Ze new guy!!

[Big D]

Ey everyone. To be honest, the track scene never interested me that much. Than I got dragged to a weekend with the California Super Bike School and I've been hooked since then. Currently rebuilding my '09 600rr in hopes of getting it up to snuff for the track. Any advice that you guys can give would be greatly appreciated. Never been to an actual track day before, so I have no clue what to expect. :notsure:

 

[jcurtis]

Welcome to.... fun... excitement...adrenaline rush....maxed out vacation...credit card debt...unnecessary bike upgrades..... LOL.

Look forward to riding with you. Not sure what specifically you are looking for, but you can start by checking out The Belly Pan. There is a ton of good information there. Also, search the forum as well. Lots of helpful advice there. If you have specific questions, like: "What upgrades should I do to my bike?" or "What safety gear should I get?" Or "What do I bring to the track?" ask away or you can search as well.

What will be your local track(s)?

 

[bmart]

Welcome! That 600 will be a perfect track bike.

 

[bugmn20]

Welcome, you're gonna love the track. Get ready to max out your credit cards...

 

[Big D]

Right now I'm living in North Carolina, so it looks like VIR will be probably be my first stop. I bought the bike new off the lot :doh: so I haven't done a whole lot of upgrading. I have a BMC Race filter, Bazzaz Z-FI, full titanium Arrow exhaust system and Driven -1/+2 520 kit. Still gotta finish the race harness on it, get some stainless-steel front brake lines as well as a set of race fairings. Any other recommendations? I've just been building it off of hear-say of what would be good.

 

[bugmn20]

Some vortex rearsets, also, take a look at the armour bodies promo for NESBA members. Its $100 off any kit. Also maybe some sliders, case covers, and some good tires.

 

[jcurtis]

VIR is an awesome facility. We run 4 different configurations.

Have someone set up the suspension for your weight. I don't know the area, but hopefully someone will post up a 'local' recommendation. The rear sets and st stl lines are great upgrades.

How are you set on gear?

Do you have a trailer? It's great to have if you do track days. Makes getting to and from the track a lot easier.

 

[HondaGalToo]

Welcome! Also read the rider's manual on the site: http://www.nesba.com/Info/Downloads/manual.pdf

There's an udated one due out soon, but that'll tell you all you need to know about gear and tech requirements.

Be prepared to have a blast and meet a lot of great folks who share your new-found addiction! Welcome!

 

[Big D]

My old riding gear got all fucked up in a wreck last fall, so I gotta piece that back together still. Currently deployed right now, so I'm just gonna wait till I get back before I get another set pieced together.

Was hoping that throwing everything in the back of the truck would suffice for a while. I figure the trailer will probably come sooner or later once the addiction overcomes me.

 

[GarbageJedi]

Welcome! Your on your way to a good bike set up. My opinion is to save money on things like the race harness and get proper suspension (or setup) and tires instead. You can run a track in street trim until you get race body work. I did my 1st two years at the track with a stock street bike. With a little duct tape and zip ties you can have a lot of fun.

 

[vinny337]

Welcome to the NESBA family!! Save your money from your deployment, you'll need it...

 

[1up5down]

Welcome and thank you for your service to our nation!

Congratulations on making some great decisions (joining NESBA and getting on the track). Sounds like to you are ready to hit the track once you back states side and pick up some gear (check out the trackday store for deals). I wouldn't get too worried about what to do to the bike as you will continue to hear/learn about a multitude of goodies to add on it. It sounds like you have the basic stuff taken care of (excluding the suspension set up, which is key to having fun and riding well). I'm not sure where in NC your are, but if you're close to Hendersonville give the guys at Ohlins USA a call (828) 692-4525 or shoot them a message on this board.

If you're back in the states by June 11th, I would suggest signing up for the June 11 & 12 VIR North dates. VIR dates go quick, so don't wait too long. It's always good to do two days with the same track configuration back to back especially when you're just starting out. This allows you to learn on the first day and then practice what to learned on the second day. Plus, you're more likely to have the same set of CRs which can help with consistency and building rapport.

Have fun and hope to meet at the track!

-Allen

 

[Big D]

Thanks for the input everyone! Some questions I did have on suspension since it's been brought up a few times. When I went to CSS 1, they adjusted the rebound on the front and rear to better match my weight on the bike. I noticed the difference right away, it was incredible to drag toes without the front tire bouncing and jiving. Anyway, was this what you guys were referring to on a good suspension setup or do you think I should just throw down and get some Ohlins on it? If I can muster up the funds, I would love to. I just don't want to drown myself in too many mods too fast without a little more track time under my belt first.

 

[1up5down]

Big D;172202 wrote: Thanks for the input everyone! Some questions I did have on suspension since it's been brought up a few times. When I went to CSS 1, they adjusted the rebound on the front and rear to better match my weight on the bike. I noticed the difference right away, it was incredible to drag toes without the front tire bouncing and jiving. Anyway, was this what you guys were referring to on a good suspension setup or do you think I should just throw down and get some Ohlins on it? If I can muster up the funds, I would love to. I just don't want to drown myself in too many mods too fast without a little more track time under my belt first.

I think most suggestions regarding getting a good suspension setup were more pointed towards having a suspension specialists set the sag and see what the current state of your suspension is (i.e. bounce the bike up and down, click through the compression, rebound and preload adjusters) versus upgrading to aftermarket items. Typically this basic suspension setup cost $40.

Depending on several factors (make, model and year of your bike, your weight, your riding style, the mileage on the bike prior to your last fork/shock service...) the suspension specialists may give you a few suggestions. Unless you're a big guy (230lbs plus) they'll most likely tell you to go ride and focus on learning the basics (race line, apexes, braking zones, turn in points, throttle control, body position, vision, how to set up a rider to make a safe pass...).

Once you've made your way through B and up to upper level of I group, stock suspension is more then enough (especially since you have a modern sport bike). I know guys in A group on stock suspension.

So, at this point in your riding career, I'd suggest using your resources ($$$) on seat time (track time) where you can work on mastering the skills CSS taught and NESBA will teach and reinforce. These things will help you "Ride Fast, Ride Safe".

However, if you want to spend the $$, by all means I'm not stopping you. We all have spent our fair share of $$ getting what we want for our bikes. It's the nature of this sport!

Not matter what you do, try to focus on having fun and being safe and you'll have no problems. All the other stuff like suspension goodies will work themselves out soon enough!

Cheers!