racers tape and water-weter

**Awesome** · 08-04-04, 11:42 AM

Anyone know where I can pick this stuff up to prep my bike for the trackday? I just ordered a new set of pilot sports, though I have access to some race takeoffs that are in great shape. Which would you recommend running? I'd rather not blast through a brand new set of tires if I can avoid it.

**legalspeed** · 08-04-04, 11:58 AM

Racer's tape= duct tape.

Watter wetter, just use distilled H2O, if you want, I'll give you a shot of WW at the track.

Use the take-offs if it's not raining.

**Rye** · 08-04-04, 07:30 PM

Am I missing something? Why is water wetter a requirement? Is it a requirement for the NTSR trackday on the 12th?

**Degsy** · 08-04-04, 07:43 PM

Water wetter is NOT a reqirement for the trackday.

If you are concerned about overheating your bike, just run straight water and then replace it after the trackday with 50/50 coolant/water. If your bike has a standard radiator and fan there should be no need to run water alone or water wetter. Your bike will run pretty cool even if it is 80 degrees out. Remember, you're going to be moving pretty damn fast most of the time.

derek

**Degsy** · 08-04-04, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by Mystery Squid
Brings up a good point... Can I assume the LHIS webpage has everything a first timer needs to know about this event?

OR, should I bombard Degsy with a ton of PM's?

The NHIS site will tell you nothing.

Go to www.triumphtrackday.com to find info for our trackday (we piggybacked onto a Triumph trackday).

If you have further questions, post them here. Don't PM me as I don't want to have to repeat the same answers to 30 people.

derek

**SEVENSGT** · 08-04-04, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by Degsy
Don't PM me as I don't want to have to repeat the same answers to 30 people.

derek

Dammit

**Degsy** · 08-04-04, 07:55 PM

Originally posted by SEVENSGT
Dammit

KAK

**SEVENSGT** · 08-04-04, 08:02 PM

Originally posted by Degsy
KAK

yeah but you're KAKALICIOUS

**Degsy** · 08-04-04, 10:28 PM

No, unfortunately not. Bryan Paquette was the guy who used to sell dunlops at the trackdays and he died in an accident at the track 3 weeks ago.

derek

**Stoneman** · 08-05-04, 06:16 AM

Originally posted by Mystery Squid
Uh, one question:

I remember when I was at the track once, they someone selling tires... In the event mine fail (and I kinda doubt they will), will that vendor still be there such that I can buy a set and get them mounted?

How worn ARE your tires? If they're as bad as you seem to think, you may not even pass tech inspection. You should have about 50% tread...

**davegsxrold929r** · 08-05-04, 08:32 AM

any parts store will sell it., Pepboys etc..

and it does help over just straight water.,

**Awesome** · 08-05-04, 09:11 AM

Pep boys it is. Also, I was told not to use duct tape as it leaves a horrable residue and can damage paint when pealing it off. I heard painters tape works well, but I was told there was such thing as 'racers tape'.

**bigred875** · 08-05-04, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by hessogood
Pep boys it is. Also, I was told not to use duct tape as it leaves a horrable residue and can damage paint when pealing it off. I heard painters tape works well, but I was told there was such thing as 'racers tape'.

masking tape or painters tape will be fine....and ya you dan't wanna use duct tape

**oreo_n2** · 08-05-04, 09:47 AM

duct tape works fine if you dont put it on painted surfaces... i.e. dont mummify the bike!
the residue it leaves on the lenses comes right off with a cloth with wd-40.

the bigger issue is if light can get through the tape... easy answer... pull the bulb or the fuse before taping it up, then the type of tape really doesn't matter.

i think? any confirmations on this jibber jabber.

**legalspeed** · 08-05-04, 09:54 AM

You are correct Oreo_ou812.

Duct tape, works for me for years. 3M adhesive remover for residue, my bikes are clear coated, never damaged any paint, racer's tape IS colored duct tape.

Big blue painter's tape would be great too, no 3M.

I Have a big bottle of Water Wetter, one capful to a bike. I will not charge you.

Bring extra gas & drinking water, and have your rain gear ready; riding in the rain is a skill.

**Degsy** · 08-05-04, 10:14 AM

Painters tape WILL come off if it rains (a distinct possibility)

As for tires, you will absolutely NOT be allowed on the track without tires in EXCELLENT condition. A little flattening in the middle of the rear is no biggie, but no cracked sidewalls and no tires down to the wear marks.

For one day, I would say don't bother going to water only as a coolant, it's just a lot of hassle for no benefit. Your bike is not going to overheat at a trackday.

I for one will NOT be running straight water or water wetter. I'll be using the good old 50/50 coolant.

derek

**skiierx** · 08-05-04, 10:34 AM

Originally posted by Degsy
For one day, I would say don't bother going to water only as a coolant, it's just a lot of hassle for no benefit. Your bike is not going to overheat at a trackday.

I for one will NOT be running straight water or water wetter. I'll be using the good old 50/50 coolant.

derek

Derek, is this the same for the vtwins?

Jamie

**Degsy** · 08-05-04, 10:57 AM

Yes, on the whole.

The RC51 has a cooling problem anyway and they tend to run hot because of the stupid place they put the radiators.

You COULD run straight water or water and ww but I wouldn't bother, even for an RC51.

Basically, if you want to run water or water and ww for the rest of the riding season, then do it. However, if you are just going to do it for the trackday then I personally think you're wasting your time.

derek

**Rye** · 08-05-04, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by Degsy

I for one will NOT be running straight water or water wetter. I'll be using the good old 50/50 coolant.

derek

So what's that Rum and Coke?

**Stoneman** · 08-06-04, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by skiierx
Derek, is this the same for the vtwins?

Jamie

Never had a problem with my TL-R. But 'Zook remembered to put the radiator up front...

And I agree that Water Wetter's a waste of time if you're only doing it for a track day. I've always run 50/50 on street bikes for track days...

**Mad Max** · 08-20-04, 11:06 PM

I thought that part of the purpose of running straight water or water with WW is that if it spills on the track its less slippery and easier to clean up than an ethyl glycol mix?

Also, isn't part of the purpose of water wetter to lubricate the seal on the impeller which is something that you loose with straight water?

I did a trackday with PRRS and I used straight (distilled) water as per their request.

1.) The bike will run cooler, albeit not much
2.) It makes a heck of lot less hassle if it does spill on the track, and can be safer
3.) Its a nice way to do a coolant flush

**legalspeed** · 08-25-04, 10:21 AM

Yip, MM.

Except, when running distilled only; your bike will run hotter. WW and the like alter the specific heat, IOW, it makes the heat exchange more efficient.

Without it, you should run slightly hotter (but not much). I think my gix1k runs about 7 degrees warmer with only distilled. It also kicks in the fan sooner and more often.

**Stoneman** · 08-25-04, 10:28 AM

FWIW-Distilled water is the ONLY water you should put in your cooling system. You shouldn't use tap water of any sort in there...

**trackdog** · 08-25-04, 08:44 PM

According to some of the Corner Captains/ Mashalls I've spoken with about WW, is that is difficult to clean off the track...after all I believe its purpose is to act as a lubricant...so it can't be a good thing for traction...in short....no what I mean.

**Stoneman** · 08-26-04, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by trackdog
According to some of the Corner Captains/ Mashalls I've spoken with about WW, is that is difficult to clean off the track...after all I believe its purpose is to act as a lubricant...

This may be true. But my guess is it's a lot easier to soak up than glycol...

racers tape and water-weter

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