Track day Q & A - Revision history

Bokonon at 23:54, 23 April 2010

2010-04-23T23:54:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 23 April 2010
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	'''Q.''' If I get lean crazy and lowside the bike, is there something I can do to protect the fairings?		'''Q.''' If I get lean crazy and lowside the bike, is there something I can do to protect the fairings?

	'''A.''' Either crash into a wall of pillows and marshmallows, or take off the fairings. If you crash, you're going to break parts, no matter what you do. That's why it's called a CRASH.		'''A1.''' Either crash into a wall of pillows and marshmallows or take off the fairings, although they do protect the frame. If you crash, you're going to break parts, no matter what you do. That's why it's called a CRASH.

	Remove the mirrors and turn signals. In the rear, you can undo the four bolts that hold the rear fender on, and the turn signals and tail light all come off together.		Remove the mirrors and turn signals. In the rear, you can undo the four bolts that hold the rear fender on, and the turn signals and tail light all come off together.

			'''A2.''' Through the [http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Where_can_I_buy_parts/tools_online%3F#Junkyards.2C_err..._Used_Parts usual sources] you should be able to find some used, not-in-the-greatest-shape fairings cheapish. Of course, they may be two different colors and have some other cosmetic issues, but if it is just for track days, who cares?

	'''Q.''' Will the stock dunflops do okay for this sort of riding? I know they are okay tires but they are solid as a freaking rock and such a hard compound.		'''Q.''' Will the stock dunflops do okay for this sort of riding? I know they are okay tires but they are solid as a freaking rock and such a hard compound.

Bokonon at 23:33, 20 April 2010

2010-04-20T23:33:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:33, 20 April 2010
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	'''Q.''' Am I more likely to crash at the track?		'''Q.''' Am I more likely to crash at the track?

	'''A.''' I'd be willing to bet that even though you may be more likely to have a crash on the track, you're less likely for the injuries to be life-threatening. Just look at the differences between the two:		'''A1.''' I'd be willing to bet that even though you may be more likely to have a crash on the track, you're less likely for the injuries to be life-threatening. Just look at the differences between the two:

	:TRACK:		:TRACK:
Line 60:		Line 60:
	*95% of the drivers (in some areas) don't see you as anything but a speed bump		*95% of the drivers (in some areas) don't see you as anything but a speed bump

			'''A2.''' One thing you can do to lessen the chances of crashing at the track: Don't be part of the very first group to blast off on the track once they unleash the masses in the morning.

			*Let the first, impatient group go around first.
			*Let them warm up the track and find the hairy, slick spots in the shade.
			*Let them come back and fill you in on what the track is looking like.
			*And most importantly, let them crash their bikes without you risking yours in order to avoid theirs.

	====A parting shot====		====A parting shot====

Bokonon at 14:24, 29 December 2009

2009-12-29T14:24:34Z

@@ Line 32: / Line 32: @@
 *Remove centerstand
-'''Additionally:'''
+:Additionally:
 *Make sure the oil is fresh and full. Bring some extra and top off as necessary throughout the day.
 *Get out the owners manual (or [[Service Schedule]]) and check every item on the maintenance list, whether it's due or not. If they're all in order, then the bike will survive.
 *Check with the organizers about bike prep. They will have specific items that must be prepped how they say. If you don't do it, then you don't get to ride (and you usually don't get a refund either).
 ====A parting shot====

Bokonon at 11:27, 21 March 2009

2009-03-21T11:27:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:27, 21 March 2009
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	'''A2.''' Don't know. I never used them on a track. (Standard answer from experienced 250 riders.)		'''A2.''' Don't know. I never used them on a track. (Standard answer from experienced 250 riders.)

			'''Q.''' How often should you change the oil on a race/track bike?

			'''A.''' I do 25-30 days at the track every year and average about 100 miles of riding each day. I change the oil about every 1000-1500 miles. I generally ride until the bike starts feeling a little sluggish and in need of a valve adjust. After I adjust the valves I change the oil, since I had the engine open.

			My engines seem to be holding up just fine with this minimal maintenance. The one engine I lost was when I was using dinosaur oil and let the level get down near the low mark in the sight glass. Since changing to [[Preferred Brands\|Rotella T]] synthetic and keeping the level full, I've run a full season (nearly 3000 track miles) on an old 15,000+ mile engine.

			In short, my recommendation is to: 1) Use high quality synthetic oil such as Shell Rotella T. 2) Keep the oil level full at all times in the EX250. 3) Change the oil at least once a year.

	'''Q.''' Are there any additions to the bike I should make to not harm anything, or will the little 250 handle 20 minutes of straight racing in stock form? I'd assume so...		'''Q.''' Are there any additions to the bike I should make to not harm anything, or will the little 250 handle 20 minutes of straight racing in stock form? I'd assume so...

Bokonon at 17:39, 23 May 2008

2008-05-23T17:39:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:39, 23 May 2008
Line 19:		Line 19:
	*[[Front suspension upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]]		*[[Front suspension upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]]
	*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]		*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]
	*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[~~What kind of~~ fork oil ~~should I use~~?\|front fork oil]]		*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[How do I replace the fork oil?\|front fork oil]]
	*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)		*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)
	*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]] (Again, optional)		*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]] (Again, optional)

Bokonon at 16:06, 19 May 2008

2008-05-19T16:06:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 19 May 2008
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	*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]		*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]
	*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]		*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]
	*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]]
	*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)		*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)
			*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]] (Again, optional)
	*Remove centerstand		*Remove centerstand

Bokonon at 16:04, 19 May 2008

2008-05-19T16:04:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:04, 19 May 2008
Line 20:		Line 20:
	*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]		*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]
	*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]		*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]
	*[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]]		*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]]
	*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)		*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)
	*Remove centerstand		*Remove centerstand

Bokonon at 16:04, 19 May 2008

2008-05-19T16:04:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:04, 19 May 2008
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Track Days]]		[[Category:Track Days]]
	Q. If I get lean crazy and lowside the bike, is there something I can do to protect the fairings?		'''Q.''' If I get lean crazy and lowside the bike, is there something I can do to protect the fairings?

	A. Either crash into a wall of pillows and marshmallows, or take off the fairings. If you crash, you're going to break parts, no matter what you do. That's why it's called a CRASH.		'''A.''' Either crash into a wall of pillows and marshmallows, or take off the fairings. If you crash, you're going to break parts, no matter what you do. That's why it's called a CRASH.

	Remove the mirrors and turn signals. In the rear, you can undo the four bolts that hold the rear fender on, and the turn signals and tail light all come off together.		Remove the mirrors and turn signals. In the rear, you can undo the four bolts that hold the rear fender on, and the turn signals and tail light all come off together.

	Q. Will the stock dunflops do okay for this sort of riding? I know they are okay tires but they are solid as a freaking rock and such a hard compound.		'''Q.''' Will the stock dunflops do okay for this sort of riding? I know they are okay tires but they are solid as a freaking rock and such a hard compound.

	A1. Okay, so I've said that the stock Dunlops are pieces of crap for YEARS, and yet you ask this question? I should hunt you down and slap you silly.		'''A1.''' Okay, so I've said that the stock Dunlops are pieces of crap for YEARS, and yet you ask this question? I should hunt you down and slap you silly.

	A2. Don't know. I never used them on a track. (Standard answer from experienced 250 riders.)		'''A2.''' Don't know. I never used them on a track. (Standard answer from experienced 250 riders.)

	Q. Are there any additions to the bike I should make to not harm anything, or will the little 250 handle 20 minutes of straight racing in stock form? I'd assume so...		'''Q.''' Are there any additions to the bike I should make to not harm anything, or will the little 250 handle 20 minutes of straight racing in stock form? I'd assume so...

	A. Well, let's see...		'''A.''' Well, let's see... Once again comes the distinction between track days and racing. Sure, you can take your stock EX250 to the track, but after a couple sessions you will probably be wanting most, if not all, of the following:

	[[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?\|Better Tires]]~~.<br>~~		*[[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?\|Better Tires]]
	[[Front suspension upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]]~~.<br>~~		*[[Front suspension upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]]
	[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]~~.<br>~~		*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]
	[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]~~.<br>~~		*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]
	[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]]~~.<br>~~		*[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]]
	[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)~~.<br>~~		*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)
	Remove centerstand.		*Remove centerstand

	Make sure the oil is fresh and full. Bring some extra and top off as necessary throughout the day. You really should get out the owners manual (or [[Service Schedule]]), and check every item on the maintenance list, whether it'~~s due or not. If they~~'~~re all in order, then the bike will survive.~~		'''Additionally:'''

	Check with the organizers about bike prep. They will have specific items that must be prepped how they say. If you don't do it, then you don't get to ride (and you usually don't get a refund either).		*Make sure the oil is fresh and full. Bring some extra and top off as necessary throughout the day.
			*Get out the owners manual (or [[Service Schedule]]) and check every item on the maintenance list, whether it's due or not. If they're all in order, then the bike will survive.
			*Check with the organizers about bike prep. They will have specific items that must be prepped how they say. If you don't do it, then you don't get to ride (and you usually don't get a refund either).

	====A parting shot====		====A parting shot====

Bokonon at 10:12, 22 March 2008

2008-03-22T10:12:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:12, 22 March 2008
Line 17:		Line 17:

	[[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?\|Better Tires]].<br>		[[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?\|Better Tires]].<br>
	[[Front ~~end~~ upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]].<br>		[[Front suspension upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]].<br>
	[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]].<br>		[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]].<br>
	[[~~Front end upgrades~~\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]].<br>		[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]].<br>
	[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]].<br>		[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]].<br>
	[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important).<br>		[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important).<br>

Bokonon at 03:50, 25 January 2008

2008-01-25T03:50:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:50, 24 January 2008
Line 20:		Line 20:
	[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]].<br>		[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]].<br>
	[[Front end upgrades\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]].<br>		[[Front end upgrades\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]].<br>
	[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft ~~clipons~~]].<br>		[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]].<br>
	[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important).<br>		[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important).<br>
	Remove centerstand.		Remove centerstand.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:39, 23 May 2008
Line 19:		Line 19:
	*[[Front suspension upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]]		*[[Front suspension upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]]
	*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]		*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]
	*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[~~What kind of~~ fork oil ~~should I use~~?\|front fork oil]]		*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[How do I replace the fork oil?\|front fork oil]]
	*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)		*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)
	*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]] (Again, optional)		*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]] (Again, optional)

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 19 May 2008
Line 20:		Line 20:
	*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]		*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]
	*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]		*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]
	*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]]
	*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)		*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)
			*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]] (Again, optional)
	*Remove centerstand		*Remove centerstand

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:04, 19 May 2008
Line 20:		Line 20:
	*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]		*[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]]
	*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]		*[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]]
	*[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]]		*[[I'd like to know more about clipons\|Woodcraft lowered risers]]
	*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)		*[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important)
	*Remove centerstand		*Remove centerstand

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:12, 22 March 2008
Line 17:		Line 17:

	[[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?\|Better Tires]].<br>		[[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?\|Better Tires]].<br>
	[[Front ~~end~~ upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]].<br>		[[Front suspension upgrades\|Stiffer Front Fork Springs]].<br>
	[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]].<br>		[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]].<br>
	[[~~Front end upgrades~~\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]].<br>		[[Are Valve Emulators worthwhile?\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]].<br>
	[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]].<br>		[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]].<br>
	[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important).<br>		[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important).<br>

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:50, 24 January 2008
Line 20:		Line 20:
	[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]].<br>		[[Suspension\|High Quality Rear Shock]].<br>
	[[Front end upgrades\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]].<br>		[[Front end upgrades\|Cartridge Fork Emulators]] and heavier weight [[What kind of fork oil should I use?\|front fork oil]].<br>
	[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft ~~clipons~~]].<br>		[[I'd like to know more about clipons.\|Woodcraft lowered risers]].<br>
	[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important).<br>		[[Exhaust\|Muzzy exhaust]] (optional; suspension is more important).<br>
	Remove centerstand.		Remove centerstand.