| Author | Message | ||
     Shaiss |
I'm going to the Buell Inside Pass at willow springs 10/17 and was curious if someone can point me in the right direction. What do I need to do to set up my bike for the track day? Supsspension? take off mirrors cover all lights and turn signals with tape cover speedo run race 110 leded gas?? <--not sure about this one. what else, did I miss anything? Also, my breathers are routed out, I assume for the event I need to put fresh filters to make sure I dont spuge oil onto the track or does it not matter? | ||
| Buellrcr |
if u got o2 sensor dont run lead gas it will mess up the sensor | ||
| Shaiss |
might be a stupid question, but how do I know if I have the 02 sensor? | ||
| Slaughter |
If you have a fuel injected Buell, you have the O2 sensor. Use premium unleaded pump gas. Specific track preparation depends on the particular operation - I'd ask the operator specifically if they don't post on their website. (but I believe they do - or shoot them an email) Generally, you have to either remove or tape over the following: Lights Turn Signals Reflectors Mirrors Also, make sure you have AT LEAST half the tire rubber left. You will use more rubber than you think. I really recommend pulling the fuses for your head and tail lights. I also recommend taping over the speedo. You do NOT want to refer to the speedo - just the tach. For tape - get the 3M blue masking tape. Its called something like "Safe Release" - available from Home Depot, Lowes - most hardware stores. TRUST ME ON THIS - you DON'T want to use normal masking tape, duct tape or electrical tape because of the CRUD they leave behind. Safe Release comes off clean after a day in the sun. I'm between computers at work - but I remember seeing the link to the track day operator and they should have bike preparation somewhere on their website. | ||
| Slaughter |
Details here: http://www.privatetracktime.com/buell_days/buell_p olicies.aspx | ||
| Shaiss |
yeah, I got that from there site, but I figured real world experience was more reliable. And was curious if there was any Buell specific preps. Just curious, why tape the spedo? | ||
| Slaughter |
The speedo tape is to PREVENT you from looking at it. Often people try to glance at it in turns and will try to glance at it when they're going fast - exactly the WRONG times to look at the speedo. KNOWING how fast you are going will do nothing about improving technique or lap times. Just relax, pay attention to where you are on the track (your lines) and your points for turning in, braking application, throttle and shifting. You really don't need to know your speed. Does nothing for you. IF you leave the speedo untaped, you're just more likely to be tempted to sneak a peek. I velcro'd the lap timer on top of the speedo on the racebike. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
You'll get addicted to track days! Is race gas leaded? I cant believe you got in on the Inside Pass track day. Its been booked up for months (unless there is some special list to be on). | ||
| Hooligan620 |
I use one of these to time laps. http://www.diverse-mfg.com/motocross/mototrainer.h tml I disconnect the left side switch and velcro the timer in it's place. A quick punch of the thumb to reset you never have to take your hand off the grip...and it was only $50.00 | ||
| Gearhead |
Hooligan620 Thanks for the heads up on the lap timer! I had tried using an old Casio watch to do the same thing but the buttons were way too small. This set-up will certainly be accurate enough to give you a good idea until you can get the official times. | ||
| Slaughter |
I would tend to recommend against the lap timer because it will distract from the basics of getting all the lines totally consistent and getting all the details totally consistent lap-to-lap. Start timing your laps after a few track days when you are laying down extremely consistent laps without thinking. Lap timers are a great tool but until you have gotten ALL your reference points, your lines and your braking and throttle points down pat, you aren't going to be able to use the lap timer. Just my $0.02 (devalued for inflation). I just tend to recommend avoiding things that add to the distractions without contributing. With or without one, it's going to be seriously fun. ...and the race gas is mostly unleaded - at least what is commonly available at most tracks. You CAN get leaded. Read the labels - and you DO NOT WANT LEADED! | ||
| Hooligan620 |
Slaughter's correct, I didn't start using a lap timer until my third track day at the same track. I just think the mototimer is really cool and a cheap alternative to all the electronic stuff. Learn the track, start out in the beginner class no matter how good you think you are. If the school offers instruction, pay the extra money your first go round. Most track days have a track intro the first thing in the morning, they point out line, turn in points, corner apexes et al, attend! Most of all have fun, travel at YOUR OWN PACE, don't race and have fun. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Concur on the lap timer! It will be serious fun and I think worrying about lap times your first time out will be a distraction and detraction. I dont know if you ever been to Willow Springs to watch the racing but it might be a good idea to check it out. The guys from (and who hang with) Glendale Buell/Harley are usually very helpful to the first timers and track wannabees (we were all first timers once). There is also a track day and racing at The Streets of Willow Oct 5-7, so you might want to check that out. I dont believe there are any spots left except for racers, but it cant hurt to check it out. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
PS The Streets of Willow is mostly turns, only one section you can actually hit top speed. Thanks for timer and tips Hooligan620! | ||
| Slaughter |
Most of all have fun, travel at YOUR OWN PACE, don't race and have fun. BINGO!!! | ||
| Gearhead |
Of course Slaughter and everyone else is correct on the lap timer issue. I'm racing this year and I'm looking at the $50.00 unit as an aid to look at after each race, certainly not while I'm riding! I just wanted to clarify that. One other thought for you, Shaiss, buy a set of UnderArmor, long sleeve "t" and long johns. It allows your leathers to slide on and off much easier and keeps you a lot more comfortable in any weather. | ||
| Shaiss |
thanks for all the info!!! Bit confused on the gas issue. So I want 110 unleded gas? | ||
| Gearhead |
Unless your bike has engine modifications just run a high quality pump gas. I use BP gold (premium) in my race bike with absolutely no detonation problems. Race gas in a stock engine is just a waste of money. | ||
| Shaiss |
so Shell or Chevron 91 would be fine? I have no engine mods | ||
| Slaughter |
If you haven't bumped up your compression, the 91 Chevron has worked well for me racing in the desert. If it doesn't ping, it's fine. If you're not sitting, idling, letting it get hot, it won't be a problem. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Race gas can help a little, but it only really helps if you are scratching for that last little bit, and only if it's the correct type of race gas for your particular motor. All race fuels are NOT created equal. The additives they put into race gas are very volatile, and the fuel needs to be stored carefully or it will lose it's "pop" too. With a stock motor a premium grade fuel should be fine even in a very hot environment. Just listen for pinging, if it's not happening...It's all good!. There is no reason to blow more money if you don't have to. Save the money you would have spent on race gas and do more track days. That will get most riders more bang for their buck if there are instructors there to help improve their technique. I'm not saying you're a bad rider, even the pros do it. Ben Spies has Kevin Schwantz critique his riding etc. | ||
| Jbar |
Another suggestion: safety wire your "things" that, when loose, will leak fluids on the track (a MAJOR no-no), such as oil cap, oil filter, etc. Also, tape your wheel balance weights with that Safe Release tape...if you don't know how to do any of this, I'm sure that lot's of local Buellers can help... | ||
| Mtg |
So, on my CBR, I had all the important fasteners safety wired and.... I'm getting ready to take my XB9R to Miller Motorsports next week and most of the fasteners that would normally be safety wired are counter-bored. For example, what are people doing about the caliper mounting bolts? Also, for removing tape gunk, WD-40 works awesome. I always use duct tape, and then a little WD-40 afterwards and the gunk is gone. (Message edited by mtg on September 12, 2007) | ||
| Slaughter |
For the caliper mounting bolts, you either have to counterbore the caliper casting to get room for the wire OR (what I do) - you mark the top and bottom bolt and just drill the one side that clears the caliper casting. You have to obviously use the same bolt in the same hole each time or your wiring probably won't work. I'm going to do the counterboring... any day now. RIIiiiiight.... |
