the bb trackday thread.
Discussion
Biker's Nemesis said:
Not seen you in a while, hope you're OK.
Hi John, thanks, yeah same old me albeit I've lost my bike mojo over the past 12 months or so - no trackdays for more than a year and down from 6 bikes to three, and not really done much on them, either.Thx for asking.
Sorry to disrupt the thread
Kev
Got back and for those that said it... Yes you're right it's given me my mojo back. Really enjoyed it and what a track. Lots of blind fast corners and adverse making it challenging at times
Took me best part of the first day on worn tyres from brands earlier in the year to learn the track. Put a fresh rear on for day 2 and started to push on my pace a bit
Bike played up a bit in the day with the starter motor jamming up from the heat. Cooled it down, some taps on the starter motor and it was all good again. My right crash bung for a second time vibrated out so I had no bolt on the right side engine mount - I know it was tight and loctited too as I did it!
Bike ran brilliantly otherwise although felt a bit down on power Vs the latest crop of 1000s. I can see how much they've moved forward in the 5 years since I've owned mine with 1-2 brands in particular very strong in power on the finish straight. I saw low 180s mph at best on mine before braking although it's a Suzuki so it's probably a real 160
Video here >>> https://youtu.be/cL5p3-kovPI?si=1dxDKlTEWkd5CM1r
It's not me flowing but I got better as the day went on
Took me best part of the first day on worn tyres from brands earlier in the year to learn the track. Put a fresh rear on for day 2 and started to push on my pace a bit
Bike played up a bit in the day with the starter motor jamming up from the heat. Cooled it down, some taps on the starter motor and it was all good again. My right crash bung for a second time vibrated out so I had no bolt on the right side engine mount - I know it was tight and loctited too as I did it!
Bike ran brilliantly otherwise although felt a bit down on power Vs the latest crop of 1000s. I can see how much they've moved forward in the 5 years since I've owned mine with 1-2 brands in particular very strong in power on the finish straight. I saw low 180s mph at best on mine before braking although it's a Suzuki so it's probably a real 160
Video here >>> https://youtu.be/cL5p3-kovPI?si=1dxDKlTEWkd5CM1r
It's not me flowing but I got better as the day went on
roboxm3 said:
What sort of times were you getting down do?
Day 1 afternoon 1.57-1.58sDay 2 morning 1.56-1.57s
Afternoon I felt quicker but didnt record and my leathers are still on the way back to download the data. I'd like to think I was in the 1.55s but I'm guessing and it might have just been a low 1.56 rather than high 1.56s which I got on the camera/download
Birky_41 said:
roboxm3 said:
What sort of times were you getting down do?
Day 1 afternoon 1.57-1.58sDay 2 morning 1.56-1.57s
Afternoon I felt quicker but didnt record and my leathers are still on the way back to download the data. I'd like to think I was in the 1.55s but I'm guessing and it might have just been a low 1.56 rather than high 1.56s which I got on the camera/download
Managed to fall off at Lydden Hill today. I think I was just a bit too enthusiastic coming out of the hairpin. Had a new rear tyre on (it wasn’t the tyre being fresh - I’d done a few laps the previous session and maybe half of this on it) and following several little moments in the first two sessions I was really looking forward to the rest of the day.
Helite vest did what it’s supposed to, but my right hand is really starting to hurt like buggery, which is quite disappointing.
Helite vest did what it’s supposed to, but my right hand is really starting to hurt like buggery, which is quite disappointing.
Just a low-side.
Probably needs a new tail piece and rear light, RH crash bung sheered off and bobbin mounting snapped off the swingarm, bolt and its mounting snapped off starter clutch cover. Plus the usual bits that get f
ked in a low-side.
Biggest nuisance though will be a lack of right hand for a few weeks.
Probably needs a new tail piece and rear light, RH crash bung sheered off and bobbin mounting snapped off the swingarm, bolt and its mounting snapped off starter clutch cover. Plus the usual bits that get f
ked in a low-side.Biggest nuisance though will be a lack of right hand for a few weeks.
Edited by Tribal Chestnut on Sunday 17th September 02:53
I was at donington yesterday, another frustrating day stoppage wise but at least it was cheap. First session was fine then before the second session there was a wait and the marshall went down the line telling everyone they're checking the track at Mcleans. Few minutes late and we're out and first time through McLean's I had a big wobble and in front of me someone was down. Could have been unrelated but it was pretty suss 
came back in, wait in the pit lane for rest of the session and then get told it'll be an early lunch and they'll start up again at 12. Third session on track and someone highsides out of Goddard's and apparently the bike caught fire and track was shut for another hour. Due to the missed time I decided to push a bit harder than I normally would and was running 1.50s with a best of 1.48 felt in a really good rhythm, like I was pushing but wasn't ragged was buzzing at the end of the day
came back in, wait in the pit lane for rest of the session and then get told it'll be an early lunch and they'll start up again at 12. Third session on track and someone highsides out of Goddard's and apparently the bike caught fire and track was shut for another hour. Due to the missed time I decided to push a bit harder than I normally would and was running 1.50s with a best of 1.48 felt in a really good rhythm, like I was pushing but wasn't ragged was buzzing at the end of the day GreaseNipple said:
I was at donington yesterday, another frustrating day stoppage wise but at least it was cheap. First session was fine then before the second session there was a wait and the marshall went down the line telling everyone they're checking the track at Mcleans. Few minutes late and we're out and first time through McLean's I had a big wobble and in front of me someone was down. Could have been unrelated but it was pretty suss came back in, wait in the pit lane for rest of the session and then get told it'll be an early lunch and they'll start up again at 12. Third session on track and someone highsides out of Goddard's and apparently the bike caught fire and track was shut for another hour. Due to the missed time I decided to push a bit harder than I normally would and was running 1.50s with a best of 1.48 felt in a really good rhythm, like I was pushing but wasn't ragged was buzzing at the end of the day
Yeah was a strange day people crashing all over the shop. I never had any issues through Mcleans. Seemed okay. 1.48 is not hanging about. 👍 came back in, wait in the pit lane for rest of the session and then get told it'll be an early lunch and they'll start up again at 12. Third session on track and someone highsides out of Goddard's and apparently the bike caught fire and track was shut for another hour. Due to the missed time I decided to push a bit harder than I normally would and was running 1.50s with a best of 1.48 felt in a really good rhythm, like I was pushing but wasn't ragged was buzzing at the end of the day GreaseNipple said:
I was at donington yesterday, another frustrating day stoppage wise but at least it was cheap. First session was fine then before the second session there was a wait and the marshall went down the line telling everyone they're checking the track at Mcleans. Few minutes late and we're out and first time through McLean's I had a big wobble and in front of me someone was down. Could have been unrelated but it was pretty suss came back in, wait in the pit lane for rest of the session and then get told it'll be an early lunch and they'll start up again at 12. Third session on track and someone highsides out of Goddard's and apparently the bike caught fire and track was shut for another hour. Due to the missed time I decided to push a bit harder than I normally would and was running 1.50s with a best of 1.48 felt in a really good rhythm, like I was pushing but wasn't ragged was buzzing at the end of the day
This is what has made me do less UK and more Euro. I did 1 UK on the GSXR this year and half of the day it rained/red flags came back in, wait in the pit lane for rest of the session and then get told it'll be an early lunch and they'll start up again at 12. Third session on track and someone highsides out of Goddard's and apparently the bike caught fire and track was shut for another hour. Due to the missed time I decided to push a bit harder than I normally would and was running 1.50s with a best of 1.48 felt in a really good rhythm, like I was pushing but wasn't ragged was buzzing at the end of the day 
First time at Brands Hatch on Monday. I'm starting CB500 racing next year so thought I'd test the bike out before winter to see if I wanted to change anything. It was perfect all day and I'm happy with how it rides plus I'm now addicted to Brands Hatch as it was mega fun with only 50hp 😂
Haven't been on track on a bike since 2017, but may be having another go next year, albeit road bike only, no warmers etc.
Saw some stuff mentioned on Facebook about No Limits struggling with low bookings and such, which is a shame. What's going on in the bike trackday world? Covid troubles, cost of living, or is interest just fading away?
The scene was very much on the up when I stopped.
Saw some stuff mentioned on Facebook about No Limits struggling with low bookings and such, which is a shame. What's going on in the bike trackday world? Covid troubles, cost of living, or is interest just fading away?
The scene was very much on the up when I stopped.
Pebbles167 said:
Haven't been on track on a bike since 2017, but may be having another go next year, albeit road bike only, no warmers etc.
Saw some stuff mentioned on Facebook about No Limits struggling with low bookings and such, which is a shame. What's going on in the bike trackday world? Covid troubles, cost of living, or is interest just fading away?
The scene was very much on the up when I stopped.
It's that lose of disposable income because Cost of living is so high. When with fuel tyres Day off it's maybe £600-700 for a Trackday it's a lot of money. Saw some stuff mentioned on Facebook about No Limits struggling with low bookings and such, which is a shame. What's going on in the bike trackday world? Covid troubles, cost of living, or is interest just fading away?
The scene was very much on the up when I stopped.
Pebbles167 said:
Haven't been on track on a bike since 2017, but may be having another go next year, albeit road bike only, no warmers etc.
Saw some stuff mentioned on Facebook about No Limits struggling with low bookings and such, which is a shame. What's going on in the bike trackday world? Covid troubles, cost of living, or is interest just fading away?
The scene was very much on the up when I stopped.
I have been thinking about this myself and I think it is a number of things. Would love to hear other peoples opinions on it as well.Saw some stuff mentioned on Facebook about No Limits struggling with low bookings and such, which is a shame. What's going on in the bike trackday world? Covid troubles, cost of living, or is interest just fading away?
The scene was very much on the up when I stopped.
- cost of living crisis
- cost of fuel
- cost of bike parts from service items to consumables
- track days costing more than they did before
- the weather hasn't been great this year, I think people want for the forecasts and by then the organiser cancels the day (not hating the organisers for this, I actually think it's a good thing they are thinking of the future)
- track days used to be about taking your road bike to a track for the day. You ride there, have some fun and then you ride home. Nowadays most people have track/race dedicated bikes, even in the novice groups I've seen. I believe this puts new people off due to denting their confidence.... this is definitely a thing for a few friends of mine that haven't done any track days.
I think it'll come full circle again, as with everything in life there are ups and downs so hopefully we can do track days for a while yet
Pebbles167 said:
Haven't been on track on a bike since 2017, but may be having another go next year, albeit road bike only, no warmers etc.
Saw some stuff mentioned on Facebook about No Limits struggling with low bookings and such, which is a shame. What's going on in the bike trackday world? Covid troubles, cost of living, or is interest just fading away?
The scene was very much on the up when I stopped.
Euros always seem popular/full and since we did our first 3 or so years ago, we're now looking to do a couple a year supplemented with a UK day here or there to fill the gaps. 3 days in the sun on a GP circuit with no noise restrictions Vs. 3 days of potential drizzle and ever decreasing db limits...I'll take Portimao, please...Saw some stuff mentioned on Facebook about No Limits struggling with low bookings and such, which is a shame. What's going on in the bike trackday world? Covid troubles, cost of living, or is interest just fading away?
The scene was very much on the up when I stopped.
roboxm3 said:
Euros always seem popular/full and since we did our first 3 or so years ago, we're now looking to do a couple a year supplemented with a UK day here or there to fill the gaps. 3 days in the sun on a GP circuit with no noise restrictions Vs. 3 days of potential drizzle and ever decreasing db limits...I'll take Portimao, please...
I've done 6 trips to Portimao over the years and 4 have been a washout.DeanAngell1234 said:
I have been thinking about this myself and I think it is a number of things. Would love to hear other peoples opinions on it as well.
- cost of living crisis
- cost of fuel
- cost of bike parts from service items to consumables
- track days costing more than they did before
- the weather hasn't been great this year, I think people want for the forecasts and by then the organiser cancels the day (not hating the organisers for this, I actually think it's a good thing they are thinking of the future)
- track days used to be about taking your road bike to a track for the day. You ride there, have some fun and then you ride home. Nowadays most people have track/race dedicated bikes, even in the novice groups I've seen. I believe this puts new people off due to denting their confidence.... this is definitely a thing for a few friends of mine that haven't done any track days.
I think it'll come full circle again, as with everything in life there are ups and downs so hopefully we can do track days for a while yet
Yep pretty much this all over- cost of living crisis
- cost of fuel
- cost of bike parts from service items to consumables
- track days costing more than they did before
- the weather hasn't been great this year, I think people want for the forecasts and by then the organiser cancels the day (not hating the organisers for this, I actually think it's a good thing they are thinking of the future)
- track days used to be about taking your road bike to a track for the day. You ride there, have some fun and then you ride home. Nowadays most people have track/race dedicated bikes, even in the novice groups I've seen. I believe this puts new people off due to denting their confidence.... this is definitely a thing for a few friends of mine that haven't done any track days.
I think it'll come full circle again, as with everything in life there are ups and downs so hopefully we can do track days for a while yet
I've done almeria and portimao this year and got plenty of track time. By last day can ride out with mates in group below just following them round and generally having a laugh without a typical UK track day organiser saying no or giving me a third degree
I did one track day in the UK on my GSXR... It rained over half the day
Did 2 on my little 250 and again it was spitting on and off
I'm just fed up with the online briefing, then another all in a room, red flags, weather and costs. Putting more my time back in my racing instead and euros
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