Sooooo.... How did your track day go yesterday?

---

hehehheeeeeeeeeeeeeee--

I was going to post on your thread but since you started this one--

It was a fun day. As is often the case, it turned out to be perfect weather even though there was a 70% chance of T storms forecast. I rode down ~75 miles. 43 F. Beautiful sunrise in my mirrors. pretty chilly but I had the winter AYC gear on and I put on my old leathers incase it rained. The black finish is wearing in spots from sun and bending. They look kind of weather beaten and cool but damn, they sure remind me that I need to lose a couple inches around my waist!

It was a little bit anticlimactic after the first track day last year. Last year I went balls out from the second session through the whole morning and it really felt like I was doing something that I could do in no other environment. I was in over my head though so tis time, I slowed down and stayed with a pack of riders. pretty soon the topic of rubber banding comes up. slow in the turns and bombing the straights. Being the only guy on a ZX-14 I immediately assume they have to be talking about me so I just asked. One rider immediately asked back, are you the guy on the ZX-14? It was no big deal. We all just laughed and I offered to stay behind. Guess what happened? Then I was getting rubber banded. Only thing, I had enough power to fly out in front on the straitaways where we in Novce class are permitted to pass. So, after a few laps, i just passed and went as fast as I could in the corners. I didn't try to go 130 down the back stretch like last year. Hate to say it, I usually went about 100. Fastest was a measly 110. I didn't want to prevent anyone from passing. I'm pretty sure all of those bike were capable of passing me if they were right on my ass in the corners.

Then, I was told that I did not raise my hand when exiting the track at the end of the session and again, later when I did not raise my hand/foot early enough. Then our teacher who I enjoy listening to a lot in our classroom told me I am doing well but I am exiting the corners wide. He told me I should just hold back and focus on hitting markers. Then again later on he told me He saw my brake light come on through the tape while I was in a corner.

So you see, I was kinda beaten down by lunchtime...kinda like those leathers I had on. LOL At the 1:15 session, I was doing 70 down the 1/4 mile stretch Because now I know I REALLY WAS going very slow in the corners and just focussing on hitting turn in and exit markers. That's the way the remaining three sessions went. There were two crashes in my group.

I have this gnawing feeling that there is an underlying disdain for my bike. It's not in it's element at the track. As soon as people see it, they make assumptions, even the track marshals do, I think. If I am going to keep doing this, I am going to have to get a smaller bike. I'm sure that would be better for me to learn on too.

I have some cool video that I'll post ASAP.

---

Sounds like a nice day...
"Are you the guy on the zx14?"
LMAO! Hater.

I'm signed up for 100 level school on May 18th, and I am thinking about riding my 14 that day... Will be my 4th or 5th day @ The Ridge, depending on whether or not I go out there next Mon... Wonder how many "little" bikes I'll piss off that day.

Look forward to the vid.

---

Actually, it was a chick about my age who was feeling her track time was being compromised. I talked to her for a while. Looked like she had a covered trailer with living quarters + bike storage. She offered me a smoke and I almost took it but I will be applying for nonsmoker status on my life ins. Girls who ride are the coolest. They're all bound to piss and moan but if it's because I'm going too slow, well that would be a first wouldn't it??? However you want to look at it, not really a problem! LOL

I'm signed up for 100 level school on May 18th, and I am thinking about riding my 14 that day... Will be my 4th or 5th day @ The Ridge,

5 days in a short period of time gives you a good deal of experience. It will be warmer then and there will be a lot of rubber out on the track so you will be safe testing what you can do on the 14 as opposed to your track bike.

I'm also planning to try a training session with the 14. It costs about $250 (a track day is $150) and you actually have less track time. They say you learn a lot more though. We also have Road America over here and that is a lot faster track than BHF.

---

They're all bound to piss and moan but if it's because I'm going too slow, well that would be a first wouldn't it?

I don't know. Would it?... Mine seems to always be telling me to go faster.

5 days in a short period of time gives you a good deal of experience. It will be warmer then and there will be a lot of rubber out on the track so you will be safe testing what you can do on the 14 as opposed to your track bike.

Wouldn't be at all surprised if I was still as fast or even faster on my 14... Between the two 14's I've owned and my zx9r, I've logged 100k miles on "larger" sportbikes... Still more comfortable and confident on them... but... riding 100 level that day will mean taking it down a notch and focusing more on fundementals.

I'm also planning to try a training session with the 14. It costs about $250 (a track day is $150) and you actually have less track time. They say you learn a lot more though.

The norm is $100-$150 in addition to the cost of a track day for school. With OPRT (org I'm riding with on May 18th), however, the 100 level school is included @ the $140 cost (total).
I went for a ride with my buddy J last week, and several times I watched him have some close calls. When he was lead rider, he was blasting the straights and coming in too hot the first corner of every set of twisties, going wide, and breaking his lane... He'd been a little apprehensive about going to the track, but after that, I insisted. I'm taking the 100 level school with him.

We also have Road America over here and that is a lot faster track than BHF.

I need to go ride another track... but The Ridge is so convenient and I'm getting spoiled.

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 4/19/2012 @ 3:49 PM *

---

I was going to head to the NJ Thunderbolt about two weeks ago but it was still pretty damn cold in the mornings and I had to ride there 4 hours so I decided to blow it off. Cold track, Cold Tires with me pushing too hard = F’D up something! LOL I really want to ride that track I hear its great for a 14. I rode with Tony’s Track Days in NH and even on that track which is really not a good one our 14’s I had a freaking blast so I’m looking forward to the Thunderbolt…..Cheers!!!!

PS. I love the way people look at you when they find out you rode the bike to the track over 250 miles to get there and ride even more! hahahaha

* Last updated by: Somefun on 4/20/2012 @ 5:29 AM *

---

Cold track, Cold Tires with me pushing too hard = F’D up something!

Yeah, that's what they were saying. ....and they were right. Two crashes. i got the aftermath of one on film. Didn't look too bad. The second one, the guys bike was in pieces.

BTW, I'm getting some sorta unique footage editted together. I wish I would have been more aware of he fact that I was filming. It's almost like you have to put on a show to get the best film. My debut track day last year looks more exciting I think...but the weather was hotter and I had been riding the bike a while that season...excuses excuses...lol don't expect too much! I'll make it look as good as I can!

I rode with Tony’s Track Days in NH and even on that track which is really not a good one our 14’s I had a freaking blast so I’m looking forward to the Thunderbolt…..Cheers!!!!

Yeah, now I am already starting to think about the next track day. There was a lot of cool stuff that happened. Road America will be a new experience but I even am looking forward to going back to BHF. You know, it would be pretty easy to turn my head to look behind me about 45 seconds before the last turn. I can go very slow and if anyone is right behind me they better pass. If they can't do at least 110 down the back then that's their problem. I might just catch em and pass.

I see I have a fun clip of a guy on a liter bike who wanted to see what the 14 could do. How could I resist going back?

---

PS. I love the way people look at you when they find out you rode the bike to the track over 250 miles to get there and ride even more! hahahaha

Freakin' savage! ... but if you can't get your tires warmed up in 250 miles... j/k

---

Here's a little entertainment fer ya.

---

Nice vid, Rook!

Looks like you're enjoying the new QS.

---

Oh yeah....I am but there are a few bloopers that I left on the cutting room floor. Have to pull those together and post them.

Let's just say I either need to increase the sensitivity setting or else I have to be a man on that shift lever. Missing gears is not a nice sound on my ears and pretty embarrassing too.

---

Dogo I'm riding to Maine for the top speed event in July its a 9 hour ride there! I can't wait to see guys faces when I get there check her in and rip off 200MPH plus! after just taking off my back pack!

---

Rook thats a great vid! Love it. Also like seeing the 28,000 miles not your girl! I have 23,000 now and will have over 30,000 buy the end of the year! Try you QS at a higher % it will work better for you for sure....Cheers!

---

Thanks Somefun. Actually, I'm at ~29,500. The big THREE O is right around the corner!

I will try upping the shifter sensitivity to 65% today.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/22/2012 @ 9:37 AM *

---

@Rook: i know its not your responsibility to post your vids where i cant see them but we need to do something.
Every time i watch one of you racing i get closer and closer to joining a class myself!

Also... LOVING the swingarm cam! Its great watching that 530 chain react to your throttle demands.

* Last updated by: hagrid on 4/22/2012 @ 11:30 AM *

---

Rook where was the front cam mounted and how ??

---

Every time i watch one of you racing i get closer and closer to joining a class myself!

Do it, hagrid. I would call a nearby track and ask. They will probably direct you to a dealerhip or group in your town and you will pit with them. Sign yourself up for Novice level. They get going plenty fast by the end of the day. You might not make a lot of friends in the novice group. The riders might have a beef with the fact that they can't pass you but if you just work on cornering and take the straightaways 100 mph or less, I don't see how anyone can't pass if they are all that close behind you. If you want to bomb the straights, you have the right to do that every now and then. No reason why anyone should cramp your 14's style any more than you cramp the 600's. Just give yourself room to brake and that means at least 1/3 of the straightaway.

Also... LOVING the swingarm cam! Its great watching that 530 chain react to your throttle demands.

Yeah, in some shots you can hear the links hit a smooth rhythm and there is a whirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrring that comes from the chain. I will be making a mountthat attaches to the rear axle and that will probably give a view of the shifter, the side of the bike and the rider. Now that will be a very cool angle. I wish I could make this stuff and sell it. I have a few ideas for MC products.

Rook where was the front cam mounted and how ??

Wish I would have taken pics of that. It is on the top fairing. I attached the suction cup mount directly above the right headlight. you see my mirror block in the lower right of the view. My mirrors are removed but I am sure the suction cup mount could be adjusted to hold the cam out of the mirror's way. In fact, if I recall, seems like the arm was adjusted so the cam was lower than the mirror. I also attached a double hinged extension that can be adjusted up and down and left and right. This came with the GoPro motorsports package. That may not be a necessary part but I always leave it on the suction cup mount because it comes in handy quite often.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/22/2012 @ 3:30 PM *

---

@Rook: is it prerequisite that i have a leather (or equivalent) suit, or is a jacket with jeans and boots sufficient for your school? I ask because
whatever the requirements are at your track are bound to be similar to Beav Run (my track). If they (the suit) are then i will wait till next year when
Ive lost considerable weight.

---

At Blackhawk Farms they require protective pants and jacket (and I believe they must zip, they will check this at tech inspection) or a 1 piece. I do not think it has to be leather but I did not see anything but leather on any riders. I am one of the few that wear a 2 piece. I will be investing in a 1 piece some day. BBHF also requires a high boot but it does not stipulate that it must be a riding boot. Again, I have seen no other fiootwear other than MC riding boots.

A very good option is to rent the suit at the track. BHF offers Dainese suites for rent. You'd have to enquire with the track to see if they offer this service. They prolly do BHF is a small track. You might also find boots for rent. Renting would be an excellent way to find out what fits you best.

IMO, do not expect leather to stretch a whole lot to fit you. A little loose is ok in my book. Tight restricts your movement a LOT and it takes a hell of a lot to soften it up. My old pants did stretch a bit in the leg thickness (prolly mostly do to the fabric stretch panels losing some of their resilience) but the waist is as tight as ever and it was killing me that day.

...so just sayin' when you order, be very honest with yourself. Take a string and get the dimension you want then measure the string with a tape measure. What I find is that the jeans I wear are labelled one size smaller then my waist actually measures. I wear a size 36 in bluejeans for a perfect fit on my waist. 34 way too tight these days. My waist measures 39 inches. Had a medical exam and they also came up with 39". I would sure like to see that get a couple inches smaller and I'll do all I can but I also have to admit I am 45 years old. Might have to live with it....but I will damn sure try to get back to at least 34". Just sayin, cuz this stuff is so expensive, it's not a good idea to take a shot in the dark on it.

.......also, much is made about a "race tight fit." That may be true if you have a suit tailor made but off the rack, go with what would be comfortable walking around on the street. Virtually none of the expert riders I see have tight leathers. All have baggy ass and waist.

So there's my schpeal on leathers.

---

And i thank you for it. Gonna have to do some training. And a little less of this

---

Dogo I'm riding to Maine for the top speed event in July its a 9 hour ride there! I can't wait to see guys faces when I get there check her in and rip off 200MPH plus! after just taking off my back pack!

That's badass!

And i thank you for it. Gonna have to do some training. And a little less of this

A little less... but beleive me, it's worth it... and nothing tastes better than a cold one @ the end of a track day.

Gear requirements will vary by the org running the day. Here, most are fairly lax for the novice groups... They just wanna get you out there and get ya hooked.

However, I have some "big guy" leathers (2 piece) I'd be willing to part with for cheap, Hagrid. Also, a "First Track Day" thread on your local forum will generate a bunch of guys willing to help out with advice, gear, bike prep, personal prep, and be your "pit buddy". Your first track day can be nerve racking, but everyone out there has been through it.

---

A little less... but beleive me, it's worth it... and nothing tastes better than a cold one @ the end of a track day.

Yes and a little less of and more . I find just going vegetarian works fastest for me but man, does that suck! Those protein powders are a good meat replacement and they cost about the same / gram of protein as lower priced beef. Fat is what does it, the calories don't seem to need any monitoring. Cut the fat and get my aerobic exercise. Only prob, I have a sore knee, some sort of pull in my calf and just got over a sore heel. So that's what it means to be 45 perhaps?

Your first track day can be nerve racking, but everyone out there has been through it.

Yes, the first one is a learning experience on the track and everywhere all over the park. I am fortunate to have the local dealership sponsor all the events so I see the VP at all of these as he rides in them as well. Also 6 or seven other riders who pit in the same area. They are all advanced or expert level so I don't get to ride with them (Might actually be better that way for now! LOL) but they are very helpful. The coolest thing is that I came back to the pit and one of the others set his wheel chock out, rolled my bike up into it and zip tied my kickstand for me. I didn't even have to ask and I sure did not mind one of them handling my bike for me. Same deal last time, someone let me use a wheel chock the whole day cuz I can't haul one down in my backpack. LOL Yeah, a lot of pits are just one rider on his little square of grass. That would be tough for a first track experience.

Another great track experience would be a track riding training session. I am sure that the Beav has track marshals that supervise track days and most or all of these people also teach track riding sessions. It is not necessarily just for lower level riders. My new bud Mat rides in expert level and he said he learned a huge amount in training sessions but he feels he still not good enough to teach them. So, a training session being much more one on one teacher student will be a good transition from street to track, especially with a ZX-14 which is a whole lot of bike for the track. I plan to get in the the very next training day at BHF.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/23/2012 @ 10:17 AM *

---

@Dogo: thank you for the friend price on your leathers. I probably will take you up on that in a while ;)

@Rook: i have pretty good luck with Atkins. Pizza is my kryptonite.

One of my lab techs rides an R6. Today he was giving me some info on carving Beav Run... he parroted everything you two
have been saying. One thing he told me was slightly alarming: one track day consumes a set of tires. He and i only live 50 miles from the track but he tells me there isnt enough rubber to ride home!

So... in addition to slimming down to wedge into leathers, i have to find a second set of rims for track tires. $$$
But im going to do it. Maybe take me all year to line stuff up... but i want to race!

Thanks guys!

---

one track day consumes a set of tires. He and i only live 50 miles from the track but he tells me there isnt enough rubber to ride home!

I seriously doubt it. Not on your first day. Not on the 14. My BT-003s lasted another 5000 miles after the track day which is only 3 or 4 thousand less than a set of tires normally lasts me (OH gwaddddddddd, did I just admit that--again????) I would say you will be hard pressed to roll half of your tread depth away from the middle. One nice thing is that what ever wear you put on the tires, it will be even. No square off for a long time, you will actually use your sides.

The BT-003 worked great for the track felt very good with 28 psi. turn in on the street was a bit severe for me and I did not feel it was predictable on the street. The reason I did like the BT-003 for street and track use was its shape. the brand new tire has steep sides--it's egg shaped. That handled great on the track but as mentioned, a bit severe for street sport riding. After one track day and 5000 miles of street use the tire still looked fairly round. The egg shape wears in the middle as much as any other street tire but it result more in a nice circle rather than a flat , squared off middle tread. Not a cheap tire either but might be worth considering.

I would not worry about a set of track rims yet. I think it is likely that you will want a different bike for the track if you get into it that much.

If you do two track days a month apart, it is very likely that the tires you had on since the first track day will be too good change out for the street but not good enough for the track. Well, even that problem is solved. They prolly have a tire change service at the track. Check with them. See if they have stands to take off your wheels cuz you wont be dragging stands down unless you trailer.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/23/2012 @ 10:34 PM *

---

Holy crap, hagrid, you have a new 14r, don't you? I have scraped my mid pipe under the footpeg cornering (but I did that on the street too). Also the Gen 1 was known to touch down the lower fairings in a hard lean. My lowers never have touched. On a new bike, I'd take those lowers off just in case and the handling is drastically improved with a full system exhaust---although full systems won't improve cornering clearance.

---