My 1st track day in Sepang

[Mtec]

Weather was good last Saturday morning and I had booked myself in for a 2 hour session. Had butterflies just before the start as (1)my first time on a bike in Sepang and (2)its my barely 2 month old S1k.

1st run: Followed the instructor's novice group for a couple of laps. Then we were on our own. The experienced bikers were zipping around the track like they were on rails. How do they do that? As the laps went by I pushed a little harder and my lean angles became more acute. Still was unsure about the bike's grip as it was very stable even though when I went into some apex on the wrong line and fumbled. Did about 7 laps.

2nd run: After some Q & A with my mates and lots of water I trailed a rider who was doing about the same pace as me and seemed more confident. I was by this time using less brakes and much smoother into the corners. Whacked it open on the grandstand straight and I could keep up with the faster guys but could not follow them into the corners. Came in after 6 laps and was feeling quite exhausted. The Conti Sport Attacks were like orange peel on the edges. Very good grip and consistent feel.

3rd run: Told my mates that I wanted to follow them for this last run - high hopes. Less than half a lap on they were leaving me behind. Was pushing harder and using more revs - out accelerated a zx10 on the straights but he took me at the next corner. Red lights signaled the end of session after just 4 laps.

What a relief it was over with only a few scary moments. I was amazed at the performance of my stock bike - unlike my experience a long time ago on the 1st generation cbr1000rr on another track (I stopped biking for almost 12 years). I really need to learn a lot to improve my lines and getting the right entry/exit speed of the corners. It was a good feeling at the end of the day knowing that I did it at Sepang on one of the most capable sports bike - Btw I was the only one on a S1k that day. Really looking forward to the next track day and some useful coaching from my mates.

[1000RR]

Great story! Keep it up!!

[Mtec]

Originally Posted by 1000RR

Great story! Keep it up!!

As long as I am still learning to ride better and be in good company, motorcycling will always be my passion.

[symplee511]

Being open to learning will always make you better, thus your skills and confidence will always improve, thanks for sharing.

[Mtec]

A not so sharp photo of me at turn 1 in Sepang

[Stockholm]

What's the price for 2 hours?

[kismetcapitan]

Sepang is one of my favorite tracks on the MotoGP calendar. The track layout is just so interesting with a nice mix of everything - I definitely want to ride that track someday. Are there classes with rental bikes in Malaysia? I would LOVE to ride an S1000RR (preferably mine, but bringing my bike down for a weekend is a little cost-prohibitive!) flat out on the down straight, brake and hit that hairpin, then peg the throttle WFO for the return leg, hit the brakes hard for those tight turns...it's just one of the most interesting track designs in the world.

[Mtec]

Stockholm- I attended this 2hr private track day session for RM180; that about USD60. There were about 30 bikes that day.

Kismetcapitan- there is one bike shop in Kuala Lumpur that rents out a R1 with some gear for the rider. There are some private tutors who does classes for groups or individuals. They are usually racers/ex-racers. We had 2 of them the other day during our session - one for novice and the other for more experienced riders.

Sepang is a wide and technical track and favors F1 cars. 1 liter bikes have an edge over smaller capacity bikes especially on the straights and long sweeping corners. I find turn 9, 90 degree left-hander going up hill, to be the most challenging corner. I'm looking forward to the next available track day to improve my lines. I was on Sport mode and yet to explore what Race mode would be like. The S1k simply has lots of grip and stability even though my suspension settings were on the soft side.

[pigmy]

Originally Posted by Mtec

Stockholm- I attended this 2hr private track day session for RM180; that about USD60. There were about 30 bikes that day.

Kismetcapitan- there is one bike shop in Kuala Lumpur that rents out a R1 with some gear for the rider. There are some private tutors who does classes for groups or individuals. They are usually racers/ex-racers. We had 2 of them the other day during our session - one for novice and the other for more experienced riders.

Sepang is a wide and technical track and favors F1 cars. 1 liter bikes have an edge over smaller capacity bikes especially on the straights and long sweeping corners. I find turn 9, 90 degree left-hander going up hill, to be the most challenging corner. I'm looking forward to the next available track day to improve my lines. I was on Sport mode and yet to explore what Race mode would be like. The S1k simply has lots of grip and stability even though my suspension settings were on the soft side.

mtec,im in kl till may.i work and stay near sepang.i would be happy to assist you with your bike next time you track.just shoot me a pm...pigmy

[Mtec]

Hi pigmy, nice to know you're around Sepang area. Will let you know when I next go for a track day. Hope you could join us on the track.