Ducati Monster Forum

Well, I finally signed up for my first track day. It's at Thunderhill on September 8th. My g/f will be there, too, for her first track day. We'll be riding in the C group of course and Pacific Track Time has a 20 min introductory course in the morning that we'll be attending. Here's the link to the date https://www.pacifictracktime.com/pttcart/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=158

If anyone wants to help us get our Motorcycles ready (Monster 695 and Ninja 250) when the date gets closer, or share any advice for a smooth first time we would definitely appreciate it. I have bookmarked a couple of pages describing what needs to be done and what to bring with us, but additional input never hurts.

Also, if anyone happens to be attending that same day (or would like to) it would be awesome to meet up.

Good luck and have fun! [thumbsup]  Have you arranged transportation to and from the track, and do you have all your gear?

We have all of our gear. Well, our custom suits should arrive within another week or two, but we've given ourselves this extra month of buffer space to be sure they arrive in time.
As far as transportation goes, we're still trying to figure out whether to rent trailer, van or a pickup truck. We'll need a ramp either way. I also need to go out and buy some tie-downs. I have a stand for my Monster but my g/f doesn't have a stand for her Ninja yet.

Sounds good.  Try out your gear for a few rides beforehand so that it has a chance to break in and you can make sure the fit is good.

I'd recommend driving up the day beforehand and spending the night so that you are well-rested in the morning.

Here's other things to check / bring:
- tire condition / tire pressure (bring a pump and gauge with you so you can easily adjust pressure if needed)
- take off mirrors
- disconnect  / tape over headlight, taillight / brake light, turn signals
- change out the coolant in the Ninja for water with Water Wetter
- tape over wheel weights
- bring extra tape and some tools
- ear plugs for sure
- food and water for the day (they do have a snack bar there but it's good to bring stuff)
- shade is useful
- notebook / pen to take notes with
- money (cash / credit cards) for paying for suspension adjustments, pictures

I'll be there the week before for the Fast Way Around T-Hill School...

Too bad I'll miss you guys...

The 20 minute introductory is good, but seriously grab an instructor first thing in the morning... because just like PTT website says, C group for them isn't a Novice group, it's Intermediate; however, there are lots of Novice paced riders it's just kind of up to you to make sure you grab an instructor first thing in the morning and get the teachers.

You'll have fun for sure, enjoy!

Here's PTT Checklist Too: http://www.pacifictracktime.com/checklist.php

Thanks, msincredible.


I emailed PTT a few weeks ago and told them about my level of riding experience as well as my girlfriends and they strongly urged us to go ahead and sign up for that date. I didn't know that I would have the opportunity for individual instruction. I'll definitely do that if I can.

Yeah they have plenty of instructors and you and your GF can do paired up with an  instructor as well.

If Corey Call ask if you want to do a two up ride with him make sure you have an extra pair of underwear. He passed me with a girl on the back of his bike like I was standing still and carried about 40mph more speed then me into the Turn 1 S's at RFR... I was going about 100mph. :D

I can do the track prep stuff for you, if you want. Some folks opt to just tape over everything, but taking off all the fragile bits is really the best way to go.
1. You don't have to replace 'em because you crashed on 'em.
2. If you do crash, you won't leave a debris field across the rack and put others at risk.

Drop me a line if you want me to prep 'em for ya.

I had planned on just pulling out a few random fuses, but I think your idea is best.  [laugh]

Hey, you know suspension... Is there anything I can do to my stock rear spring? I know my front is a lost cause.

My .02:

I don't recommend PTT for a first track time experience...of course the price is going to be right, but...
if you do go, I would really reccomend finding an experienced rider who can show you the ropes...even tow you around the track.

You can PM me if you want details.

Hrm. PTT seemed to think everything should be fine. I've already ordered our passes. I definitely plan to have an instructors help and I've been putting my feelers out to find someone else who's going who could do exactly what you recommend (tow around the track). Thanks for the warning.


So we're going to book a room at a hotel for the night before, that way we don't have to make a crazy long drive the morning of. We can just make our way up there leisurely early on.
As far as towing, has anyone used one of these uhaul motorcycle trailers? http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.aspx?equipment=towing-motorcycle
They look to me like they might be just too small to comfortably fit two bikes...

Come up early on sunday, we'll be racing all day with the AFM.

BUMP.

So the date is nearing and I have pretty much everything reserved that I need to except for a truck. Has anyone rented a truck from Uhaul to take two motorcycles to track before? I originally wanted to get a trailer but that's out of question now because my car can't have a hitch attached without cutting the bumper and exhaust. *lame*
If I rent a pickup, ramp and tie-downs should I just expect that the pickup has hooks and handles in the right places to get these bikes tied down properly?

Also, I will now in fact be there the day before so that my g/f and I can check out the AFM racing.

Duckwrench, are you still up for helping us get our bikes set up for track time soon?

I've never done it but I did see two people with UHaul rented trucks at the track this weekend.

Only thing to be cautious of is that they are F150's and are a pretty good elevation up. So if you're not used to loading bikes into the back of a fullsize truck that could pose a problem (dropping) for you. Also when you go to get it make sure it's got plenty of tie-downs. I had to install a center of bed tie-down point on my truck to be able to haul two bikes at a time.

You might be able to borrow the ramp and tie-downs from a member here or buy them and make a little investment for later.

Is it possible to fit two bikes into the back of an F150?  Seems tight.

Getting the bike into and out of the truck isn't that bad.  Just be sure to have help.  DO NOT DRIVE IT INTO THE TRUCK.  You'll also need a step stool beside the ramp.  Stand on the clutch side and have someone push from behind, step onto the stool and then into the truck.  Pretty easy really, just take your time.

Remember, a slower track day without a crash is much more fun than your fastest track day that ends in a crash ... trust me on this  ;)

I agree with duckwrench13 about removing things rather than taping.  If you do go down, it is better to avoid the PITA of buying and replacing all those little bits.

bring some comfy chairs for the downtime between sessions.

Have fun and take it easy at the track!   [moto]

Yup me and sid did it the other day... I've seen two bikes in the back of a tiny Toyota!


OMG +1 on this.


Way easier with help!  If your driveway is sloped put the rear wheels in the gutter (truck blocking the street) and load using the slop to reduce the height of the tailgate. Works well especially for me loading alone.

Don't forget to take the keys to your bikes!  Seriously, it happens all too often .

I don't think it was mentioned above and it seems like common sense now, but having an empty gas tank will make loading and unloading the bikes much easier.  Obviously, you'll have to fill up when you get there though. 

You should be able to fit two bikes into most trucks.  It seems that the key is having two bikes with different height handle bars. 

thinking about what I do getting myself to the track makes me want to drop everything and go immediately!

damn this thread  [bang]

I'll be at T-Hill September 1st-2nd :D

Success!

I have to thank Duckwrench13 for his help getting Sarah and myself prepared for the day. W/out you, getting there and feeling confident in our machinery would have been a constant worry. I also have to thank Chuck Leca for giving us both tons of tips in the paddock and for switching to C group just to tow us around.
As far as getting to the track, we were able to borrow a Subaru WRX wagon from my girlfriends coworker and we rented a trailer with a ramp, tons of spots for tie-downs and two wheel chocks for 25$ from Joe Frietas.

Here are a few shots of my girlfriend and myself on our first track day:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2842456780_a2d41531d5_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2841620183_c6de6aac5c_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2842399434_860ae59768_b.jpg)

are those Tilt leathers?

Cool Chuck is a great guy. We've had a battle or two on the two-fiftys.

Yeah, we both got custom TILT leathers. They really seem like the best way to go. They seem to be made really well and mine definitely fits better than any off the rack suits that I tried. Not many have been crash tested, however.

congrats on a successful track day :)

Congrats!  Sounds like a blast.  Chuck Leca is a great guy to hang out with and even better to race again.  I'm glad you found him to help ya out. 

Luck was on our side yesterday. We just happened to set up our stuff right next to one of the nicest people on the planet. His EX500 just happened to quit working for him (fueling issues perhaps) and there were small enough groups that he was able to switch to C group and really help us out. Just talking to someone so knowledgeable and so willing/capable to explain what we should be doing boosting our confidence made the day about as fulfilling as possible. By the end of the day (after Dito stopped taking photos of course  [laugh]) I was beginning to have much better posture and therefore stability and speed through turns that had been giving me the stink eye all day. I can't wait to go back out again. Maybe this time I'll ride with Zoom Zoom on the same track.