Level 2 with Ridesmart at MSRH - 3/9/13

Yesterday started out wet but finally dried up. Level 2 was a crash-fest with one concussion and a couple of broken collar bones but I avoided any mishaps. I had 2 riders collide right in front of me, and I had to avoid one of the motorcycles that fell right in front of me and went sliding down the track right in my path.  It may be time to level up and escape the madness!

I had the Dunlop tire guy put me a set of the new D211GP-A dot race tires on in the afternoon and I almost immediately ripped off a lap a full second faster than my previous best time. I should pick up more speed as I get used to the improved grip.

Riding with the RideSmart organization was ok but I still prefer Fastline.  Ridesmart was more restrictive on the level 2 riders, mainly by only allowing passing on the outside in the corners.  While the intention is good, I think it also bunches up the field more by removing some passing opportunities.  A big issue I saw was riders not getting off the racing line to slow down.  I saw several times where a rider would put a hand up to signal that they were slowing to pit, but then rolled off the throttle without moving out of the path of overtaking traffic.  I saw several near misses because of those.  And also, when a yellow or even a red flag comes out, that doesn't mean that you should immediately roll completely off the throttle.  Instead, back off just a little to kill your acceleration, keep going, and be careful.  Ridesmart should send out a feedback email in the next day or 2 and I'll mention those in my response.  I know I've heard them mention it before at other events.

The next event is just 1 week away on March 16.  We'll be back out at MSRH, but with Fastline this time, and we'll be running the track counter-clockwise, which is "backwards" to the direction it's normally run.  70-80% of the track will be the same, with just a few adjustments in a few key areas.

Ready for another track day

Track day coming up on Saturday.  Bike is ready.  New clutch cable arrived in plenty of time, as well as a new adjustable clutch lever.  The stock lever went in the track box.

Broke a critical part

I readjusted the drive chain slack today. It had loosened up a little at the first track day. I also noticed that my master link was a little tight and squeezing the o-rings too much so I may swap it for a new one.

I also lowered my shift lever about 5mm so I don't have to pick my toe up as high to upshift. Then I started to take a little slack out of the clutch lever and cable. I was doing it per the service manual and turning the adjuster at the clutch lever when suddenly the adjuster broke in the middle of the threads and broke a strand in the clutch cable too! So, I immediately went and ordered a new cable and adjuster. Fortunately the track day is 2 weeks away so there should be more than enough time to get the parts in.

First 2013 Track Day Complete

After my last post, the next several days became a rush to get the SV ready to go so i never took the time to update the blog. I did post quick little updates on Twitter and Facebook, so here they are are from oldest to newest.

1/31 - I just need to put the gas tank back on the sv650 and it'll be time to fire it up with the Bazzaz for the first time. That should happen tomorrow after work. Then I'll have Saturday to put the fairings back on and get everything together for the Fastline trackday on Sunday! woo hoo!

2/1 - Fired up the SV650 this afternoon. It ran fine with the new FI system and the quickshifter is cutting the ignition like it should. Now just to organize a few cables, give everything a 2nd look, and put the fairings on. It's ready to head to the track.

2/2 - Test ride of the sv went well. All done except belly pan and upper fairing. May add a little more slack in the throttle as its a bit tight and twitchy.

2/3 - I had a fun day at the track today. Stronger brakes were great, the quickshifter is just awesome, and having tire warmers was very convenient. The ability to go out on the track and go full speed without any warmup laps is hard to beat! And finally, with the aftermarket ecu/quickshifter, throttle response was VERY smooth.

2/16 - Next track day is scheduled for 3/9. I have just a few small adjustments to make and everything will be ready to go.

Here's a video of one of the sessions.

Almost ready to ride

All of my high priority items are almost complete.  Unless I run into a major issue, the SV should be ready for a track day this Sunday 2/3.  I'm on call at work, so hopefully that will be quiet so I can make it to the track for at least a few sessions to get everything tested and start getting used to all the changes.

Here's the updated list with just active and recently updated or completed items.

• 4 piston front brake calipers – Installed. Pending test ride
• Aftermarket ECU - Bazzaz Fi-Quickshift installed - Electonics in place. Needed one small part for the rearset to install the quickshifter sensor.   That is on order and should arrive tomorrow.  Then I can finish that part and button everything back up.
• Oil change, check spark plugs, check fluids - Complete. Installed new NGK plugs
• Replace front brake reservoir hose (schedule with new calipers) - Completed with caliper installation
• Upgrade brake pads and rotors - New EBC double-H pads installed. Scuffed old rotors with 80 grit sandpaper to remove old pad material.
• Extra levers, pegs, gas tank, etc. - Got a swingarm in excellent condition for 50 bucks from a SV650 forum member.
• Spare Dzus fasteners - in hand. Will use a couple when reassembling the bike this week.

Making progress

Here's the latest updates as of today.  4-piston calipers and Bazzaz fuel-control/quick-shifter are the last major items to complete before my first track day.  If I can make it out to MSRH on February 3rd, I can give everything a shakedown and then have 3 or 4 weeks to make any changes before the next trackdays on 3/9-10 and 3/15.

Updates and changed information in bold

Quick turn throttle tube - Complete
520 chain and sprockets - Complete. test ride successful.
4 piston front brake calipers – Calipers and brackets in hand. Started teardown of stock components
Aftermarket ECU - Bazzaz Fi-Quickshift on order
Oil change, check spark plugs, check fluids
Captured wheel spacers – rear complete, front parts in hand but I may hold off on these. They replace the speedo sensor and I still want that on the motorcycle for now.
replace rear spool bolt - Complete
Lap timer – XT Ultra Lap
Replace front brake reservoir hose (schedule with new calipers) - parts in hand
Spring clip for rear axle nut - Complete
safety wire & pliers - not needed for track days but will be required when I/we race the SV
Upgrade brake pads and rotors - need to order pads. Will forego rotors for now
Woodcraft clip-ons - future planning
Check lower triple/steering-stem for straightness
Lightweight upper faring stay
Lightweight sub frame - future planning
Extra levers, pegs, gas tank, etc.
Sculpt/lower/firm seat pad
Spare Dzus fasteners - on order
Tire warmers - Purchased and tested. - Complete

520 Chain - First test ride

First test ride on the SV650 with the 520 chain and dropping a tooth on the front sprocket. Everything looks good and sounds clean. But HOLY COW... standing start, engine barely up to temps, cold rear tire...up on the tank as far as I could get, head over the front tire, rev to 5000, smoothly but quickly let off the clutch while feeding more throttle (quick turn throttle now, remember), and ....LAUNCH! Front tire is instantly skimming the pavement and the bike takes off like never before. I never even got to full throttle so I could keep the front down before I had to let off since I'm on a residential street with cars and a slight curve.

Now to go put those 4-piston front calipers on. This track season is gonna be fun.