1st 2011 Track Day Down

So my first track day of 2011 was a great success. The bike ran well -without issues- which is just about the best you can hope for with a rebuilt track bike. I became comfortable with its geometry and throttle response (it's significantly different from the 1098), and was able to end up working a little on my lines and body position by the end of the day.

Starting Off

The beginning of the day started out with just easy, laid back riding. Getting used to the braking (especially now that the front brakes are fixed), and understanding the engine response through the revs and gears. Needless to say, I wasn't passing anyone in B group during the first half of the day (Track days are split into 3 riding groups: A -Typically fast riders and/or racers, B -Quick/experienced riders, C -New track day riders or slower riders).

The bike has very little power at low revs (in comparison to the 1098). If I'm in the wrong gear, it'll take me a while to get the revs up unless I shift. This is somewhat of a plus coming out of sharp turns, because it prevents me from hammering the throttle too hard while the bike is leaned over. I'm looking at this as a "safety feature" while I'm becoming proficient with the 748. Once I'm comfortable and capable on the bike, I'll want to get on the power harder, faster. When this time comes, I'll be looking at coming into turns quicker in a different gear to keep the RPM high. All in good time: I'm not in any rush at this point.

Suspension

One of the big issues I noticed with the track bike is the suspension. Luckily, there was a suspension guru present at the track and I was able to have him look over the bike and pick his brain.

It turns out that the bike has been raised for potentially rider height, but also to accomodate for Loudon (NHMS). Since the track is very technical, with a few very sharp S-turns, a rider needs to be able to "flick" the bike (from right to left) very quickly. Raising the height of the bike, raises the center of mass. Having a high center of mass helps you turn the bike very quickly. It's extremely noticeable in turn 12 at Loudon.

The problem with the suspension -for me- is that it's a little too high. I feel perched up and am so high up, that I feel like I'm disconnected from what the tires and suspension are doing. I like to be a little closer to the ground, and am willing to sacrifice some of that incredibly quick turning (I'm not at the point where it'd be advantageous to me anyway). Additionally, the front forks are very stiff and don't travel very far, while the rear shock is about right.

Ideally, I would have the time to lower the bike and adjust the sag for my weight and height, but with my next track day only a week away (Monday June 27th), I unfortunately don't have the time to do that. Instead, I'll be focusing on suspension adjustments, and hopefully that will get me closer to a better setup.

New pair of Sidi Vortice boots and The Red Squid in the pits at Loudon, NH (NHMS)

Pre Track Day Photos

Here are some photos (as promised) of the bikes on the trailer the day before the track day, along with some details on the repairs/upgrades done to the Red Squid.

Red Squid and my friend's ZX6R loaded up and ready to go (day before)

Woodcraft clutch cover I installed (track bike parts should focus on one thing: performance. Installing a thin, stylish clutch cover won't provide much protection. Go for something stronger and more practical that will still let air in: Woodcraft's clutch cover is not only sturdy, but also offers a replaceable skid pad).

Don't let your wiring hang out all over the place. Try to clean it up and keep it from getting pinched or shorting. Zip-ties are typically the best solution: you can cut them off and replace them, without the nasty glue residue you get from tape.

Bar ends can weight your handle bars, providing an alternative feel to steering (at lower speeds), but for the most part, they provide added protection against low-sides -namely saving critical components like the throttle and levers (not 100% effective, but far superior to not having them).

The Koso gauges are awesome, but I found the speedometer sensor to be a slight pain in the ass. Mounting the sensor properly so that it is VERY close to the magnets and is at the proper angle is KEY.

The "shiny" side.

Back on The Horse Squid

First track day of the season in less than 1 week (June 20th). I've taken my track bike (which I've [literally] just named "The Red Squid") to a good friend-racer-Ducati mechanic, for some much needed repairs.

Important Lesson Learned
Turns out last year's low-side wasn't due to too much brake fluid, but rather a sticking lever. The bike was rebuilt with the wrong brake lever and ended up sticking. The knuckle of the lever was too big to properly fit into the master. Lesson Learned: It's important to have a professional check your work before you take your bike to the track.

The Red Squid is ready to rock! I bought a spare set of Dunlop tires (Q2's) and had them mounted on my spare set of wheels. Still holding onto the used set of rains in case it ends up being a wet day (please let it be dry)!

I'll have pics of the track bike up soon(?), and I'll try to take pics and video from the track day. This will be the first of many this year.

First track day will be with Fishtail Riding School --fantastic group that I'm very familiar with. Next one will probably be at the beginning of July with MotoMarket (need to confirm), and one more in the second half of July.

With any new bike, you need a lot of seat time. This engine is a beast (ex race bike) for its size, and I need to get familiar with it if I want to get fast.

Quick list of repairs:
- CORRECT front brake lever
- Replaced broken air sensor
- Fixed speedometer sensor (mounting)
- Secured wiring
- New front brake pads
- Mounted front fender
- New rubber throttle grip
- Wired-down left grip
- New bar-ends
- New Oil & Filter = no oil leak
- Cleaned chain
- Charged battery

Desperately need:
- New Sidi boots (the soles of my current Sidi's are wearing off quick) :(
- Ohlins steering damper (I'm actually debating on using my 1098s's damper)
- Tire warmers
- Garage

It's a mad-rush to get my tow-hitch installed on my car THIS WEEK, and buy or rent a trailer.