Track Day - Fz1 vs R12S?

TxCan01 · TxCan01's Garage

Going to MSR-Houston tomorrow for a track day. Weather iffy but looking forward to getting out. Question of the day is, do I prep the trusty 02 FZ1 which I've had on the track a couple of times or pony up the R12S which I never have tracked but would like to explore the handling on a bit further? Only thing that makes me hold back on the R12 is the thought of throwing it down. Shudder!

This is a bit like asking what college should I send my kids to, but thought I 'd start a conversation...

Have a great weekend!

Bob Hancock · 09-12-2009, 07:05 AM

I've never understood the mentality to riding a "track bike" so that it won't matter if you drop it, cos I'm more concerned about me than the bike. Take your S and ride it like you have a brain and I suspect you'll do fine.

GotRoad? · 07:17 AM

+1

I'm riding my trusty R1100S at VIR tomorrow! It's my track bike, hack bike, camp bike, commuter bike, performance bike, tour bike...my only bike.

shreddr · shreddr's Garage

I would say the mentality behind a track bike, is your willingness to explore the limits of traction without worrying about trashing your bike. if you just want to go as fast as you are comfortable, then your regular bike probably wouldnt be at risk

MaineRoads · 09-12-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Hancock

ride it like you have a brain .

Too funny.

TxCan01 · TxCan01's Garage

Yes, I agree with your sentiments Sheddr. I'd be a bit more agressive on the FZ I'm sure but then I'm probably well below the limit (mine and the bikes), even on the track in any case. Last time I road with RideSmart they had a pretty busy day going and more than a few were crashing in stupid places. You ride your own day but you sometimes worry about the odd idiot taking you out... But that can happen on the way to work to. You pay's your dime and take your chances as they say..

The Yamaha isn't a track bike but just my old "grocery hauler" that will be sold in due course. No time for multiple bikes at the moment. I'll provide the report in good time...

AndrewA · 09-12-2009, 09:55 AM

You'll learn more about the handling of the S in just one track day than a whole year on the street.

If the S is the keeper, why not take advantage now?

Bob Hancock · 09-12-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GotRoad?

+1

I'm riding my trusty R1100S at VIR tomorrow! It's my track bike, hack bike, camp bike, commuter bike, performance bike, tour bike...my only bike.

Beware the marksman with only one rifle.

signit98 · 09-12-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shreddr

I would say the mentality behind a track bike, is your willingness to explore the limits of traction without worrying about trashing your bike. if you just want to go as fast as you are comfortable, then your regular bike probably wouldnt be at risk

Yes and no... if you are willing to explore the limits of traction, I think you are ill advised to just do it on your "throw away" bike and then get an unpleasant surprise on your prized possession if it does behave different from what you are used to on your track bike.

I have always taken my main "go fast bike" to the track, as it helps me explore that limits of that particular bike and as such, helps prepare me for the eventualities that could happen on the road as well... considering that I virtually never go as fast on the road as I will at the track.

That said, I am now looking at a "track only" bike, as I am thinking that the GS will be my main road bike and - as good as it is - it is not the most perfect bike for the track... although, I have just gotten back from my CNC guy and I am in the progress of laying the foundation for a lower triple clamp ala MotoYoYo...

With the GS, that is even more crucial than it is with the 12S, as the upper mounting points on the GS do not clamp, they allow for the tubes to freely rotate and for the forks to flex considerably more...

If anybody is interested, I should know soon what the feasibility, time frame and cost will be...

GotRoad? · 09-12-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shreddr

I would say the mentality behind a track bike, is your willingness to explore the limits of traction without worrying about trashing your bike. if you just want to go as fast as you are comfortable, then your regular bike probably wouldnt be at risk

Herr Dr. Dr. shreddr, I expect that most of the folks here explore the edges of their mental limitations well before they get to the limits of tire traction.

Bob, We'll see if the FRK unit I've been street riding with for a week now, increases the muzzle velocity at a track pace or just adds wadding.

roger albert · 09-12-2009, 11:58 AM

A track bike makes perfect sense. If you ride truly quickly, as in really exploring the limit, then you have a much greater chance of wadding it. Was the cheaper bike. I've never had any trouble translating what I learned on one to another. If skill can go between an XR100 and an SV, then an FZ vs a 12S (MUCH closer) is a no brainer.

Add in the rain this weekend at MSRH, and I'd pack up the FZ1. Naked cheaper to crash than faired too.

AndrewA · 09-12-2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GotRoad?

Herr Dr. Dr. shreddr, I expect that most of the folks here explore the edges of their mental limitations well before they get to the limits of tire traction.

That's a fact.

Guest24 · 09-12-2009, 12:20 PM

Track day can have two purposes IMHO. First, do you want to become a more confident street rider under controlled conditions riding the same bike in bot places. Or, the second reason, to get a yellow tag and go out and actually race as a amateur. Actually, at a track day I'm more interested in not scuffing up my butt than the bike. The former normally takes care of the latter.

PFFOG · 09-12-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GotRoad?

Herr Dr. Dr. shreddr, I expect that most of the folks here explore the edges of their mental limitations well before they get to the limits of tire traction...

+2,

I have never explored traction limits on the track, even when the foot pegs were being reground, and the rear brake lever was evaporating. But mentally I was exploring new territory for sure. Now it is a piece of cake. After first putting a knee down 4 years ago, I am on my 2nd set of pucks, but never on the street.

Guest24 · 09-12-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFFOG

+2,

I have never explored traction limits on the track, even when the foot pegs were being reground, and the rear brake lever was evaporating. But mentally I was exploring new territory for sure. Now it is a piece of cake. After first putting a knee down 4 years ago, I am on my 2nd set of pucks, but never on the street.

Alas Richard, I never for a minute thought that you were a shallow thinker.

JimMoore · 09-12-2009, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nail24

Track day can have two purposes IMHO.

Number three: It's giggle-in-the-helmet fun.

Bob Hancock · 09-12-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimMoore

Number three: It's giggle-in-the-helmet fun.

Hey Marine....tell us about your little track bike that can stay with a K12S on the straight and then pass it going into turn one.

JimMoore · 09-12-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Hancock

Hey Marine....tell us about your little track bike that can stay with a K12S on the straight and then pass it going into turn one.

Don't make fun of the poor little Honda. It's sensitive.

shreddr · shreddr's Garage

i'm not necessarily thinking the limits of traction is something that needs terminal velocity to approach. Just lean er over until the back wheel starts kicking out, and pull the front brake until you are getting some washout, neither of those require balls to the wall

PFFOG · 09-12-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shreddr

i'm not necessarily thinking the limits of traction is something that needs terminal velocity to approach. Just lean er over until the back wheel starts kicking out, and pull the front brake until you are getting some washout, neither of those require balls to the wall

No just bad technique. Pulling the brake that hard while leaned over is not usually exploring, but finding and exceeding traction limits as the bars go light and then hit the pavement.

Most of my peg scraping/ knee dragging happens at slower corners, not high speed stuff, again that brain thing getting in the way.