First track day, I need some advice

[kunzjob]

I am going to a track day at jennings gp on Nov. 21 and I would like all the advice I can get before I get there. I am not taking the school because I don't have $300 for that. I'm going with a few guys of the motorcycle club here at school. Here is a link to the track:
http://jenningsgp.com/thetrack.htm
Any advice is welcome, thanks in advance

[99zx6r]

have a good time.

[Flipper]

Drink lots of water.... 8)

[Steve]

Yeah Dont Crash and go real fast between turns 1and 4 :lol:

[PFFOG]

Yeah Dont Crash and go real fast between turns 1and 4 :lol:

The real secret is to go fast between turns 4 and 1, that's where the fun is.

[kunzjob]

good stuff so far guys, a few of my friends went last weekend, ranged average times from 1:35 down to 1:28....they were on R1, GSXR 1000, ZX636. Alot of the guys in the club think the SV just isnt gonna cut it, but hopefully I can show them some northern skill and keep up with a few of the guys!

[PFFOG]

Yea, I forgot to tell you the MOST IMPORTANT key to good lap times.........DO NOT try to go FAST, concentrate on SMOOTH, that will make you fast, and you will leave with a bike you can ride home.

As far as the SV, ask CC. There are a lot of corners close together between 4 1nd 14 so the torque and tractability of the twin will be an advantage. If you are going with guys that have been before don’t try to keep up, keep testosterone out of the equation. Being the first track day and the first day at the track you will be slower. Once you are comfortable and relaxed, start concentrating on one corner at time and try to perfect your line, then move on to the next once you can relax through the last.

[kunzjob]

OK

[Jonesie]

Alot of the guys in the club think the SV just isnt gonna cut it,

Then alot of the guys in the club don't know what they're talking about. :roll:

[curvecrazy]

Probably the most important thing other than those important things already mentioned of course is make sure you get there early so you can participate in the trackwalk. Listen carefully to the skilled rider who is giving that walk. I did this walk at Grattan and it made all the difference on one of the most difficult tracks around. IMO.

The SV is a tool. You will want to concentrate. Learn the track first. Build up a good set of reference points so you know where your at at all times. Be looking all the way through the corners. This will slow things down to manageable.

Make sure you decide on braking points. They can be changed as you go along if your finding your braking too early. If theres an obvious reference point for braking that is too soon, then count 1 2 etc... before applying the brakes for the turn.

You will want to lean off the SV if the footpegs are stock cause she will drag everything otherwise.

As another astutely pointed out....... Have Fun!!!!

[kunzjob]

as far as prepping my bike, should i disconnect my headlight and taillight? the track requires tapping off all lights/signals, removing mirrors, and liscence plate. they recommend switching the radiator fluid to water wetter, should i do this? i have heard draining the radiator is a PITA.

i will have fun for sure curve... BTW i have protek rearsets on there so hopefully i won't scrape a peg!!

[kunzjob]

alright, i am going to start prepping my bike tmrw, i have to get my take off Pirelli Supercorsa's installed at the local shop then i can get started on taping off the lights and whatnot, any last minute advice from you guys would be greatly appreciated !!!! I CAN'T WAIT

[99zx6r]

Don't crash & just have fun. Go at your own pace & don't let peer pressure push you past your limits.

[VTRDarren]

Don't pull a Rodger... always remember to let off the gas while breaking for the corners. The whole "throttle-blip" while downshifting and breaking can be tough for some ;-)

[Willybeen]

not a rodger on the 636 right? Has that bike been crashed? i wanna know the rodger story now ;) .. sorry to hijack....

have fun and let me know how worth it it was.... just as some motivation for me

[curvecrazy]

Eric... Draining the rad on the SV is a breeze. There is a drain screw down on the drivers side right engine case. Its right where the radiator hose comes down to the water pump basically. Look for the one with the sealing washer underneath. I believe its a 10mm wrench that one. Just uncap the rad and remove the screw and she'll drain right out. Refill with distilled water and add some watterwetter if you like(or not) and your all set.

When refilling the system, you will always have residual air. So, after refill, take it out and run it for a while. Come back... let cool... undo rad cap again and top it up. One top up and you should be good to go.

What tires will you be running?

[kunzjob]

Pirelli SuperCorsa takeoffs, they look brand new!!!!

also should i do the radiator drain? it is not required for the track i am going to

[curvecrazy]

Then don't do it bro! LOL You will probably want 30ish pounds front pressure and 29-31 pounds rear pressure. The SV is pretty easy on tires. Have fun already.