My first track day

TDA · 05-06-2010, 09:14 AM

Well...I did my first track day yesterday with Roger Lyle at summit point Shenandoah circuit. I'd never been on a track before and didn't quite know what to expect. There were two other people there with S1000s but one didn't ride his and the other still had his rev limiter on.
The week before last I ran over a nail so I had to put new tires on my bike. I used the Pilot Power pures.
I started out pretty slow since I didn't know the track and honestly was feeling a bit overwhelmed. This course has about 20 turns in it and is a very technical track.
The control riders were exceptional. They would have you follow them for a bit then they would drop behind you and watch what you were or weren't doing

Then they would pull you aside after the session and tell you how to do better.

The bike performed flawlessly. As I gained confidence and speed I found the bike to be more and more forgiving. This bike flicked like none I've ever ridden.
The tires held up pretty well. At the end of the last session I was really pushing it in the karussel and felt the front tire slide out just slightly. Outside of that I had no unstable feelings.
Oh and the bike WILL power wheelie in Race mode
I rode most of the day in Sport until I switched to rain mode to work on getting off the bike properly and rolling on the trottle earlier after I turned.
All in all it was a blast.
I did discover that the factory footpegs were a bit slippery. Rearsets on order.

rhoag · 05-06-2010, 03:07 PM

So you liked the Pilot power pures? I had heard that the rear 55 series was kinda peaky (high center). I used the Pilot Power ones last year, pure replaced these and really liked them, the year before the power race Med/soft. I already have a set of power ones for my up coming trackday at Road America but, they will not be available forever. I think the stock Metzlers performed very well on my recent trip to the mountains but, don't know about track use?

TDA · 05-06-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhoag

So you liked the Pilot power pures? I had heard that the rear 55 series was kinda peaky (high center). I used the Pilot Power ones last year, pure replaced these and really liked them, the year before the power race Med/soft. I already have a set of power ones for my up coming trackday at Road America but, they will not be available forever. I think the stock Metzlers performed very well on my recent trip to the mountains but, don't know about track use?

I've heard good things and will be going with the Metzlers on my next track day. I ran over a nail with my rear so I had to change them out a week before I went on the track.
Like I said I liked the tires but I have to agree they are 'peaky' but on that course peaky was a good profile to have. This place had 20 pretty tight turns.

**nightdevil** · 10-12-2011, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDA

I've heard good things and will be going with the Metzlers on my next track day. I ran over a nail with my rear so I had to change them out a week before I went on the track.
Like I said I liked the tires but I have to agree they are 'peaky' but on that course peaky was a good profile to have. This place had 20 pretty tight turns.

22 turns to be exact lol

**nightdevil** · 10-12-2011, 05:54 AM

Let me know the next time you ride up there!

MD-Dave · 10-12-2011, 06:26 AM

If you liked Shenandoah, you should try Main! The S1000RR was made for that track. I just did my second track day, on the RR, there with Roger and it was a blast. I was on the Metzlers and they work great on the track. Not a ton of feel but they stick like crazy. I will be back out there on the 31st for Roger's last day this season.

BTW, riding both Shenandoah and Main was the reason I bought the RR. I bought a Diavel this year and took it out there. I fell in love with track days and realized I wanted something with more lean angle to really get the most out of the track. So, I sold my Harley and bought the RR. I have not missed my Harley a single day. This bike is incredible!

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**nightdevil** · 10-12-2011, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MD-Dave

If you liked Shenandoah, you should try Main! The S1000RR was made for that track. I just did my second track day, on the RR, there with Roger and it was a blast. I was on the Metzlers and they work great on the track. Not a ton of feel but they stick like crazy. I will be back out there on the 31st for Roger's last day this season.

BTW, riding both Shenandoah and Main was the reason I bought the RR. I bought a Diavel this year and took it out there. I fell in love with track days and realized I wanted something with more lean angle to really get the most out of the track. So, I sold my Harley and bought the RR. I have not missed my Harley a single day. This bike is incredible!

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Is this the same Dave that got the FREE TRACK DAY!

I'm on M5's and definitely fee as if they STICK.

MD-Dave · 10-12-2011, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightdevil

Is this the same Dave that got the FREE TRACK DAY!

I'm on M5's and definitely fee as if they STICK.

It is!

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**nightdevil** · 10-12-2011, 06:52 AM

sweet... well let me know when you go again! I gotta get bumped a group too! Working on a set of rear sets as I will feel more comfortable applying on pressure on the peg if I had more grip.

MD-Dave · 10-12-2011, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightdevil

sweet... well let me know when you go again! I gotta get bumped a group too! Working on a set of rear sets as I will feel more comfortable applying on pressure on the peg if I had more grip.

I will be there on Halloween! Are you the guy who was pitted next to Charlie?

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