Survived my first ever track day.

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KMY

Joined
Nov 4, 2013
Messages
523
Location
Bay Area
It was a ton of fun and long over due!

Not the ideal day since it was cold and the track was damp for a bit. 4-5 guys went off track throughout the sessions which I guess is normal? Had standing water in certain sections so couldn't push too hard, but the v4 was sublime and forgiving.

Felt comfortable in the B group. The track is 2.5 hours away so I won't be doing this frequently, but it was great fun and learned a lot about the bike and my riding.

Lean angle and body position and pace I felt were acceptable for my first time and track conditions but obviously a ton to learn. Have a habit of pushing my knee out rather than down and I have no idea why I'm not gripping the left bar with all fingers (totally subconscious since I never use the clutch!), but overall a great day.

These v4's are amazing machines. Felt good just to get out there.

Kevin

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It was cold out there and I need to work on being smoother at corner exit, but for you pros out there what if anything does this tire wear tell you? There were 2x the number of left corners vs right. Normal or do I need to change set up or tire pressure or just get better on the bike? Maybe all three! :D

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Nice job, Kevin!

Looks like Thunderhill?

I bet you'll be back for more. Track days are pretty awesome.
 
Wow great job. I would have thought with all of the cool bikes you own you would have spent more time at the track. That tire looks pretty normal for THill, that track tears up rear tires.
 
Nice! Planning on doing one in April. I used to do a lot on my RC51 when I was way younger, so will do intermediate group, have fun, and not worry about lap times.
 
Sherpa23 said:
Nice job, Kevin!

Looks like Thunderhill?

I bet you'll be back for more. Track days are pretty awesome.
Click to expand...

Thanks man. Yep it was Thunderhill. 3 mile circuit. It was definitely fun to get the bike out in it's natural habitat.
 
Desmolvr said:
Wow great job. I would have thought with all of the cool bikes you own you would have spent more time at the track. That tire looks pretty normal for THill, that track tears up rear tires.
Click to expand...

Yeah it's a shame I've never been out before. It's not easy for me to pull away with work and family, but I'm glad I did. The Speciale was a great choice for my first time. As my skill improves I'd like to get some of the others out there. Even the older (less safe!) bikes.
 
dflowerz said:
Nice! Planning on doing one in April. I used to do a lot on my RC51 when I was way younger, so will do intermediate group, have fun, and not worry about lap times.
Click to expand...

I think that's the right approach. That was my mindset too. I felt like i was pushing enough but not overdoing it. My priority was first and foremost to keep the rubber side down and secondly to experience and explore some of the bikes potential and my own which I've never been able to do on the street. I think it was a successful trip.
 
youngR said:
Congrats and great job. I plan to hit Thunderhill in October with Carters. Join me
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That sounds like fun! Would be great to bring the R to the track. By October I should be properly acquainted with it.
 
KMY said:
I think that's the right approach. That was my mindset too. I felt like i was pushing enough but not overdoing it. My priority was first and foremost to keep the rubber side down and secondly to experience and explore some of the bikes potential and my own which I've never been able to do on the street. I think it was a successful trip.
Click to expand...

I wonder how long you are going to keep up that hypocrisy :)

Lap times matter! And if you are not improving at least you know you are doing something wrong.:confused:
 
Glad you enjoyed yourself Kevin. Congratulations on getting bumped up to the B group.
Next time you go do it with nicer weather, but not too hot.
I'm hoping to be able to come down for October to ride with yongR but with the new job the vacation time isn't there. I will still try though. Would be great to ride with y'all.
 
Twistedracer said:
Glad you enjoyed yourself Kevin. Congratulations on getting bumped up to the B group.
Next time you go do it with nicer weather, but not too hot.
I'm hoping to be able to come down for October to ride with yongR but with the new job the vacation time isn't there. I will still try though. Would be great to ride with y'all.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all your advice man. Your pics back in 2017 on the Panigale R are what got the ball rolling for me regarding track time. Had to give it a try! If you make it out here definitely let me know!
 
Once you go track, you always come back. LOL
From here on, just think of it as the best place to spend your money. It helps when you think of all the other ways you could spend it.
Joy isn't always cheap. :)
 

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