Ducati Monster Forum

I am planning on doing the Moto Authority trackday on the 21st. This will be my first so I am trying to figure out what I need to bring with me as far as supplies. I scored a $1300 set of 2pc Dainese Ducati Corse leathers at Laguna for $330. I have all of the gear that I wear. What kind of supplies do I need to bring for the bike or me to be comfortable and have fun at the track?

I'd recommend.....

An EZ-Up or similar awning for shade
A chair or two (never know when you'll have guests, but you'll definitely want a seat when you're not on the track)
A spare t-shirt (for the drive home, driving home wet sucks)
A cooler full of water or you favorite sports beverage.  Staying hydrated is CRITICAL to having fun throughout the day
Glass cleaner and a microfiber or soft cotton cloth (or an old sock)
A couple of extra pairs of ear plugs
A hat to wear between sessions (don't wanna sunburn your scalp)
Sunscreen....enough to reapply after lunch
Something lunchy (unless Steve is supplying lunch....the food sold by the track is pretty poor IMHO)
A 5-gallon container of fuel (it goes pretty fast at a pace)
A spare quart of oil
An air pressure gauge
A tank full of compressed air (if you have one....remember, you'll want to set your tire pressure a little softer than you're used to on the street....exact pressure depends on your particular brand of buns, but I'd start around 28 as a blind guess and work down for some tires, especially Dunlop race rubber, some of which runs best under 20)
Tools if you're desperate....but if you wad you're done, so there's really nothing to fix.  Maybe some basic hand tools to fix any minor issues that might come up...but they won't.
Did I mention plenty of water?

I'm sure I'll think of something, but that's a heck of a start.

At Sandia, heat is the enemy and you'll want to spend maximum effort in fighting it.  Keep cool...keep protected from the sun both by shade and sunblock...and stay hydrated.  Get out of your leathers between sessions to help you cool down, and drink more water than you think you should.  Remember, if you're not peeing, you're not drinking enough.

If you start to feel your mind slipping, stop riding.  It's not uncommon for riders to leave before the last few sessions because they've had enough, so don't try to be Superman.  You know whether or not you're in shape to go fast.  If you're not, then don't....that's when accidents happen.

I'll see you out there.  I'm supposed to work a corner for the track day, but I may try to ride if SMRI intend to race in the reverse direction again the following Sunday.

Well damn, thats about as good of trackday advice as I've heard.  I'll be out there riding it as well.  My friend who's coming with me is also a trackday virgin.. I think I'm on #5 or 6... Its addictive like crack, so be prepared to want more when your done!   [moto]

Put blue painters tape on your lights, signals etc. Not that the stuff isn't floating everywhere out there, but never hurts to have it. Oh, and sack the mirrors if you can. They love to brake off at those RPM's

From the SMRI website.. Their guidelines:
http://www.smri-racing.org/docs/trackdayguidelines.pdf (http://www.smri-racing.org/docs/trackdayguidelines.pdf)

One more piece of advice. 

SMRI doesn't allow riders in the "beginner" group to pass on the inside until after the apex of a turn.  This is LESS of a handicap for passing than you might imagine, so don't let it discourage you from signing up for that group.  I've ridden with you, Craig, and I believe you'd be fine starting in "intermediate", but if you're more comfortable in the "beginner" group, then that's where you should start.  Most of the folks in the "beginner" group are either track newbies or folks who KNOW they're slow. 

If you try a group and feel like you're having to work too hard to pass safely on the outside and that you're legitimately faster than most of the others in your group, then just ask to be promoted to the next group up.  If you're obviously faster than the rest of your group and the closing speeds are VERY high, the corner marshals will ask to have you moved up for safety.

If you sign up for the "beginner" group and want a little instruction there's a free class available to show you the racing line and such.  If you've never been on track before, that might be worth your time, too.  They ask you to follow a "control rider" around the track for the first couple of sessions at a VERY slow pace, but if you're looking to get comfortable without complications or ego getting in the way it's a viable option.

Stay safe, above all.  Nobody wins a trackday, so ride well!

Thanks Scott. That's a lot of good advice. Some stuff I probably wouldnt have thought of. I definitely will start with the newbs because I have never been on the track before so a little help with the line would be good. I probably wil move up after that. Most of that stuff I have except for the EZ up. I might rent one from base for a few bucks.

Tire pressures are really that low??

How do mirrors fall off?  ??? Not saying they don't. I just wouldnt think that would happen.

If anyone has anything else, throw it out there.

Thanks,
Craig

I'm not sure he meant "they love to brake off at those RPMs".. but They should be taken off.  Either that or taped over.  Taking them off just gets them out of the way and subtracts from the list of things that will need to be taped off. 

Tire pressures on some Dunlop slicks run in the teens.  I run 28/28 on my race bike.  I run 30/28 on my Supersport for track days and 32/32 on the street.  The numbers published on the sides of your tires are for max loading, not for max grip.

They're not worried about mirrors falling off....they're worried about them breaking when you wad.  It's hard to clean up shattered glass and hard plastic, so they ask you to tape over your mirrors, headlight, tail lights, turn signals, and reflectors if you have them.  Similarly, antifreeze is notoriously difficult to clean up so some organizations ask riders to remove all antifreeze from their cooling systems and run pure water or water plus "water wetter", which is a water additive that improves heat transfer but evaporates readily with the water if you wad and split the radiator, water pump housing, or another coolant bearing member.  SMRI doesn't demand that.  

In fact, the track day requirements here are quite easy to comply with.  I don't know why more local folks don't take advantage of it.  Back in the Southeast we paid through the nose for track days.  Here, a track day with an advanced ticket is $70.  At Talladega Grand Prix Raceway, Roebling Road, Jennings Motorsports Park, Carolina Motorsports Park, Summit Point, or Nashville Raceway they're usually $125 to $150.  At Barber and Road Atlanta they're always $200 plus.  We've got a local bargain going, here!

If you can rent an EZ-Up cheap, then do so.  If not, I can arrange a loaner but I have to have it back for the raceday on Sunday.

Well, lucky me. Geuss I'm the only guy thats been hit by someone elses mirror when it ejected itself at a track day. so, yes, I meant break, or rattle, or whatever. Hit me right above my right wrist...hurt like hell.
Bottom line, if it doesn't make your bike go, turn or stop... Take it off.
Have fun, you're gonna love it.

 [thumbsup] Scott great advice! Thanks! I'm gonna try my best to get those tickets and show up for my first track day...For a change, I'm in town! I'm hoping we will see you there as I would love to get advice on the first day...Now, lets hope they have tickets!

Let me get this straight.....KB is riding along at the racetrack, turning blistering laps on his way to an eminent MotoGP contract at Team Fiat.  He's heeled over with a knee on the deck and is looking through the turn and fully expects to lap some poor unsuspecting poser at the exit when, out of the blue, that sorry SOB threw his mirror at MY KB!!!   >:(  Gawddammit!!!!!   >:(  Let me find this turd sucker and he's D-E-A-D dead! >:(

Only you, Keith.   ;D

I'd tend to agree with Keith...though for a different reason.  If you wad, all of those pretty things...mirrors....signals....lights....fairings.... are expensive to replace.  If you don't need it, ditch it.  Besides, mirrors are a distraction at a pace, anyway.

Uh...yeah...hello, it was all over the news.
Fact, was at the track in Deming, which is make the beast with two backsin awesome track. big fast & smooth. There is a straight that seems to go on forever, and just as I ducked in to pass entering the corner, I heard him down shift through three gears & dump the clutch, then...BAM! here came the hand grenade.
Our track, probably not a problem, unless you go around in first gear the entire time.

Just take 'em off.

I'll have to do for now without EZ-up's (expensive crap!) and some sunscreen! Natural tan in my case helps!  ;) My bills are up already preparing for the track day, but all worthwhile investment...Got a digital pressure gauge, compressed 125psi capacity air tank, chain lube, chain clean, two chairs, painters tape, tools, etc...

I'm running an OEM Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa 120/70 and Pilot Power single compound 190/55. What tire pressure should I start with for each? Like I said, I'm bringing a tank to compensate. I ride usually with 32/32 or 32/34. That works for me on street...I'm riding with the beginners as I have no track experience...If I get too excited and start speeding [evil], I'll bump myself a level.

Now, here's a find! My rear brakes have nothing called "bite", found it at an uphill light today. I never use it, but do I have to take care of it? The fluid is full and I know nothing further!

Thanks!

I'm running Bridgestone's (BT003RS) at 30F 28R for the track. Since it's a race weekend the tire guy might be out there, He might be able to give you a more brand and model specific pressure to go with.  As far as the rear brake, They'll more or less preach that you dont use it on the track as much as possible. (At least they did when I was in the beginner class) I would think if the fluid is full, the pads are good and it "works" you should be okay to tech.  OH and for what its worth, the cheapest EZUP's I've seen are $80-$90 at WalMart (when they have them in stock that is..)  Costco's 10x10 was like $190 IIRC.. 

Thanks! Since, I live in Santa Fe, not sure if I can run it up through Shanon @ PJ's before track day...As you said, I do not/cannot use it as my foot is positioned such on the pegs...I'll try to read up a bit on the rear brake adjustments, there is a workshop manual somewhere in the garage.

It doesnt grab the rear rotor at all? Has it been bled?  I know they normally offer "next to ZERO" stopping power on the road, but "Absolute ZERO" is another story.  Is the pedal hard when you press on it or squishy?  I'd offer up "brake hose kink" but its pretty damn hard to kink a SS brake hose.  It could be possible that it got a large enough air pocket in it to render it useless.  If you'd like I have some DOT4 and a vacuum bleeder I can bring with me to the track if you'd like to try and bleed it out. 

I asked my boss, who is good with this and he suspects bleeding problem as well! There is some stopping but after it goes all the way through touching the fairing! It is squishy. I'll use your help on track day if I cannot get it sorted. I have bled brakes on my old bikes, but I have always been scared to touch the Ducati's for fear of screwing it up! Thanks again!

JJ, About half the 1098/1198 owners have basically zero rear brakes. and I mean zero. as in, you feel the pedal bottom out when you step on it hard (check out PJ's "R" next time you are at the shop). Mine work as well as most fronts, which is good, seing as I do use both ... kinda' (Showed equal wear front & rear when I changed the original sets @ 14.5K & still had 30% left all the way around) . 
Altough, "They" say, You shouldn't use your rear brake...Whoever the make the beast with two backs they are.

I do understand the Monsters have supurb rear brakes, as demonstrated @ DITR.

I'm bringing my box of tools with me, I'll make sure to have the bleeder and fluid with me either way just in case.  If anyone else needs anything and I can help, I'll be more than happy to lend a hand or a wrench.

At tech they'll simply apply the pedal and see if it's firm or mushy.  If it's mushy they'll probably ask you to bleed it and come back through tech.  The only requirement is that it work.  There's no requirement for proper adjustment.

For your tech inspection, the inspector will stand in front of the bike and apply the front brake.  He'll then compress the front suspension to make sure it doesn't leak like mad.  He'll turn the yoke all the way left and blip the throttle to make sure it doesn't bind, then to the right and repeat.  Then he'll look around the bike for leaks, taping of lights, reflectors, and mirrors.  He'll check tire condition, chain tension, and the rear brake.  He'll check to make sure your helmet isn't beat to crap, so take it with you to tech.  You don't need to take your leathers, boots, or gloves to tech.  He'll stick a sticker on the front of your bike and on your helmet so that the guy at pit-out knows you're OK to ride and you're on your way.  The whole process usually takes about 45 seconds.

I don't use the rear brake much, either, for what that's worth.

then He'll do the Hokie Pokie... Cuz that's what it's all about.

Brakes are slow.

+1 on both....my monster rears got me in trouble before...disabled my 1098 rears for the first six month I had it.
Same here

Whew! What a perfect day! Was a blast...so much fun and I'm in beat up dead, but survived it! New tires, now looks like it came of a shredder...Thanks Scott, Ed for coming to help and cheer and Craig for great riding company! Need to work out and get in shape now...barely had any strength to even brake on the last round...till next time folks! [thumbsup] [moto]

+1 to that!  Today I had an absolute blast!  Yes, there were what seemed to be a LOT of injuries and crashes.  My first 2 sessions were cut short by people going down.  My friend and I both had successful sessions out on the track.  He started in beginner and after 2 sessions and being meatballed, he moved up into the intermediate group.  I started in intermediate and stayed there.  In the afternoon  sessions with the heat and everything I had to monitor myself, after 5 or 6 laps I had to call it good and come in early.  Brain started wandering and concentration was breaking. "STOP STARING AT THE DAMN TAR STRIPS!"  The new layout was a lot of fun, forced me to do some more shifting than I was used to.  The shredding of the tires made me feel like more of a badass even though I know its pretty much normal for track riding.  [thumbsup]  Good seeing everyone out there today!  Hope to do it again soon!  My friend took some pictures, but I'm not sure if I'll get copies of the pictures or not. 

I too had waaay too much fun. Now I think that I am gonna have to start doing these more often. I knew I was going to get hooked. I want to say thanks to Scott for taking time this morning to walk the track with me and show me the "lines." That really helped me a lot when I got out there. I started in the newb group for the first few sessions. After that, I couldn't take it anymore and moved up. It was cool hanging out with JJ. He was good company. Hope to get out next weekend and ride some more.

Well, if my opinion means a hill of beans, I have to say all three of you represented the NMMR extraordinarily well!  Wayne got the hang of the new section faster than nearly anyone else on the track, JJ was his typical lean-it-over self, and Craig was silky smooth to the extreme.  It was a pleasure to watch you gents ride, and I'm VERY glad none of the day's shenanigans involved any of you. 

For reference, that was the ugliest day I've ever seen at the track as far as number of crashes was concerned.  There were no fewer than five red flag events that required ambulance response, and several other off-track excursions and even more close calls.  I went to a Vintage Racer's BBQ Saturday night and the topic came up several time throughout the evening.

I don't know what the deal was, but LOTS of people, including the expert who hit another expert and got a loopy trip to the hospital (one of three who was transported), who were simply trying to ride faster than they were comfortable doing.

I'd ride with any of you three gents any time you're ready, without worrying about you riding over your heads.  Cheers to you all, and I hope you all had an excellent day!

I guess I must have looked better than I felt as far as the new section was concerned.  In the afternoon sessions I actually felt like I had a plan going into the new section, I knew what to look forward to.  Then the heat kicked in, by brain kicked out, and I cut all of the afternoon sessions short.  Better safe than in the back of the bus like all of the others that day!  

Note to self: do more squats with weights or something.  Sunday morning my legs did NOT want to cooperate with me.  Ibuprofen to the rescue!  

Thank you for the kind words Scott, Its always good to get some feedback from an actual person and not just looking at my tires and sore legs trying to figure out what I can do better.  

Stole this link off of the SMRI forum, and I think its gonna start the video at the end of the session when a guy wrecks.. but back at the beginning of the video, on the far left, you see me in all of my "stay behind the fast people" glory!  lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWxl46jc060#t=5m50s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWxl46jc060#t=5m50s)

Ratfink749,

Thanks for posting the video.     [thumbsup]

It was a nice "tour of the track" with a surprise at the end. 
 
 

Thanks for the compliments Scott. I think I might have to sign up for the next one on the 12th. I totally enjoyed myself. I am in the process of possibly finding a bike for the track only [evil]. So I don't have to risk the Duc.

(http://home.comcast.net/~hotrod408dodge/DSC00765sm.jpg)

The lone picture of me...  Guess its better than none at all!  Damn that bike looks good!