[Dukesterman]

I have my first ever track day in a weeks time gunna trailer up my 1098s and my 750ss could you guys give me some idea on what i need to do to my bikes to prepare?

Any sane advice appreciated.

 

[Todka]

Take a tire pressure guage or have access to one. I like 30psi for a track day.

Remove your mirrors.

Take some electrical tape and cross over your headlights to avoid glass going everywhere if it doesnt stay shiny side up (Hopefully not needed)

I also like to remove my number plate as a lot of ppl take track day photos and may post pics of your bike somewhere online, which unfortunately thieves may use to find where your loved steed sleeps.

Drinks if they arent available there.


My 2c worth. I've only done a few days.

Have a great day!

 

[Grand Duc]

Tire warmer.....Lot's cheaper than crashing on the warm up lap. Just happen last week to a frend.

You will probably need to replace the antefreze by water wetter mix.

Have a good time !

 

[ducatidave]

Along with the items above:

Duct tape your wheel weights

Stay hydrated!

Stretch before riding.

Ride your pace - on any given day, someone can be faster then you - every dog has its day - dont try to ride past what you feel is your zone for the day.

Some folding chairs are usually good in the pits, as is an easy up canopy if you have one.

Stay hydrated!

Basic tools for tightening loos bolts, minor adjustments, etc.

Check your chain tension, you definitely dont want to tight - that could be very bad.

Check to see if the track organizer has a suspension tuner. Invest the money in getting your suspension adjusted - they will set sag and help you with minor adjustments throughout the day - best money you could spend.

Concentrate on good lines, and smooth transitions.

Smooth is fast - you will get there.

Most of all - have fun.

-d

 

[JohnnyDuc]

First time out, start in Novice. Follow the instructors and carefully watch their body position and lines. Look at where your braking points are. Get comfortable with the track the first few sessions. Remember tires don't work as well when they are cold (Under 175 degrees). You probably won't be going too fast, as it is your first time so worrying about cold tires on the first lap isn't as much a problem. As you progress throughout the day, you will be riding faster. I liked hooking up with an instructor early on and following him and letting him take me faster with each session. Keep in mind, you have the best brakes in the world.

Don't brake while turning......it's a no no (Low Side). Don't over accelerate in, or too soon after coming out of a turn (High Side).

Take it easy, relax and breathe while riding. Look ahead of you where you want to go. Especially in turns look ahead, not down at track. Try to relax...you will ride better.

Have a blast, it's what your machine was designed to do.

 

[Dukesterman]

There will be an instructor there on the day and part of the track fee is for his tuition and tips, thanks for the excellant advice couple of questions tho:
1.Why replace the anti freeze do i really need to do this.
2.when your going into a corner too fast are you saying i should over run rather than run the risk of breaking and wiping out?

I ride my 750ss recklessly everywhere, i will probably be doing faster lap times on that than my 1098s...cant wait till next week, hoping i can fit a video camara to one of the bikes MotoGP style:jerkoff:

 

[ducatidave]

1. Antifreeze is a nono at the track. It is slick and if you blow a hose or crash you could screw up the race line by leaving a slimy hard to clean mess.

Most organizers require you remove it.

2. Too fast you should get your breaking done early, some trail braking (ie still on the brakes as you head in) is ok for advanced. Going hard on the brakes once your already in the corner is bad - depending on the run off you are better to stand up the bike and go off the track - or dont do the brakes and try to corner hard.

Dont be on the front brakes if you do go off the track - dirt and sport bike front brake = instant crash.

Best thing to do is work on your cornering. Dont worry about straightaway speed. Practice setting your corner speed and over time the braking and cornering become easier as you work your way up.

-d

 

[Dukesterman]

Im not worried bout the speed or cornering or braking my biggest worry will be the noobsters (my self included) that will be riding 1 foot away from me bunched in the first few corners yeeeehaaaaaa to hell with it.

 

[MX Tuner]

A track day is much more relaxed. You shouldn't run into any close riding, especially in the novice sessionhs. Move up to intermediate when you find your closing speed on slower riders too much to be safe.

 

[NewDuc]

Newbies

Every organizer is probably different of course. But you will probably start out in follow-the-leader fashion. At some point you might get to work individually with an instructor, but you should at least be rotating if not.

Every track and organizer has their standards. You need to determine what yours are and they should be providing guidelines so that you can be prepared for a track inspection.

Personally, I go by what the organizer wants me to do...if they say that I am fine with anti-freeze, it stays in my bike. Some people might disagree with that but a) it's not required here and b) I don't have the facilities to keep swapping. (my bike is also a street bike)

Most of all, go at your own pace, LEARN and don't showboat, and have fun!

Im not worried bout the speed or cornering or braking my biggest worry will be the noobsters (my self included) that will be riding 1 foot away from me bunched in the first few corners yeeeehaaaaaa to hell with it.

 

[ducatidave]

Unless you are running the bike in the winter. Water wetter with distilled water actually makes the bike run much cooler on the street. FWIW.

-d

 

[NewDuc]

Really?

I'll have to check it out for next season...thanks.

Unless you are running the bike in the winter. Water wetter with distilled water actually makes the bike run much cooler on the street. FWIW.

-d

 

[NewDuc]

Fyi

Hey not to start a debate or dispute the results that you have achieved...just wanted to give you my (highly trusted) shop's thoughts on this. I called my shop to see what is involved in swapping the coolant if I want to do it. They advised against swapping out the coolant in favor of distilled water and/or water wetter or anything else for that matter. They said that unless a bike is dedicated track and put away every season they do not recommend doing this. Any "regular Joe"/street rider/occasional tracker should stick with Ducati's factory coolant guidelines.

Just an FYI since I verified it with a highly trusted source!

Unless you are running the bike in the winter. Water wetter with distilled water actually makes the bike run much cooler on the street. FWIW.

-d

 

[lefin102]

Use good safety equipment!! Make sure you have a back protector. If you go down your gear will keep you together and limit injuries! If you buy cheap gear expect paying the price for it later. Remember you get what you pay for.
Have fun.

 

[Guest]

Tools, chair, shade, tire warmers, spare parts, fluids (oil, water, Gatoraid, etc)...and bring stange items like a pipe (to bend twisted parts in case of a tumble). And do NOT go by yourself...have someone ride with you in case you wad it up and can't drive yourself home!

 

[MX Tuner]

They advised against swapping out the coolant in favor of distilled water and/or water wetter or anything else for that matter. They said that unless a bike is dedicated track and put away every season they do not recommend doing this.

Some tracks *require* draining and flushing the cooling system to remove all traces of coolant.

Ever heard the term "Don't be *that* guy"? That's what they mean when you don't flush the coolant and crash, spilling coolant all over the track. Then they have to take 60-90 minutes of everyones track time cleaning the track since you didn't want to do what you should have.