track day. tuneup b4 or after?

[air2]

Hello everyone,

I've got a 97' cbr 600 with 20,000 miles and no previous major work has been done to it.
I bought it when it was at 17,500 miles and the previous owner only did basic maintenance like oil changes spark plugs etc...

I signed up for a track school on march 27th/28th at the streets of willow/button willow? forgot exact name...

I'm wondering if i should have a major tuneup done b4 or after the trackday. major tuneup as in a valvecheck and carbs cleaned i guess.

any advice would help!

Thanks,
Aaron

[Stormdragon]

Unless the bike's not running well, I'd eschew bothering with a carb cleaning. I would go with a full tune beforehand though. It nice to know that the bike's running at it's peak ability when someone blows past you like you're riding a pushcart. :teeth

[KC@ BRG Racing]

OK Please keep in mind I own a tune shop so my view my be a bit one sided. :cool
With that being said. Are you happy with the way the bike is running? Are you a track day regular? Are you looking to better your track times? When was the last major tune up? Depending on your answers. The most important is when was the last time some one that knows what there doing has looked at the bike over all. If it has been a long time since you have a tune up done. I would be a good idea to have some one look at it and make sure it is track ready. Do a base line run on the dyno to make sure the tune is safe.

KC Gager
BRG Racing Products
"We Have Sickness For Quickness"
KC@brgracing.com
http://www.brgracing.com
(925)672-5789

[air2]

This is my first trackday.
The bike is running smooth, but a bit of vibration throughout the bike above 8k RPM (I'm thinking because it's an older bike?) compared to a 04' 600rr which was butter smooth I used to ride.
I check the bike over and do regular maintenance like oil changes brake pad changes / bleeding and stuff.
I'm not too knowledable about bikes, so I guess it'll be a good idea to bring it in to a pro to make sure my bike doesn't fall apart on the track! haha

Thanks for your replies,
Aaron

[air2]

My main goal at the trackday is to drag knee for the first time!!
I've been riding for two years and have never done it.
So, I don't care about lap times really...

[paroxysm]

Originally posted by air2
My main goal at the trackday is to drag knee for the first time!!
I've been riding for two years and have never done it.
So, I don't care about lap times really...

DO NOT GO TO A TRACK SCHOOL TRYING TO DRAG KNEE!

If you do that you'll be hanging off all weird and not focusing on riding. When you are going fast enough to drag knee you will drag knee. Until then, don't focus on it.

As far as the tuneup - at least take it in and have them spend an hour looking over the bike, checking bolts, and looking for the things they know go wrong with your bike. $70 is well worth the piece of mind that you're bike isn't going to explode at the track.

[air2]

ok, i'll keep that in mind.
but its still going to be one of my goals!
i have 2 days to achieve this anyway. =]

I've read that trackdays put alot of abuse on the engine because you ride it alot harder then you normally would on the streets.

That's why i ask initially if i should do the tuneup b4 or after the trackday.

[wsmc831]

would be a good idea to have the valve's checked/adjusted at 20k miles if they haven't been done before, carb's synched at well.

doesn't have a thing to do with trackday or not....


...and my guess is you'll be too busy not trying to get run over to worry about if your knee is touching the pavement...or trying to keep up with the guy ahead of you.

faster you go, more likely it will be to happen..it's a byproduct, not a goal...imop.

[ALANRIDER7]

I own a performance shop also.

My opinion is based on proven experience and what I've seen at the many trackdays and races I've done.

Inspect what you expect. If you want to survive a trackday on a bike that may have mechanical issues, have it tuned and track prepped by someone who knows what they are doing. Identify and REPAIR any problems BEFORE they jeopardize your health and safety and the other riders on the track. If you ride a hammered out piece of shit and it blows up, you can ruin not only your day but others as well. Sad to say, but most trackday tech inspections are not nearly thorough enough. You've got a 10 year old bike in need of PAST DUE routine maintenance. If you think that's the right way to go to the track, I disagree. Get it done right. The bill will still be way less than a trip to the ER.

[Sane_Man]

Note to self: Do not attend a track day at streets of willow/button willow on march 27th/28th.

[07chuck]

Prepping the bike for the track is a major service in it's own right. Correct tires in new condition,chains and sprockets, making sure the braking system is in good order(including new fluid), saftey wire, water wetter, new oil(unless you hate this bike). So along with all that stuff you also probably need a valve adjustment and a carb sync, air filter etc...

[air2]

Thanks for all the advise guys!

I'll take her in to the shop for sure.

Sane_Man dont be so scerrrred!! haha... we're all noobs in the beginning, unless your name is chuck norris!

[Sane_Man]

:laughing