Info on Tire Warmers, Quick Shifters, and Gearing

[1000RR]

Here's some interesting reads on the subject topics:

What Are Tire Warmers Supposed To Do Anyway?
CLICK HERE

Advantages of Quick Shifters:
CLICK HERE

Gearing Changes for Your Needs/Track:
CLICK HERE

[lightcycle]

This is EXCELLENT information! Thank you for passing it along.

[iscameron30]

Thanks for the info. People at the track are always going back and forth about warmers, saying only racers really need them. I have always disagreed with that notion, and now I have more evidence supporting using warmers always.

[Depths_of_Mind]

Originally Posted by lightcycle

This is EXCELLENT information! Thank you for passing it along.

*Outstanding read(s)*

[1000RR]

"Need" is all relative Could you do w/out - sure... Does it add benefit to your time on the track - IMO - hell yes. Some will (and sometimes rightfully so) argue that you can get 'enough' performance out of a good set of street tires over race dots over slicks, etc. and they are probably right in many instances. But if the slicks or race DOTs or the use of warmers do nothing more than inspire additional confidence when you are coming in a little hot on the next turn... then that alone is a pretty good reason. Because w/out that confidence, you might compensate (although likely not necessary) by over braking among other things...

To each their own I guess.

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by iscameron30

Thanks for the info. People at the track are always going back and forth about warmers, saying only racers really need them. I have always disagreed with that notion, and now I have more evidence supporting using warmers always.

I don't want to get into the debate on where you draw the line on when tire warmers are "needed", but keep in mind that this "evidence" that tire warmers should be used comes from someone selling tire warmers. This recommendation is neither objective nor surprising.

- Mark

[1000RR]

Good observation Mark on the article coming from the founder of Chicken Hawk Racing... probably a little unfair to say it lacks being objective though. Not being "surprising"... you're right there. The things they state are simply facts and objective ones at that (as opposed to being subjective). Still leaves the end user/reader the decision as to whether they "need" them or not... after all, there have been some darn good riders at the track (track day) w/Q2's and no warmers. But the article is written with more a flavor of racing (as opposed to just track day goers).

Like you said, not surprising that they would want to point out those facts since they sell great tire warmers, but discounting those facts due to such is a stretch... unless what they stated isn't factual based (objective).

[dazoo]

There are no real disadvantages to tyre warmers other than the hassle and the cost. If those don't bother you, then why not? It prolongs the life of the tyre and gives you more track time, with the added safety margin. The only caveat is you also need common sense - if you are left to stand in pit lane for 10 mins, treat the tyres as cold. And also remember that in the first lap or two you have to warm yourself up as well as the tyres. I don't know many people who have used them and then subsequently decided not to.

There are a lot of things that people who are not competing don't 'need'. We don't need 190bhp for a start, nor do we need the latest superbike. Many of us could go faster on a 600 or 750. In fact many of us have spent a huge amount more money on our bikes than guys who are competing and making our laptimes look stupid. But when you start talking about bikes like the SRR, you're talking about people with disposable income so it shouldn't be a surprise that they like their toys.

Nothing wrong with rumbling up on a 15 year old bike, folding in the mirrors and flying round the track all day, but it doesn't mean that's what everyone wants from a trackday. I have gone from riding to trackdays, to having a tonne of kit and now back again to relative basics. I have most stuff in the van, but in the pits I have the bike on stands with warmers, a seat, tyre guage and fuel.

Having said all that, beside me on Wednesday were two guys on immaculately prepared R6 track bikes. All the gear, took up the width of the garage, director seats, kit bags, tool kits, kettles, biscuits and two girls with 'pit crew' on their clothes. Bikes, leathers and girls had riders names on. Girls did everything - including switching the onboard cameras on and off, putting bikes on and off paddock stands. Funny thing? They were in the novice group and quite clearly inexperienced. And their bikes has sidestands so no need for pit crew to take the rear stand out with you on the bike! Why not, I suppose...

[gixerconvert]

Originally Posted by dazoo

Having said all that, beside me on Wednesday were two guys on immaculately prepared R6 track bikes. All the gear, took up the width of the garage, director seats, kit bags, tool kits, kettles, biscuits and two girls with 'pit crew' on their clothes. Bikes, leathers and girls had riders names on. Girls did everything - including switching the onboard cameras on and off, putting bikes on and off paddock stands. Funny thing? They were in the novice group and quite clearly inexperienced. And their bikes has sidestands so no need for pit crew to take the rear stand out with you on the bike! Why not, I suppose...

Pit Bitches,kettle and biscuits-Sounds like heaven to me!
Were you on the gsxr or the BM.If on the BM,is it sorted now?

[dazoo]

On the BM. All changes sweet as apart from two false neutrals. Putting that down to the spring issue, as one was on a downshift so not attributable to the quickshifter setup. HM unit much better than stock, very slick. Was pulling 6th on Hangar straight (dropped a tooth on the front) so got to check 5-6 which was the problem before - no issues.