How do you trick your bike out for track?

[GreyWolf]

Okay, I've been going to track days for over four years now and just came back from this years Moto-GP at Laguna Seca. Listening to those guys scream past me gave me the idea to finally either A) fix my current bike up ('00 Triumph TT600) to achieve more speed and performance or B) get a newer model stock bike ('07 or newer) and fix up for the same reasons. I'm not getting into racing, just want to have better response.

My question is about a couple of areas. Suspension I have a pretty good idea on what needs to be done along with front brake pads and calipers. Horsepower and shifting is where I need some input. Specifically, that nifty shifting system the track guys have that sound like small blips changing gears. What is it? Can that be adapted to just about any bike? On the question of horsepower, besides the power commander and the like, what else can be done?

These are probably somewhat stupid questions. But I'm asking to at least get some idea on where I need to specifically start my research (and trust me! I research everything once I have the general direction to head into!).
Any and all input appreciated! So be nice, dammit!

[kevin_stevens]

You have to run stock pipes at Laguna Seca track days, BTW.

You're referring to a quick shifter. It is a force gauge installed in the shift linkage of your bike. When it senses a force of X lbs, it sends a momentary ignition or fuel cut to the ECU, accomplishing the same thing as rolling off the throttle, but *much* faster.

The S1000RR and K1300 BMWs have one available as a factory option.

Otherwise it works in conjunction with a Power Commander or other third party ECU.

http://www.powercommander.com/powerc...k_shifter.aspx

Your best bang for the buck is going to come in suspension upgrades, though.

KeS

[GreyWolf]

Yeah, I know about the stock pipes. Radar shack between five and six makes sure you stay in compliance too!
I'm thinking I'm going to have to go to a different bike anyways. Mine has over 32K hard miles on it already. Just hate to give it up 'cause my insurance is dirt cheap. I have a tech lusion (sort of like a power commander) with four pods that I can dial in. I'll look into upgrade on suspension maybe and compare all the costs eventually.

[kevin_stevens]

I actually think that high-mileage street bikes make good track candidates, because their resale is pretty low anyway, and it's usually the suspension that needs reworking - which is part of normal track prep in any case. Just my $.02.

KeS

[blurr]

Couple things most people do not think about, Im not sure about your brakes on that, but you should change out your brake fluid every season, will make a huge difference in response, it is just like any other oil, For maximum performance on your forks the fluid should be changed with every oil change, now IM sure like Me you are no where near the level to notice so Im just going for every summer which for me is about every 4k or so.
Race tech apparently does a great job on suspension.

As for a new bike, sounds like you may be ready, course I have seen some guys on mid 80s to mid 90s bikes make plenty of people look stooooopid.
Have you taken an advanced course yet? Those also will help, the bike only does what YOU can make it do.
One thing on shifting, do you load your shifter before shifts?

[GreyWolf]

Was power shifting for awhile there until I talked to a couple of mechanics I know who recommend against it. "load up shifter prior to shifting" not sure what you mean. As far as capability on the track, I consider myself pretty damn good for being on a tiny 85 hp 600 bike. I kick ass on the corners only to lose on the straightaways due to lack of horsepower and acceleration. I had a couple of great guys I know who are track instructors who have given me invaluable hints which have worked well.
Keeping my current "older" model bike is my preferred MO due to lack of funds for a newer bike so I'm kinda pushing that route at first.

[blurr]

Originally Posted by GreyWolf

Was power shifting for awhile there until I talked to a couple of mechanics I know who recommend against it. "load up shifter prior to shifting" not sure what you mean.

Loading your shifter is applying pressure to your shifter to "load it" so when you touch that clutch it goes right in.

As far as capability on the track, I consider myself pretty damn good for being on a tiny 85 hp 600 bike.

amazing to think of that much HP as lacking now days lol

I kick ass on the corners only to lose on the straightaways due to lack of horsepower and acceleration. I had a couple of great guys I know who are track instructors who have given me invaluable hints which have worked well.
Keeping my current "older" model bike is my preferred MO due to lack of funds for a newer bike so I'm kinda pushing that route at first.

Dono what to tell ya but I guess I would rather have money to play more often than have a nice bike I can rarely play with. Maybe just selling your current ride and spending a bit more on a gsxr 750 or a liter bike that are a few years old but would give you a technology upgrade still, would be the best route for you?