Viets Advice-Track Days
Most modern sportbikes are incredibly capable at the racetrack right off the showroom floor. However, there are a couple inexpensive upgrades worth considering if you’ll be riding at the racetrack (and I think you will be spending a lot of time there once you try it..!:
1.) Suspension - If you haven’t had your suspension set-up, get it done. Many trackday providers have onsite suspension support, and Dave Moss of Catalyst Reaction Suspension Tuning has a number of articles and guides on the subject. These are posted on our website http://viets-performance.com/Rider-Resources/Suspension-Tuning-by-Dave-Moss. A balanced suspension with the sag set properly (while you are on your sportbike) will make a huge difference as you and your sportbike circuit the racetrack.
2.) Stomp Grip Traction Pads http://viets-performance.com/Sportbike-Performance-Products/Stomp-Grip-Traction-Pads are applied to your sportbike tank and/or frame and give your knees and thighs a dimpled surface to help you grip the tank under braking and while cornering. I’ve used Stomp Grips on all my bikes the last few years and they really make a noticeable difference while riding.
3.) Brake Lines - Stock brake lines are generally made of rubber hose, and some of the hydraulic force pushing fluid to the brake calipers can be reduced by expansion of the brake lines themselves. Upgrading to a braided steel brake line will generally improve feel and feedback at the brake lever. Galfer brake lines are widely used by factory AMA teams: http://viets-performance.com/Sportbike-Performance-Products/Galfer-Brake-Lines/Galfer-Braided-Steel-Brake-Lines.
4.) Gearing - Most modern sportbikes are geared very tall to help pass noise and emissions requirements. Changing the front and/or rear sprocket to alter the final gearing of the bike can help acceleration and drive off corners. Driven Power-Up kits (http://viets-performance.com/Sportbike-Performance-Products/Driven-USA-Sprockets-and-Drive-Kits) include front and rear sprockets and a 520 Gold RK chain packaged at an attractive price, versus purchasing the parts separately. A 520 chain and sprockets will reduce rotating mass and help to lighten the drive train.
These are just a few of many products designed to improve the performance of your sportbike, but they are some of the first things you may want to consider as you begin riding at the racetrack.”
About Jeff Viets: Motorcycles have been a big part of Jeff’s life since 1988. In 2001 he was bitten by the track day bug and now log 40-50 days each year instructing at schools and track days with Keigwins@TheTrack in Northern California. In 2003 Jeff launched Viets Performance http://viets-performance.com an online and trackside provider of sportbike performance products and Dunlop, Pirelli and Bridgestone motorcycle race tires.
