motor cycle track day

[RobM]

Has any one ever tracked a bike? I’m looking into doing some riders ed/track days with my bike. Are there any events in the north east? I’ve never seriously pushed my bike at track speeds how does a bike react when its about to loose traction in a corner? Iv driven cars and karts hard on a track but never a bike.

[newbaa]

i've never taken my bike on a track. i wish i could, but the closest track is 5 hours away, so it won't happen very often.

check out www.sportbikes.net though for more info on track days, track riding info, etc. i'm on that site too.

[vanzuuk1]

There are events at every track on the east coast/ pro motion has some great events at pocono. We could go on for pages about bike handling, but its safe to say they dont always react the same way when they are about to lose traction in a corner. Unless you are pretty good at maintaining a slide on two wheels,the end result is pretty similar...

[neki67]

Too many variables to tell you what the bike is going to do/feel like although it's safe to say tires are VERY important when it comes to loosing traction. A 'predictable' tire is very very pleasant but it needs to be in it's temperature operating range. Tire preasure also does a lot and obv. the suspension needs to be in good shape and properly adjusted.

Like I said many variables but the most important thing is that you don't have yourself pushed too far! Try to stay/ride on the safe side and have fun. You are not there to win prices, fame or whatever!!! Even then you will probably encounter some 'moments' but (hopefully) you will keep the rubber side down.

IMO track days are lots of fun and a good opertunity to skill yourself and tune your bike. That said; HAVE FUN AND KEEP IT SAFE.

[RobM]

I guess the predictability factor is my biggest concern. I have a triumph thruxton that is more or less going to be set up to thruxton cup specs. Not a super bike by any means but I’m hoping to set it up as a nice track/street bike.

[neki67]

Well, the latest Bridgestone BT014 and BT021 and the Michelin Pilot Power tires all get raving reviews. I my self have been using the Pilot Powers (the last couple of seasons) and on my bike (Suz SV1000S) give lots of feedback and are very predictable when they get sliding.

Once again; when you're on the track the most important thing is to not get overexcited!

[justanova]

I have been thinking about doing some track days down here and i think during most track days here there are instructors that will give pointers, let you follow them to pickup the best lines, and even follow you to give even better pointers. I would see if there will be instructors there as they will probably be your best source of info.

[fletcherscustoms]

Track days are a blast!! I've been riding on the street for 5 years, and started track days first of 07 on a salvage title 2004 Kawasaki 636. Then bought a 07 GSXR 600 last year and started racing with WERA in the southeast. Crashed and broke my hand in Sept 07, and sold the bike. Then jumped out and bought a 08 Ducati 848 that I am solely racing and doing track days on!! Its a rush, much safer than the street, but can get very expensive!! I mean I'm currently in teh whole about 20K on race bike, and I'm still slow, but I love it and also its a ministry and outreach program I use to spread God's word.

As far as tires you can't go wrong with Michelin Pilot Power's there a street tire, that can still do really good, and you'll only start to over ride them as you get faster with time. I currently run Bridgestone BT002 Race compound tires, bought $375 a set and require tire warmers as they want heat up as quickly as regualr street tires.

[BA.]

Are there any events in the north east? I’ve never seriously pushed my bike at track speeds how does a bike react when its about to loose traction in a corner?

Some good feedback by many there.
I'm not sure what events are up your way but, I've been to some track days at Mid-Ohio a couple of times and also Putnam Park just west of Indianapolis. (on both my 12R and older 6R)

The predictability of any bike before it lets go is definitely largely affected by the tire itself. I won't go so far as to say "this manufacturer always does this or that" but, yeah, tire construction is a major difference even if two tires are designed for the same purpose. (be it street, track, whatever)
I've used the Pilot Powers on my ZX-12R several times. I just like them. They lean into a corner better than my previous Dunlops and their really predictable for me at the edge.
Don't forget that suspension setup will play into that also of course. Compression damping settings, rebound settings, preloads and 'sag' can play into this also.
There's some great suspension reading in this old thread here >>>>> http://www.esportbike.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79979&highlight=suspension+setup


The one class that sticks out of course is Keith Codes California Superbike School. http://www.superbikeschool.com
It's affordable, you should check it out and have some fun. OR, call them and volunteer to be a corner-worker. You'll get in free, and still get some time on the track by being assigned to a school group.

As far as what a bike does at the edge,....I'm sure you already know about highside and lowside.
Generally, a low-side means you came into the corner too hot and rode the brakes too deep, so as you leaned it over, she locks up the front and you go down 'soft'. I've kinda done that...but it was in a torrential downpour. Different story.:pat:


The highside is gonna be coming out of a corner, on the gas, rear tire breaks loose and EITHER, you get out of the gas TOO quickly upsetting the suspension or it just came around on you too quickly to counter-act. That **** sends you flying either way,...Airborne.

When you have too much power,...like in a 200hp 12R, you can modulate the power out of the corner and wag the dog just like in a car. I do it all the time and freakin' love it. :) :) Video available. hahahahaaa


Sorry to ramble,....I do love bikes. (hence the avatar)

[blown9746]

I do about 5-6 trackdays a year on my r6 and it is a blast. Not sure where in the NE you are, but check out www.teampromotion.com or www.nesba.com . If you post up where you're at I can give you some more.

[68sixspeed]

I stick to 4 wheels myself, but I work with a guy who does open and club bike events at Louden in NH, has a blast and wears out a few knee pucks.