Racing a bone stock S1000RR

[Dorph]

My beloved 03 RSVR has turned in its colours and cannot accompany me to a trackday at SlovakiaRing (in - guess what - Slovakia...) in the beginning of may.

So as a substitute I have been given the chance to ride a stock (just barely run in) BMW S1000RR with full options. Since it is not my bike, I will not put lots of race bits on her, so the question is what should I do as a minimum to prepare nevertheless?

I have thought to do the following, but would love some input from the experienced track riders here:

- Dunlop KR slicks (but have also read that this might not the best tyre option without changed the suspension)
- dial in the suspension (I am 98kg without gear, what is your recommended base settings?)
- SBS dual cardon brake pads

I am normally placed in the middle of the fast group, lapping at Brno on 2.16 on the RSV mille (sorry, but my only references are european tracks)

[Kowalski]

I did it. My bike just had a full system, race fairings and a pair of Pirelli Superbike Pro slicks.

Suspension was totally unsuitable for riding fast with slicks and I had all settings maxed out. Gearing was way too long for my local track, a change of sprockets could be a worthwhile cheap mod.

It was fantastic fun though and I'm looking forward to gradually refining the bike. That said I went 0.5 sec quicker than my PB on my well sorted 2004 CBR1000RR. It was bloody hard work though!

[Dorph]

thanks for input.

I can read that i few things to try out is to flip the top shackle for extra ride height, and maybe lower the fork tubes by 3-5mm for better turn-in.

but I am still pussled about the best tyre. I normally like the Dunlop KR slicks, but is a bit worried that the extra circumference will f... up the TC and handling with stock suspension - so would it be better to go for a slick with similar dimensions as the factory tyre?

and being a experienced track-day rider, but a newcomer on the BMW with all the electronics do you recommend me to start on the Race mode or go directly to Slick?

[Kowalski]

Since the race I increased ride height front and rear to get more ground clearance. I didn't want to tip it on it's nose as the bars wagged around alot coming out of corners. I didn'tr test this but perhaps extra rear preload would help this, reducing squat and the front end getting light.

I know people who have run none standard tyre sizes and had no problems with the TC. I think its most important to be on a set of tyres you know and trust.

Straight to slick mode, no question. I only expect to use the lower settings if it rains.