First off I did try to use the search feature with little success. So I thought I would just post up a couple easy questions I had. 1) Suspension Service, I hear that it is offered at the track. How much does somthing like this cost? 2) Tire service, if I get tires from the michelin store will they mount at the track for free? or cost how much? 3) If I do wait til the day of my track day to get the tires mounted, I've heard after a couple laps they are no longer "slippery" this true or are tire warmers a must? equipment wise I will be running my R6 prob with regular pilots. I think this is it but if I think of somthing else I will post up. Thanks in advance
I'll try my best... 1) Suspension services are handled by vendors, and vary from track to track, day to day. In the Midwest you can usually find Ken from Superbike Italia in the paddock. I think Ken's basic setup service is around $80 or so. He'll make sure the suspension you have is optimized for you on that day, even if he has to keep tweaking between sessions. 2) Tire service is also run by vendors. Most are somehow affiliated with Sportbike Tire Service, so if you buy from them there is sometimes a discounted charge for mounting, around $30 per set if I remember correctly. Most will have a decent selection of tires available at the track as well. 3) Pilot Powers, like all tires, may have some mold release compound residue on them from the factory and your first few laps will clean the tire off just fine. Unlike some other tires, however, Pilot Powers do not require warmers and will heat up just fine after your first lap. As usual, all opinions stated are not necessarily those of the management. All costs are estimates and subject to change. Consuming large quantities may be hazardous to your health. Your mileage may vary. -Tom
thanks very much that helped a lot I'm looking at attending the barber event at the end of june. I can't wait. Thought of another one for you. Is there anything I can do to make this event extremely beneficial? I absolutely love riding my bike and want to get better at it. I know to stay smooth and relax. Any other tips, just trying to get all the knowledge I can. TIA
Just the usual stuff, as you've got the "relax and learn" part figured out... Don't wait until the week before to do all your prep, have it done in plenty of time so that you're relaxed and all you have to do the day of is learn. If you can get your tires changed before you get to the track, I recommend it. If you can't, bring a friend. That's actually good advice anyway, as your friend can handle all your mechanical work (Tires, tire pressures, gasoline, chain tension, etc.) while you're in the classroom. They can also have a water waiting for you when you come off the track, it gets hot at a track day wearing all that leather! If you come alone, there is one important thing to remember: You are not alone! Every single one of us at the track was once the new guy. ASK FOR HELP. We're all there for the sake of having a good day, and we're all likely to give you a hand to make sure your experience is good, too! Okay, I think that's it. Enjoy yourself! -Tom
+1 to everything Tom said with one correction - if you CAN, bring a friend to the track - it helps tons On the pack ahead of time - a wise old dirt track racer once told me, the rule is if you're not packed by Wed for a Saturday race...your not going translation - rapid packing makes for mistakes and having that much last minute worry/details starts a bad chain of events...trust me lol
you mentioned dirt tracker...and then i looked at your name.... were you at grattan a few weeks ago on a motard? if so, i was test riding a buddy's sv650 for the first time and following you around.
Wasn't me Jig, the wise old dirt trakker is Dan the service manger/head bike geek over at Southeast Sales in Milwaukee. Tho I hear a motard can plaster a smile on one's face p 2 motard riders go round the outside, round the outside, round the outside... (to a rap beat hehe)