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looking track prep advice

  1. #1
    no can kneedown feralchimp's Avatar
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    looking track prep advice

    I want to do the four Penguin/NESBC dates on the SV this year.
    I assume the suspension bits are fine as Chip left them; almost certainly going to leave them alone for cost reasons anyhow, no idea how to 'set the sag' correctly, etc.

    Question 1: Front brakes.
    When I last rode it on the street consistently, the front brake lever sometimes needed a pump at long stoplights on hills; planning to replace the front master.
    The outgoing front master is an Acosatto radial unit. I've never ridden this bike hard enough to have a strong opinion about its "brake feel" per se, I just need to be able to trust the front brakes. Should I just bite the bullet and get whatever "race brake" is being sold on svracingparts, or is there a significantly better value to be had?

    Question 2: Tires/warmers.
    Pretty sure I want new tires and a set of warmers. I don't plan to ride the bike on the street anymore, so could theoretically look at slicks. I'm not fast enough to need them, but am looking for as much confidence as I can get. Again, looking for the right value. Supercorsas plus warmers and forget it?

    Question 3: Bodywork.
    The bike currently has all the lights on. So many goddamned lights that took time and money to make legal after MA starting fining individual inspectors yada yada water under the bridge . I've made peace with deleting them all, and would like to put a number plate in place of the headlight. Is there anyplace that'll sell me just a race tail? Any preferred bracket setup for slapping a front number plate in place of a headlight bucket?

    What else is definitely worth attending to? I want to embrace a spirit of "run what I brung" but I also want to show up all clean and responsible-like. Would love to see pre-season checklists from folks who have campaigned SV's in the past.

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    -Jared
    ZX-4RR, Hyperstrada 821, ZX-6R (FS!), 701 E/SM (FS!)

  2. #2
    Super Moderator TheIglu's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    The stock front master on SV's is solid. Or, spend a ton of money to get the perception of better performance. Your choice.

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  3. #3
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Have Peter tweak the clickers and set the sag, dont have to redo the entire suspension system, but get it set up for you.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  4. #4
    Day late, dollar short carsick's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by feralchimp View Post
    Question 1: Front brakes.
    The outgoing front master is an Acosatto radial unit.
    I need a spare lever for one of those. Let me know if you want to part with it.

    Quote Originally Posted by feralchimp View Post
    Question 2: Tires/warmers.
    Again, looking for the right value. Supercorsas plus warmers and forget it?
    Big vote for Woodcraft warmers and the Pirelli tires. Served me very well for my racing/track days.I went through several cheaper brands of warmers that were harder to install, got left plugged in, and several times left me with a cold tire at exactly the wrong time. Woodcrafts are solid and easy to use. The Supercorsa DOT gave me a little more (mostly mental) confidence if there was a sprinkle or any speedi-dri/pine needles/goose shit on the track. Never noticed any difference in the feel or capability between those and the Superbike slick. Slick certainly made me feel like a racer, even if my skills weren't competition grade.

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    99 + 02 SV650 ex-race - 91 FJ1200 street - 03 KDX220R woods - 12 WR450F motard/ice

  5. #5
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    I'm guessing the fronts might need a bleed? that accosato is as good as it gets on the front of an sv.

    edit, and if my memory serves me correct, I put that together with rbf600 or 660 which, after 3-4 years now, is likely due to be replaced.

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    Last edited by Chippertheripper; 03-10-17 at 12:04 PM.
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  6. #6
    Satans Donkey Uncle Snake's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    As far as a race tail or other bodywork goes I've had good luck with Sharkskinz

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  7. #7
    no can kneedown feralchimp's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    I recall bleeding the front but the problem persisted. Might have done it wrong, of course, but eliminates fluid age as an issue.

    Found this for a tail section:
    03-15 SV650 Supersport Tail

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    -Jared
    ZX-4RR, Hyperstrada 821, ZX-6R (FS!), 701 E/SM (FS!)

  8. #8
    Lifer isaac_'s Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by feralchimp View Post
    Question 1: Front brakes.
    When I last rode it on the street consistently, the front brake lever sometimes needed a pump at long stoplights on hills; planning to replace the front master.
    The outgoing front master is an Acosatto radial unit. I've never ridden this bike hard enough to have a strong opinion about its "brake feel" per se, I just need to be able to trust the front brakes. Should I just bite the bullet and get whatever "race brake" is being sold on svracingparts, or is there a significantly better value to be had?
    I would keep the master and do three things:
    1. Replace the brake fluid with Motul RBF 660
    2. Change the brake pads, CL60 or EBC are great
    3. If it doesn't already update the brake lines to braided stainless steel



    Question 2: Tires/warmers.
    Pretty sure I want new tires and a set of warmers. I don't plan to ride the bike on the street anymore, so could theoretically look at slicks. I'm not fast enough to need them, but am looking for as much confidence as I can get. Again, looking for the right value. Supercorsas plus warmers and forget it?
    Go with the Pirelli DOTs (SuperCorsa V2).

    What else is definitely worth attending to? I want to embrace a spirit of "run what I brung" but I also want to show up all clean and responsible-like.
    Good for you

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    Isaac LRRS/CCS #871 ECK Racing | Spears Enterprises | GMD Computrack Boston | Pine Motorparts/PBE Specialists | Woodcraft | Street & Competition | MTag-Pirelli | OnTrack Media
    Bike: SV650, Bride of Frankenstein

  9. #9
    Day late, dollar short carsick's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Sinking firm lever while holding brakes is an internal master leak IF there is no external line/caliper leak. All the fancy fluid/bleeding/bling pads/braided lines/resurfaced rotors won't fix it.

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    99 + 02 SV650 ex-race - 91 FJ1200 street - 03 KDX220R woods - 12 WR450F motard/ice

  10. #10
    Lifer isaac_'s Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by carsick View Post
    Sinking firm lever while holding brakes is an internal master leak IF there is no external line/caliper leak. All the fancy fluid/bleeding/bling pads/braided lines/resurfaced rotors won't fix it.
    Maybe I missed that point. If that's the case, either rebuild the master or get a new one.

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    Isaac LRRS/CCS #871 ECK Racing | Spears Enterprises | GMD Computrack Boston | Pine Motorparts/PBE Specialists | Woodcraft | Street & Competition | MTag-Pirelli | OnTrack Media
    Bike: SV650, Bride of Frankenstein

  11. #11
    Lifer
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Replace the fluid and bleed the brakes, try again. Bet its fine.

    Skip the warmers for track days. Only need for racing.

    Skip the body work unless you find'em cheap and/or really want. Do you even need number plates for NESBC?

    Does Canaan even have power available? If not, add a genny to push those warmers to your shopping list.

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  12. #12
    Lifer
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    The pirelli race tires everyone is recommending are a nice choice for either track days or racing. I found them forgiving when cold for track days without warmers while still being good for racing. More expensive than most "aggressive" street sport tires, but more sticky. I'd +1 that recommendation.

    But they are fine w/o warmers if you are patient and warm them up for a lap or two.


    I'd spend your budget on gear for yourself; quality leathers, helmet, gloves, boots, back and chest protectors. Maybe even an airbag or neck brace setup. Safety first, bike bling second.

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  13. #13
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by nhbubba View Post
    Skip the warmers for track days. Only need for racing.
    Meh, I run mine for track days. Just one less thing to worry about. Can get out and be hammering straight out of the gate rather than waiting for them to warm up.
    Yes, Id rather safety gear/tires whatever first, but if its in the budget, def would run warmers too.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  14. #14
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittenger5 View Post
    Meh, I run mine for track days. Just one less thing to worry about. Can get out and be hammering straight out of the gate rather than waiting for them to warm up.
    Yes, Id rather safety gear/tires whatever first, but if its in the budget, def would run warmers too.
    Agreed. Practice how you play.

    For a number plate, just snag a dirty bike front plate and zip tie it on. Plenty of nekkid SV's run it that way.
    UFO Front Number Plate | MotoSport

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  15. #15
    no can kneedown feralchimp's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Thanks to everyone so far.
    I have a Vanson hybrid suit that's a little short for me; will leave the back protector in for sure but probably remove the ridiculous aero-hump. On the fence about removing the shoulder pads to alleviate some nut pressure.

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    -Jared
    ZX-4RR, Hyperstrada 821, ZX-6R (FS!), 701 E/SM (FS!)

  16. #16
    Lifer
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by feralchimp View Post
    On the fence about removing the shoulder pads to alleviate some nut pressure.
    This is a poor choice, imo.

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  17. #17
    no can kneedown feralchimp's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by nhbubba View Post
    This is a poor choice, imo.
    Wouldn't have mentioned it if I wasn't hoping/expecting some pushback. Thanks bubs.

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    -Jared
    ZX-4RR, Hyperstrada 821, ZX-6R (FS!), 701 E/SM (FS!)

  18. #18
    Bizarro Zoolander Petorius's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Do you have spare wheels/rains?

    For those events, I would be most worried about breaking stupid little things that might not be available from vendors or other riders at the track. Clip-ons, rearsets, and frame sliders are easy to break. Maybe ask Eric if there will be vendors at the events, and if not, consider how much it would suck if you crash in the first session/event and are stuck without something critical. A spare radiator would be good too. The 03's have an extra wide one that is easy to destroy, even in relatively gentle lowsides. 04+ will bolt-on (without the fan, but you don't need it).

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  19. #19
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by nhbubba View Post
    This is a poor choice, imo.
    Im with stupid.
    Is it tight when youre standing up? Or when youre crouched on the bike? If its when youre standing up, just pull the top half off when youre walking around. If its when youre crouched ... get a new suit, youre fucked.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  20. #20
    no can kneedown feralchimp's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittenger5 View Post
    Im with stupid.
    Is it tight when you're standing up? Or when you're crouched on the bike?
    I don't notice it as much on the bike, but that may just be change of focus. I'll check over the weekend. Fearing the worst, is there anyplace local to BOS that actually stocks suits I could try on? I'd rather not "click and hope" at the likely price point, even if returns aren't a bear.

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  21. #21
    Lifer jasnmar's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Vanson.
    Seacoast (although not that close to Boston).

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  22. #22
    no can kneedown feralchimp's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by Petorius View Post
    Do you have spare wheels/rains?

    For those events, I would be most worried about breaking stupid little things that might not be available from vendors or other riders at the track. Clip-ons, rearsets, and frame sliders are easy to break. Maybe ask Eric if there will be vendors at the events, and if not, consider how much it would suck if you crash in the first session/event and are stuck without something critical. A spare radiator would be good too. The 03's have an extra wide one that is easy to destroy, even in relatively gentle lowsides. 04+ will bolt-on (without the fan, but you don't need it).
    Spare wheels, no rains, no rotors on the spare front.
    The bike has upright bars; planning to defer the "clip-ons or not" decision.
    Thanks for the tip about the radiator.

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  23. #23
    no can kneedown feralchimp's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by jasnmar View Post
    Vanson.
    Seacoast (although not that close to Boston).
    90 minutes is plenty close enough. Thanks.

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    ZX-4RR, Hyperstrada 821, ZX-6R (FS!), 701 E/SM (FS!)

  24. #24
    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittenger5 View Post
    Meh, I run mine for track days. Just one less thing to worry about. Can get out and be hammering straight out of the gate rather than waiting for them to warm up.
    Yes, Id rather safety gear/tires whatever first, but if its in the budget, def would run warmers too.
    For me it's an extra thing. I'd much rather not have to deal with warmers, making sure they are turned on in time, etc. I've done both and it's much easier without.

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  25. #25
    Bizarro Zoolander Petorius's Avatar
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    Re: looking track prep advice

    There is some racing component to this whole NESBC thing though, right? That would necessitate warmers.

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