Posts Tagged ‘ motorcycle track days ’

6 Steps to Prepare Your Sportbike for a Day at the Track

April 3, 2011
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Because the track is not the street, we have come up with a several recommendations for making your track day more successful.

We would love to hear your raceday bike tips

Motorcycle Technical and Preparation:

Headlight and Blinkers – Tape over your headlight, tail light, turn signal lenses and any reflectors.  Remove your mirros.   We also recommend taping over your speedometer; it will only distract you. Painters tape works best.

Bodywork:

Tighten down all the bits; double check the bolts and screws.  This means check everything before flight!  So don’t overlook your mirrors, turn signals, horn, etc.  It’ll make the bike safer for everyone on the track.

Lights:

Before you get on the track you’ll need to disconnect the headlight and the brake light.  The heat generated from the bulbs could “bake” the tape on – ugh…

Tires:

The facts are simple when it comes to tires.  Street tire pressures will be fine if you’re running street tires and not riding beyond their engineered purpose.  Consult with your dealer on the type tire you are using for accurate pressures.  Tires really make a difference on the track; we recommend the Michelin Power One for track day use

Apparel – Safety and Protection:
Wear a quality leather riding suit, full gauntlet leather gloves and sport riding boots.  Two-pieces leathers that zip together and one piece leather suits are perfect.  No mesh products (gloves, jackets or pants) as they present too much liability.

Helmet:

Full face helmets are the way to go; certifications such as D.O.T. and Snell are good.

Spine:

Highly overlooked by all riders; use a back protector, they are worth their weight in gold.


Komodo Gear’s Rider Spotlight Alan Phillips

February 28, 2011
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The 2010 season is surprisingly over already and one to put down in the record books. This past season had its ups and downs but was definitely my most progressive in many different ways. I learned a lot this season about more than just riding, I learned about my bikes and suspension and how to give better feedback to my sponsors and suspension tuner Jim Cambora (Raceworx). Not only did I learn how to go faster and how to give better feedback but I met and made so many new friends this past season that helped me remember why I race, Its not only because of the speed and adrenaline rush but its the fun and people in the pits that make it such a good experience for anyone.

At the start of the 2010 season I came in with high hopes and dreams. It took me longer than I thought it was going to take for me to learn how to ride my 2008 r6 and even longer to learn how to make myself comfortable.

The first race of the season was a wet one and I ran DOT tires in which most of the top dogs were on rains and my results weren’t to the standards I was hoping for, putting me farther back on the grid for the next round than I would have liked. As the season progressed I moved myself higher up in the points and started getting more comfortable on the bike which is the big key in going faster. It wasn’t till about the 8th round of the 10 round series that something really just kicked inside my head. I had always been the one who was patient and “too nice” on the first lap to where my great launches off the line turned into letting everyone by in the first turn and having to play catch up the rest of the race. I finally just told myself going into the 9th round that I needed to just go for it on the first lap and not hold back and just keep moving forward from there. One problem which was really the only downside of my season was that Saturday of round nine I raced in the endurance and ended up high siding and landing solid on my shoulder straining my Sterno claveclier joint, it could have been worse but my Komodo K-FX suit saved me from any severe damage. The crash ruined my hopes of a top 5 finish in my classes in round 9 but it didn’t keep me from wanting to try harder in round 10. The last round of the season was one of the best I’ve had all season. The few weeks prior I had sent my bike to Jim Cambora who had ideas on changing the whole geometry of the bike to try and make me as comfortable as possible and to try and make me drop 2 seconds from the previous time we were at the track earlier this season. When I first rode the bike on Friday practice we had small issues that we needed to work out but I was feeling real confident on the new setup. Come race time Sunday I was ready to go and had the most determination I have had all season and went out and already met my goal of going 2 seconds faster and carried that through the rest of the weekend. I was very happy with my results from the last few rounds and have a very good feeling about the 2011 season and have set some goals in which I intend to achieve.

All in all this past season was more than just and very progressive season but it was also a very fun year and a very good experience.  Id like to thank a few people because with them this season would have been possible, would like to thank my Mom and Dad, David Roy, North Texas Superbikes, Dunlop tires, Komodo gear for keeping me safe and stylish all season long, Jim Cambora (Raceworx), Tony Ta (house of paint Designs), Andy Castaneda, Lonestar Trackdays, and all my friends and friends I’ve made this season for making it one of the best seasons I have ever had. I’m looking forward to next season and its time to start training hard so that I can start the season off as strong as possible.

-Alan Phillips-
CMRA#62


Motorcycle Track Days – Where it All Begins!!!

November 6, 2010
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Track days are “where it all begins!” This is where you actually get a chance to ride on a real race track! Track days are becoming quite sophisticated these days. You have real instructors who are truly knowledgeable about tires, chassis, gearing, suspension, apparel, etc. Gone are the days where the local race track is hosted by a promoter. The owners are typically ex-racers themselves, which offers a great advantage since they know the learning steps from street to track. The track day will have instructors with hundreds of hours of track time from either instructing or from racing. Either way, they know how to go fast! That’s why you’re there.

It’s a learning process where if you don’t listen and apply yourself, you’ll soon learn the hard way, “crashing”. It’s a process that only takes a couple of times to remind you, this stuff is serious and can be expensive – it’s up to you.

You’ll be surrounded by literally dozens of other riders who desire to learn how to rider their bikes fast and also refine their riding skills. It requires class room time (which is actually fun), investment in the bike and in proper safety equipment. Neither of these core fundamentals can be overlooked or taken for granted.

If you decide that you want to continue to learn and refine your skills, you can always take private lessons from professional racers such as Ty Howard at Typhoon Motorsports. Ty has instructed hundreds if not thousands of riders and has groomed many club racers to the next level – the AMA.

After a few private lessons, you’ll know if you want more. Once you realize MORE is what you want, then the natural choice is to join a racing club. One such racing organization is the CMRA. What’s unique about the CMRA is that it has produced worldwide motorcycle road racing legends – such as Ben Spies, Nicky Hayden, Colin Edwards, Kevin Schwantz, Ottis Lance, Doug Polen, John Haner, Ty Howard, Sam McDonald, Ricky Parker, etc. As you can see, this in not your average racing club! This is THE racing club, which is located in Texas that continues to shape and mold some of the most talented racers on the planet who progress into the professional and world ranks.

As you can see, track days are a fantastic way to get the experience you really want on your sport bike. There is no better or safer way to learn how to ride fast and competently than through a well run track day.


Motorcycle Racing Leathers Customer Testimonial

November 5, 2010
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Customer Testimonial of Komodo Gear’s Motorcycle Racing Leathers.