Feejer back on the track

[snap1945]

Yesterday, June 3rd, I returned to Grattan Raceway with Sportbiketracktime.com. I had such a ball doing it a month ago I just HAD to go back and repeat.

After saftey inspection I was constantly ribbed about bringing the Feejer to the track and was told to : "get that building out of the way". The Feej was soon called "the RENCEN". I must admit amongst all those track bikes my scoot did look like an Electra Glide in blue with duct tape. HOWEVERrior to getting on the track the sky opened up and we were getting soaked. No matter, we were called to go and most of us went dutifully following our instructor. The water covered track, of course, held speeds down considerably but I was able to comfortably keep up the ever increasing pace set by the instructor. Between sessions classroom lessons emphasised smooth operation and reduced lean angles as you would, I'm sure, understand. Well ladies and gents here I am running around this track with many blind corners in a fairly hard rain and I am gaining confidence while in this downpour when I realize "hey it's raining, close the window". Up goes the shield and I was quite comfy and drew many remarks of envy. Big score for the Feej especially since I drove it 200 miles to get there with a weekend full of duds in the bags. We are versatile.........

When I was at the track last month: dry pavement, pretty good speeds, and much peg dragging, I was constantly urging the bike to turn as the heavy machine was frequently going too wide even with me hanging off and pushing like hell on the inside bar to increase counter steering. I was mentally yelling: "turn damnit turn" to the bike. What I have not told anybody until now is that the bike was talking back at me saying:"is that all you've got?" Well the rains kept any flicking or peg dragging out of the question so look for another installation of this saga in the near future.

----'till soon, your rain soaked, smooth operating, Feejer riding friend Snap

 

[C&C]

Nice post snap. Good to hear the Feejer holds it own (especially in the wet). Bottom line, ignoring the naysayers, is are you having fun and learning something; sounds like "mission accomplished".

 

[painman]

I like these kind of reports and sounds like progress is being made. When the piggy bank gets right I too would like to do a track day or similar....Keep up the good work. PM. <><

 

[pmeysemb]

Hey Snap!

Sorry to hijack your thread but I didn't want to start a new one since the topic is pretty much the same!

I am signed up for a NESBA track day at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI on the 4th of July. Did you have to flush coolant for your day? Did you safety wire? I wouldn't mind any feedback from those that have done one of these. Maybe some of you might even join in?

I am planning on riding over there on the 3rd and "motel"ing it then riding home after the event.

Off the top of your head, any thoughts, opinions, or definite do's and don'ts? I will have new Dunlop 208's, new pads, new plugs, new TB sync and I have wired the drain and fill plugs.

Thanks,

Paul

Duluth

'05 (23k)

 

[Big Sky]

I did my first track day at Firebird near Phoenix in March with my son, but we used rented R6s. A very, very fun day! Forum members offered me some good tips I can pass along: Get plenty of quality rest the night before; no, or little alcohol the night before; arrive early and find a shady place (if possible) where you can set up your paddock and rest between rounds; bring snack food, perhaps some candy, plenty of water or, better yet, Gatorade type hyrdation replenishers; bring racing (not touring) quality gloves. My recommendations: listen to and get what you can from track instructors/moderators; go fast but only ride at a pace you are comfortable with; gradually ratchet up your speeds as you become more familiar with the track, the routine and the others circulating out there; work at getting set up for turns early with optimal entry speeds, be off the brake (only use the front) and open the the throttle a little to settle the chassis and drive-line before the apex, then roll it on as soon and hard as possible after the apex. Work at your hanging off technique when everything else is smooth and your speeds are up to the point of dragging bits on the pavement (pick your *** up and move it rather than sliding on the seat, elbow and knee pointing down). Identify the trouble spots that tend to cross you up and consciously work out the solutions, then apply them.

If you're doing a full day (I did eight 15-minute rounds over 8 hours), fatigue will set in. Be wary of going out when or if you really shouldn't. It's not a macho contest.

I found round one was quite docile; round two everyone cut loose and three went down or off the track; round three people had regained some sense and caution; round four everyone was settling in and finding the lines and grooves and getting progressively smoother, faster and more predictable... no more crashes that day! For me, that's when a lot of the worry receded and the real fun began.

If possible, get photos or videos of the day. This is one you'll want to remember when you're sitting in your rocker on the porch in your ninth decade (or you may be doing track days then, too, for all I know).

Be safe, go fast, have fun!

 

[pmeysemb]

I did my first track day at Firebird near Phoenix in March with my son, but we used rented R6s. A very, very fun day! Forum members offered me some good tips I can pass along: Get plenty of quality rest the night before; no, or little alcohol the night before; arrive early and find a shady place (if possible) where you can set up your paddock and rest between rounds; bring snack food, perhaps some candy, plenty of water or, better yet, Gatorade type hyrdation replenishers; bring racing (not touring) quality gloves. My recommendations: listen to and get what you can from track instructors/moderators; go fast but only ride at a pace you are comfortable with; gradually ratchet up your speeds as you become more familiar with the track, the routine and the others circulating out there; work at getting set up for turns early with optimal entry speeds, be off the brake (only use the front) and open the the throttle a little to settle the chassis and drive-line before the apex, then roll it on as soon and hard as possible after the apex. Work at your hanging off technique when everything else is smooth and your speeds are up to the point of dragging bits on the pavement (pick your *** up and move it rather than sliding on the seat, elbow and knee pointing down). Identify the trouble spots that tend to cross you up and consciously work out the solutions, then apply them.If you're doing a full day (I did eight 15-minute rounds over 8 hours), fatigue will set in. Be wary of going out when or if you really shouldn't. It's not a macho contest.

I found round one was quite docile; round two everyone cut loose and three went down or off the track; round three people had regained some sense and caution; round four everyone was settling in and finding the lines and grooves and getting progressively smoother, faster and more predictable... no more crashes that day! For me, that's when a lot of the worry receded and the real fun began.

If possible, get photos or videos of the day. This is one you'll want to remember when you're sitting in your rocker on the porch in your ninth decade (or you may be doing track days then, too, for all I know).

Be safe, go fast, have fun!

Thanks a bunch Big Sky, thats the stuff I am looking for - I am going to gather your first paragraph and others into my own little guide book. So you used borrowed bikes and didn't have to worry about their preparation then? That would be cool. Anyone else besides Snap do one of these on an FJR? Would make it a lot easier to trailer the big blue down there to bring all the required paddock stuff but I am gonna ride over there (google maps says about 380 miles :dribble: ) and pack best I can (guess 40 quart coolers are out of the question then . ) Will have to make do with what I can bring.

Thanks again... will let you know how it all goes.

Paul

 

[snap1945]

Hope you enjoy your track day. No, I did not have to wire up or change coolant. However: all 'glass' was duct taped. Mirrors, turn signals, lights and speedo glass (was allowed to keep the neutral light untaped). I was in the novice group as I am not interested in taking up racing at age 61. However: I am interested in handling my Feejer better especially during "more spirited riding" and not end up being a spirit. BTW this was my second entry about my track time I would give you a link to the first day out where I describe the experience in more detail but I dont know how to leave a linkclickything. I know you'll enjoy keeping up with Ducks and Gixxers. God Bless Massive Torque

I was doing alot of peg dragging which I found rather unerving and having the bike's suspension tuned at the track alleviated much of that problem ($70.oo) but going home you will get to know the road surface maybe better than you want to.

 

[BugR]

Was this on stock suspension?

Chris

 

[Big Sky]

Paul,

The company putting on the track day had rentals available and from a logistical perspective, this made the most sense for us, though expensive - $150 per half day per machine: we spent $600 for the bikes! But we didn't have to worry about transporting or prepping them and the suspensions were set up properly. The 600s are also a very fun track tool. Though the liter+ bikes could smoke us on the straights, we would nip them in the turns. It was also nice not to worry about trashing $3,000 worth of plastics and hard parts in the event of a little misjudgment, but there was a $750 bond posted for crash damage to the rentals. However, I can sure see the point of getting out there with your daily ride, too.

The REAL problem with track days is they can be highly addictive. Since my first one, I've been jonesing badly for another. I WILL do it again and the sooner the better.

Enjoy!

 

[snap1945]

Yes, on stock although 'tuned' suspension (see entry above) And yes. track time is addictive.

 

[chipset]

I had the pleasure of doing my first track day on June 4th. It was a blast. I rode down, 75 miles, prepped her, then rode her all day and then prepped for the ride home.

It was an absolute blast. Here's what I figured out... I am on a station wagon at the track. My bike was easily the biggest, heaviest bike out there. But, on the wet track, she held steady and kept the pace. As the day wore on, the track warmed up, I was getting passed by liter bikes all day long on the straight aways.

I did catch a lot of motorcycles in the chicane only to lose them in the long straight coming out of it.

All in all, it was great. A lot of speed and technique can be learned on the track, even on a "lethargic" motorcycle like the FJR. I did keep a decent pace throughout the day and I didn't have to fill up nearly as much as the sport bikes. I filled up 60 miles out, rode all day and then needed fuel to make it home. 8 sessions of pure fun.

It was strange looking at some the riders, though. One guy in particular scared the crap out of me. He was scared of every little turn. During the super easy, lets just look around the track laps, he was screwing everything up. Hell, he missed the exit after the session was over. This guy scared me (and just about everyone else), so I just gave him a wide berth and tried to stay the hell away from him. He bought a ZX11 for his first ride, because it was cheaper than the 600s he was looking at. I can only hope he doesn't kill himself. He has respect for the ride, but no skills.

 

[throttlejockeyTJ]

I had the pleasure of doing my first track day on June 4th. It was a blast. I rode down, 75 miles, prepped her, then rode her all day and then prepped for the ride home.
It was an absolute blast. Here's what I figured out... I am on a station wagon at the track. My bike was easily the biggest, heaviest bike out there. But, on the wet track, she held steady and kept the pace. As the day wore on, the track warmed up, I was getting passed by liter bikes all day long on the straight aways.

I did catch a lot of motorcycles in the chicane only to lose them in the long straight coming out of it.

All in all, it was great. A lot of speed and technique can be learned on the track, even on a "lethargic" motorcycle like the FJR. I did keep a decent pace throughout the day and I didn't have to fill up nearly as much as the sport bikes. I filled up 60 miles out, rode all day and then needed fuel to make it home. 8 sessions of pure fun.

It was strange looking at some the riders, though. One guy in particular scared the crap out of me. He was scared of every little turn. During the super easy, lets just look around the track laps, he was screwing everything up. Hell, he missed the exit after the session was over. This guy scared me (and just about everyone else), so I just gave him a wide berth and tried to stay the hell away from him. He bought a ZX11 for his first ride, because it was cheaper than the 600s he was looking at. I can only hope he doesn't kill himself. He has respect for the ride, but no skills.

You might want to fill up the gas tank more often and ride with a less fuel tank. Full it's a lot of weight up high. Glad you had fun. I RR MC when I was younger. I RR Formula cars when I was older. I am toying with Formula Car School this summer. TJ

 

[chipset]

You might want to fill up the gas tank more often and ride with a less fuel tank. Full it's a lot of weight up high. Glad you had fun. I RR MC when I was younger. I RR Formula cars when I was older. I am toying with Formula Car School this summer. TJ

I hear ya, but she was stable all day.. And early in the morning, we were just warming up the track, anyway.