View Full Version : Videos, photos and ramblings on my Trackday at Croft
Tim in Belgium
10-06-08, 08:39 PM
Well, I awoke early to a clear sunny morning in full high contrast, had my brekkie sat in the sun, attached the bullet cam then headed off the 15 or so miles to Croft. First mistake of the day was missing the turn off into the circuit as the sign was a little hidden by a hedge, not an auspicious start! But I was soon there signing on, and quickly met by my Dad in his camper van with numerous supplies of tea coffee, bacon and biscuits.
The intermediate group was soon called for noise testing and assembly so I jumped on my trusty steed and thumbed the starter button, only to be greeted by a Ddzzzt and the ignition lights going out. A few more thumbs and turning on and off of the ignition left me no further. So I jumped off the bike, hauled out the tools, removed the seat and fairing and checked all the fuses and the battery terminals for tightness. A turn of the key revealed ignition lights so I remounted fuse tray, seat and infill panels and jumped aboard again, thumbing the starter. Again nothing, so it all had to come off again, by this stage I was sopping with sweat and I could hear the intermediates out on track. Off with both battery terminals and some scraping, this time I tested the engine before remounting the seat ;)
I decided to head to the pit lane to get noise tested and managed to blag my way onto the novice group, I was pretty boiling by then. After two very slow sighting laps with no need for brakes I was off, my riding ugly and ragged, each novice like a red rag to a bull for me. The session ended and in I came for a 15 min break before heading out in the intermediate group, whilst lining up in the pit lane one of the organisers came over and mentioned that they had a sweepstake on when I was going to fall off before lunch :shock: . So I took their advice and calmed it down, my riding was smoother, safer, I was having more fun and was going quicker. The rest of the day went brilliantly well.
Some pics:
Entering Clervaux
http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/27785/2140263590084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2140263590084392296KHtMQM)
Sshhmmooth leather knee schliders:
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/20700/2300603210084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2300603210084392296JVNsJD)
Concentrating
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/40087/2258614200084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2258614200084392296OGemVv)
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/43478/2579661890084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2579661890084392296hKcKgy)
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/40424/2124980920084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2124980920084392296CtWotb)
And a few videos, unfortunately I had AV jack problems so only got one traffic free session, and a bit of vibration but not too bad:
"SV vs ZX7R" (tongue in cheek ;) )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgPNCQVNFec
A couple of quick laps (for me)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwPTknA_3tI
End of the session, reeling in some stragglers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Vf7kBg598
Thanks to PunyExpress for popping by with an article on Zandvoort, some interesting scooter stories and an amusing caricature on his return from a quick visit to Hartside. Also great to see Robchester out enjoying bikes in the sun, I'm looking forward to your pics Rob. Also tell your mate Steve that his comment - "Are you looking for sponsorship?" - made me feel a million dollars!
A great day on a great track with some great company. :cool: Just need some more power for the straights now.
Blue_SV650S
10-06-08, 11:17 PM
Cool, I have never been to Croft myself, so it is a little hard for me to relate :(
Good to see you weren't letting that ZX7 away 8)
As for the other clips, there doesn't seem to be too many people about, but the ones that are you fly past 8) ... you need to get out of the inters dude ;)
Warthog
11-06-08, 11:56 AM
Looks good Tim! It's hard when a more powerful bike keeps on the racing line, and uses his power on the straights, you have to either out brake him like Blue seems to do mostly, or as you did, take a different line out of the bend and get the power on earlier. Good vid setups though, I didn't notice any bad vibrations particularly. :thumbsup:
Tim I have some pics, but theyre not as good as the pros! Managed to catch you kneedown into Clervaux though, I think they must be shooting on pedestals as they seem to get a more elevated shot than I could. Will post a few up in a bit..
punyXpress
11-06-08, 04:29 PM
Great to meet you, Tim.
The last video doesn't quite do justice to your tyres. Chicken strips well barbecued!
Respect!
thedonal
11-06-08, 04:38 PM
Wow- great videos and pics. Makes me very keen to do a trackday!
Tim in Belgium
11-06-08, 09:03 PM
Looks good Tim! It's hard when a more powerful bike keeps on the racing line, and uses his power on the straights, you have to either out brake him like Blue seems to do mostly, or as you did, take a different line out of the bend and get the power on earlier. Good vid setups though, I didn't notice any bad vibrations particularly. :thumbsup:
Yeah I'm always a little hesitant to jam it up the inside, although did a few better overtakes in my last two sessions, pity the camera wasn't working, bet they all say that ;)
As others have said in other trackday posts moving up a group as soon as possible is a good idea, I found the other riders less erratic in inters, and had more time to concentrate on my line. The fact it was a quiet day with only 25 in a group on the 2.1 mile track also meant there was plenty of space. Had a look at my lap times on the camera and they were approx 14 secs slower than the minitwin racers, so there's fair room for improvement yet :)
Trying to work out whether rearsets are worth it for my remaining track days this year before I say farwell to the SV.
Tim in Belgium
11-06-08, 09:06 PM
Tim I have some pics, but theyre not as good as the pros! Managed to catch you kneedown into Clervaux though, I think they must be shooting on pedestals as they seem to get a more elevated shot than I could. Will post a few up in a bit..
Looking forward to them. Thanks for bringing your camera down and making the effort.
Have you managed to fix/mod your ride height adjuster ? ;)
How fast are you going through the quick corners before sunny in/sunny out?
Tim in Belgium
11-06-08, 09:51 PM
How fast are you going through the quick corners before sunny in/sunny out?
Not sure, but was one of the areas I made ground on some of the bigger bikes, trying to hook the right gear before focusing forcing it through the Jim Clark Esses then heading for the tarmac repair at Barcroft, no time to look at the speedo at that point!
I'm a bit slow at Hairpin, Hawthorn and entering the complex I think (or braking tooo early a lot of the time).
Looking forward to them. Thanks for bringing your camera down and making the effort.
Have you managed to fix/mod your ride height adjuster ? ;)
Yeah, firmly adjusted it with a nut & bolt. Was going to go for a softer setting but the last time I messed with the setup, it all ended in disaster:D
The main issue I had with taking the shots was panning quick enough, as it just isnt happening at the moment. Think I needed longer to get used to messing around with the settings too but ill put them over anyway. Different shots from the pro anyway in that the 2nd set are from the rear.
Blue_SV650S
12-06-08, 09:48 AM
Looking forward to them. Thanks for bringing your camera down and making the effort.
Have you managed to fix/mod your ride height adjuster ? ;)
If you buy some of the £100 ones, then it'll enhance your remaining TD experience and as a part of the overall cost, be feck all .. especially as (presuming you don't break them) you will prolly be able to sell them on to a fellow .orger for £50+ ... so we are talking £50 spread across what 5 trackdays?? ... £10 extra a trackday is feck all ;)
Tim in Belgium
12-06-08, 09:07 PM
Some more pics from a guy who was watching his wife, one with the SP I overtook which was sporting a great paintjob:
http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/40455/2812220320084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2812220320084392296AiXYBR)
The ubiquitous knee down shots.
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/29079/2054429140084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2054429140084392296bhzzEw)
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/26617/2935355490084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2935355490084392296IqYIBZ)
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/41788/2943466030084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2943466030084392296DQefQb)
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/42305/2481774860084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2481774860084392296tMOpRd)
And Blue, as for the rear set purchasing philosophy, I may take it on. Which can you get for 100 GBP? I presume I'll need a Banjo switch for them too.
Blue_SV650S
12-06-08, 10:03 PM
And Blue, as for the rear set purchasing philosophy, I may take it on. Which can you get for 100 GBP? I presume I'll need a Banjo switch for them too.
Just eBay ones, I have seen the chepo ones elsewhere too ..
looking at your pics, you most deffo need a set!! ;) ... I mean look at this!!
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/26617/2935355490084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2935355490084392296IqYIBZ)
Zombie Jesus
13-06-08, 12:53 PM
looks like a good track too bad it's ridiculously far from me
Tim in Belgium
14-06-08, 09:58 PM
Personally I think it is a great track, very flowing with some great corners and good for spectators too.
Some more pics from a guy who was watching his wife, one with the SP I overtook which was sporting a great paintjob:
http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/40455/2812220320084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2812220320084392296AiXYBR)
The ubiquitous knee down shots.
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/29079/2054429140084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2054429140084392296bhzzEw)
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/26617/2935355490084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2935355490084392296IqYIBZ)
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/41788/2943466030084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2943466030084392296DQefQb)
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/42305/2481774860084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2481774860084392296tMOpRd)
And Blue, as for the rear set purchasing philosophy, I may take it on. Which can you get for 100 GBP? I presume I'll need a Banjo switch for them too.
Gotta love those pics mate, I'm actually the fat lad on the srad 600 trying to ride round the out side of you at hawthorn.
Had a bit of an off in session 2 and really knocked my confidence for session 3, then when you done me on the brakes on the start/finish it spurred me into action again so cheers bud.
Heres a couple of pics of me
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/SP33DFOUR/BSP_3849.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/SP33DFOUR/BSP_3781.jpg
Tim in Belgium
23-06-08, 08:12 PM
Had some fun with you sp33dy, you came by me in a few of the sessions and kind of dragged me along! Pretty speedy at times from what I saw to go with your name, I was amazed at the spread of abilities in the intermediates, it was my first time so I wasn't sure what to expect, 69 bhp (claimed!) of SV POWER held its head up high.
Off back there on the Fri 4th July as long as the SV survives a 3rd encounter with the Nurburgring next weekend.....
That chap on the ZX7 didn't even have his pegs down round Tower. Pu$$y.
(Mind, he didn't have the rest of him down on the grass at Tower, either!)
Had a blast mate it was my first time in the inters to, and only my second trackday ever!
I feel pretty much the same as you with the people in the inters being more cosistent and predictable.
Must apologise for getting the second session red flagged, after we got back out after the first red flag I was stuck behind a blade so tried to pass him on the brakes at the end of the start/finish only for him to nip my nose a bit (not intentially) which resulted me giving it the big heave ho on the brakes, this in turn bottomed my front forks out, a sensation which will stay with me forever as the only way i can describe it is as if a caliper had came off and was banging off the forks with every rotation. So i let them of and sort of coasted into the gravel at about 50MPH.
Think you were doing a sterling job on the little sv here s a pic of you giving one of those srads a bit of a run;)
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/SP33DFOUR/BSP_5835.jpg
Just look at that determination, did you have any pegs left at the end of the day?:)
Will be at croft on the 3rd july doing the hottrax training day so hopefully will go well.
If your really into your trackdays theres a forum of like minded enthuisiasts called throttlemonkey.co.uk, their loads of help and they do td's all over.
SP33DY
Tim in Belgium
24-06-08, 09:20 PM
Loads of pegs left, as soon as they start to skit I stop leaning the bike any further, hence why those pesky SRADs get away ;)
I may have a wander over to TM, have fun next Thursday, make sure you leave the track nice and warm and dry, oil & gravel free for me on the Friday.
ThEGr33k
24-06-08, 09:36 PM
A few Q's.
1) How strict is noise? Think id be ok with the top baffles in?
2) What tyres you on? Reckon PR2's are upto it?
3) How fast was the bike getting down the straight?
4) How much was it?
5) Did your brakes fade?
6) Think id be ok in intermediates?
Hope you had fun!
Cheers,
Little man. :D
Tim in Belgium
25-06-08, 07:20 AM
Answers below: A few Q's.
1) How strict is noise? Think id be ok with the top baffles in?
They do a noise test at 4500 k rpm on V-twins, and are reasonably strict, although the noise level depends on if you book a quiet or noisey day. They were retesting the odd bike during the day too, so take it reasonably seriously, so you may need both baffles in, but I couldn't say for sure
2) What tyres you on? Reckon PR2's are upto it?
I'm on Metzeler Rennsport Roads, I reckon PR2s would be fine for a first track day.
3) How fast was the bike getting down the straight?
I'm not sure, too busy looking for braking points, other bikes etc, but I'd guess the SV was getting to 110 ish (+/- 5 mph? ), I reckon others were getting 140 ish down the pit straight
4) How much was it?
125 GBP IIRC.
5) Did your brakes fade?
No, I've EBC HH pads and braided hoses up front with new fluid, had no brake fade issues.
6) Think id be ok in intermediates?
For a first track day I'd go in novices, it is so different to riding on the road, and there will be track bikes on slicks in novices too!
Hope you had fun!
Cheers,
Little man. :D
I would echo going into the Novices, I actually thought they were quicker than the inters! I also couldnt believe the amount of folk in Novices using track bikes with slicks & tyre warmers.
ThEGr33k
25-06-08, 11:57 AM
I would echo going into the Novices, I actually thought they were quicker than the inters! I also couldnt believe the amount of folk in Novices using track bikes with slicks & tyre warmers.
Maybe they know something we dont?
Cheers for the info Tim. Let me know when you are next going (after the next one you are going on) if you like and I might come down with you. :)
I think I may have to invest in braded hoses, I have EBC discs and pads so I think my slight fade will be 5 year of lines. :(
Maybe they know something we dont?
They probably only enter the Novices to boost their ego in that they can beat other things around the track..
Testament to Tim that he was being held back in the corners by faster bikes yet on the straights they had enough to pull away before the next corner
ThEGr33k
25-06-08, 01:19 PM
They probably only enter the Novices to boost their ego in that they can beat other things around the track..
Testament to Tim that he was being held back in the corners by faster bikes yet on the straights they had enough to pull away before the next corner
I would say you are right about the ego. I must say some of those guys were soooo slow in the corners when Tim was following them... I cant believe it. Im shocked people go on tracks and are that slow in the corners.
Did any of them talk to you about showing them the way around Tim? Oh did you see any Falco's or RSV's there? :D
They probably only enter the Novices to boost their ego in that they can beat other things around the track..
That's one reason - they also stick folk into either novice or advance if they overbook inters. I've heard, and witnessed, that inters can get red flagged more often as people are pushing their limits. At Oulton, it took the Inters 3 goes just to get round their first sighting lap!!!
Tim in Belgium
25-06-08, 01:59 PM
In inters there were a few very slow guys, mainly the ones in the Vid clips, a lot more were a similar speed to me, and I got overtaken by a few who were faster. I went out in Novices for the first session due to my bike not starting (and missing the inters first session) and there I overtook loads of bikes, so at the beginning of the day they were definitely slower than the inters group, which as stated can have a wide spread of abilities in it.
I'm looking forwrad to Spa as they put transponders on the bikes and move you about if you're way too fast/slow for your group.
Greek, off to Cadwell on the 21st July if you fancy it. Didn't see any Aprilia twins this time at Croft, but have seen a Mille there the prvious time.
ThEGr33k
25-06-08, 02:29 PM
I got work the next day but I guess that might be the same for you? Hmmm. Might well be up for that. :)
What are the details?
Oh and do you ride there and back or trailer etc?
That's one reason - they also stick folk into either novice or advance if they overbook inters. I've heard, and witnessed, that inters can get red flagged more often as people are pushing their limits. At Oulton, it took the Inters 3 goes just to get round their first sighting lap!!!
Yeah agree with you here, the inters seems to book up quicker and more in advance then any other group.
As such people who still want to go to the trackday would rather go in the slow group than not go at all.
There were a few friends from another forum who fell into that category.
Tim Hope i wasn't one of those donkeys slowing you down in the bends then getting the better of you on the straights:D
IIRC think i was hitting 145+ on the straight but mines been down geared from a 16 tooth front sprocket to a 15 tooth, so think the speedo will be a bit out.
If any one fancies cadwell on the 29 aug there more then welcome to join me it's a friday so will be traveling down on thurs day and doing a spot of camping.
SP33DY
Sp33dy, I happen to have a few photos of you in shot when I was taking pics of Tim at the opening corner and on the 2nd to last corner and I can say that you are one of those slowing him down!! ;)
I actually thought I had one of you binning it in the gravel however that turned out to be 2 other completely different guys
OK just uploading a choice selection of the pictures from the day. Unfortunately they arent great as I was trying to take the shots leaning on crutches with some stupid frame on my arm, hence the lack of quality and panning on the pics.
OK thought that Id uploaded to a site which you could link individual photos but unfortunately not
Therefore all those interested, please see http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/54348614
for pictures!
Blue_SV650S
25-06-08, 07:22 PM
Why are seeing crash pics so much cooler than any other pic?!!? ;)
http://img4011.photobox.co.uk/79895406355a29156717f4094b543b012d0441657c72231fb2 bc56e10b0349ca254ebb20.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/12.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/15.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/16.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/17.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/18.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/19.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/20.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/21.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/Croft%20Jun08%20TD/22.jpg
Tim in Belgium
25-06-08, 08:43 PM
Rob, cheers for that, brilliant pics, and excellent given the the stick and cage hindrance ;)
How's things going with the leg and wrist?
Things going ok, start physio on the wrist on Tuesday as the pins are now out and still waiting for the 3rd op to get the pins out of my leg to walk. Expect to have it done within next 2-3wks so hopefully will be walking (in a fashion) by the end of July.
Tim in Belgium
25-06-08, 08:52 PM
Good to hear.
Some great pics there Rob,
He actually crashed alongside me, I remember finally exhaling when I stopped just to see another bike thundering into the gravel in a spectacular fashion. Luckily I was quite close to the wall so well away from the incident.
Just out of curiosity were you being wheeled about in a chair?
No mate, I was on crutches just hobbling about. Did you crash alongside that guy?
ThEGr33k
25-06-08, 09:49 PM
Crash pics have scared me a little :( How'd they manage that then?
overcooked it in the corner/got the braking technique wrong.
Its just like riding on the road in that you still have the potential for accidents, you just dont have any cars wanting to pull out on you
Just I saw a guy being wheeled about in a chair looking longfully at the bikes out on track.
Did see a young lad on crutches hobbling around the pits as well.
As for crashes they normally go like this
"check me out Im a riding god"
"Im gonna take this next corner flat out in third with my knee down Rossi style"
Actually getting to the corner and leaning over ever so slightly
"AAAARRRRGH Can't lean over any further BRAKE"
The result is a trip up the road then months of feeling sorry for yourself because deep down inside you know it was avoidable.
It boils down to no confidence in their tyres. on both trackdays I've been to there were numerous people who were just too scared to pull their front brake or lean the bike over (they were sticking their knees out far enough so think they were trying to get the kneedown).
On the plus side though it gives guys like me and Tim on our underpowered toys a chance to sneak up on them.
And before I start getting a slating off the lads who were there about my braking abilities, i could pull m lever back to the bar so was having to give it two pumps to get them to work!
Tim in Belgium
26-06-08, 07:26 AM
Did see a young lad on crutches hobbling around the pits as well.
Sounds like Rob, especially if he had very short hair ;)
ThEGr33k
26-06-08, 07:34 AM
Just I saw a guy being wheeled about in a chair looking longfully at the bikes out on track.
Did see a young lad on crutches hobbling around the pits as well.
As for crashes they normally go like this
"check me out Im a riding god"
"Im gonna take this next corner flat out in third with my knee down Rossi style"
Actually getting to the corner and leaning over ever so slightly
"AAAARRRRGH Can't lean over any further BRAKE"
The result is a trip up the road then months of feeling sorry for yourself because deep down inside you know it was avoidable.
It boils down to no confidence in their tyres. on both trackdays I've been to there were numerous people who were just too scared to pull their front brake or lean the bike over (they were sticking their knees out far enough so think they were trying to get the kneedown).
On the plus side though it gives guys like me and Tim on our underpowered toys a chance to sneak up on them.
I see. So over confident then. I guess the second guy followed the first and followed him to do the same mistake.
And before I start getting a slating off the lads who were there about my braking abilities, i could pull m lever back to the bar so was having to give it two pumps to get them to work!
Hmmm sounds like better brake lines or a good bleed out... Should sort it im guessing.
Ive been thinking about going and doing a track day. Not so sure I have the money if the worst should happen as my bike is my only transport. Next year should be better! Sorry Tim, I would LOVE TO! Might even get a ss600 for the track.
Sounds like Rob, especially if he had very short hair ;)
I think you'll find thats NO hair :D
Don't think it was you then mate this lad had hair and was about 20.
Don't think it's being over confident Greek just a case of people going out of there comfort zone.
Look at Tim proving on corner after corner that you can scrape away the pegs on an SV, yet realistically how many people on the forum would dream of leaning over that far?
It's not that the bike can't do it, it's just people aren't comfortable (stupid,brave etc...) enough with it.
As for my brakes there sorted now actually stola a new master cylinder of an SV as the 14mm just wasn't getting enough juice down the lines the 5/8" MC of the SV has made things rock solid now.
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.