I'm thinking of doing some races this year in the SE region. I would like to know if it would be smart for me to race. I've done some trackdays last year and loved it, and think the competition of race would make it even better. I currently have a 03 Buell XB9R, with pirelli diablo corsa tires. I would like to race as cheap as possible since it would be my first time and I know I won't be the fastest. So..could I race with my stock bike and tires and not be a nuisance to the other racers?
I wouldn't skimp on tires... No point in compeating without some good rubber.
Get in touch with Buells Henry , crap, can't remember his last name for a belly pan, get some DOT approved race tires and take a good racing school. The speed will come.
I'm sure PJ or someone here knows Henry's last name. I think it's Duga maybe?!
QuoteI'm thinking of doing some races this year in the SE region. I would like to know if it would be smart for me to race. I've done some trackdays last year and loved it, and think the competition of race would make it even better. I currently have a 03 Buell XB9R, with pirelli diablo corsa tires. I would like to race as cheap as possible since it would be my first time and I know I won't be the fastest. So..could I race with my stock bike and tires and not be a nuisance to the other racers?
You should race. Track days are fun, but they don't compare to the thrill and challenge of all-out racing.
Racing with a stock bike is fine. The XB9 has great stock suspension (make sure you adjust it properly).
Don't skimp on tires. Buy fresh new DOT race rubber.
You'll need a belly pan. You can order one from Buell's racing manager Henry Duga (henry.duga@buell.com).
You'll also need to safety wire a few things. Oil drain plugs and fill cap. Oil pump bolts. Saftey wire a hose clamp to the oil filter to keep it from turning. That's about it.
Your bike will be most competitive in Lightweight Supersport (since you'll still have the stock airbox and filter). But you can also run LW Superbike, LW GP, GT Lights, SuperTwins and Thunderbike.
Have fun. If you have more questions, feel free to PM me.
Let's go racing!
You will wonder how much gonna make you faster.
Buell is fine. Smooth, powerful and awesome in the turns.
The Diablo Corsas is fine tires too. I never had problem with them. Don't worry, they gonna give you enough grip. Just make sure the tires dont be worn too much.
Good luck with your racing carrier!!!
I agree that the Diablo Corsa is plenty good for a beginner but I would want them to be fresh. Before your first race or track day put on new rubber. Most tracks are course enough that a good street tire is fine when you are starting out. Find your local speed shop and LISTEN to what they recommend. Also, support your local shop. They typically provide a ton of support both in parts and advice.
Don't even think about hitting the track without having a competent suspension tech set up your bike.
Tires, bellypan, and safety wire your bike. Set up the suspension and try it out! I also race a XB9. I didnt even do a trackday with mine before I raced it. I just set it up and went with it. I really like racing LT compared to middleweight myself.
Andrew
thunderracing191@hotmail.com
How much is that belly pan for the XB9R? Just trying to add up the costs for what I have to do to the bike yet, so the wife can budget it in. And where's the best place to purchase the Pirelli supercorsa pro tires? Thanks!
QuoteHow much is that belly pan for the XB9R? Just trying to add up the costs for what I have to do to the bike yet, so the wife can budget it in. And where's the best place to purchase the Pirelli supercorsa pro tires? Thanks!
Been a long time since I purchased a belly pan, but I think it was around $100, depends on dealer mark up too, since Henry will need to sell it to you through a dealer of your choice.
Purchase your tires from a trackside vendor. You'll want and need their support.
On suspension, IMO there's not much need for a tuner unless you deviate from the stock suspension. The stock Showa stuff is fully adjustable (although there's no ride height adjustment on the stock shock). Use the track suspension settings found in your owner's manual. Unless you're a heavyweight (like me @ 200lbs.) the stock stuff works great.
Thanks for your help Paul. I'll probably use my corsa's at least the first time racing, I'm not expecting to be at the front and win. I just want to enjoy the race and see how it goes. My suspension, I'll keep stock for now it's plenty good for my 165 lbs. and skill level. I've used the set up the I found in Buell's Fuell mag. I think that Shawn Higbee can up with. It worked for me as far as I can tell. Thanks again, your a big help.
Matt
Check with the Pirelli guys at the track for the correct tire pressure settings. Set cold and adjust for rising temperatures through out the day. Assume you won't have tire warmers, so watch the out lap and first lap of the race.
Yes, use the suspension settings that Shawn developed for track use. Set and forget.
A few more tips...
Buy a set of Buell frame pucks if you don't already have them. It's also a good idea to carry spare brake and clutch levers, footpegs, shifter/linkage and rear brake lever. I've seen guys tip a bike over in paddock or lowside in practice and be done for the weekend because they didn't have spares and couldn't find any at the track.
Another thing you might consider purchasing is a set of Nissin race kit pads (from Henry). The stock pads are OK, but the Nissin race kit pads have more initial bite and better feel. If you're really on a tight budget, just go with the stock pads, but make sure you have plenty of pad depth to start the weekend.
Use fresh high-octane, non-reformulated pump gas. Do NOT use race gas. It will burn up the EFI's O2 sensor and cause all kinds of problems.
Change your oil before the race weekend and check oil level regularly.
Have fun. And welcome to the addiction...
As a tire alternative, the Michelin Pilot Power Sports are very, very good. I tested a set in 2004, and I was shocked that they were really designed to be for track day and street use. Used them for three days...my school, practice day, and practice during race day. I could race on them. Longevity and consistency of traction seems to be better than some of the other alternatives. That was my experience, and the experiences of some track day guys that I turned on to them.
Any motorcycle dealer that gets parts from Parts Unlimited, a huge motorcycle industry supplier, should be able to get you what you need almost immediately.
Never skimp on traction.
QuoteI'm thinking of doing some races this year in the SE region. I would like to know if it would be smart for me to race.
Yes, it would be smart for you to race. Take the advice given on suspension and tires. Take a look @ a track day that is specific for racer's; VRS or CSS. Get yourself into shape too. The cardio aspect can be pretty intense when the adrenaline get's going. Have fun and good luck.
Where do you find the Fuell mag?
I was thinking of using the brake pads from EBC, I've read that they were good, at least better then stock.
Trust me I'm in shape I run marathons and I workout just about everyday. And the Fuell mag I get by being a member of BRAG a Buell owners group.
I think I decided on doing the Learning Curves riding school before the April CMP race. One question on that, will all the races be on Sunday or some of them on Saturaday? And could I pre-enter for the races or would I have to do the school and then just sign up for races after the school?
Don't know about SE but Midwest CCS would not let me enter the Saturday races when I did LRC at Gingerman last October. You register for the Saturday races before the class is over so you will not have your certificate in time for registration. Have fun!
QuoteI was thinking of using the brake pads from EBC, I've read that they were good, at least better then stock.
The EBCs are OK. I ran them for one season. IMO the Nissins have better feel. They also last longer.