Posted by Scott Lian on Tue, Apr 20, 2010 @ 08:50 PM
Getting a jump on the season means being prepared. We've all been there, you show up to the track ready to go... only to find that you've forgotten a critical item at home. Avoid this by making a checklist of what you need and what you want, to have with you at the track. Here are some ideas to get you started.
*Thanks to Dave Michaud from BatMan Moto for contributing to the checklist!
It's also a great idea to make a list of personal essentials such as contacts, plenty of clothes (especially socks, underwear, shirts), medicines you may need, and some reading material like your favorite moto-magazine.
Remember, early-season riding can include a wide-variety of temperatures throughout the day. Be prepared for crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings!! Long-underwear, warm base-layers like Under Armour, and your favorite sweatshirt and jacket (don't forget a waterproof layer) are all essentials to help you be prepared for whatever the conditions. If you don't have a balaclava, they always come in handy and make a big difference keeping your neck warm!
Javelin Broderick (pictured above) - WERA West Team Conti rider.
If you're looking to get the best performance and longevity out of your tires, for ContiRaceAttack tires, be sure to use tire warmers set at high setting (175 deg F) for a FULL hour prior to your first session of the day.
Be ready for anything and you will be able to enjoy all the available track time!! Those first sessions that are a little thin, can be some of the best track time you'll have all year!
Posted by Scott Lian on Fri, Mar 26, 2010 @ 12:22 PM
Safety wiring is an extra precaution to keep critical fasteners from loosening and causing parts to fall off. This method is commonly used on aircraft and racing equipment. It provides a simple and effective visual check that bolts have been tightened.
Why safety wire your moto?
Most racing organizations (motorcycle and automobile) require a level of safety wiring to pass inspection. The required safety wired bolts usually include (but not limited to) fluid retaining plugs and bolts (oil and coolant) as well as brake components. The obvious reason behind concern for these areas of the vehicle is the ability of fasteners to unintentionally loosen and create an unsafe situation that could possible pose a danger to the operator or others on the race track.
Simply safety wiring critical bolts and nuts after tightening them ensures that they are in fact tightened to the proper torque level. Developing this as a habit will insure piece of mind on the race track.
The principle of safety wire involve a wire passed through a hole (previously drilled in the fastener) to “hold” the fastener in tension (in its tight position) as to only allow a tightening motion and to not allow any rotation of the fastener that would cause it to loosen, whether due to vibration or other forces.
Tools Required:
Safety Wire (commonly .032” Stainless steel for racing applications)
Safety Wire Pliers
Wire cutters (dykes)
Needle-nose pliers
1/16”drill bits & drill
The Process:
Drilling bolts for safety wiring can be achieved in a variety of ways, both straight forward and complicated. Ordering pre-drilled safety bolts (Pro-Bolt) is the easiest solution. Using special clamps / vices and a drill press allows a safe and convenient way to hold the bolts during the drilling process.
But a simple vice and hand drill will do the trick, although not always smoothly.
A hole through the head or shoulder of the fastener will work.
Once the bolt is installed and torqued properly, the first step is to cut the wire loom to the correct length as to be able to loop it through the fastener and it’s anchor point (slightly longer than twice that distance). After looping the wire through the head of the bolt, lock the 2 loose ends, with enough slack to loop it through the anchor hole, into the safety wiring pliers. Twist the wire to the optimum number of twists per inch (7 to 9 in the case of SS .032” wire), a good rule of thumb is you'll need roughty 25% longer wire un-twisted to cover the distance you need when twisted.
First bolt looped, and wire twisted.
Release the wire from the pliers, and feed one of the two loose ends into the anchor hole, the other loose end will go around the anchor to meet the other one. Repeat the twisting process on these 2 sections of the wire, while making sure the previously twisted section remains taunt. Cut off this last twisted section ½” to ¾” past the anchor and to ensure the wire won’t loosen, wrap the tail around the anchor and out of the way. This will also protect the wire from catching on any moving parts.
Notice the tail of the safety wire
twisted and tucked out of the way
The most critical note to be made about installing safety wire is the way it is wound through the fastener to ensure it prevents loosening. For example, a bolt being tightened in a clockwise rotation, the safety wire should be inserted through one side of the head (pre-drilled) and twisted on the same side. It should then be rotated clockwise around the head of the bolt to the anchor point. The taunt state of the wire will create enough tension on the bolt head to ensure a locking function.
2 bolts can be safety wired together using the above technique to ensure that they are both in tension in the tightening direction.
In conclusion, safety wiring a great way to mechanically lock critical fasteners, and additionally provides an easy visual inspection point for yourself and tech inspection.
Hope this is helpful as you prepare for the start of the season!
- Quentin
Posted by Dennis Colwell on Wed, Mar 24, 2010 @ 10:39 PM
It's that time of year again (finally) and temps are warming up. I'm sure you have been working on finishing up your winter bike projects or are already riding. So the time has come to throw the fairings back on and take the bike off the battery tender, spring is in the air - it's time to ride!
Hold on just a second before you don those leather jackets, boots, gloves and helmets that have been sitting all winter. Did you clean them before storing them away for their winter hibernation? No? Gross! If you had time to check the torque on every bolt on the bike then you should have made time for gear maintenance.
Before you go sliding that nasty, dried, sweat covered helmet onto your head or cram your winter belly into that musty riding jacket... how about we do some pre-season prep for your all important (but oft forgotten) gear? Gear is expensive and it's what protects us in those rare, glorious occasions when we decide to pavement surf at 70 mph down the pike, or when you look up and find yourself staring at your boots against a blue sky (minty-fresh white ones of course). Taking good care of it will make it last longer and work even better in a crash! These tips are important and apply to any motorcycle enthusiast.
Racers out there do your garage-mates a favor and clean your stanky leathers. They aren't lucky or sacred, it's OK to wash them... I promise... we don't need to smell 'em! Those of you street riders rocking your Vanson Stary Boyz Replica jacket that you purchased when you still had a full head of hair, listen up, your passenger will thank you.
Bottom line, if you want your gear to look, feel and smell like new; follow these simple tips at least once a year.
From top to bottom (and providing pictures, so even you Gixxa owners can follow along easily):
Supplies Needed:
- Pledge, Gentle Hand Soap, Plexus, Woolite, toothbrush and several clean soft towels/rags.
Helmet
Helmets may seem like a scary task as it is often an expensive piece of equipment, but it's no big deal, trust me.
- Rinse outer shell with water and a gentle dish soap on a soft towel. Use some soap if the helmet is really dirty but usually just water does the job.
- Get your friend's toothbrush (or an old one you don't use anymore) and use it to scrub out the little plastic air vents and scoops on the helmet. Be sure to remove all that gunk and dead bugs stuck in there from a season of riding. Now, rinse the helmet off and dry with cloth.
- Break out that plexus or helmet wax equivalent and spray the helmet and visor. Wipe clean with a fresh cloth and repeat until visor is clear and there is a nice smooth, shiny surface. Bling!
- Flip over the helmet and remove any cheek pads or liners that easily unclip, un-Velcro or unbutton. Rinse these parts in the sink with warm water and some woolite (or equivalent) on a towel. Be sure to rinse these well as this is where all your sweat is absorbed.
- Use the same towel but ring it out so it's just damp and wipe down the rest of the inside of the helmet. If there is a non-removable liner be sure to wipe it down with a clean cloth that only has been dampened with water.
- Place helmet in a cool dry place in front of or on top of a fan with the visor and all vents open. (If you place it on top of a fan be careful the straps don't get caught in the blades!)
Voila! Now that's a happy helmet.
The Leathers
- For really dirty leathers get a damp / soapy rag and wipe down the exterior. Don't get them soaking wet and once you've gotten all of the bugs or excess dirt, dry them off with a dry towel.
- If your jacket, pants or one piece leathers have a liner and or armour, remove them now. Some are zip in, (shown below) some Velcro and even button. Be careful and mindful of how the liner comes out as you will need to put them back in. For the most part these mesh liners are ok to be thrown in the washer on a gentle cycle and hung dry. DO NOT PUT IN THE DRYER! Spray armour with Febreze.
While the liner is in the wash we will now have easy access to all the zippers.
- Get the pump hand soap out and lube up all the zippers. Be sure to apply the soap on your finger and rub soap on the closed zipper. Then open and close the zipper to get the soap in all the teeth. Try not to use too much soap or you will produce soap bubbles as you ride.
Applying soap on zipper!
Don't forget the ankle, wrist other random vent zippers!
- The inside of your leathers (usually the nappy part) need some care too. This part usually absorbs your sweat after the liner and sweat breaks leather down. Get out your damp rag with some Woolite on it and begin to clean the inside of the leathers. Be sure to use a damp (with water only) rag to rinse the inside out.
- If you have any scuffs or just dull spots that need to be shined up, this step will really do the trick. Get the Pledge out and another soft rag. Begin by spraying the rag generously and wiping down the exterior of the leathers. The oils in Pledge will replenish the leathers shine and will give it that supple feel. This is one step that you can continue to do throughout the season and it will pay dividends. This step is the equivalent of waxing and buffing your bikes tank so take your time and do a good job. Below are before and after photos of a scuff on my leathers.
Before
After
Not bad considering what the leathers went through.
- Hang your leathers up in a cool, dry, well ventilated space that is NOT in direct sunlight. Drying in the harsh sun will once again break down the leathers. Make sure they dry well and put a fan on them if you have one.
Your leathers are now done and should look almost as good as this.
You're welcome.
The Gloves & Boots (these are easy)
- Use a damp rag with some Woolite on it and begin to clean the inside of the boots and gloves. If you are able to invert the gloves this will make cleaning easier. For the boots feel free to use some odor absorbing powder to prep them before your first use.
- Allow to dry in a cool, dry, well ventilated space that is NOT in direct sunlight.
Your appendages are now stink-free!
One last final tip: use Febreze to spray the inside of all your gear throughout the season as a great quick clean!
Hope this helps and becomes a yearly ritual for you. It shouldn't take you more than a couple hours (depending on how much gear you have) to complete but it is well worth the effort in the long run. Thanks for reading.
Enjoy your minty-fresh wheelies!
Denno
Posted by Scott Lian on Tue, Mar 23, 2010 @ 07:43 PM
Boston Moto and Sportbike Track Time (STT) announce a partnership involving mutual membership benefits for select track days. Members from each club are now able to attend select dates (below) and utilize their member benefits when they attend.
This will greatly benefit members of the two clubs with more options to ride at two of the best venues in the North East: New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Monticello Motorclub.
Without any burden of additional membership fees or "guest rate" fees, members of each club (Boston Moto customers and STT members) will access guest events and are able to register through their existing club's website.
There will be representatives of the guest club on the hosting club's day to further insure the members experience is an excellent one. With Boston Moto and STT's new partnership, you now get even more exceptional value and choices for North East track days. As a result of this reciprocity agreement members of Sportbike Track Time and Boston Moto have 2 additional track day choices in 2010. Both clubs are excited about the added benefits their members will experience by this program.
Boston Moto customers will have the opportunity to ride Monticello Motor Club (North Course) on:
June 21st and June 22nd, click here to register. Save $25 on riding both days by entering the code: Monti2Day upon checkout.
Elite members may use a "banked" day, or pay separately through the Boston Moto Shop.
For more visit BostonMoto.com and SportbikeTrackTime.com
Posted by Scott Lian on Fri, Mar 05, 2010 @ 01:55 PM
If you've been following us and are interested in the Continental RaceAttack line of track tires, come and see what the fuss is about at any of our NHMS Track Days.
Waking up to a layer of fog and a chill in the air, we made our way to the track for Day 2. Mark and the guys from The Track Club had moved pits closer to the entrance to the hot pit, and had moved all of our stuff as well... they even had the bikes lined up ready for a day's thrashing... er... testing. I can't say enough about Mark, Dean and the other Mark (Verbal as we called him) for their help getting the bikes up to snuff and seeing that we were taken care of, you guys absolutely rolled out the red carpet and we are exceedingly grateful!!
Superbike Tires had the fleet equipped with fresh rubber including the 636 which featured soft / soft slicks (pic below shows DOTs from the day prior). We were eager to try the soft compound after spending most of Day 1 testing a medium front, endurance (hard) rear compound.
I rolled onto the grid for the first session without tire warmers and gently made my way around the 3 mile circuit (turn by turn guide to Buttonwillow here). Through each corner slowly easing up the pac, paying particular attention to the Off-ramp (turns 1-2) and Sunset sections of the track which have a somewhat "polished" surface.
Coming in after the session, we found the hot pressures were up at 50 psi front AND rear.... the fact I was able to get these brand new tires up to temp from BONE cold with 50 psi in them safely is.... pretty impressive. Tire warmers are strongly recommended however, especially for a new set of rubber. Once through our first sessions, subsequent sessions saw the tires up to temp within a single lap, making them ideal for track day applications.
Mark helped sort us out, setting the pressures to 32 psi (front) and 28 psi (rear). Now that the tires were dialed in, I was eager for the next A group session. It took a few laps to come to grips with the bike feeling a bit different (wow, there's GRIP!), but the pace started to ratchet up very quickly after that. By late morning I was able to hang with most everybody in the A group, save for a handful of local racers on big bikes who were blisteringly fast.
The 636 proved the bike of choice to push our limits on... lap after lap, session after session, the tires and bike answered the bell with rock-solid stability and confidence (if it weren't for a few excursions onto the slick candy-striping in the esses, I didn't feel either end slip throughout the entire day). Degsy and Denno echoed these sentiments across each tire type and bike application (we actually had a blast on the 900RR!) with none of us experiencing a single instance of the wheels getting out of line on day 2.
During lunch we had the opportunity to sit down with Javelin Broderick, a very impressive young gun racing WERA Expert on the west coast. Javelin is 14 years old and currently running 1:55's at Buttonwillow, only a few seconds off the lap record at the track. Making the switch from Dunlops to Continentals for 2010, he became a fan of the ContiRaceAttacks after shaving 2 seconds off his personal best lap times. Aside from going quicker, he was also attracted to the contingency program which has payouts in more classes (actually every class) than any other brand.
Unfortuantely the audio quality from our video interview didn't come out as we'd hoped, but you can read the full transcript of our talk here. We look forward to following Javelin on twitter throughout 2010 and wish him the best of luck!
Mid-afternoon we sat down to discuss our thoughts thus far... and yesterday's initial impressions were backed up by today's experience. Offering incredible stability and confidence while trail-braking, the front feels very neutral and predictable, similar to a Pirelli. The rear tire is where the real impression was made. Providing a direct connection between throttle inputs and the rear tire, it hooked up on corner exit time after time; similar to a Dunlop rear (although it's been a while since we've ridden on them). I have never felt as comfortable on the gas driving out of a corner as I felt throughout this test.
Derek had a chance to sample the tires at the end of their life when the 10 track-day-old set on the ZX-10 started to go off... and his found them to be very controllable while allowing him to ride with confidence even after grip started to fade. He returned to the pits after his last session on the old tires, saying matter-of-factly, "yep, they're done." This some light on one of the biggest concerns we have about any set of rubber: how it communicates once optimum grip starts to fade. Similar sentiments have been echoed by other riders' we were able to talk to, all conveying how they appreciated the predictable nature of the tires.
The final few afternoon sessions were spent recording some on-board video (which will be up shortly) before it was time to pack up and start making our way back to the airport. This test left us very impressed with Continental's ContiRaceAttack tires, both in DOT and Slick form (especially the soft compound!)
We have a suspicion that the stiff carcass (particularly on the rear), ample edge-grip and front end stability will lend themselves very well to our home track - New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Without over simplifying things, the RaceAttacks combine everything we loved about Pirelli tires (communication, outstanding grip) with much increased longevity... and we're betting the stiffer carcass will make life much, much easier with regards to setup... alleviating the need somewhat for optimum high and low speed damping settings... providing more control exiting corners.... especially those with harsh transitions like Turn 10.
Regardless of how we feel, it always comes down to each individual rider to find that balance of comfort and performance when choosing a set of tires. On April 22nd (Open Test for LRRS Licensed Riders) and April 27th (our first Track Day) we'll be providing the opportunity for anyone to come and put these tires through their paces in our own back yard... all you have to do is sign up for our demo day...Once you try them (and see the pricing...) chances are you won't look back.
We'd like to thank (yet again) Mark Duncan from
The Track Club and
Superbike Tires. Without his efforts far above and beyond our expectations, this never would have been made possible. Thanks Mark, we look forward to staying in touch throughout the season!
Posted by Scott Lian on Sat, Feb 27, 2010 @ 11:47 AM
Our bags are packed and we're ready to go... plane leaves in a little over 3 hours!
Throughout the course of this trip we'll be updating our Twitter (text) and Facebook (pics) accounts independently with all the latest from Buttonwillow. And of course, we'll have a blog recap at the end of each day. Thanks to Ted from Duncan Moto for hooking us up with a couple Vholdr video cameras to capture all the action!
Here's what we'll be studying on the flight....I wonder what the Ben Spies method would have to say about this track...? Whatever the animal, it looks like fun.
Posted by Scott Lian on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 @ 02:52 PM
As some of you may know already, there will be some major changes coming in 2010. For starters, we've unveiled our Boston Moto Elite Membership program, which helps not only make track days more affordable, but provides some nice discounts along the way.
Also, we will no longer be sending email newsletters via constant contact, we urge all our existing contacts to subscribe to the boston moto blog by visiting http://bostonmoto.com/blog/
When new entries are made, you will be notified via email, or you can subscribe via facebook (search: Boston Moto) or follow us on twitter. Please remember you may sign up at any time.
By subscribing to our blog via any method above, you will be kept up to date on the latest news, including notifications regarding our track days or products we carry, as well as be advised on upcoming specials, promotions and discount opportunities. We realize how getting a monthly email may be inconvenient for some, so utilizing our blog for such announcements is our way of providing a more user friendly way to stay informed.
We'll have much, much more news coming soon including additional track day offerings, product offerings and early season promotions, so stay tuned... spring will be here sooner than you think!