. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Right on 01! Being one of the members you actually met, glad you stuck around. The Palomar ride we did is still one of the best rides I’ve been part of down there and probably one we should try and do again.
     
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  12. fink

    fink Member

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    You missed bog roll of your list. That list would be for a seasoned regular campaigner
     
  13. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    Had to look up "bog roll" lol. Yep, TP would be a good add. The track I went to has nice restrooms and showers, but the power was out when we got there so they were closed. That could have gotten ugly.
     
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  14. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    UPDATE.

    I went back to Chuckwalla this weekend and knocked 3 seconds of my personal best. I moved up to B Group, so now I'm getting passed more, but I still passed a few guys. (Video on that to come.)

    I also bought Harry's Lap Timer and GPS receiver. I still have some tweaking to do with the track day setup, but it gave me some really cool data beyond just lap times. The video below shows the lap timer over lay.
     
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  15. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Sweet. I like that overlay the tracker puts on the video, very cool. So these last two times they were running the sessions counter clockwise, I’ve only been on when running clockwise.
     
  16. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    Everyone I talk to likes it better CCW. I am curious to try it CW. The first organization ran it well. They were there to let you know there were some rules, but they weren't hard core about it. This time, the control riders weren't wearing anything identifying them as such, so it was a little more of a free for all. Even at that I didn't have any incidents. However, there was no suspension guy or tire guy there. I almost went with the tires I ran at the last track day figuring I could just have the new ones mounted at the track. Glad I went ahead and had them done before I left.

    Speaking of tires, I ran the Dunlop Q3+ this time. They are phenomenal tires. Better on the brakes than the Michelin Power RS, but maybe just a touch less grip than the Michelin. The Michelin's grip is insane. However, track temps were different and I let the Dunlops get a little hot, so they may be just as good. They are a little more linear on turn in where the Michelin's are really quick to tip in. Overall, I would rate the Dunlops a little better for the track, time will tell on the street. The outer edge of the Michelin is so soft, it doesn't last very long. 1400 miles was the best I've done with a rear, and I am not real hard on tires.
     
  17. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    The CSS uses Dunlop Q3+ on their bikes and run 31/29 PSI if memory serves me right. I recall the Q2 being a very good tire so I imagine the Q3+ would be even better. I only ran them on my Duc and really didn’t get much mileage out of them which is why I switched to Michelin (PP3) and now the Pirelli (Super Corsa SP2). Although the Pirelli feels a tad better, the wear on the sides is really high, compared to the center. May try the Q3+ and see how that compares.

    So far I’m liking the Michelin RS tires on the 01 VFR, I want to see what mileage I get out of them. I’ve only put in 4 track days, 2 at Laguna and 2 at Sears Point, So still have a ways to go but I haven’t had the chance to get the bike registered under the salvage title so no street use as of yet. I want a tire that will allow for both without needing to be changed so quickly. Might be a tall order. Probably should just have a track day tire and a street tire, as I do have a spare set of wheels but having to change them out frequently has it’s own set of inconveniences. Ah, first world problems!
     
  18. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    I'm probably done with track days for this season, but we should head out to one next year. I'm thinking about taking one of either California Super Bike or STAR in the spring.
     
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  19. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Yeah, next weekend is the last CSS for the year so last corner work for me. Since I’ve been to the CSS, I’d really like to try the STAR school. Let’s keep in touch on this...
     
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  20. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Well, I wish I had some good stories and video for you but I had some bad luck when I got to the track, my 01 started to leak coolant at the water pump! I tried to find the source and do a temporary repair with some silicone but alas that didn't work. I did take sfdownhill's 01 around for a few laps but I didn't feel comfortable using his bike so I just did my time minding the corners.

    It wasn't all bad though, Nellis Air Force base had a Veteran's Day air show Saturday and Sunday, so that was cool to watch, when not watching the corners. Hopefully my work schedule next year will be as flexible as it was this year and I'll be able to do more corner working/track time. Meanwhile, I have to order the parts and get the bike back to working order. I shall return!
     
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