Back-to-Back Track Day Prep: Suggestions? - Ducati.ms

clenart50 · Jul 23rd, 2007, 6:34 pm

I'm planning 3 track days in a row next month with my 04 999. I am a novice on the track so I won't be riding at the machine's limits, but I expect it will put more stress on her than normal. What kind of maintenance should I anticipate needing to do, besides clutch/brake bleeding and perhaps a new set of tires?

Thanks
Chris

S4one · Jul 23rd, 2007, 6:57 pm

The bike should be okay, check oil and fluid levels, and brake pads. Whats important is to keep yourself hydrated. Three full trackdays will be exhausting. So make sure you sleep well all nights and drink a lot of water and eat well. Dont go out and eat carnitas for lunch.. AHHAHA

Herbivator · Jul 23rd, 2007, 7:51 pm

3 days in a row is hardcore. I'm too busy to get 1 day in a row right now. I say don't over do it on the first day and keep an eye on your rear tire.

galaxy · Jul 23rd, 2007, 8:17 pm

Keep an eye on both tires and pressures. Bike will be just fine. I would start with a fresh set for good performance, endurance, and piece of mind!

tye1138 · Jul 23rd, 2007, 10:09 pm

Besides what everyone else just said...

Put the BEST oil ever made in her before the track day. Run it the day before around the block, make sure there are no leaks, ect... but doing an oil change before and after a set of track days is VERY important, especially if your a hard rider.

Tires are helpful, I can make a suggestion but people might dunk my head in a bucket of water for saying the Pilot Race tires are not so hot. I'm using Diablo Corsa's or Corsa 3's either or. I'd pick up a set, run them the weekend before the track day for 1 heat cycle. Basically go on the highway really fast for 20 miles or so, followed by some twisties and never let the tires cool down until your off the bike.

Thats pretty much it. If your tires, oil, coolant are new, breaks work great and your well hydrated, you'll be just fine! Spidi has a hydroback suit for californians like myself who can suck water whilst riding... that must be really odd! I choose the kangroo suit instead.

ENJOY!!!!

cheech · Jul 23rd, 2007, 10:15 pm

have you switched to water wetter or similar for the coolant?

boostedt0y · Jul 24th, 2007, 1:43 am

I just did two back to back trackdays. I agree with most of the suggestions above that the bike will be fine. Most important is to drink plenty of water. I was gulping down 2 bottles of water in between every track session. My last trackday I did not drink enough water and I felt like shit for the next few days.

Carlo

injected · Jul 24th, 2007, 2:26 am

The bike will be fine. I think the most important thing is to make sure you take enough parts with you to ensure that some of your days don't get wasted because of a minor incident. I work on the principle that if you have a spare with you, you won't need it.Try to get spare pegs, bars and levers from EBay, they're a good investment and a broken one might stop your weekend. If you run with an open clutch or a carbon cover, put the stock one back on.

S4one · Jul 24th, 2007, 2:49 am

Yes, bring tools! I went down before at the track but lucky my buddy brings a tool box full of different mechanic tools so I was able to fix some parts and got reteched.

Pilot Races are good tires in my opinion, they wear well and give really good feedback. However, Pilot race are the only DOT race tires I have ever been on. I have a set of Supercorsas coming in, these are suppose to be off the hook!

Herbivator · Jul 24th, 2007, 11:43 am

Can you still get Pilot Races?? Now Power Races are extremely good and a different tire altogether. The mediums are probably all anyone needs, but if almost limitless grip is what you want then the PR series are incredible. But certainly expensive overkill for a novice. Pilot Powers work for many intermediate and advanced riders. Corsa 111's are great too.