Popular Post fireman1028 Posted June 16, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 16, 2020 I recently bought a new 2020 Tracer GT as a do it all bike that would be just as comfortable taking my wife on a date, as it would be on a track day. My plan was to add some crash protection and eventually take it to the track as a second bike and just explore the limits of it. After having 2 months of track days canceled due to some virus going around, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw,SC was finally opening back up and P.R.E. the track day group I ride with, announced that the June 6th session was a go. This caught me off guard, as both of my bikes that I have been modding for track duty were not ready to ride. Since I had already paid for the day and I had a perfectly capable bike in the garage in the Tracer, I decided to give it a proper break-in. I had put about 400 miles on it, so I went ahead and changed the oil/filter and starting prepping the bike for the track. I am happy to report that the bike did fantastic overall. I was able to turn some pretty fast laps and was able to get within 1 second of my personal best on that track, that I did last year on a 2007 R6. I did find some limitations of the bike, when pushed hard: #1 The stock tires fairly inadequate for the track. This I knew going into it, but it is worth mentioning. Thankfully, I toasted the rear tire and can now put something a little sportier on it. #2 I found that I was bottoming out the forks on hard braking, even with the preload all the way in. I probably won't address this, since I don't plan on taking the Tracer to the track very often. You can see in the 3rd pic below that my zip tie is at the bottoming out point of the fork. #3 The stock brake setup is great on the road, but not up to snuff on the track. I was getting a decent amount of brake fade and on one occasion almost complete failure, due to fade and the ABS trying to compensate. SS lines and sintered pads should resolve this. Again, overall the bike performed better than I could have predicted. I found myself passing 600 class bikes with ease. They would be able to pull me on a straight, but if I carried enough speed through a corner, the HP difference didn't matter. Here is the rear tire. The right side is completely shot. 15 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member knyte Posted June 16, 2020 Supporting Member Share Posted June 16, 2020 Great findings, thanks for the write up! ...I"ve been wishing for a track day, mostly just to get to know the bike better and see what it...and I...can do. Looks like a great day! 2015 FJ-09 / FJR touring bags / oil plug mod / Evotech rad guard / SW Motech bash plate / VStream touring windshield / Seat Concepts: Sport Touring / Vcyclenut ABS rings (speedo correction) / Cosmo RAM mount Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member betoney Posted June 16, 2020 Supporting Member Share Posted June 16, 2020 1 hour ago, fireman1028 said: #2 I found that I was bottoming out the forks on hard braking, even with the preload all the way in. I probably won't address this, since I don't plan on taking the Tracer to the track very often. I would absolutely address this issue, you use the brakes and suspension for more than track riding but most importantly - since you carry a passenger. At a minimum get the proper rate springs for your weight to help reduce the brake dive, the stock springs are aimed at someone who probably weighs 140-170lbs. The correct rate springs front and rear might cost you $250. 1 ***2015 Candy Red FJ-09*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fireman1028 Posted June 16, 2020 Author Share Posted June 16, 2020 2 minutes ago, betoney said: I would absolutely address this issue, you use the brakes and suspension for more than track riding but most importantly - since you carry a passenger. At a minimum get the proper rate springs for your weight to help reduce the brake dive, the stock springs are aimed at someone who probably weighs 140-170lbs. The correct rate springs front and rear might cost you $250. You are correct. What I meant to say was that I am not going to address that right now. That will probably be an off-season project. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member betoney Posted June 16, 2020 Supporting Member Share Posted June 16, 2020 10 minutes ago, fireman1028 said: You are correct. What I meant to say was that I am not going to address that right now. That will probably be an off-season project. You have the GT so you have adjustable rebound and compression in the fork👍 HUGE improvement over previous models. Correct springs and a few clicker adjustments should get you set up nicely. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. ***2015 Candy Red FJ-09*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toddtr Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 I’m interested to know if you had no touchdown with the center stand and how much do you weigh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fireman1028 Posted June 16, 2020 Author Share Posted June 16, 2020 10 minutes ago, Toddtr said: I’m interested to know if you had no touchdown with the center stand and how much do you weigh? I think I had one scrape on the center-stand. I made it a point to ride at 8/10's. Considering OEM touring tires and a lack of crash protection. I am 200lbs in my birthday suit and probably 220-230lbs with my leathers, boots, etc. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toddtr Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 I’ve been to that track a few times. Last time I crashed my ex’s R6 going into 1 way too hot, that was a fun phone call I made to her after my session. I’m 180 and the suspension seems ok for my weight but I will find out soon. I’m installing Mich 5s so I’m hopeful they are better than the stock Dunlop’s. Thanks for the pics and info 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fireman1028 Posted June 16, 2020 Author Share Posted June 16, 2020 59 minutes ago, Toddtr said: I’ve been to that track a few times. Last time I crashed my ex’s R6 going into 1 way too hot, that was a fun phone call I made to her after my session. I’m 180 and the suspension seems ok for my weight but I will find out soon. I’m installing Mich 5s so I’m hopeful they are better than the stock Dunlop’s. Thanks for the pics and info I love the track and it helps that it is only an hour from my house. The only downside, is that it will chew up a rear tire(see above) in one day. Most of the seasoned guys that run it on a regular basis run slicks, so they can flip the rear tire. Is she your Ex because of the wrecked R6? Asking for a friend... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toddtr Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 No, just had to fix a few scratched parts to make her happy again. It was a low side and I kinda stayed under it while sliding, happened so fast no time to do anything. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koth442 Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 That's awesome OP! I recommend getting the suspension sorted ASAP. Also, CMP announced they're officially repaving soon. That's going to be a wicked track when tires last more than 1 day haha! 1 '15 FJ09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhchris Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 Cool stuff!! I put EBC HH pads in front and they are much better than stock. A worthwhile upgrade for about $75. Braking is not the FJ / Tracer's strong suit for sure. 1 1968 Triumph Bonneville 650 1971 Norton Commando Roadster 2002 Harley 1200 Sportster 2003 Honda ST 1300 2016 FJ 09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fireman1028 Posted June 17, 2020 Author Share Posted June 17, 2020 19 hours ago, koth442 said: That's awesome OP! I recommend getting the suspension sorted ASAP. Also, CMP announced they're officially repaving soon. That's going to be a wicked track when tires last more than 1 day haha! I can't wait for it to be repaved. Maybe with some decent asphalt, I will have the nerve to take the "kink" with some speed.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member 1moreroad Posted June 17, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted June 17, 2020 Looks like you still have the peg feelers on. Were you dragging those everywhere on the track? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 On 6/17/2020 at 8:17 AM, 1moreroad said: Looks like you still have the peg feelers on. Were you dragging those everywhere on the track? one would think right ,,those thinks scare the crap out of me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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