Trackday Novice Advice

[P675]

Hi there, looking for some advice as I've got the trackday bug but probably not going again until next year. The backstory:

I did a trackday on my standard '06 SV650S at Bedford in 2016 and although it was daunting I had a great time pushing the bike. I didn't get to a track again until this year, I've done 2 days at Mallory on my '03 Aprilia Tuono and while the big long corner is fun, I feel like the bike is a bit of a handful in the chicanes, and I felt a bit disappointed on the second time there as I didn't really improve from the last time. I'm wondering if I'd be better off getting a cheap 600 track bike of some sort which would suit trackdays better.

The Tuono is a 'Fighter' so has boggo spec Sachs suspension. I would rather keep it as it is, I've got no problem with it on the road, but then I haven't had a go on any 4cyl 1000cc sportsbikes to make a comparison (I did try a Z H2 which was great but not a traditional sports bike). But perhaps the bike would suit tracks where you can stretch it's legs like Donington or Bedford.

The season is pretty much over now so I doubt I'll do another day until next year. Do you think I should give some other tracks a go next year on the Tuono or get another bike that's more sport focused? If I did get another bike, would a 600 be a good idea or should I just go for an R1, GSXR1000 etc?

Thanks for any tips.

[dibblecorse]

Donington and Bedford will just mask the issue, which is that your Tuono probably has shagged suspension, when did it last have a rudimentary fork oil change or rear shock service ?

Has the suspension been set up for your weight etc ?

Its more than capable as a track weapon, just not if its hamstrung by crap suspension.

I'd spend the money getting it refreshed and set up properly with the right springs front and back.

Any good suspension outfit will also give you road and track settings on a sheet, takes 5 minutes to go from one to the other, worked wonders on my old bikes.

[Tribal Chestnut]

I know next to FA about bikes and TDs, but I’d say most modern bikes, if not bloaters, should be fine provided they have decent brakes, suspension and ground clearance. Other than that just work on yourself.

Edit: & it seems that if you really want to be quicker have a bike you won’t cry about crashing and don’t rely on being able to ride it home.

[Abdul Abulbul Amir]

As already said stick to the Tuono and get the suspension refreshed, especially if you're keeping the bike for road use anyway.

I've done a few days on my gen2 Tuono this year and find the low down grunt a great help. It also compared quite well on Hanger straight with my buddy on his v4s commenting that he had to work to catch me.

I do fancy an RSV1000 though....

[KTMsm]

Mallory is crap

I'd suggest trying a better circuit and paying for some tuition - even if it's just off another rider

I went to three enduro tracks and wasn't getting any better - asked a guy to follow me for a lap and give me some pointers - it transformed my riding (from crap to worse than average but it was still a big jump)

Regarding bikes, personally as I already have a van, I bought a cheap CBR600F for trackdays so I didn't care too much about it, opinions vary depending on budget, storage space etc

[P675]

Thanks for the replies, I had a look at the suspension a while ago (had the bike for 5 years now) and I'm pretty sure the shock is on the highest pre-load already as the highest was not enough for my weight then and I've got heavier now. And then because I'm on the short side I had to lower the ride height with the seperate adjuster, but then put the front height down quite a bit to compensate as it wasn't turning very well (4 rings down which is regarded as aggressive setting). I've never had them serviced in my ownership.

So perhaps at least a respring is needed but if I'm going to pay for a new spring might a new shock like the cheapest Nitron be a good investment? I don't think I've done anything with the forks as I've never had a problem with them on the road but then I'm not blasting it all the time as I've had enough near misses to take it easy if I can't see the whole road ahead of me. What's a ballpark price on having them re-sprung and valved? I could take it in to AP Workshops and see if they can advise me as I'm not too far away.

I've got a trailer so I can convert it to 'track mode' and back again if needs be, buying another bike just to use 3-4 times a year is of course a difficult decision

[KurtFlew]

I'd definitely recommend getting a separate track bike. I love mine, only owes me 2.5k so don't mind if I bin it. And taking your leathers off at the end of a track day and just driving home is so much better.

[KTMsm]

P675 said:

I'm pretty sure the shock is on the highest pre-load already as the highest was not enough for my weight then and I've got heavier now.

And then because I'm on the short side I had to lower the ride height with the seperate adjuster, but then put the front height down quite a bit to compensate as it wasn't turning very well (4 rings down which is regarded as aggressive setting). I've never had them serviced in my ownership.

I think you should have started with this ^^^

If you're suspension isn't right to start with - that's the first place to start

[Esceptico]

KurtFlew said:

I'd definitely recommend getting a separate track bike. I love mine, only owes me 2.5k so don't mind if I bin it. And taking your leathers off at the end of a track day and just driving home is so much better.

A slightly more expensive alternative is to rent a bike. Same benefits or being able to drive home afterwards but on top of that you get a bike set up for track (I usually rented a 600 supersports) and if you do crash your cost is limited to the excess. Probably doesn’t make sense financially if you are doing lots of track days but if just one or two a year worth considering.