bluechris
Expert Class
hungry fool
Posts: 145
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posted March 23, 2010 03:58 AM
first time dragracing
I have never dragraced my bike but I want to this summer. I'm totally ignorant to what to do and not look like a dumbass if possible my first time. Thanks for your help to me and all the others here.
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ride safe
   
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Stu64
Zone Head
Posts: 548
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posted March 23, 2010 04:35 AM
 Edited By: Stu64 on 23 Mar 2010 12:36
Pull up to the tree,make the 2 top yellow lights go on,lights go down the tree, when it goes green take off normal,wind her up to about 10,500 and shift until you goe through the trap.
After you get used to the track, you can start to raise your launch speed and leave(release clutch) on the last yellow light.
Main thing is not to try and show off your first time out,track is VERY sticky and you can flip it over very easily!!!
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted March 23, 2010 04:37 AM
You will definitely need to pull your mirrors and have leathers on -- and I'm pretty sure you will need to install a tethered kill switch -- never run mine at the strip either but this is what I've seen from our locals here that do race their bikes. As far as staging and launching, you're best bet would be to watch others with experience leave a few times and possibly ask for advice at the track as well. This is about it as far as getting started anyway -- until someone with drag experience chimes in and explains in further detail.
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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SteddyTeddy
Pro
Posts: 1664
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posted March 23, 2010 04:48 AM
Do NOT line up in the center of the track!!!!! You want to be in one of the tire grooves. That is where you will get the best traction. If your in the center you will just spin and probably bust your azz.
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kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
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posted March 23, 2010 04:49 AM
Edited By: kawasakijockey on 23 Mar 2010 12:50
Dont be shy about approaching other riders and asking for advise. I must seem approachable because it happens to me regularly and I am always willing to help a new guy out. Just remember that it is something you havent done before and you will more than likely feel awkward and nervous about it all until you get the swing of things. Have fun.
____________
Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
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CraigChrist
Pro
BAWLS
Posts: 1043
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posted March 23, 2010 05:20 AM
What mods are done to your bike thus far? if you haven't done any mods yet and are looking to there are two things that will make your life a lot better at the strip. I also recommend wearing leathers,but if you're not all that fast it might not be required. It also depends on the track.
1. lowering links for the rear of the bike (allow you to lower the rear and come in 3hole or adjustable)
2. Strap kit (brackets that attach to the calipers and allow a strap to be run over the frame and attached on both sides so that the front of the bike can be cinched down tight. It also keeps the front forks from pushing you into a wheelie when the bike squats.)
*****DISCLAIMER*******
If you lower your zx14 and have a bad wheelie where you slam down hard you run the risk of bottoming out your oil pan and busting it. There have been TONS of bikes who have done this. I am a firm believer that putting a cut oil pan with a relocated drain plug is a wise investment.
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60ft-------1.42
1/8th------5.97
mph-------119
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Newf14
Zone Head
2007 ZX1400
Posts: 563
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posted March 23, 2010 05:30 AM
I have little experience with the drag strip maybe 15-20 runs a year, I watch youtube videos, read what theguys here write and ask questions.I started off like taking off from a stop light and just went from there. I still suck but I really enjoy dragracing. If your gonna drag race lowered get a OSR cut pan.
Newf14
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Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
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posted March 23, 2010 06:05 AM
quote:
I have never dragraced my bike but I want to this summer. I'm totally ignorant to what to do and not look like a dumbass if possible my first time. Thanks for your help to me and all the others here.
where you located??? Maybe someone from here can meet up with you and help you out. I'll be more than happy to walk you through the process and give some tips if I can.
The best tip so far is just treat it like a stop-light with the added benefit of no cops. Just take it easy and have fun. Once you make a few passes and get that adrenelin rush, your nerves will calm down.
The most important thing is to just have fun.
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SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted March 23, 2010 06:18 AM
You need to spend time setting the bike up first. At the very least strap the front and lower the gearing. better still lower the rear too and remove any road-going junk like mirrors. The biggest failing with new riders is that they try too hard, lots of revs and then either bogging the engine down off the line or wheelying and having to shut off. Lots of practise is the key and watching other riders with a critical eye, you will soon see what works and what doesn't.
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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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bluechris
Expert Class
hungry fool
Posts: 145
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posted March 23, 2010 06:30 AM
quote:
What mods are done to your bike thus far? if you haven't done any mods yet and are looking to there are two things that will make your life a lot better at the strip. I also recommend wearing leathers,but if you're not all that fast it might not be required. It also depends on the track.
smeg, pc3 and flies tossed. Just got 2pc leathers from topgear leather. Thanks for replies
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ride safe
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bluechris
Expert Class
hungry fool
Posts: 145
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posted March 23, 2010 06:40 AM
I live in north central Ohio about 1hr from Norwalk raceway park. Thanks again for advise now f it just warms u.
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ride safe
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Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
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posted March 23, 2010 06:47 AM
quote:
You need to spend time setting the bike up first. At the very least strap the front and lower the gearing. better still lower the rear too and remove any road-going junk like mirrors. The biggest failing with new riders is that they try too hard, lots of revs and then either bogging the engine down off the line or wheelying and having to shut off. Lots of practise is the key and watching other riders with a critical eye, you will soon see what works and what doesn't.
With this being his first time to the track....I don't really think it necessary to do all that prep/spend money on his bike. That tends to create undo stress.
Keep it simple....just go to the track, treat the tree like a stoplight and go like ya stole it. No cops. If you have never been to the track...go and watch and talk with other bike riders that are making passes. Most are pretty decent and willing to help you out.
Get some passes under your belt and learn the basics of how to get down the track. Don't worry too much about your times...they will suck. lol We all had to start somewhere and you will not be a pro the first time to the track. Find someone to go with that has been to mentor you if you can. But first and foremost, HAVE FUN!
____________
SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
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08green
Expert Class
Posts: 188
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posted March 23, 2010 07:14 AM
u really dont need a cut pan IMO....
1) drain oil
2) grab "lip" with some vice grips and break it off...
3) go to your local napa auto parts and get part number BK704-1384..$2.15(flat oil plug)
viola...2 more inches of g/c and only cost $2.15
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2004 ZX10
2008 ZX14
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted March 23, 2010 07:14 AM
I understand what you're saying Quarter Pounder but this is a guy with several thousand dollars worth of bike, I'm sure that a sprocket change and a strap isn't going to break the bank and taking stuff off costs nothing. Depending on the track rules he might have to make a few changes and he will need decent leathers, boots etc. anyway.
If he can prevent the front from unloading off the line he will find launching a lot easier, safer and the whole experience more rewarding.
____________
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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kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
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posted March 23, 2010 07:18 AM
I discourage anyone from making purchases for items on their first trip to the strip. It is not for everybody and some dont come back. Dip your foot in before getting dressed to swim..
____________
Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
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Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
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posted March 23, 2010 07:20 AM
Edited By: Quarter Pounder on 23 Mar 2010 15:24
quote:
I understand what you're saying Quarter Pounder but this is a guy with several thousand dollars worth of bike, I'm sure that a sprocket change and a strap isn't going to break the bank and taking stuff off costs nothing. Depending on the track rules he might have to make a few changes and he will need decent leathers, boots etc. anyway.
If he can prevent the front from unloading off the line he will find launching a lot easier, safer and the whole experience more rewarding.
What you are asking him to do is "launch".....NOT needed for a first timer...you put too much pressure on performance. NOT needed for a first timer.
Folks get too amped up as it is...you start adding to that and that's how guys loop thier bikes off the line or spin and get out of control. As veterans we need to make sure we remember what it was like the first time to the track and how we felt.
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SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted March 23, 2010 07:23 AM
OK, well he's heard all the advice, I reckon he can make up his own mind about it. Certainly he'll have a fantastic day out and meet some really great people.
____________
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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1badvespa1400cc
Zone Head
power junkie
Posts: 691
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posted March 23, 2010 09:24 AM
Just be careful and don't worry about what the other guy is doing in the other lane,concentrate and do it at you're own pace.
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Just another foeteen!!!!!
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bluechris
Expert Class
hungry fool
Posts: 145
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posted March 23, 2010 09:31 AM
Thanks
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ride safe
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LeonidasZX14
Pro
Posts: 1277
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posted March 23, 2010 02:33 PM
quote:
quote:
You need to spend time setting the bike up first. At the very least strap the front and lower the gearing. better still lower the rear too and remove any road-going junk like mirrors. The biggest failing with new riders is that they try too hard, lots of revs and then either bogging the engine down off the line or wheelying and having to shut off. Lots of practise is the key and watching other riders with a critical eye, you will soon see what works and what doesn't.
With this being his first time to the track....I don't really think it necessary to do all that prep/spend money on his bike. That tends to create undo stress.
Keep it simple....just go to the track, treat the tree like a stoplight and go like ya stole it. No cops. If you have never been to the track...go and watch and talk with other bike riders that are making passes. Most are pretty decent and willing to help you out.
Get some passes under your belt and learn the basics of how to get down the track. Don't worry too much about your times...they will suck. lol We all had to start somewhere and you will not be a pro the first time to the track. Find someone to go with that has been to mentor you if you can. But first and foremost, HAVE FUN!
Agreed! Take that thing to the track just like it sits and go practice.
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09' ZX14
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CraigChrist
Pro
BAWLS
Posts: 1043
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posted March 23, 2010 03:41 PM
Get ready for some wheelies with that smeg at stock wheelbase  . 68gts2 just took his out for the first time and went a 6.40 so you have something to shoot for in the 1/8th.
____________
60ft-------1.42
1/8th------5.97
mph-------119
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bluechris
Expert Class
hungry fool
Posts: 145
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posted March 23, 2010 05:13 PM
good to have a target. I weigh 290 so maybe not to high in the air
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ride safe
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CraigChrist
Pro
BAWLS
Posts: 1043
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posted March 23, 2010 05:28 PM
i believe peyton weighs about 220 or so. go out and have fun man. Internet banter will only get you so far. As has been said on here to every person starting out. "the most beneficial mod that you will ever do to your bike is SEAT TIME... SEAT TIME... SEAT TIME!"
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60ft-------1.42
1/8th------5.97
mph-------119
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aliveagain
Needs a life
Posts: 5033
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posted March 23, 2010 06:17 PM
Don't worry about the lights. You can go on the second yellow light or wait 2 seconds after the light turns green.It doesn't matter at a test and tune.Don't even worry about how quick you went.Just have fun.Our weights put us in another league so don't let the times bother you.Just have fun and get comfortable.I think my first run had a 60' of 2.20 sec. We can't compete with the mosquito boys.
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I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
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dcjens
Pro
Wet side of Washington
Posts: 1059
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posted March 23, 2010 06:58 PM
wow I am impressed by this thread! some great advice directed at beginning draggers. I'll admit I'm a little paranoid about skying it from the added traction at a track. I never thought about taking off like at a light. seeing all the vids of 6K launches must take some practice. Gotta start somewhere. good stuff! it does sound addicting though...hmmmmm. drag racing voids the life insurance I hear
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Black 06
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