Doing the trackday on the 21st. Any suggestions?

[JJ]

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.

[Ratfink749]

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. 

[JJ]

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!

[kingbaby]

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.

[Ratfink749]

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.

[Cloner]

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.

[kingbaby]

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

Brakes are slow.

[Zaster]

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

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

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

Same here

[JJ]

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! [moto]

[Ratfink749]

+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.    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. 

[crat996]

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.

[Cloner]

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!

[Ratfink749]

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

[DucDog]

Ratfink749,

Thanks for posting the video.     

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

[crat996]

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 . So I don't have to risk the Duc.