rich s
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posted April 17, 2009 08:22 AM
Getting ready for the track
Well, I never thought I would hit the track but reading all your posts here gave me the itch. Watching the video's of you guys launching just blows me away so I started experimenting on a dead road near my house. Out of 15 tries I hit one good and holy balls that was a rush. My flies are still in and I am sure that is not helping but I give you guys a lot of credit, that is HARD!
Since I have tasted it once I am going to pursue it. There is a 1/4 mile track near me that has open racing once a month. I need leathers and a tether and boots. Everything should be ready by June so I will keep you all posted.
My bike is totally stock and I am about 210lbs. What should be my goal without making any changes. What did you guys run your first couple time on the 14?
  
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted April 17, 2009 08:42 AM
With a totally stock bike, It depends a lot on the track itself, but you ought to be getting low tens at least.
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Candy Thunder Blue 2006 ZZR1400
Stock wheelbase
Max: 205.4 mph in 1.25 miles
2012 ZZR1400 in Golden Blazed Green
Brock CT Full System. etc
Max: 203.1 in 1 mile (so far)
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Beondwacko
Expert Class
Posts: 393
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posted April 17, 2009 09:11 AM
It doesn't matter if you run in the 10's or 13's, you are still racing and be patient, it doesn't just come naturally for most of us with a self preservation instinct. Go out there when you are ready and ride your own ride. Don't be insulted by the timeslips, just go have fun and be carefull.
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08' Atomic Silver, PCIII, Brocks pipe,BMC, -1, strapped front end
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rich s
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posted April 17, 2009 10:53 AM
I have always been a bit on the wild side so I can assure you I will be having fun. I also am very goal orientated so that is why I was asking about times.
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Douglas Home
Zone Head
Posts: 710
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posted April 17, 2009 02:42 PM
" addictive as crack " enjoy !!!
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Doug Mackay Australia
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Newf14
Zone Head
2007 ZX1400
Posts: 563
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posted April 17, 2009 03:23 PM
I only had my ZX14 down the quartermile a few times and I love it. I cant waite for the track to open this year, it is quite a rush.
Newf14
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KSPZ3
Expert Class
Posts: 334
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posted April 18, 2009 05:47 AM
My suggestion is master the top of the track first - being sure you are tuccked and running full throttle - working your way back - perfecting your precise shifting - without the clutch by blipping the throttle to shift - or install a quick shift button on your power commander. Start by soft launching like you are at a light. As you perfect the top and become more and more comfortable then begin to work on your launch getting a little bit more aggressive each time - but always in your comfort zone. Your times will follow your improving technique -no need to rely on aggressive acts or courage if you can use finely refined skill. Nothing worse than falling down in your first event trying to be more aggressive than your ready for - 200HP makes for quite a mess in those situatiance.
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Beondwacko
Expert Class
Posts: 393
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posted April 18, 2009 06:58 AM
Also,
Let us know how it went when you finally do go to the track. I forgot to mention that b4.
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08' Atomic Silver, PCIII, Brocks pipe,BMC, -1, strapped front end
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rich s
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posted April 18, 2009 08:17 AM
Thanks for the advice. How much difference is there in traction between a paved road and the track?
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Douglas Home
Zone Head
Posts: 710
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posted April 18, 2009 11:04 AM
Not much at my track , only gets sprayed 3 times a year !
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Doug Mackay Australia
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Nelson Taylor
Zone Head
Posts: 927
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posted April 18, 2009 12:25 PM
If your still stock height and/or lowered with Stock wheelbase
Shoot for 1.65 or better 60ft times.
And 9.8's in the quarter mile.
These numbers on your first time out would be great.
You are going to need to get rid of them flies though.
Have Fun
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Best #'s
1.54
4.03
6.02 @ 121mph
(Stock Wheelbase) 2006 ZX14
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted April 18, 2009 01:01 PM
Like they said, it will work to your advantage in the long run to start slow (not balls to the wall) and work your way up, bc instead of trying "too hard" and then either extreme bogging, or extreme wheelying, you can stay in your comfort zone, and finally make the comfort zone your fast zone!
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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rich s
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posted April 18, 2009 02:50 PM
Bike is totally stock in every way (height and wheel base). I have a couple expensive hobbies already so I will keep the cost to a minimum at first. That may change. My real curiousity comes from riding a bike as long as I have but never at the track. I see your guys numbers and I just want to see how I fare. Sure would be cool to have one pass on the nines this year. I will be sure to take the video camera along and have my wife tape me so you can tell me what I am doing wrong. I am sure there will be plenty 
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KaiBosh
Novice Class
Posts: 66
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posted April 18, 2009 04:54 PM
How exactly do you guys suggest a person launches while learning under non-track conditions? Like... What rpm do you hold at, and how do you dump?
I find it extremely difficult to shift from 1st to 2nd gear when you do a nice launch. It really seems to throw things for a loop when you try to get that left foot up onto the peg. I would love one of those electric shifters....
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rich s
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posted April 18, 2009 05:17 PM
I am looking for that answer as well. The one time I did hit it right I was at 4500rpm and pinned the throttle and pretty much dumped the clutch at the exact same time. If you are late on the throttle it boggs and late on the clutch you wheely. That is my very limited experience so hopefully the pros here can help us out.
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KSPZ3
Expert Class
Posts: 334
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posted April 18, 2009 05:58 PM
The traction at good tracks is MUCH better that the street - if you walk on it your shoes should stick and feel like they could come off your feet. I am not good at launching rice rockets - so I will let others answer - practice at the track is very useful.
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