Today I went for my very first time on the racetrack. I went to the Mugello because I live not far from it. I have always been afraid of leaning the bike too much, and the fear remained high even today. I saw three bikes falling into the gravel, which raised my caution level even further. I was not confident about the grip of my tyres (Metzeler Roadtec 01), but despite being street models, I was surprised (and a little proud) to see them consumed like those of real racers (image). On public roads I usually use the DTC plus the throttle to estimate how far I am from the grip limit, but today the DTC never turned on (or at least i did not notice it) suggesting that I still had a lot of room. At the end of third session, as I parked the bike, I noticed that oil was dripping from the engine (about half a teacup in total). Fortunately it was just an unscrewed oil filter, but I had an incredible luck that oil did not start leaking while on the track. Out of 50 participants in the amateur class (the lowest), I was most of the time third-last with a lap time oscillating between 2:44 and 2:47. That's certainly nothing to be proud of but I am glad that neither the tyres nor the oil have broken the spell of a twenty-year accident-free career. Maybe it's time to put the bike on the stand for good?
Great post and description of how it can feel venturing on track for the first time. You, perhaps, should try another trackday and see how you get on, now you have completed your first track day. You'll know what to expect next time, and that will take away some of the anxiety. Got any more pictures?
Thanks everyone for the comments! Here are a few more pictures: First is a comparison of the tyre wear. Then there are few screenshots of the camera respectively from the curves Palagio, Biondetti 1, Biondetti 2, entering Bucine, Bucine and the absolute top speed of the day. The speed indicated on the dash was far higher than the top speed recorded by the telemetry. I was afraid to keep accelerating all the way till the curve at the end of the straight line (San Donato), as I never went such speeds before and have no feeling on the braking distance. Palagio: Biondetti 1: Biondetti 2: Entering Bucine: Bucine: Absolute top speed of the day:
agree, and heartening to think that you just went out and did it without getting bogged down with any over-lengthy preparation.
I haven't prepared much indeed. The days before I just fixed a leak in the radiator, balanced the wheels, replaced all fuses and cleaned all contacts because of a weird random blank dash. As I don't have a suited car nor a trailer, I drove to the racetrack with the same bike and fully dressed with the track suit. According to the organizers there were just 4 or 5 people who had never been at the Mugello before. For sure nearly everybody looked much more professional and prepared. I keep thinking about that day... maybe I should really give the racetrack a second go. Btw., today I managed to get some pictures shot by professionals:
First Track day and it’s Mugello! Now that’s a hell of an introduction! On the big GP circuits it takes all day just to learn the track - you should definitely go back - you will be amazed how much the layout has embedded into your mind. The 2nd visit you will be more relaxed, more confident. Next time try some sportier rubber - it’s not just the sticker compound - the profile of the tyres are sharper so they tip into the corners quicker and allow greater lean angles. Just be aware that it can get very addictive - and very expensive…….
Great right up Great right up dude. Mugello is an eye opener of a circuit but i actually think it's a great circuit even for a newbie. While very fast it has plenty of space (Run off?) And nothing wrong with that time for your first time there, first time on track and on road rubber. I can suggest if you want to a tyre for track and road use the V4 SP is very good (has the SC3 compound). I wanted something for road and track as i didn't have room to bring spare tyres. You said you live near the circuit? I actually travel to Italy once a year and stay near Grezzano / Luco Mugello for 5-6 weeks and bring my bike with me I am here until next week and have another day at Mugello on Monday if you are about?
Thanks for the thoughts and for suggesting the tyres! In fact, I was wondering what would be a good purchase if I were to have a second trackday. About Monday I sent you a PM!
Thanks everyone for the encouragement!!! it seems there's quite a consensus! In preparation for an potential second track day....: what is your experience with the feedback from the tyres (like the Pirelli V4 SP just suggested by Gav101) at high lean angles? Do such tyres give any feedback at all? In particular, if one does not accelerate (no power pulses transmitted on the tyres with slipping and grip recovery phases, i.e. no "big bang" effect [1]) is the tyre grip lost "catastrophically" or do the tyres give any form of feedback to the pilot such that he has at least a minimum chance to recover? When you go to high lean angles, do you simply "trust" that the tyre can handle it, or do you "feel" that the tyre can get there? Is there any place to find more information or literature? Sorry for the question -I am sure it must have been discussed multiple times, but I could not find an answer so far. Reference [1]:
Don’t over think things, just ride within your abilities and have fun. IMO, a good track tyre for the beginner is the Metzeler Racetec RR K3 compound. Their website offers pressure advice and I find the is tyre very tolerant of most track conditions. Andy
Pirelli V4 SP are very sticky and I would have thought they’d be ideal for riding to the track and doing a track day without tyre warmers.
I am using Metzler TD slicks in this clip which shows how an amateur on a road bike can achieve crazy lean angles with modern rubber. The key to track riding is figure out your track weight and have someone set up your suspension properly. Part of this is also understanding correct tyre pressures for the track. I run 36 PSI front and 24 PSI rear.
I was never a Pirelli fan tbh, well of the V3 SP front. But the new V4 changed my mind. I love the Michelin Power Cup 2 and one of my faves, that is a great tyre but super sensitive to pressures on track. For this years trip to Italy I needed to get a tyre for the Panigale V4 that could do 3 days on track and a bit of roadwork. (I haven't found a local garage where i am at Mugello yet to change tyres - Plus i was limited with space) And i wanted to keep the 60 profile. I can tell you the SP V4 is a huge improvement over the V3. Front and rear use the SC3 compound on the shoulders. I'd say it is perfect for summer riding and the odd track day. Lean angles of 59 degrees according to the bike and best lap time of 2:11. In all honesty i got two days out of them with good lap times (for me anyway) 2:11 to 2:16 on the first two days then day 3 this Monday the rear was done. The front is still good and provides confidence but the rear grip was eh lacking so the lap times were down considerably but it was fun having a bike dancing about and teaches you a lot. If you are doing the odd day, the SP V4 gets my vote. It doesn't seem too fussy with pressures and should last you awhile.
