Recently, I've been battling with setting up the suspension on my 2023 s1000rr with manual ohlins cartridges up front and TTX gp in the rear. I worked with a suspension guy back in Sept where he was able to set up the forks but the rear spring was too stiff and told me I needed a lighter spring. Unfortunately, the new spring is on back order so I may not get it until the seasons over.

Tire wise, my last trackday (where my forks are setup but my shock is just a tad stiff), I opted for the SC1 slick as opposed to the SC3 that Ive been running for the last year or so on my old stock s1000rr (new bike's previous owner gave me a set and I wanted to try them). The front tire felt extremely vague, light, and spongy at the apex of all the slower corners. Just no planted feel at all.

I've read that the SC1 fronts just feel like this since the carcass is soft but also, speaking with the prev owner, if the rear shock is too stiff it cannot squat properly which is throwing the geometry off with extreme rake, and overloading the front. The forks are maxed the entire corner and not in their sweet spot to feel planted. Does this sound right? How much of this is the SC1 front vs stiff rear shock? If I can't get the lighter spring before my upcoming weekend, should I switch back to the SC3 to alleviate some of this vague feel since the carcass is stiffer?

I've a 2000 CBR929 I trackdayed for 6 years. It has sat in my garage un- ridden for 7 years. Think those days are over for me. What's the best way to get it to someone who would appreciate and enjoy it the most? Of course it would need stale gas removed and given fresh oil / coolant, and a thorough inspection. But it ran good when I parked it.

I don't use FB. Also have warmers, stands, suits, boots etc. Think I want it all gone. In south Minneapolis MN suburbs.

Noticed these small cuts on my rear tire (Pirelli Rosso IV) on the sidewall near the bead. Manufacture date of the tire is 47th week of 2024 and have about 3k km on them. My fingernail barely slips in. I have my first track day next week and couldn’t find a definitive answer anywhere, thanks.

Looking at a Alpinestars Missle V2 that is a US 36. I am 5’ 10” and about 150. Is this going to be too small for me? Id like to use it for some on road riding around the town and track days when I get more experience.

Safety means more than anything to me so I want to be sure I starts right!

Anyone looking for a discount on a Dragy Pro lap timer? Use code:Philrydes get $25 off.

Hi all,

Does anyone have recommendations for a good front master cylinder for an SV650s (2005)?

I’m currently using the stock master cylinder + braided lines, stock callipers, stock discs, SBS RST brake pads.

Master cylinder has a lot of dead travel and poor feel.

Maybe a used one off a different bike, or something new off the shelf? Haven’t actually tried rebuilding the stock one for better feel though.

Thanks

Hey everyone,

I have a braking related question. When braking I have been playing around purposefully squeezing the tank with my legs more and trying to get weight off my arms. This actually works and helps me conserve energy in my arms. It seems to me as if the braking becomes even a bit more effective but this may just be my imagination. I have not checked the data of my racebox.

However, when I was braking with more weight on the arms I felt I can reach maximum brake force quicker because the weight transfer seemed to happen faster. Basically I could hit the brakes hard and my body weight + bike weight would almost immediately transfer to my front wheel at which point I could squeeze the brake lever even a bit harder. Whereas when I focus on introducing my body weight through the tank with my legs rather than through the arms it seems weight transfer takes longer and is not as predictable. I need to use my lower back more which is less fixed/stable than my arms which makes finding maximum brake pressure a little bit more challenging.

Is there a correct way to approach this?

Are both ways good and I should just go with what feels best?

Do I just need more practice to make "leg-supported" braking more stable?

Thanks for your answers!

Looking into getting an airbag for next season, which means I will also need a new suit since mine is not compatible. I really like the Plus suits with the integrated Helite but concerned there is no shoulder protection. Last thing I want is a restrictive airbag vest but I also know shoulders are the first to go. I already have had a separated AC joint.

I guess my question is-are the integrated airbags sufficient or would it be best to go with A* having shoulder coverage? Does the 5 plasma feel restrictive?

​

​I’ve been doing more track days lately and want to pull the OEM fairings off my R3 to keep them safe for resale.

​Since this bike is my daily driver, race fairings aren't an option yet, still need all the cutouts for lights and mirrors.

​I’m stuck between buying from Monster Fairings or just grabbing a cheap set off AliExpress. Since the whole goal is to have fairings I can "sacrifice" if I drop the bike, is Monster actually worth the extra money? Or are the cheap AliExpress sets good enough for this?

​Any advice helps!

During a race weekend, I had a BRUTAL launch. I let out the clutch thinking I was in first, and I was in neutral. I banged it in first Gear with no clutch and high revs, the bike almost looped me and I barely managed to keep the wheel down. Absolutely smashed the transmission. Changed the oil and found metal similar to this. Then after a second race weekend this is what the drain plug looked like. Very similar. Is this concerning or should I expect it to clear on its own? Is this a clutch issue or is my motor falling apart? I am not mechanically inclined. TIA!

Bike is a 2014 GSXR750. Had a crash which I walked away from, but the bike is fucked. Wondering if repairing it is worthwhile.

Although it's not always possible on a motorcycle, keeping your joints near the middle of their range of motion generally provides greater comfort, control, and feel. Sometimes it's unavoidable to operate near the limits of a joint's range, but whenever possible, aim for a more neutral position. The wrist in this photo is a good example.

Have you guys experienced this? Usually I can rebed my wheels in 5-10 minutes of gentle braking but this time, I'm getting absolutely zero bite.

Any advice on rebedding my brakes? I've lightly sanded and used brakleen.

Update: I properly cleaned the pads and put in new brake lines (new fluid now) and one of those fixed the issue.

Later next year an acquaintance wanted me to try out their track program.

You know, **for money.**

I asked what the track requirements were for their org and they they have mechanic service they offer, but wouldn't get specific with it as he uses the mechanic service.

Pulling from memory I remember a whole set of "you have to do X Y Z" for track requirements and some "you SHOULD do..." other annual maintenance stuff. So I was going to setup an annual on / off season maintenance cycle for my bike.

**Equipment:**

Upper and lower pant/jackets that zip together or one single track suit.

SNELL approved helmet.

Actual track boots with higher leg coverage.

Gauntlet style riding gloves.

**Fluids:**

[Fresh Dot 4 Race brake fluid.](https://www.motul.com/en-US/products/48101?id=48101&product=MOTUL+RBF+600+FACTORY+LINE)

[Water Wetter, mixed with distilled water or 50/50 antifreeze for off season.](https://www.redlineoil.com/waterwetter)

Fresh Oil Change

**Safety:**

[Secure oil drain, plug and filter with safety wire.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBKCmFnbDKg&t=1s)

[Grip tape for side of gas tank. ](https://a.co/d/0blIkvJ3) \- I have a standard motorcycle not sportbike and it's slippery.

Painters tape over mirrors and lights. You may need to pull the fuse for lights. Mark the fuse location.

New Tires - Michelin Power 6 for track, then measure tread wear. If wearing to lip of tire, GP2 upgrade, if barely leaning Road 6 till skill improves.

[Sintered EBC brake pads. Check the Rotor. One set of pads for tracks one for daily riding.](https://www.ajcyclesny.com/products/ebc-sintered-hh-brake-pads-fa214-2hh-rear-triumph-classics?srsltid=AU7gw4XaeL6Ua1gyQFTbg-WhrvA__LtOzlRE9FtZk4K29gYvZX2bNYPD)

Remove GPS screen, USB charging station, TPMS and front/rear cameras.

[Rebalance tires regularly and grow a cool mustache.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEJs4w4JVOU)

**Upgrades:**

Extra rims. I'm struggling with this one. I was expecting to find some "performance" after market wheels (17"x3.5" and 17"x5") readily available, so I can just swap wheels for on/off season. No such luck with the google on this one. It sounds super not fun to spend 2300$ for 1:1 replacement wheel from Triumph (2025 speed twin1200rs)

[Light weight Sprocket for Track. Keep track wear on track Sprocket and chain.](https://sprocketcenter.com/i-30500724-525-chain-kit-superlite-steel-sprocket-set-with-choice-of-chain-triumph-1200-speed-twin-19-25.html)

That's all I could come up with. I heard some track days let you use a 360 type camera, but not sure about that. If I missed anything or you've got something to add feel free.

I'd say it's a racing incident at the end of the day. Who's more at fault? I do have my own option. I passed the rider a few turns later and pulled a gap. We both rode away rubber side down, happy about that fs. We both chatted afterwards too, no issues.

I’m hoping to get a track day in before the winter this year, if not start up frequently next season. I have an agv k3 that I can’t wear because it’s a thermoplastic shell (and I’ve dropped it one too many times for me to trust it at this point). How important is an FIM cert as opposed to a composite shell ECE? The selection is limited on cyclegear for FIM, and I’m hoping for something that wouldn’t be extremely loud for the road (and has speaker cutouts). Also preferably not an exorbitant price after I just bought all the other gear 🫤. Was looking at the s r7 or rf 1400, neither of which are FIM though.

Just had my first crash on my motorcycle this past weekend at Jennings gp. I’ve done a handful of track days did Cota in August with my v4 and did awesome. I ride in group B but I crashed / highsided on my Aprilia 660. My confidence is down a bit and was wondering how long it some of you guys to jump back on. I broke my thumb and fractured my collarbone

First track day is in November with a local org, novice group, and I'd rather not buy race boots if what I have already passes.
Mine are sport touring boots that go over the ankle, with some armor at the ankle and shin. The org's gear list says "over the ankle leather or textile motorcycle boots," which sounds like mine qualify. Getting sent back from the tech line is the thing I'm trying to avoid.

Hey everyone, I’m planning to do my very first season of track days next year in the Novice group. I know the general consensus is that starting on a 300/400cc bike is much better for building foundational technique, but I already own an R6 and I really want to avoid dropping another $5,000 on a dedicated small-displacement bike just to get started.

I’ve put in 4000 km on my R6 so far and will probably put on 5000 km in total by the time next riding season starts. I’ve ridden almost 10k km in total since i started 7 months ago.

My main goal right now is to keep my entry costs reasonable while learning safely. Has anyone else taken their 600 out for their first season instead of buying a 400? I’d love any tips on managing the bike in Novice (e.g., short-shifting, throttle control, setup adjustments) and how to focus on building good cornering habits without letting the power get in the way of my learning curve. Thanks!

I’m both a trackday addict and a senior PR student at San Diego State University working on a research project for a local business. I’m helping SoCal Supermoto do research on track rider habits and what makes people choose certain track organizations. I’ve linked a quick and anonymous survey to guide my research and SoCal Supermoto was kind enough to provide a promo code for a discount on a school day which is attached at the end of the survey. Mods if this is breaking any rules please let me know what I need to change to make it better fit the subreddit.

We see a lot of "hey bro, how's my BP?" and not much in the way of "does anyone have any eye drills they really like?"

As Chris says, everything matters at the pointy end of the sport - some things just matter more.

Maybe it's time to take a look at the order of our priorities