| Author | Message | ||
     Rainman |
Hi guys, I'm thinking about taking Thumper to the track sometime next year, just to get on a closed course and push it a little harder. Need to do some work -- 10,000 mile checkup stuff -- before it happens, but wondered if there's anything I need to buy before hand. I used to have leathers, but I sold them  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
BIKE CHECKLIST Tires: Should be in new or near new condition. We also have tire service available from Pirelli at all events. Our tire pricing at the track can't be beat! Brakes: Check pads for wear. Chain: Check tension and make sure it is lubed. Wheel Weights: Should be taped down with duct tape. Bolts and Fasteners: You should give your bike a once over before coming to our events and make sure that everything is secured and tight. Oil: Make sure that your bike's oil level is full and drain plug is tightened. Levers: Brake and clutch levers should be at proper adjustment and should be securely fastened to your bike. Throttle: Your throttle should snap closed when released from the open position. Mirrors/Turn Signals/Headlight/Taillight: All of these should be taped, or disconnected. RIDER CHECKLIST Current Health Insurance, if you have it. It is helpful to have a copy on hand, just in case. Bike Key Leathers Boots/Socks Gloves Helmet Back Protector(Highly Recommended) Tools/Lubes/Tire Pressure Rags | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
First check with the track day sponsor on their requirements. It used to be very restrictive on gear, requiring one piece leathers, armored gloves, etc., but they eased up in the last few years. They can differ from lax to very strict. However, you are often on your honor. They are not likely to inspect your gear, but..... I copied the above from a trackday sponsor. I'll assume you'll be in the beginners/novice class because thats the best place to be on a Blast. If you end up being faster than everyone (its possible), they'll usually let or move you up to the next level. Novice is also the least restrictive on gear. Helmets: Full face only and 'modulars' may be acceptable in novice class. Boots: Required. Some only say motorcycle specific boots. Others say boots must cover the ankle. Most (all) say leather or equivalent. Gloves: Required. Anywhere from full leather to armored. No fingerless or mesh. Back protector: All that is often required is the thin piece that came with your jacket. Armor style is recommended. Novice may be optional. Leathers: In novice usually zip together two piece is allowed, sometime full circumference, sometimes just the 8 inch back zipper. Sometimes attaching isnt necessary, BUT if you dont check and you dont have zippers, you may be duct taping your leathers together (seriously). I've seen Aerostitch style one pieces allowed. Padding is usually required. Any level above novice is more restrictive and if you plan to race, go with those requirements. Of course its your body, so do as you feel. Sometimes they rent leathers. You can get some cheap stuff on e-bay. Great if you'll only be doing a few track days and wont be on a 150mph rocket. 2 piece leathers are easiest for track days. Many event organizers now offer some kind of class at the novice level for minimal or no extra cost. If you can, take the class, study the track layout and ask questions. You may not aim to be the next Rossi, but it will help you enjoy your track experience much more and keep you from holding up the rest of the riders as you putt unnecessarily slowly around the turns. There's a serious high when you navigate a turn as the instructor has directed resulting in a much faster corner speed than you thought possible. Pirelli tires (enough said). I take the lights off the bike. Easy to do and better than taping. If you drop the bike you wont be buying new lights  | ||
| Packnrat |
what about sound. my blast is up above 100 db...like 130+ trying to make it less so and yes aftermarket. a v&h. how can i make it quieter so it falls with in the sound limits, i tried repacking, was told to pack it in harder. were can i get baffles? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
If you've got a V & H, you'll be fine. I doubt your Blast is as loud as you think it is. | ||
| Chris806 |
There hasn't been a post on racing the Blast in quite some time. I took mine to the track Feb. 17th. Here's a pic. I had a blast(literally) http://cjpbadge218.smugmug.com/Other/Race-Bike/i-3hL8Tz3/0/L/IMG_10639-L.jpg (Message edited by chris806 on February 28, 2013) | ||
| Ezblast |
Nice Belly pan - you make it - got a few close ups? EZ | ||
| Sycho |
I clicked on the pic and there are some more photos. I always wanted an SRX, and I like the style of the CB-1 as well. Anyways, is there a reason for the bellypan? | ||
| Chris806 |
EZ....I posted up a better pic of the belly pan. Sycho..almost all race organizations require a fluid containing lower. This keeps oil off the track in the event a motor lets go during a race. Since there aren't any lowers made commercially for the Blast..I designed one and had a local machine shop build it out of the lightest sheet metal possible. http://cjpbadge218.smugmug.com/Other/Race-Bike/i-Q 2K2v8b/0/M/IMG_10688-M.jpg | ||
| Chris806 |
One last view from the side of the belly pan.....http://cjpbadge218.smugmug.com/Other/Race-Bike/i-f 77Bb53/0/L/IMG_10787-L.jpg | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Thanks for posting-I'm envious! The Blast is a cheap capable track bike. Seeing the number plates: are you racing? On another note about the pictures: unfortunately linked pictures have a tendency to disappear over time. Any chance of posting the without the link? | ||
| Chris806 |
Yes...I'm racing the bike. The pictures were taken my first time on the track with the Blast. | ||
| Ezblast |
 Nice! EZ | ||
| Ezblast |
 The Other! Nice! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Very cool. Let the fun begin! | ||
| Jreece |
Chris806, this is very cool. I loved the pics. | ||
| Blasted77 |
What kind of tire wear have you all been getting for track days? I just bought a blast, put new tires on, and went through the local twisties to wear in the tires. After the ride, I noticed the front seemed to look a bit scrubbed, and the back looked just fine. Is that normal? How would I change the balance? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
(MT75's) Generally, if you're actually racing (and that IS NOT a track day!!!) 3 weekends and they'll still be good for the street Fronts will scrub, that's just the way it is. By "balance" do you mean getting equal wear from the front and rear? Tune your suspension for better balance, but remember, the Blast isn't a high horsepower bike and it has very little usable rear braking, so rear tire wear might not be what you'd expect from a bike actually pushing some ponies. | ||
| Blasted77 |
Yes, I have MT 75s. I guess I was thinking if there was a way to get the wear more even. The way the fronts scrub, it made me worried that I would low-side from losing the front end. Thanks. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Well, you can certainly make the front handle better which will get you better traction. Pre load, fork oil, steering dampner and tire pressures (among the cheaper items) can help chew up the tire less. You can spend lots more money there too!! | ||
| Ezblast |
Yeah - oversized Pirelli Diablo front and rear, fork Superbrace, Galfer ss braided lines and pads,Works fork spring kit and race tech gold valve emulators for a 2000 era Kawi.Ninja 250, and 7.5 or 7.0 fork oil and your front end will be flawless - no damper needed. Then all you need is the Works or other shock and you'll be handling better than a superbike. EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Well, I would never suggest a dampner as a first mod if you're willing to do the others as it will only hide problems. But it is still a worthy addition if you're going all out. It will help. FYI the Diablo front is undersized, so don't be shocked if you order one and its dwarfed by the MT75 front. Confidence in tires is everything and (for me) going to a smaller front is not confidence inspiring, despite the diablo's positive attributes in short course handling. | ||
| Ezblast |
It is not a noticeable difference unless you put them right by each other and measure. - lol - EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
If it wasn't that easy to see, I wouldn't have measured!!! | ||
| Ezblast |
See you had to measure to make sure! - lol - It's a great tire and actually has twice the mileage as stock. EZ | ||
| Blasted77 |
Thanks for the front end tips. I was also surprised how hard I could corner without touching the pegs just by shifting my weight. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Yes, hang off, relax and let the bike do the work. It's magic when you get it right! If you can, do some track days, most will give at least some instruction that may pay off in skills, but will definitely pay off in the fun factor! | ||
| Garretseesing |
i just took my blast to a track-day at texas world speedway. It was FABULOUS. i was passing much bigger bikes in the turns (of course they were blowing me away on the front straight. I was running the Michelin City Grip tires front and rear (110/70, 140/70) and they stuck great all day. I run a ninja 650 rear shock with quite a bit of preload but i havent preloaded my front springs yet. I'll post some pictures up. I turned some pretty competitive times out so i hope to hang in there when the race season starts. | ||
| Ezblast |
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