the bb trackday thread.

[LoonR1]

obscene said:

It was fairly safe and at least in the novice/inters and inters group, all the passes done on me were VERY clean. Including the one random guy who was on a race bike in inters? Strange that but when you come past me with your elbow down and it's a super clean overtake, crack on son!

I enjoyed the day to say the least

Interestingly I'd say the opposite. Remember the highest group was Inters so nowhere for the quicker riders to go to. I thought the standard of riding was pretty poor. Not react rack riding as I expected to see that, but people virtually stopping entering corners and waving their knees at the ground.

The other one is that they'll have ridden there and barrelled along a dual
Carriageway at 100+ quite happily, yet were scared to break 100 on the straights. Weird.

There were a couple of riders that I overtook two or three times in a session.

I'd say expect a low standard of riding akin to a Novice day and you'll not be too far wide of the mark. It's
Not a criticism of them, as they all need to learn track riding and that's fine and I shouldn't have been on the day

[curlie467]

mckeann said:

No, it was later than that. Alex, Mackenzie definitely wasnt telling you to do what you were doing, you have misunderstood.

From what i saw in that one session, at a couple of different places, he was braking, releasing the brake and turning in, and before he got to the apex, he would crack the throttle, then chop it, then crack it, then chop it.

Aah gotcha. This is it, just sort one thing at a time!

[gwm]

LoonR1 said:

Not a criticism of them, as they all need to learn track riding and that's fine and I shouldn't have been on the day

You wouldn't go again then?

[moanthebairns]

curlie467 said:

mckeann said:

No, it was later than that. Alex, Mackenzie definitely wasnt telling you to do what you were doing, you have misunderstood.

From what i saw in that one session, at a couple of different places, he was braking, releasing the brake and turning in, and before he got to the apex, he would crack the throttle, then chop it, then crack it, then chop it.

Aah gotcha. This is it, just sort one thing at a time!

He said once he's off the brakes he's right on the power. He brakes into the apex then out.

I think the difference is, I aint braking all the way to the apex (plus I'm st), and in a rush I think, well I've done my braking I should get right back on the throttle now. Result, sits bike up, harder to turn in, resulting in, ah fk I'm now running wide, come off, go on, come off repeat the accident waiting to happen for the next corner. Actually scratch that, I wasn't thinking I've just been doing it so long I never even noticed.

Within 1 lap it was clear what I'd been doing wrong, it was more slow in fast out after that, and only apply the throttle when I know I don't need to take it off again.

[curlie467]

moanthebairns said:

He said once he's off the brakes he's right on the power. He brakes into the apex then out.

I think the difference is, I aint braking all the way to the apex (plus I'm st), and in a rush I think, well I've done my braking I should get right back on the throttle now. Result, sits bike up, harder to turn in, resulting in, ah fk I'm now running wide, come off, go on, come off repeat the accident waiting to happen for the next corner. Actually scratch that, I wasn't thinking I've just been doing it so long I never even noticed.

Within 1 lap it was clear what I'd been doing wrong, it was more slow in fast out after that, and only apply the throttle when I know I don't need to take it off again.

Its nice though that he has spotted you doing it and has helped you sort it even though you didn't know it was an issue!
To be honest I don't brake to some Apex's, sometimes I'm just off the throttle and brakes and coast to the apex, I know its wrong but its all a learning curve until you are comfortable until its second nature.

[LoonR1]

gwm said:

LoonR1 said:

Not a criticism of them, as they all need to learn track riding and that's fine and I shouldn't have been on the day

You wouldn't go again then?

No. I fancied trying my road bike on track just to see how it compares. I prefer my trackbike, not least as I can ride it harder without worrying about doing a £20k bike in.

The riding is more consistent in Fast Group too and I prefer that to riders being all over the place. It's nice to feel like Bradley Smoth at Suzuka, but it's a false feeling as it doesn't give you a gauge of your riding and more importantly it's likely to slow me down as I got lazy on the day.

[gwm]

LoonR1 said:

No. I fancied trying my road bike on track just to see how it compares. I prefer my trackbike, not least as I can ride it harder without worrying about doing a £20k bike in.

The riding is more consistent in Fast Group too and I prefer that to riders being all over the place. It's nice to feel like Bradley Smoth at Suzuka, but it's a false feeling as it doesn't give you a gauge of your riding and more importantly it's likely to slow me down as I got lazy on the day.

Fair enough. I'd be tempted to take my R on track just for interests sake too, but feel exactly the same (just at different money levels).

[curlie467]

gwm said:

Fair enough. I'd be tempted to take my R on track just for interests sake too, but feel exactly the same (just at different money levels).

You ready to upgrade to Mckeanns ZX10 her Gareth?

[moanthebairns]

curlie467 said:

moanthebairns said:

He said once he's off the brakes he's right on the power. He brakes into the apex then out.

I think the difference is, I aint braking all the way to the apex (plus I'm st), and in a rush I think, well I've done my braking I should get right back on the throttle now. Result, sits bike up, harder to turn in, resulting in, ah fk I'm now running wide, come off, go on, come off repeat the accident waiting to happen for the next corner. Actually scratch that, I wasn't thinking I've just been doing it so long I never even noticed.

Within 1 lap it was clear what I'd been doing wrong, it was more slow in fast out after that, and only apply the throttle when I know I don't need to take it off again.

Its nice though that he has spotted you doing it and has helped you sort it even though you didn't know it was an issue!
To be honest I don't brake to some Apex's, sometimes I'm just off the throttle and brakes and coast to the apex, I know its wrong but its all a learning curve until you are comfortable until its second nature.

Yup, whatever the reason (probably due to me miss interpreting advice) I was doing it all wrong I've learnt now. I could do another 1000 laps around knockhill and I wouldn't go any faster, I'd just assume that I had reached my limit and I am st. I had came to terms with this.

I didn't think it would make a difference when he told me but its huge, its so much more relaxed, before I'd think I cant possibly brake later or go round that corner quicker, now I'm left thinking, I can brake later and more into the turn and go quicker without feeling like I am going to bin it if I push. I'm not going to be setting the world on fire with my stness but the bike doesn't go from loaded at the front under brakes to upright during the corner. Very happy.

[FartKong]

LoonR1 said:

No. I fancied trying my road bike on track just to see how it compares. I prefer my trackbike, not least as I can ride it harder without worrying about doing a £20k bike in.
The riding is more consistent in Fast Group too and I prefer that to riders being all over the place. It's nice to feel like Bradley Smoth at Suzuka, but it's a false feeling as it doesn't give you a gauge of your riding and more importantly it's likely to slow me down as I got lazy on the day.

That's exactly what I was getting at. Oh well it should still be fun and for the price we thought it was worth trying out.

[gwm]

curlie467 said:

You ready to upgrade to Mckeanns ZX10 her Gareth?

Definitely not. Having that shot of Loon's RR really showed how intimidating riding a 1000cc bike on track is. I ain't ready for that

[moanthebairns]

I'd have it but I just set my fking sag up for the Daytona

[MotorsportTom]

Keep meaning to reply to these but consistently forgetting!

hebegb said:

Top lad : Motorsport Tom and his mates - they all had a great day - big happy smiles and group photo sessions going on as we were leaving - and good of BN to drive down from Northumberland with the Mrs to come and see everybody and give some help and advice to others while he was around on a day off

Likewise, Great to meet you!

It's the first time I've been on track with a load of mates 1 of which is going to NZ in 4 weeks so gotta make some memories!

obscene said:

Good to meet you Tom! I would have come down to talk again but the guys in my garage packed up and gave me their wrist band to allow me into inters so I got 2 sessions in the last hour. Some seriously quick boys in that group. My hornet was no match!

Again was good to chat with you too, no problem! I found myself struggling to talk to everyone in my garage let alone any more

Biker's Nemesis said:

Me and loon met Motorsport-tom today, what a nice "young man" he is.

I pissed myself laughing at this and just have again

Was ace to meet both of you and I definitely echo what's been said before. You're much bigger, angrier, scarier and more horrible in person.

You were both gents and it's a shame I didn't get to get some proper advice of you, nevermind I'll just have to drag myself and the blade to another day!

Had a thoroughly brilliant day, very lucky with the weather and I'd recommend a road bike day to anyone who hasn't done many/any as it's certainly less daunting imo. Some of the riding was a bit iffy but that's been no different to the other days I've done.

Was very satisfying rinsing the 899 pani repeatedly.

Me and 2 of my mates seemed to be fairly close to the top of the group and I don't care if it's being big headed! I've got a bigger willy and I wave it twice as hard so there.

It's certainly made me consider keeping the blade as a nice weather/track tool... WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?!

[mckeann]

George29 said:

mckeann said:

Seeing as I've been right about everything else, you should listen to me about buying my ZX10R. You know I'll give you a great price

Whats the spec and price of the ZX10? I'm tempted to move to a 1000cc for next year.

Early 2012 zx10R purchased via Colchester kawasaki thought rhe kawasaki race program. So no V5 or warranty but all original numbers intact.

Ktech DDS cartridge forks
Ktech DDS35 pro shock
Original Ohlins steering damper revalved

Engine blueprinted by Ray stringer
Arrows full system
Power commander
Translogic quick shifter
Reflashed ecu. 200bhp when refreshed, done about 20 Trackdays since.

Usual track fairings, clip ons, rearsets, QAT,

Brembo HPK calipers
Brembo M/C
Brembo Z04 pads

There is probably loads of other stuff that I've forgotten. The bike was converted into a race bike by Colchester kawasaki for its first owner, who did a few endurance races with hottrax on it. Then I bought it for Trackday use.


Only reason I'm thinking about selling is that I bought another zx10 to have a UK and a euro bike but I'm not doing enough UK days to warrant the expense. Other bike is potentially also for sale, but it has nova gearbox and kit ECU. Not fussed which one I keepbut think it'll be easier to sell the cheaper one. It's not like I have a favourite.

Spare wheels included (worth 1K)
Spare fairings included (worth £300)

Looking for 8.5K but open to serious offers

[mckeann]

If anybody is interested I can take some photos and I'll throw in a free training/familiarisation day at a UK Trackday

[redback911]

First time at Cadwell today. Awesome.

Bit damp in the morning but a lot of fun when it dried out. Loved the "mountain", only time I have been actively been encouraged to wheelie on the track and in front of marshalls. Nuts.



Not nearly as good as Biker's Nemesis, but learning... :-)

[redback911]

redback911 said:

First time at Cadwell today. Awesome.

Not nearly as good as Biker's Nemesis, but learning... :-)

Just found these, bloody hell.

[rat840771]

summer is coming to a close and time is running out.

I've been looking to do one further track day and it appears most dates are fully booked with MSV and NL or dates are limited.

With the exception of Focused event at Silverstone, does anybody have any experience with FE, how do they compare to NL and MSV?

[Yoda400]

rat840771 said:

summer is coming to a close and time is running out.

I've been looking to do one further track day and it appears most dates are fully booked with MSV and NL or dates are limited.

With the exception of Focused event at Silverstone, does anybody have any experience with FE, how do they compare to NL and MSV?

Only my opinion, and based on a few years ago, but:
No Limits - really friendly, well run, can't think of anything I'd change other than chrono determining who goes in which group (though it's hardly the organiser's fault when people book into the wrong group).
FE - sometimes use chrono I think (I stand to be corrected here) which is useful. The few days I went on with them had a very stern briefing talk, a very black flag-happy bloke in charge (though I heard he's left), but the instructors were amazing. The FE day at Cadwell was amongst the best trackdays I ever did.

Someone else can describe policies on last lap, in case they've changed, but with NL it used to be balls-out until you turned into the pitlane, whereas FE had a no overtaking on the last lap, which was irritating at a long circuit where you could get stuck in traffic for a few miles just as you'd found a rhythm.

[Sebo]

rat840771 said:

With the exception of Focused event at Silverstone, does anybody have any experience with FE, how do they compare to NL and MSV?

I've not had any issues with FE and have had good days out when I've used them. The pre TD briefing is a bit OTT for me when compared with NL's but that's their approach Not used MSV.