Track virgin in need of advice

[duncan_bayne]

So, I got a call from Mt. Eden motorcycles today. My NSR150RR is now ready to roll, having not been ridden in a year (long story, short form: it is my wife's, but I'm riding it now after selling the 600, & will be taking it on a few track days, & if I like that, looking at racing). See here (http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/081119/) for a photo of an SP; visually almost identical to the RR except for the single-sided swingarm.

It's been fitted with a new sprocket, chain, pads, full service, etc. etc. The staff there recommend I keep the existing tyres as there's plenty of life in them, they're sticky enough, and as a novice I might have issues getting enough warmth into anything stickier.

I'll be picking it up tomorrow, & re-familiarising myself with it (and with small, peaky two-strokes in general) prior to taking it to Pukekohe on the 30th.

What I'd love would be for anyone with some track experience to share any pointers - about track riding and setup in general, and Pukekohe in particular.

As far as setup goes, my plan is to keep the rear preload set to max (that's the only suspension adjustment on the NSR, and I need it on max because of footpeg clearance issues on the road - I weigh 80kg, which I suspect is more than the average Malaysian for whom the bike was designed). I'll also be removing my mirrors & indicators.

I also intend dropping pressure in the tyres - but by how much I'm not yet certain - advice there would be appreciated.

Also, I have no idea about the ettiquette at such events (Where do I show up? To whom do I give money? Etc. etc. etc.) so again, any advice would be appreciated to avoid making a nuisance of myself on the day.

TIA :-)

[kiwifruit]

I cant really offer much tech advice, im sure others will do so.....

tyres; i drop mine around 25%, on a big bike, from 40ish to 30ish.

Main thing is relax, look as far ahead as you can, dont try and go too fast, do try and be smooth and have fun!

:rockon:

[kickingzebra]

Puke, show up at 9 or 10 ish, park yourself in a pit somewhere (to the right after you cross the track)
Set your stuff up if you have any, then rock down to the building by the pit lane exit (two story)
In there sign your bit of paper, and pay your $90.00 and they'll tell you when they are letting everyone out, and how long the sessions are.

As for bike setup, as long as the chain is tensioned right, and you have heaps of fuel, don't worry too much.

Front tyre pressure 30psi, back 30psi and take it from there.
Watch out on the kinks, because the drifters often spray crap off the side of the track everywhere, so it can be dodge the rubbish occasionally.

If the pads are brand spankers, let them bed in for a lap or two before you throw it at corners 100 %

Hoep that helps

[cowpoos]

don't crash!

[duncan_bayne]

Thanks for the advice - hopefully I'll meet some of the guys & gals from this forum there on the 30th.

[ZorsT]

On my RG-150, I lowered my tyre preassures from 29 to 24ish.
Hope this helps

[madkeenandy]

we run bout 30 pound in the frount and 32 in the rear.

[duncan_bayne]

Thanks for the info - that's significantly lower than I run on the road. I'm all excited ... picked the bike up from Mt. Eden Motorcycles last night - it's all ready to roll, just needs a new Reg and WOF.

[R6_kid]

just go and do it. Assuming you've got riding experience you'll be sweet. How long have you been riding?

[duncan_bayne]

About 12 years, on a succession of mostly two-strokes - GT200, GP125, TZR250, GSXR250, CG125, FZR400, RD350, NSR150RR, GSXR600.

[Racey Rider]

I find 24 in the front and 26 in the rear to be a good starting point for 150 tyres at the track. Depending on the day I will rasie or lower from there (when tyres are cold). I'm 82kg.
Remember to warm it up properly before thrashing it down that long back straight.
These 150's are built for the thai market, so sometimes a strip of duct tape across the radiator is needed to get the temp up on a cold day.
Have fun.
Racey

[Sketchy_Racer]

Most has been said.

Tyre pressures. anywhere in the vicinity of 26 - 32 psi is quite safe. I personally run 28 rear and 26 front. that seems to feel okay

If you can get hold of the book 'twist of the wrist' by keith code, you will improve no end!

Oh, Very nice bike !!

[Indiana_Jones]

don't crash!

What he said lol

-Indy

[MattRSK]

If you change your mind and dont want to use it, I will gladly take the bike of your hands you lucky bastard!