Hey whats up everyone. I'm Nick and well I'm lookin to get into some trackdays, and eventually some amateur racing (that is if im any good). so im lookin for anyone that can and would help a newb trakkie out in prep, and all around bike setup in the SE Michigan area. I have been riding for a few years now and have become pretty good on the street (turn & stuff).. and i'd like to take to the track and see what i've got...so.. hit me up with suggestions, or email me, and if ya want to, check out the links in my sig, those are some clowns i ride with...
Hi Nick, Welcome! Brighton Superbike located in the same building as Rec Leisure in Farmington, does prep work. I'm not sure what their status is currently, but RecLeisure has supported STT in the past, great store! Keith at Detroit Eurocycles can set you up with Ohlins shocks if you've gotta spring for tha bling. Basic set-up for the novice group is pretty straight forward check out STT's requirements, here. you can easily do it your self, or get a group of buddies together a night or two before your first trackday, and do it together. if, at the track, you decide you need to have your suspension set up, MPH (Maximum Performance & Handling) can take care of you. they do basic trackside suspension set-ups and also offer a number of other services, including Penske shocks, race bodywork, dyno-mapping and they can also straighten your bike in the event of a crash. they're really great guys to work with. i hope this helps. see ya at the track, cheers, Lance[/url]
thanks lance, i have been to Rec leisure, and Detroit Eurocycles...i actually bought some boots there last weekend. I dont think i need Ohlins suspension quite yet, but things may change in the future. setting up my suspension for the track would probably be beneficial, and if there are techs there at the track that will help out...great..basically, i get the basic idea of what i need to do to my bike, in regards to safety wiring and replacing the coolant, but i will be honest, i have no clue on how to safety wire. Other than that, I am in need of some new brake pads, (not a big deal to replace them, but i am open to suggestion as to what is a good product that wont break my bank). well ill be doing some minor things over the winter time to my bike, but hopefully i will run into some of you guys at the track..
Since you'll be doing your first few trackdays in Novice, you won't need to worry about safety wire right away. but if you decide to go racing, you'll need one of these: a drill, and a lot of small drill bits. a shop that offers track prep services can do it for you or you can ask people at the track that race about it. we're a pretty friendly bunch! You can't miss me, BTW... It's more important that you have good tires and good brake pads; I recommend sintered/hh pads, ask your favorite mech which brand is right for you. For tires, if you're planning to split duties between street and track, you can't do much better than Michellin Pilot Powers, Monte has really great deals. cheers, Lance
Nick, Come on out to the track next Summer. Pick any track to get started on, & I'm sure you'll be hooked. Bike prep is minimal, especially at first for the Novice group. Beyond that the main difference for Intermediate & Advanced is you cant run antifreeze. (That & skill level of course.) Details are on the website, but it pretty much amounts to taping off all lights (mirrors and turn signals are sometimes just as easy to remove), and having decent tires & brakes. Beyond that, all you need is a suitable set of riding gear. Safety wiring isn't required for track days, although oil fill caps, drain plugs, filters, & coolant caps are always a good idea. I'm sure several people at the track will happy to show you how to do it. It's more time consuming than difficult. Bike prep requirements for racing are way more extensive, but you'll be able to look at several examples at any given track day, and get advise from several people.
For you new guys: Everyone was a newbie and we all had the same questions and uncertainty. If you are nervous about what the procedure or what happens at a STT trackday you can always come out and be a spectator at a trackday before your's. Look for anyone in a white STT staff shirt and we will be happy to show you what you need to do. Most first timers just show up on their trackday and we help them get through it, but read what is required for your group on sportbiketracktime.com. If you are going to have your tires changes at the track get there early so can get your wheels off & back on before the riders meeting, you will not be the only one having them changed. Otherwise while you're changing tires your group will be out having fun on the track. Also if you are buying tires at the track I would send Monte a email telling him what you need so he can set them a side for you.
Welcome! Info on safety wiring (you can easily do it yourself): http://www.rc51.org/wire1.htm http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0002_hand/ (you may have to scroll down a bit) and the safety wire twister: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45340 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45341