I guess I don't need to need to know this now but I'm curious now .
Next season I was thinking of taking my bike to a track day or two (I'll get smoked but it's just for fun), and as one of the bike preparation steps, one local track requires you to replace the coolant with water ("distilled water with some form of lubricant like Water Wetter or Cool Down").
I was wondering if anybody knew what kind of solution this is for a liquid-cooled bike? Do I need to use this only for the track days, could I keep it for a few weeks during which I'll do a couple track days, or would it even be possible to just run it like this regularly? Thanks for any tips guys!
I've seen plain water rust the iron parts of the cooling system, which then jams up the fins. You're better to do it JUST for the track day. You can add water-wetter, or other similar product.
There are also non ethyl-glycine based coolants that you're allowed to run on the track.
Are you Edmonton, or Calgary? If you're going to be out at Stratotech I'll see you out there next year
Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.
How do you guys find race tracks? I'm curious if there's something like that around here, but I don't have a clue where to look. I dp know that we have plenty of car tracks.
Yup, I'm from Edmonton and the particular track I was talking about was Stratotech. To answer your question, bluecamel, I found this one since I was out there for a team-building event using the go-karts and I looked the place up afterward and found out they have track days.
So Sev, these non ethyl-glycine based coolants you speak of, is it the same deal as with water that they should only be used for the day? If you use this kind of stuff, how can I find it? I would like to minimize how many coolant changes I do, but obviously I won't do anything that'll harm the bike.
Actually, while I have somebody listening who knows the track, anything else I should know about bike prep or whatever? Wiring up the side stand seems kinda weird. Also, any other nearby tracks worthy of note? Ok, I'm done droning on, for now. Thanks!
Not sure how long the non ethyl stuff works to be honest. I think you're better off just flushing the coolant before the track day and running water with watter-wetting in it.
As for other tracks, there's race city in Calgary. But that's about it that I know of. Have you been out to a track day yet? Remember you will need to do more then just prep your bike. You need full leathers a SNELL helmet, armored boots and gloves.
You need to remove your mirrors, tape off turn signals, and the head/brake lights.
You need to wire up the kickstand and use a paddock stand when you're stopped. There's probably going to be a race school this May. It might be worth signing up for. I'm checking once a week to see when it starts haha.
Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.
I don't have a truck or whatever to haul the bike so I'll probably ride out with a few tools to take off the mirrors, tape things up, etc. once I get there. The side stand thing shouldn't be a problem since I have a center stand, it just sounded odd.
I'm probably going to rent the full leathers for the first time since it might turn out it's not my cup of tea. If I like it though, I'll invest in a set of my own. I didn't see anything about helmet/gloves/boots specifics (except that boots have to be leather and cover the ankles). Are there specifics there I should be aware of - I might as well pick that stuff up when I put in my order this winter.
And yeah, you should definitely post up some details when you find out about the race school, it sounds worthwhile. Thanks for the info!
Boots and gloves should be made of leather. Boots should have ankle and shin protection.
Helmets must be SNELL rated.
Riding to the track isn't that great an idea because you're going to be very tired at the end of the day and not thinking correctly. Not to mention putting it back to street form is a lot of work you don't want to do at the end of the day. Plus there is always the chance you'll "lay it down" and not have a way to ride home.
Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.
I'm hoping to have a trailer to get out there. Not sure if it's big enough for 2 bikes yet... but if it is I can help you get out there once in a while. We'll see how things shape up, as I've also got a close friend that I'll need to take out sometimes as well.
What I'm getting at here is that there will be lots of people who would be willing to help you get out there and back safely. Especially if it means you won't be getting your speed fix on the surface streets. There will also be lots of people willing to help you patch yourself or your bike back together should something bad happen.
We'll wait and see what happens next summer. Keep in touch at the very least.
Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.
Yeah, I know people who have had their lives ruined because of drivers' impatience/ego, so I am very against any sort of speeding or other jackassery on public roads.
I was thinking more along the lines of seeing where the nearest twisty mountain-type roads are. Of course shmoozing up to people with the necessary equipment is another possibility . First thing's first though, I have the winter to get the old girl in top condition!
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