Track Preparation for GT650R (modifications)

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[iamjorge]

Hello,

I have not been able to find a thread discussing this topic so I have decided to create one.

I would like to start riding my 2008 GT650R (carbureted) on the racetrack and would like to know what modifications I must make to my motorcycle in order to do so. My motorcycle is currently 100% stock but I am assuming there are some upgrades I should make before my first track day. I would like to "switch over" to track riding as riding on public roads all the time is getting pretty boring.

What MUST I upgrade?
What SHOULD I upgrade?

For example, things like frame sliders, brakes, etc...

Should I just sell this motorcycle and buy someone else's track bike??

Thanks.

[Alantris]

Just my 2 cents.

- Sticky tires
- Suspension tune up
- Frame slider

These should cover the basics i guess.

[alphamerik]

Some tracks require that caps and plugs, or anything that could become loose, be safety wired.

http://motorcycles.about.com/od/advancedridingtechnique1/ht/trackdayprepare.htm

Best bet is to talk to the track you plan on riding at to see what their requirements are.

[Nate]

If this is your first track day, you'll run in the beginner class. Check with the organization your riding with to see what is required to pass tech inspections.

Typically you'll have to safety wire the oil drain plug and cap. ALso you may (depending on track rules) have to change your antifreeze out to water or a water wetter substitute. Get yourself a new set of tires to get the best experience.

I wouldn't worry aobut performance/suspension work just yet. Go out and have a fun track day to see what you need to work on most. If you can swing it some frame sliders would be a number 1 suggestion.

[newbymick]

Trackday mods

Check all over your bike for loose screws and bolts.  Give a real good clean as this will highlight problem areas

- Brakes
Replace the OEM brake lines to Stainless Steel  Do the fronts only as the rear brake doesn't really get used on a track.
Replace the OEM brake pads with EBC, or NISIN pads.  Search becomes your friend here.
PUT A LOT OF FAITH IN YOUR FRONT BRAKE and not a lot in the rear - 90/10 split on a dry track

- Suspension
Front forks - Set the top adjuster to 2 clicks from HARD
Rear shock - Set the adjuster to 2 notches from HARD
Front forks - Drop the forks 5mm up through the yokes.

- Tyres
Make sure you have at least 2mm tread depth on the tyres.
DO NOT put on fresh tyres if you can avoid it - you'll regret it
Reduce tyre pressure from stock down 3 psi on front and rear.  Tyres will get much hotter than road riding and the extra heat will adjust the pressure.

- Engine
Do an oil and filter change
Make sure the clutch is adjusted correctly
Raise the idle to about 1500-1800.  This will help in slow corners
Make sure your throttle is correctly adjusted (I adjust to NO PLAY in the twist grip.  That's the way I like it)

- Lights and mirrors
Tape over your lights before you go on track.  Leave the brake light though.  This help following riders not to run in to you
Remove your mirrors - you won't need them and they become a distraction.

Fit frame sliders if you can

Leathers - one piece or two piece if zipped together (depends on track rules)

Gloves - leather gloves

Boots - leather boots

Helmet - Good quality and a CLEAR VISOR. 

Remember this

Learn the warning flags
Follow the rules
Listen to the pre-start induction
 
Ride as fast as your comfortable with. 
Your there to have fun. 
Your not there to race 
It's your line - the guy behind is responsible for his own and your safety
Go slow in and fast out (this will make sense when your on track)

http://korider.com/index.php?topic=11444.0

http://korider.com/index.php?topic=15408.0

 

[iamjorge]

Thanks everyone, especially newbymick (that was exactly what I was looking for). I like the idea of replacing the front brake/lines and adding frame sliders.

I would still like to get a set of tires for the track. How should I break them in before my track day so that they are not still "brand new"?

[Alantris]

I think most tires come with the printed coloured lines as a run in marker, once these coloured lines disappeared the tires should be good to go.

[newbymick]

- Tyres
Make sure you have at least 2mm tread depth on the tyres.
DO NOT put on fresh tyres if you can avoid it - you'll regret it

Thanks everyone, especially newbymick (that was exactly what I was looking for). I like the idea of replacing the front brake/lines and adding frame sliders.

I would still like to get a set of tires for the track. How should I break them in before my track day so that they are not still "brand new"?

They say dogs can't look up 


If you have to put on fresh tyres scrub them in  for at least 100 miles. Give the edges a real good wash with some strong detergent and a scotch pad as your going to use a part of the tyre that won't get used on the road.

Have fun - ride within your limits - don't get sucked in to a race

[Nate]

Well state Mick, only thing I'd disagree with is use of rear brake. I use my rear brakes pretty heavily, but you are correct the bulk of braking duties come from the front.

[newbymick]

Using the rear brake- 

Front end grip is everything when on the track.  Don't want to teach anyone to suck eggs here - BUT - grab one anyway

The harder you brake on the front the harder you push the front wheel into the road.  This increases footprint of the tyre and therefore increases grip -

but here's the rub -

You can do it so much that you overcome to cohesion of the tyre and that's when you low side. 

When you brake with the front brake you are transferring all the weight of the bike and rider into the front wheel (via the suspension) and you are lifting the rear wheel, as there is no weight (to speak of) at the rear.  So what will the rear brake do - lock up

Try this - using the rear brake only, what do you feel.  You will feel the bike squat on the rear (not what you want) and the front lift (definitely not what you want). Unless of course, you are on loose gravel.

Here's a quote

"Cornering is like bringing a woman to climax."
Jackie Stewart     

He also said

"Slow in - Fast out"

Much the same meaning really 

Get all your braking over and done with before you enter the corner - that's your slow in - and get on the gas after the apex, rolling on the throttle (not snapping open) - that's your fast out.