Ok, so I have had this one piece suit since I basically got the bike in 2008. However, I have never managed to go to a track day. Well a buddy of mine talked me into it. Got a sweet deal for the day.

So what can I expect? Anything I should do to the bike other than the prep? Also, any body know of a place for some good tips for form for first timers going to the track? (I know I can google it) Last thing, since I hardly ride the motorcycle these days, if I really like it, what would be some good things to do to the bike to make it basically a track ****? (with the ability to still take it out on the street if I get a wild hair up on my ***)

 

track will be pretty mellow, it's not like racing at all. just remember to go at your own pace and keep aware of those that are faster than you... HOLD YOUR LINE!

you can strip off elements of the bike that you wont need if you like, mirrors, lowers etc... it's up to you. You want that bike as light as possible, but with the trade off of protection in case you go down.

how are your tires? I dont mean plenty of rubber, I mean are they current and soft? over time those things get hard and loose tackiness.

what can you expect... to be scared(for your first time), you'll be riding faster than you ever have and corner entry might be an issue for a session or two(I am sure they will split up the sessions in the day).

is your suspension set up correctly for sag compression and rebound? I find on the track that you can get away with MUCH MUCH more extreme suspension settings than you can in most street settings... even way beyond manufacturers operating parameters.

anyway, stiffen up your suspension, take your first day carefully, and just ride around there to have fun, because believe me... as fast as you think you might be, you are not going to be the fastest guy on the track lest alone your own group.

I forgot to mention, stay hydrated. and bring shade if you can.

 

Was definitely gonna take off the mirrors. I had laid the bike down shortly after getting it, I'm thinking of putting the old scratched up and slightly cracked body panels back on it just in case.


I hat Bt-016s I think they are. I got the tires in January of 2010, I've maybe ridden 1500-2000 miles on them if that. Bike is garaged. Should be ok.

Figured I probably would, I use to do a lot of canyon runs, however, I'm no where near where my skill set was a few years ago. I'll just have fun out there, nothing crazy.

I'm not very technically skilled, however, I will do some research and see what I can do. I'm def gonna change the oil before I go and the fluids. Brake pads might need to be checked, I haven't changed them, but I did have it serviced at 7500 miles and I'm about 10k. I'll check the service record to see if they were changed.

Thanks for the input man, I appreciate it.

 

one more thing... since you need to do your basic maintenance anyway, check that chain tension.

 

I shall research that too, haha

 

im sure you'll have reserve gas at your tent so this wont be an issue, but only ride with a little more than enough to complete the session, gas adds weight to the bike and you want to keep as much weight off as you can for obvious reasons

the bt-016 is the tire the suzuki manufacturers use on their gsxrs from the factory, or at least i think they still do, theyll probably be ok for a newbie but this tire has its limits and you will find that out very quickly once you get the hang of track riding. i suggest a dunlop q2 or michelin 2ct set. you can probably pick up some very useable takeoffs at the track.

as far as tips to riding, you will meet people there that are probably regulars, ask questions, get to know them and im sure they will offer up advice

 

+1

 

Focus, and remember to breathe. :D