Taking the Viffer to my first track day

I have my first track day planned later this month at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in California.

Has anyone else taken their viff on a track? If so, any tips?

I'll be doing the riding intro course and joining the beginning riders group.

 

The vfr is just a bike like any other. Make sure that you have good tires and everything is running right. I personally would take the front brakes apart, give them a good clean, grease the pins and change the fluid. Most race tracks have smooth surfaces so unless your suspension is wallowy you probably won't need to make any adjustments. You'll get people who will tell you to drop your tire pressures drastically. Speak to the guys organizing the track day and go by their advice.

My advice is based on the fact you apparently don't have any track experience. As to your riding ability, only you know that. But, whatever your ability, start off in a steady manner, and that doesn't mean slow, but definitely not banzai.

On the street we tend to use both brakes. Provided your brakes operate properly I would advise you just to use the front initially. Give it a try, it takes less concentration. Once you build up speed and confidence, use the back also when you need it.

Lastly if the track organisers don't do it, get someone to show you the correct lines through the curve's. But be aware that you are in the intro group and just because you do the right lines doesn't mean anyone else will.

Finally apart from the safety checks on the bike make sure the bike is ready for the track which also means replacing the coolant.. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

I've done 2 track days on my 5th gen.

I would highly suggest shimming up the rear end, there are several threads out there on this. I would not suggest dropping the forks as that will decrease ride height and corner clearance. As you can see in my pic, I almost have my knee down, so the VFR is very capable (and there's still room, that pic is my limit, not the bike's). I have upgraded the rear shock, but still riding on the stock front end, and I weight 245lbs without gear, so the front end struggles. Make sure your chain, tires and brakes are in good shape. I would suggest draining the coolant and refilling with DI water and water wetter or engine ice. Most tracks don't allow standard anti-freeze out there. I'll post more if I can think about of it.

 

I did just this at Chuckwalla this past February. Here is my report from that day. Since this day I have raised the forks 12mm in the triples and shimmed the rear shock 4mm, (12mmresultant change). I REALLY wish I had done so prior, but the Viffer is still a very capable bike. ( BWeiss, you mention a reduction in the front clearance from dropping the front, however, I have never experienced any issue with this at all, whatsoever and I fairly crush my bike with my weight.)

Ride report: http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/80443-i-did-my-first-trackday/

Gratuitous self aggrandizing pic:

 

Just FYI, Engine Ice is still somewhat slippery & not allowed by some orgs., stick with Water Wetter or Amsoil Coolant Boost ...

If your brakes are still linked (can't tell what year your bike is), you will have some rear brake ... just sayin' ... shouldn't bother you a bit in the novice group ...

Tire pressures are important, check with the tire service guy at your event ... pressures will climb & can get out of hand, don't ask how I know :smile: ...

Yes, I have had my '07 on the track, over here at Barber ... these are great bikes, albeit not track bikes ... you'll be fine & have a blast ...

ACE

Correction, Engine Ice may be ok, it is stated as approved by the largest org. I ride with over here (STT) and not explicitly approved by one of the smaller orgs ... FWIW ...

 

All of you who have raised the fork & shock: Would you say that the overall height of the OEM bike is a compromise for rider height, and that it truly requires that it be shimmed for maximum performance?

Are there any negatives to this? I am 6' and do not think that 12 mm would affect my ability to say hold the bike up in a chaotic stop, or be more of a problem stopping on a slick spot.

Are there negatives to this for the street?

 

I think the advice about raising the forks etc might benefit the OP once he's done a couple of track days, but right now he's a novice and maybe doesn't need to confuse himself with all this stuff. Not a criticism, just an observation.

 

I'm 6'4" and I had dropped the front a while ago. When I did my first track day, I was dragging pegs all day long. For my second track day, I put the forks back to stock, and jacked the rear sky high. I essentially put the bike on the center stand and adjusted to the point where the rear wheel is on the ground while on the stand. Handled like a dream and I was dragging my toes instead of pegs (they didn't touch at all that day) while getting much more lean out of it.

I still have no problem flat footing the bike, but then again, I can flat foot a R1200GS, so take that with a grain of salt.

 

Personally I wouldn't take my pride and joy on the track. Melted my RD that way.
It's not like the open road, you get far more aggressive on a racetrack with
no cops, cows or telephone polls. And you have ample run outs . There's also paramedics
for your peace of mind.

 

Awesome, love going faster than guys on (quote/ unquote) better/faster machines. All time favorite line. R1 rider, Hey bro, why don't you get a real track bike? My answer, why? I'm already faster than you on this one. Besides, I have an 1198... * Drop mic, walk off stage.

 

I couldn't agree more. Which is why the OP in my opinion just needs to make sure his bike is in good condition for the track and just ride it.

 

Personally I don't think the track is all about going faster than anyone, unless of course you're racing, although it's great when you are faster than someone on a technically faster better handling bike. The track to me, is a way to ride without all of the distractions and potential road hazards found on the street and improving your riding skills. This includes, learning braking points, turning points, throttle control and and/or anything else that you need/like to improve. Although it's on my list to take the 5 Gen to the track, one of the reasons I bought it actually, I have taken the Duc a few times and had a blast! Not the fastest or best handling bike but learning and having a good time was all I wanted out of it, mission accomplished!

 

First track day is in the books and went without a hitch. The experience was exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time. Here are few vids and pics...

https://vimeo.com/143452531

https://vimeo.com/143452563

 

Awesome...how'd you like the track? I've been wanting to head down to chuckwalla...

 

Chuckwalla was cool. I went with my wife's cousin who is an avid track rider and he says Chuckwalla is the best track he's been too and loves riding there — there are lot of technically aspects (double apexes, a blind turn, straights chicane, angled turns), wide track compared to others, and it's a newer facility. Also, the bathrooms are newer have showers.

The org that put this track day together is 2 Wheel Track Days (http://www.2wheelstrackdays.com) and they were awesome! As a first timer, they are there to help you become a better rider.