Newbie Track Day on my 02 Viffer - Help

Discussion in 'Racing & Track Days' started by iMotoPilot, Apr 1, 2014.

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  1. iMotoPilot

    iMotoPilot New Member

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    Apologies if this has been discussed already but I'll be doing my first track day this weekend on my bone stock 2002 VFR800.

    Just looking for basic recommendations.

    Sag settings to be done there.
    Should I take my center stand off?
    Headlight bulb fuse, should it be disconnected?
    Any common body panels that should be taken off or secured?

    Bike has fresh fluids oil, brake, clutch & coolant. Tires are about a month old (500 miles on them). Pilot Road 4s - I know, not track tires. LOL

    Look forward to your input.
     
  2. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    Use blue painter's tape to tape up all lights.

    Center stand isn't going to make any difference. Check with the track ahead of time to find out all their rules/restrictions.

    Don't forget to HAVE FUN~
     
  3. ricky

    ricky New Member

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    I did my first trackday with my VFR 750 with PR2 tires Thread here(http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthre...Thunderhill-on-my-94-VFR-PR2-tires?highlight=) You will have fun.

    I removed the mirrors and pulled the fuses for the lights. I had the suspension adjusted before hand, so did not touch that.

    Make sure your bike is not leaking anything. Good to double check since you recently changes all the fluids. Do a nut and bolt check too. The foot peg with the feeler removed drags before the center stand on my 4th gen. I recommend taping the speedometer to keep you from looking at it.

    btw , run lower tire pressures. I think 32/32 is a good starting point for ST tires

    In many ways the VFR was more forgiving for a first trackday with it's power delivery.
     
  4. ricky

    ricky New Member

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    btw bring a fuel can and put only enough gas for the session. I started with a full tank of gas and I think had half tank left my the end of the day. and could really feel the weight difference in the afternoon.
     
  5. iMotoPilot

    iMotoPilot New Member

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    Great info everyone! Will try to remember to have fun and not stress out too much.
     
  6. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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    Make sure you check the rules about coolant, the orgs I ride with around here (X-Act/STT) are picky about not allowing glycol based fluids near the track, and for good reason. The bike prep is one thing, have you got your supply list sorted? IOW, have you checked out other posts about what to bring? Canopy, folding chairs, towels, cooler with LOTS of H2O & some snacks, are good to have. I did my first few weekends w/o a canopy, but they sure are nice to have, even this time of year. Some rags, tire pressure gauge, a few tools to do things like tighten bodywork if needed, or remove license plate if you forgot to (I've gone thru tech with plate still attached, embarrasing but funny).

    Beer, Tequila, Valium, are optional ... j/k :laugh:

    ACE
     
  7. ricky

    ricky New Member

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    +1
    bring lots of water and dronk a lot of water between sessions.

    btw, what's wrong with leaving the lic plate on. I left mine on, and lots of folks here bringing street bikes leave them on. We only tape or disconnect the lights, and mirrors. Switch to all water for coolant. Make sure tires are good etc.
     
  8. matt1986vf500f

    matt1986vf500f New Member

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    Who will you be riding with? Most novice programs will let you run coolant and no safety wiring is necessary. Tire's are the most important thing make sure there in good shape, other than that take it easy a few sessions let your tires come up to temp learn your braking points. Most of the time if you talk to a track coach tell them to follow you for a few laps they'll be able to tell you were you need improvement. Other than that have a blast! What track are you going to?
     
  9. iMotoPilot

    iMotoPilot New Member

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    @matt1986vf500f , I'm going as a guest of a buddy of mine that pays annual dues. The track is called Harris Hill Raceway in San Marcos, TX. Just south of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. http://harrishillroad.com/

    Thanks again for the input. Can't wait!
     
  10. matt1986vf500f

    matt1986vf500f New Member

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    Yeah I've heard of that track. I'd like to come out your way and ride Circuits of America that track looks friggin awesome!
     
  11. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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    My experience over this way has been that pulling the plate is preferred. But as has been noted, organizations differ & my point to the OP was to check the regs to avoid surprises ... :).
     
  12. iMotoPilot

    iMotoPilot New Member

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    i'm wondering if I should just remove the rear fender? I don't plan on being aggressive.
     
  13. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    The old Texas International track near College Station may be open for track days too.

    Great banked oval. All sorts of reasons why it flopped. Two that are not much mentioned are that on the oval the Indy type cars pulled so much G that the drivers were "greying" out.

    Also in the early days the grandstands were not covered and in the Summer in Texas it's hot as hell.
     
  14. iMotoPilot

    iMotoPilot New Member

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    Badbilly, I'm not sure but I believe it may still be open. I have some friends that are taking some classes there soon. Trackday with Ridesmart.
     
  15. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    The track is still in use for testing. What was in question was a "track day" feature. The track is/was great and the oval was super fast. At one early racemeet for Indy cars, Honda was there with one of the six bangers running megaphones.. The Lord loves a joyful noise. He probably heard that six up there too.

    There may be some racing on infield track too.. Been out of Texas for years getting soaked in the Pacific NorthWest.
     
  16. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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    Here's a thing about not planning to be aggressive. That's a good thing, just remember that you know almost no one you're riding with at first (unless it's a private day with friends). You don't know what they may do until you get a few sessions in ... anyway, the easiest thing is to first meet the requirements of your host organization. Then use common sense, but don't stress too much as this is supposed to be fun. And it is fun, I'm about addicted to it. Not particularly quick, but love trying to get faster :biggrin: ...

    ACE
     
  17. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Find a good control rider and get some tows from them and make sure you talk to him after a session. Good CR's will also want to follow you after a tow so they can talk specifics about where to focus improvements.
     
  18. iMotoPilot

    iMotoPilot New Member

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    Great info fellas! Thanks a bunch. What are the common passing and let pass rules? I'm sure I will be in the way of a lot of folks.
     
  19. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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    These rules may vary by host organization. However, they should be covered at the morning riders meeting (mandatory in many orgs). And, certainly should be covered for novices prior to going on track.

    ACE
     
  20. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Hey Carlgustav, is that a tard your riding at Jennings?
     
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