First track day.

I'll be taking my 07 VFR out to NJMP tomorrow so if anyone is around I'll be on the red white and blue rat ride VFR. I have the old body on from when I dropped it in my garage last year heh. I lightened it up by removing the center stand, Leo Vince CF exhaust, removed the passenger pegs and also have a nose piece on with no head lights or turn signals, just duct taped the holes. I've read a few posts here about tracking a VFR. Opinions sure vary, but there's one thing that I am sure of. As I stand right now, the bike has FAR more capability than I have skill, I've never been to a track day. As time goes on and my skill increases, who knows. I do just love the V 4 engine though so I guess an Aprilia RSV4 if all goes well hehe No matter how tomorrow goes, I sure enjoy working on that bike and fiddling with this and that. I always believe it's a good idea to know your ride as best as you can. It may make the difference between you fixing it to get home or sitting waiting for a ride.

Haven't been to the track in years, but it's on the radar for this year! Have fun and keep he rubber side down.

Jimguy,
Let us know how it went.  I'll probably never see a track on my VFR, but would still like to read how our machines perform in (more or less) ideal conditions.  Thanks.

So?  How did it go?


I've done several trackdays on my 03.  It is not and will never be the ideal machine for the racetrack.  However it's much more capable than some people think.  And in a lot of cases, including mine, the bike is more capable than the rider.  And no matter what, it's still the safest place to go fast and see exactly what your machine can do.

Ok I've been to two track days now. One at NJMP and one down at VIR. For me for now the bike is fine with a few things I've noticed as a new track rider. The pegs are a bit low so I drag my toe sliders more than I'd like. The linked brakes make the back end want to jump out when you're in a fast turn and trying to break for a second apex. If anyone is interested you can catch a helmet cam video at you tube and look up Jimbo at VIR. At the end of that run my tires were just used up and I was getting almost no grip and also notice two bikes in the grass on that last lap. There's also one of me at NJMP which was my first day. I cannot believe how much I've learned and how much I don't know after a couple track days.

Bug's got you now, man! I did my first trackday last season and have been to 5 since. It's addictive! The VFR holds its own on the track just fine. The only two shortcomings I've had with mine are lack of power on the straights and a tendency to run REAL hot. I've tried to remedy the first with a -1 front sprocket and a Power Commander. The bike feels REAL strong now, so hopefully it'll finally get me that little extra oomph I've been looking for. As for the heat, well, I've come to the conclusion that if it's too hot for the bike, it's probably too hot for me, too.

Anywho, as to your peg issue, you may want to try leaning off the bike a little farther. If you lean off farther, the bike won't need as much lean angle. It'll also keep you on the fatter part of the tire, which means your tires will wear better AND you can get back on the power that much faster when you're coming out of the corner. As for the issue you had with the linked brakes, can't help you there. I've never had the bike do anything but stick, but then again I try to do all my braking when straight up and down.

Mike

I did a track day on my Katana, great times and highly adictive, $$ permitting they can become habit forming.

[image: View Post]Jimguynj, on 08 April 2012 - 09:35 PM, said:

If anyone is interested you can catch a helmet cam video at you tube and look up Jimbo at VIR. At the end of that run my tires were just used up and I was getting almost no grip and also notice two bikes in the grass on that last lap. There's also one of me at NJMP

Awesome vids, The only problem with them is you need at add "vfr" to the tags so  they show up on VFR searches :fing02: .

[image: View Post]woobie, on 09 April 2012 - 11:03 AM, said:

I did a track day on my Katana, great times and highly adictive, $$ permitting they can become habit forming.
It's pricey to get into (gear, tires, transportation to/from the track), but once you get past the initial stage, it's not too bad. Bang for the buck, it's about the most fun you can have IMO. I used to autocross for kicks, but ever since my first track day, I haven't been back. $100-$150/day for a few hours track time (vs a couple runs at MAYBE a minute each) and no obligation to work the course? Sign me up!

Mike

I took my 2005 to NJMP last year as well for the first time.  Worked great, understanding what it is and what it isn't.  Only real complaint like you mentioned was the linked brakes.  One time after passing someone and not braking in a straight line, the back end stepped out enough to cause me to abort the turn and go straight off, other than that had no issues.

Four trackdays with mine and I decided I needed a change.  Don't get me wrong, the VFR is a fantastic machine.  However it isn't what I need for the track.  I experienced nearly the same issue as twitte with the linked brakes and ran off at Jennings.  Trailbraking a little harder and later than I had before, it started an oscillation from front to rear that forced me to stand it up and go straight off.  I rolled right back onto the track and continued the day, but I'd found the limit of what I could do with it.  So, the VFR is going back to street duty where she belongs and excels.

I've always enjoyed surprising some folks with just how quick a VFR can run at the track, and I probably will still do the odd day with it from time to time.  But wth the old, tracked out Mille R I just got, it won't happen very often.

I appreciate all the input and feedback. Thank you guys. I will also keep your tips in mind. I'm still new to track days and I'm the only VFR at them LOL!!!

Awesome! I am doing my first day May 12-13 at Summit Point. I picked up an older track ready ZX6RR to save the VFR from an unknown fate (didn't even consider the linked brake issue). Especially after reading threads like this, I can't wait to get out there!

[image: View Post]Jimguynj, on 11 April 2012 - 09:42 PM, said:

I appreciate all the input and feedback. Thank you guys. I will also keep your tips in mind. I'm still new to track days and I'm the only VFR at them LOL!!!

Another trackday junkie being birthed..... :tour: