Going racing on a shopping bike
Discussion
Hi folks,
Haven't been on PH for ages but thought some of you might enjoy this thread with updates as and when.
Long story short, last year I did a trackday on my CB500S and had one of the best days I've ever had on track.
My then GF sneakily timed me (I know it's not allowed) and roughly based on the Thundersport GB times at their last Brands Hatch meeting... I wouldn't have been last on my standard road bike (though it was close) so a plan was born...
Over winter I've been slowly building my CB500 on a shoestring budget, with many parts being bought used. My ACU licence is done and the van is being packed today for the first round this weekend!
If you're local to Brands Hatch and fancy popping along this weekend then if you find me in the paddock, I'll stick the kettle on for sure
Time for some pics
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/eftDs1ca[/url]
Tell me how much detail you want in the thread. Will aim to do brief race reports and will update the thread with some pics of mid build and the costs for building it.
I did start a video build thread on YouTube but I'm behind with editing them as I've been focusing on building
Haven't been on PH for ages but thought some of you might enjoy this thread with updates as and when.
Long story short, last year I did a trackday on my CB500S and had one of the best days I've ever had on track.
My then GF sneakily timed me (I know it's not allowed) and roughly based on the Thundersport GB times at their last Brands Hatch meeting... I wouldn't have been last on my standard road bike (though it was close) so a plan was born...
Over winter I've been slowly building my CB500 on a shoestring budget, with many parts being bought used. My ACU licence is done and the van is being packed today for the first round this weekend!
If you're local to Brands Hatch and fancy popping along this weekend then if you find me in the paddock, I'll stick the kettle on for sure
Time for some pics
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/eftDs1ca[/url]Tell me how much detail you want in the thread. Will aim to do brief race reports and will update the thread with some pics of mid build and the costs for building it.
I did start a video build thread on YouTube but I'm behind with editing them as I've been focusing on building
Best of luck
Don't forget to just enjoy it. So many people get really worked up over their first race weekend that it takes the enjoyment out of it
You'll be hooked after the first chequered flag, especially as it looks like Thundersport have booked some mega weather for you this weekend too
Don't forget to just enjoy it. So many people get really worked up over their first race weekend that it takes the enjoyment out of it
You'll be hooked after the first chequered flag, especially as it looks like Thundersport have booked some mega weather for you this weekend too
tfaced in the kentagon on Saturday night.Fantastic, I watch with interest, never went on track, tarmac that is But did have a couple of seasons of motocross in the eighties. I did spend many great days at brands and snetterton watching my mates race in the bemsee proddie races on 250 lc’s. Happy happy days and great memories. Stay safe and have a great weekend, weather is ideal.
Nice one, good luck
As for it being a shopping bike, I bet you'll learn a lot of race craft and progress well in a field of people on the same machinery.... It's a better starting point than just going and buying the latest and greatest power ranger mobile just to look good on Instagram. Plus you can afford to crash this a bit
As for detail, race reports, highs and lows, results sheets and onboard videos.
As for it being a shopping bike, I bet you'll learn a lot of race craft and progress well in a field of people on the same machinery.... It's a better starting point than just going and buying the latest and greatest power ranger mobile just to look good on Instagram. Plus you can afford to crash this a bit
As for detail, race reports, highs and lows, results sheets and onboard videos.
Edited by Yazza54 on Friday 25th March 07:51
looking forward to updatesCheers for all the well wishes folks! Really appreciate it
I can't link to my YouTube channel as the Mods get unhappy... But the channel is the same name as my username and you can see the stickers on the bike with the channel name
I'll respond to everyone properly when back on a PC.
Friday report -
Weather was mint for testing and we were the first session out.
I went out and really struggled with confidence and felt like I was not enjoying the bike and experience at all. No feel from the front end and felt like the rear tyre didn't have much grip. I put it down to the track still being cold.
Session 2 and more of the same. Tried building a little bit of speed but just didn't feel comfortable leaning the bike over. I was completely in my head and not enjoying riding at all! Had to keep telling myself to concentrate and not get caught up with other people thrashing past me left and right!
Chatted to a more experienced racer and of course he advised rechecking tyre pressures... They'd spiked slightly so dropped a few psi out the front and a couple out the rear.
Session 3 - bloody hell! It was like a new bike to ride! I was laughing, smiling, shouting at myself in my helmet about how much fun I was having! Bike felt really good and it let me feel good.
Getting blasted by grand prix 2 strokes whilst thrashing a bike in the sunshine will always be a great experience
Session 4- first session after lunch. Much the same as the 3rd session, enjoying myself and just making steady progress
Session 5 - gopro on the bike for a little bit of on board. Great weather, feeling good and the bike feeling good.
I tried creeping braking markers in a few places or letting of the brakes earlier to try and carry a little more speed
No idea if it worked but it felt good
shouting at myself to stop being a pussy helped.
Came in early to go through scrutineering and thankfully got a pass with no issues! Surprising for a budget built bike
Missed the last session as I didn't see any point in risking a crash through being tired and didn't think I'd learn much more.
Qualifying at 9:54am today
My first race is race 4 on today's calendar at 12:42 and my second race is race 14 at 4:22
Sunday is 12:10 and 4pm on the dot
You should be able to watch through TSL timing
Cheers
I can't link to my YouTube channel as the Mods get unhappy... But the channel is the same name as my username and you can see the stickers on the bike with the channel name
I'll respond to everyone properly when back on a PC.
Friday report -
Weather was mint for testing and we were the first session out.
I went out and really struggled with confidence and felt like I was not enjoying the bike and experience at all. No feel from the front end and felt like the rear tyre didn't have much grip. I put it down to the track still being cold.
Session 2 and more of the same. Tried building a little bit of speed but just didn't feel comfortable leaning the bike over. I was completely in my head and not enjoying riding at all! Had to keep telling myself to concentrate and not get caught up with other people thrashing past me left and right!
Chatted to a more experienced racer and of course he advised rechecking tyre pressures... They'd spiked slightly so dropped a few psi out the front and a couple out the rear.
Session 3 - bloody hell! It was like a new bike to ride! I was laughing, smiling, shouting at myself in my helmet about how much fun I was having! Bike felt really good and it let me feel good.
Getting blasted by grand prix 2 strokes whilst thrashing a bike in the sunshine will always be a great experience
Session 4- first session after lunch. Much the same as the 3rd session, enjoying myself and just making steady progress
Session 5 - gopro on the bike for a little bit of on board. Great weather, feeling good and the bike feeling good.
I tried creeping braking markers in a few places or letting of the brakes earlier to try and carry a little more speed
No idea if it worked but it felt good
shouting at myself to stop being a pussy helped.Came in early to go through scrutineering and thankfully got a pass with no issues! Surprising for a budget built bike
Missed the last session as I didn't see any point in risking a crash through being tired and didn't think I'd learn much more.
Qualifying at 9:54am today
My first race is race 4 on today's calendar at 12:42 and my second race is race 14 at 4:22
Sunday is 12:10 and 4pm on the dot
You should be able to watch through TSL timing
Cheers
Started circuit racing last year on a super tight budget. Best thing I've ever done as well as the most scary and intimidating thing I've ever done. First grid start and I was a bag of nerves but as the season went on confidence grew and so did my performance. Very difficult for anyone who hasn't raced to understand the pressure and intensity of racing on the big circuits and anyone who can / is interested in doing it should have a crack before its too late!
Good luck for the weekend!
Good luck for the weekend!
seismic22 said:
Started circuit racing last year on a super tight budget. Best thing I've ever done as well as the most scary and intimidating thing I've ever done. First grid start and I was a bag of nerves but as the season went on confidence grew and so did my performance. Very difficult for anyone who hasn't raced to understand the pressure and intensity of racing on the big circuits and anyone who can / is interested in doing it should have a crack before its too late!
Good luck for the weekend!
I get scared enough with a simple TD in the slow group, so would need nappies to even think about racing.Good luck for the weekend!
Had a look at the results, great progress in both finishing position and lap time from race 1 to race 2 mate you ought to be proud.
There's nothing quite your ever first race! I remember my first car race vividly, had so much adrenaline pumping my legs were bouncing on the start line
Can't wait to see some footage
There's nothing quite your ever first race! I remember my first car race vividly, had so much adrenaline pumping my legs were bouncing on the start line
Can't wait to see some footage
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