| Author | Message | ||
     Bsanorton |
I have owned tube framed Buells for many years and brit/jap vintage bikes for longer. I always had the desire to do track days and race in AHRMA. Went to Barber this year for the 1st time, incredible! I'll make it an annual event. I live near Daytona, but was unable to see the racing there the following week. Barber got my juices going. Now that I'm at an age were my kids are almost self sufficient and i still have my witts about me (at least I think so). I can get out more. I got so inspired I actually just bought an almost new leather suit & drill press for safety wiring, LOL! Newbie questions - I'd like to use my X1 to start track days, any thoughts on that, recomendations? To prepare the X1 do I tape the headlight or take out? Take off turn signals or just remove lens and lights? Any other preparations? I have an RD350 or H1 I'd like to race down the line, but my interest is peaked with seeing Buells and Ducati's racing at Barber (I did not know). Is there a class for an older X1? I will be looking to take instructor lead track days at Jennings to start and then enroll in a race school. Am I nuts to be giving this a try at 52? I figure if I don't soon, I never will, & that I would regret. Your input is welcome | ||
| Mackja |
Started doing track days when I was 49 just finished my second year, I run about 12 days a year mostly Barber, with Road Atlanta and Roebling road thrown in. Most fun I have had in years, hope I can do it for 10 more. Your only as old as you feel, so get out there and have a blast. I run my 2007 Buell xb12r and it does a great job hanging with 600, handles great, I love the low end torque. | ||
| Slaughter |
Age has nothing to do with it in Club racing! More than the bike itself, check your medical insurance to make DANG SURE that racing is not excluded!!! I think the H1 is going to make you crazy in trying to sort out the handling. Frame flexibility AND center cylinder seizure is problematic. Shoot Dave Crussel a note and ask H1 questions http://mojokawasaki.com/ Dave has been racing KAWI in AHRMA. (don't want to be too negative but the H1 and H2 chassis are notoriously whippy. IF you have a monster budget, there IS a guy building duplicate H2R chassis down in Australia or NZ which will give you a near-duplicate late-'70s works machine) - but ask Crussel those Kawasaki questions. NOTE: sometime before I die, I WILL BUILD a race-replica H2R! - pic is a DuHamel replica)   I think IF you decide to start with the X1, you really should disconnect the wires to the lights and remove the turn signals. Tape over the lenses of the head and tail lights. Generally, all race organizations require safety wiring on ANYTHING that holds back ANY fluid - oil, water, brake but can also require safety wiring of brake calipers and mounts. Depending on rules, you MAY be able to use a booger of JB Weld instead of safety wiring on oil lines and hydraulics. You really should check AHRMA rules. GENERALLY, Clubs seem a little stricter than AMA on safety issues. You might consider going to an AHRMA event once as a spectator and just meeting the tech guys or one of the racers you kind of identify with and look, take notes. I've got a year before I turn 60. Want to at least finish the season where I've turned 60 (that'll be 2013) - buying a toy hauler now to make those times a little more "comfy." Check your insurance Check your rulebook USE 3M brand Safe Release tape (the blue stuff you see in all articles - it will be easy to remove without leaving goo) NOTE: other 3M rip-offs use blue colored the tape but it doesn't remove cleanly like 3M | ||
| Bsanorton |
Thanks guys for the input. Slaughter I'd be using the X1 for track days. Probaly go with the RD350 for races when I'm up to that point. Thanks for the tips. I was surprised to see many modern classes in the AHRMA at Barber that is what got me thinking about if there is a class for the X1. I didn't realize there was a 'Thruxton' (now called transcontinental?)class for modern Triumphs. Someone on an 883 entered and won that class (lots of talk on it). That got me thinking if at any point I could use my X1, that would be pretty cool. I will check my health insurance, great point with a family. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
My first track day was on my X1 years ago. While its not the best track weapon, it will serve you just fine. Unhook the bulb or wiring, then tape over, or find one of the old lightning class front flyscreens that replace the light. Around here safety wire isn't needed for track days, but its never a bad idea. Once you get some time under your belt you will probably start having clearance issues, footpegs, shifter, rear brake all got ground down on mine. Go out and have fun! | ||
| Smoke |
go have fun. i started track days at 52 and am now a few days from 58. just finished my 3rd year racing and my 1st expert year. i ran my yellow 1125r with AHRMA at Barber this year and had a great time. your x1 fits into Battle of Twins Formula 2 and can also run Sound of Thunder but will be underpowered for that class. your x1 (and my s1) are not legal for the Transatlantic Challenge or Thruxton Cup. do some track days, take a race school and come on out. tim | ||
| Smoke |
i'll be at Jennings the 10th/11th Dec. look mme up if you are there. yellow Buell, big white mustache. tim | ||
| Smoke |
AHRMA 2012 schedule: http://www.ahrma.org/ahrma_pdfs/Z-2012/Nationals/2 012%20event%20dates%20for%20web.pdf race license school usually held at every event on the practice day. just hold your line and have fun! tim | ||
| Bsanorton |
Thanks for the input Tim. Not sure If I can get it together for the Dec. 10th/11th races at Jennings, but I will look for you if do get there. Need to replace my warped front disc (have the replacemnt) and my rear tire looks iffy to me, not syre they will pass me on track day inspection. | ||
| Paint_shaker |
Smoke, I am going to try and come up for at least one of the days you are there. Also, Donny (Dynoworks) is doing backwards days at Jennings Dec 31-Jan 1. (Message edited by Paint shaker on November 15, 2011) | ||
| Mbsween |
Hell, I never even unhooked the wires, just get the good tape and all will be right with the world. 99 is right, you will grind the bottom of stuff, the kick stand, shifter and pegs are all fair game, this is from 2008 at Pocono. All three are about to get lightly sanded, well once I get that toe slider out of the way  I'm 48 and am trying to get back on the track before 50. I bought an 82 GPz750 to use for the task. The X1 is a nice track bike, easy to ride, handles well and mostly just a sh*tload of fun | ||
| Slaughter |
My first race as a novice was age 49, first race as expert was age 50. You kids gotta get started, y'aint getting any younger! | ||
| Bsanorton |
Thanks MB!Great picture. I see what you mean and grinding down those areas. Slaughter you are so right, LOL! I'm shipping out my leather suit for some..aaaahhhh alterations. Need a little room in some areas, LOL! | ||
| Slaughter |
I hear you on the leathers: "Honey, does this suit make my GUT look big?" | ||
| Paint_shaker |
My waist-strap on my back protector makes my gut like "normal"... LOL (Message edited by paint shaker on November 16, 2011) |
