A newbie, how much prep is really needed?

[TZDeSioux]

Jagr is Korean ???

No.. but Jim Paek is :) I was kidding about Jagr.. :D I saw a Bob Probert at a bar once... I think I can kick his ass!

[Gixxer124]

Sorry lbk! I'll move this to the beer thread. Brian?

[lbk]

Thanks for the move, and the comments. I notice you say you HAVE TO HAVE race tires, is that regulation or recommendation?

Also what is the price difference and longevety between a sticky set of street tires, and race tires?

[KBOlsen]

Street tires are made from a compound designed for long wear (they are "hard").  Race tires are made from a softer compound designed to allow for maximum traction (they are "soft" and "grippy").  Not all race tires are "slicks" - most do have a tread pattern.  All have wear indicators similar to street tires.

Race tires are susceptible to heat.  Over time, they will begin to harden - and become less sticky.  Therefore, you will go through race tires much faster than the tires on your streetbike.

[Bernie]

I was shocked at how much brake fade I got on my first weekend when I tried to use street pads and stock brake lines and old brake fluid.  No question about it in my mind, I would upgrade the stuff up front brake-wise and definately get race compound tires.

[Baltobuell]

 When you get to the track, see the Perelli guy and let him set you up. It'll be worth it. But I'd get a steering damper (it can save your butt) and by the 2nd trip I'd get EBC pads. After that look at suspension. Power is last on any list if your looking to get fast and the first newbie error.

[Super Dave]

What you don't need;
1.Suspension mods


 Also I'm a real tightwad.

Ok, someone NEEDS to straighten this out.  Suspension is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.  The motorcycle must fuction.  If it is unable to transfer weight correctly, it will not slow down, it will shake (why people buy steering dampeners first), you will be unable to control the motorcycle correctly.  By using race tires, which have a higher operating temperature, you will be using a front tire with a "70" aspect ratio.  That will raise the front end up.  That moves the center of gravity of the bike (BCg) rear ward.  

I could go into issues of swingarm angle etc.

But, if the bike doesn't work right, you will just work with what you've got.  You'll crash coming out of corners because of the way it reacts accelerating.  You'll struggle with riding faster, but not tell anyone because you think that everyone else has the same problem.  Additionally, many of the braking problems are related to this issue.

I use stock pads on my bike until they are done, then move on to a set of DP Brakes, or what ever I'm using that year.

I work with riders at my school at many different levels.  I can make the stock suspensions "work" a little better, but they are not right.  Only a replacement rear shock can give you adjustable ride height and some better dampening.  Having the forks done by a shop that actually does road race forks, like Traxxion Dynamics or one of its Axxion Centers.

A good school can help, but that's a shameless plug.

I hope that helps a bit.  

[ysr612]

race tires are recomended they are as cheap in the long run cheaper if you count body work saved.

[Gixxer124]

Dave, I know someone who won 2 National Championships with stock suspension, stock gearing and no engine mods. (Exhaust only)  :P I'm just saying, don't spend $1000, only to race twice and quit or be so slow that you can't even get close to the stock stuffs limt. There's enough time between race dates to upgrade midseason if needed.

[sdiver68]

Someone is getting in way over their head with the stock suspension thing  :o

How about this, KC, why don't you first run a decent aftermarket set-up, and then see if you go back???

You know as well as I you won't.  And even if you CAN name someone who won a national championship on stock (which could be done if he/she weighed 130 lbs or less, maybe, since getting the correct springs is a large part of the aftermarket), I can name 100+ who use aftermarket suspension and would NEVER go back.  

Don't mean to bust on ya so hard, but this stock suspension thing is getting out of hand.

The question as to what is REALLY needed depends on what you plan on getting out of the season.  If you are happy running mid-pack AM, and being lapped in endurance races by the leaders, then bring your street tired, safety wired and sharkskinz GSXR, take all the schools and practice days you can,  and have at it.  But, you will eventually find race tires, ss brake lines and race pads, steering damper, and aftermarket suspension nescessary.  The only question is will you find out the hard way???

[Baltobuell]

 Now that we've all sufficently scared the crap out of this guy. I want to remind him, CCS is just alot like a track day. The big difference is you get a finishing position with guys that have done it before.  So don't be too hard on yourself,  don't worry too much, keep a smooth line and a level head. You'll be fine and you'll have a blast.

[Super Dave]

Dave, I know someone who won 2 National Championships with stock suspension, stock gearing and no engine mods. (Exhaust only)

Ok, I'll bit...

Who, what class, and where...