? on lap timers..

Crash · 10-14-2007, 11:58 PM

I'm looking at getting a XT lap timer and most places only offer the receiver. Do most tracks already have the transmitters? Or is it wise to get the whole deal, transmitter and all? It just seems kinda weird.

seamus · 10-15-2007, 12:11 AM

I haven't been to a trackday yet that didn't have a beacon set up. You should be fine with just the receiver.

Hammer · 10-15-2007, 12:12 AM

90% of the time someone will have a transmitter. I have only used mine 2 times so far in 2 years.

If you want the whole deal, check Indysuperbikes.com

Crash · 10-15-2007, 12:25 AM

I saw that Indy was one of the few places to get the whole thing.

I was thinking that most of the tracks I go to already have something set up. I think I'll go with just the receiver for now. What can I say, I'm an easy sell! Thanks guys.

SheepOfBlue · 10-15-2007, 08:17 AM

The only time I have not had a beacon available was at Miller this year (it was available occasionally but mostly not). Though I might start bringing a battery for mine to some as the more private events they are getting more scarce. STT down south puts one out I think.

RedRider · 10-15-2007, 10:41 AM

Don't buy the transmitter...you'll just end up forgetting it at the track.

bda116 · 10-15-2007, 10:57 AM

I have never used one since I got my first AIM timer back in ~98 or so.
Always just sat around in the truck/van/whatever.

Crash · 10-15-2007, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRider

Don't buy the transmitter...you'll just end up forgetting it at the track.

Personal experience in that area

luvtolean · 10-15-2007, 12:23 PM

I've never been to a trackday in Cali where one wasn't set up.

The XT uses the AIM beacon too, so you are good to go.

I don't like the cheap new XT timer though, it is big enough that it seems hard to mount. (top of the gas tank is what my bud did with his, when we couldn't find anywhere else)

eyauch · 10-15-2007, 12:41 PM

The only issue I have found is that even though someone else has had their beacon set up.... by the end of the track day they would leave before I would taking their beacon. I would go out and have what I felt was my best session of the day and damn it... no time to prove it.

But I do agree with others to just get the receiver for now. Beacons pop up for cheap on wera and likewise if you feel like you need one.

Crash · 10-15-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

I've never been to a trackday in Cali where one wasn't set up.

The XT uses the AIM beacon too, so you are good to go.

I don't like the cheap new XT timer though, it is big enough that it seems hard to mount. (top of the gas tank is what my bud did with his, when we couldn't find anywhere else)

I've seen the newer XTs and they are large, but the RC has plenty of space since I've removed stuff. Who else makes lap timers? I thought that Translogic has a digitial mini dash that has a built in timer?

luvtolean · 10-15-2007, 01:03 PM

I don't really know what is out there other than XT and AIM.

I had AIM data aq on the 929 but at the time the little AIM MyChron lap timer seemed most common.

Since then the XT came out, and it seems most popular now. (and is what I now use since abtech included it with the RC)

Edit- The Ultra-Lap is easy to mount. The mini-lap (the one I mention above) is kind of a pain as the infrared sensor is attached to the readout.

Welcome to XT Racing

SheepOfBlue · 10-15-2007, 03:05 PM

FWIW get the newer XT it is more rounded. The more square one comes in two flavors good and not as good. In the newer ones the plug inside is much better. My RC has shaken a few XT's apart (well one got it from tar snakes) but the last one fritzed and when I opened it the plug had worked out. Push the plug back and poof been running since. The older ones have a black plug that is rectangular and harder to reseat when if vibrates loose. I think this is an issue that twins aggravate (was told by an Aprilia owner that he had the same issues). Of course it could be the patented sheep braking also

Crash · 10-18-2007, 12:20 AM

Okay, so now this leads to the question of what length of cable and do I purchase the USB download module? My Gawd, isn't anything simple

bwhip · 10-18-2007, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash

Okay, so now this leads to the question of what length of cable and do I purchase the USB download module? My Gawd, isn't anything simple

On my RC I used the 6' cable, so I could route the cable under the tank and seat to mount on the rear cowling. The short cable doesn't give you as many options as to where to mount the receiver so it will have an unobstructed view of the beacon as you pass it each lap. On my 600 I'm able to mount the receiver on top of my Scotts damper (I have a short cable on that bike), and it still manages to see the beacon without my gloves or arms being in the way because the damper lets it sit up higher.

The USB download module would only really be necessary if you were going to download all your laps into a database. I've never needed it. The timer will store hundreds of laps, and you can clear it out easily.

Crash · 10-18-2007, 12:45 AM

Thanks bwhip

but look at what I found.... Athon GPS / Tach / Lap Timer

Athon GPS 3 Lap Timer - Speedometer - Tachometer - Shift Light

This is cool enough to make me want it. Shiny and all that.

MotoVegas · 10-18-2007, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash

Thanks bwhip

but look at what I found.... Athon GPS / Tach / Lap Timer

Athon GPS 3 Lap Timer - Speedometer - Tachometer - Shift Light

This is cool enough to make me want it. Shiny and all that.

Yeah, this find is money good one Crash! Anybody used this thing? Seems like a lot of claims and abilities, especially for the price.

SheepOfBlue · 10-18-2007, 08:32 AM

On my RC I have the short cable and a laptimer holder on the fork. The timer is on the top of the fairing on either side with velcro. The only time I have had an issue with the beacon was at Miller and I believe no one was picking it up more than occasionally. My setup will not work if the forks are up all the way very easily but I believe Baketech has one that will (goes on the key switch)

Crash · 10-18-2007, 09:27 AM

Thanks Sheep

That's kinda why I'm liking the Athon more and more. It's a gps based unit and doesn't need a transmitter. You simply push the button as you cross the start finish line on a warm up lap or something and the unit marks that as the line. You can have up to 4 different "split" I guess with this unit. Seems pretty sweet.

SheepOfBlue · 10-18-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash

Thanks Sheep

That's kinda why I'm liking the Athon more and more. It's a gps based unit and doesn't need a transmitter. You simply push the button as you cross the start finish line on a warm up lap or something and the unit marks that as the line. You can have up to 4 different "split" I guess with this unit. Seems pretty sweet.

Looks interesting but the RPM with no electical connection

though maybe they only meant power connection.

I would be curious to hear more. The lap function should work decent off GPS (sheepputer research)

EDIT: it uses a inductive pickup or wired in. For more desciption and a better version
LAP TIMERS

CBRVFR · 10-18-2007, 12:18 PM

$500 bucks to tell me I'm too slow? Shit, I know that already.

Crash · 10-18-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

$500 bucks to tell me I'm too slow? Shit, I know that already.

It's more than that, it tells you that missed a shift and where exactly you are slower.

I don't know I may bite the bullet and have to product test this guy since I already have to rewire my harness to get my tach back, might as well do it and throw in some cool electronincs

phobe · 05-21-2008, 06:52 PM

Sorry to dig up an old thread... searched "athon" and this came up.

I keep seeing the ads for this in the mags. Tell me why I shouldn't buy one? (I mean other than the fact that it's on backorder)

Athon GPS R Lap Timer - Tachometer - Shift Light - Track Mapping

SheepOfBlue · 05-21-2008, 07:23 PM

Not a bad setup but that is data acquisition not lap timer

Hammer · 05-21-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

Tell me why I shouldn't buy one?

$800 price tag shot it in the ass for me.

10-14-2007, 11:58 PM	#1
Crash Life is getting better Join Date: 12-20-2006 Location: Simi Valley, CA Bike(s): 03 KTM 525 SMC, 05 RC-51 Posts: 316	? on lap timers.. I'm looking at getting a XT lap timer and most places only offer the receiver. Do most tracks already have the transmitters? Or is it wise to get the whole deal, transmitter and all? It just seems kinda weird. __________________ Soon to be http://www.c5graphicdesign.com Funded by viewers like you

10-15-2007, 12:11 AM	#2
seamus is feelin alright Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Rocket City Age: 34 Bike(s): 1KRR; VFR; FMX650 Posts: 5,451	Re: ? on lap timers.. I haven't been to a trackday yet that didn't have a beacon set up. You should be fine with just the receiver. __________________ Ducit Amor Patriae Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools. --- Thucydides

10-15-2007, 12:12 AM	#3
Hammer For Sale Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,890 Images: 1	Re: ? on lap timers.. 90% of the time someone will have a transmitter. I have only used mine 2 times so far in 2 years. If you want the whole deal, check Indysuperbikes.com __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

10-15-2007, 12:25 AM	#4
Crash Life is getting better Join Date: 12-20-2006 Location: Simi Valley, CA Bike(s): 03 KTM 525 SMC, 05 RC-51 Posts: 316	Re: ? on lap timers.. I saw that Indy was one of the few places to get the whole thing. I was thinking that most of the tracks I go to already have something set up. I think I'll go with just the receiver for now. What can I say, I'm an easy sell! Thanks guys. __________________ Soon to be http://www.c5graphicdesign.com Funded by viewers like you

10-15-2007, 08:17 AM	#5
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,380	Re: ? on lap timers.. The only time I have not had a beacon available was at Miller this year (it was available occasionally but mostly not). Though I might start bringing a battery for mine to some as the more private events they are getting more scarce. STT down south puts one out I think. __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

10-15-2007, 10:41 AM	#6
RedRider Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 49 Bike(s): 929 Posts: 2,382	Re: ? on lap timers.. Don't buy the transmitter...you'll just end up forgetting it at the track.

10-15-2007, 10:57 AM	#7
bda116 Done. Join Date: 12-17-2006 Bike(s): . Posts: 2,113	Re: ? on lap timers.. I have never used one since I got my first AIM timer back in ~98 or so. Always just sat around in the truck/van/whatever. __________________ "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar M. Ahmad, founding chairman of CAIR.

10-15-2007, 12:23 PM	#9
luvtolean Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Bike(s): 2008 BMW GS-A Posts: 6,329	Re: ? on lap timers.. I've never been to a trackday in Cali where one wasn't set up. The XT uses the AIM beacon too, so you are good to go. I don't like the cheap new XT timer though, it is big enough that it seems hard to mount. (top of the gas tank is what my bud did with his, when we couldn't find anywhere else) __________________ Someone needs to present the facts and the physics rather than just the rhetoric. Poor old Carmelo doesn't understand the physics of a motorcycle. - Jerry Burgess, on spec tires and changing engine rules

10-15-2007, 12:41 PM	#10
eyauch Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 33 Bike(s): 03' zx6rr Posts: 245	Re: ? on lap timers.. The only issue I have found is that even though someone else has had their beacon set up.... by the end of the track day they would leave before I would taking their beacon. I would go out and have what I felt was my best session of the day and damn it... no time to prove it. But I do agree with others to just get the receiver for now. Beacons pop up for cheap on wera and likewise if you feel like you need one.

10-15-2007, 01:03 PM	#12
luvtolean Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Bike(s): 2008 BMW GS-A Posts: 6,329	Re: ? on lap timers.. I don't really know what is out there other than XT and AIM. I had AIM data aq on the 929 but at the time the little AIM MyChron lap timer seemed most common. Since then the XT came out, and it seems most popular now. (and is what I now use since abtech included it with the RC) Edit- The Ultra-Lap is easy to mount. The mini-lap (the one I mention above) is kind of a pain as the infrared sensor is attached to the readout. Welcome to XT Racing __________________ Someone needs to present the facts and the physics rather than just the rhetoric. Poor old Carmelo doesn't understand the physics of a motorcycle. - Jerry Burgess, on spec tires and changing engine rules Last edited by luvtolean; 10-15-2007 at 01:08 PM.

10-15-2007, 03:05 PM	#13
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,380	Re: ? on lap timers.. FWIW get the newer XT it is more rounded. The more square one comes in two flavors good and not as good. In the newer ones the plug inside is much better. My RC has shaken a few XT's apart (well one got it from tar snakes) but the last one fritzed and when I opened it the plug had worked out. Push the plug back and poof been running since. The older ones have a black plug that is rectangular and harder to reseat when if vibrates loose. I think this is an issue that twins aggravate (was told by an Aprilia owner that he had the same issues). Of course it could be the patented sheep braking also __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

10-18-2007, 12:20 AM	#14
Crash Life is getting better Join Date: 12-20-2006 Location: Simi Valley, CA Bike(s): 03 KTM 525 SMC, 05 RC-51 Posts: 316	Re: ? on lap timers.. Okay, so now this leads to the question of what length of cable and do I purchase the USB download module? My Gawd, isn't anything simple __________________ Soon to be http://www.c5graphicdesign.com Funded by viewers like you

10-18-2007, 12:45 AM	#16
Crash Life is getting better Join Date: 12-20-2006 Location: Simi Valley, CA Bike(s): 03 KTM 525 SMC, 05 RC-51 Posts: 316	Re: ? on lap timers.. Thanks bwhip but look at what I found.... Athon GPS / Tach / Lap Timer Athon GPS 3 Lap Timer - Speedometer - Tachometer - Shift Light This is cool enough to make me want it. Shiny and all that. __________________ Soon to be http://www.c5graphicdesign.com Funded by viewers like you

10-18-2007, 08:32 AM	#18
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,380	Re: ? on lap timers.. On my RC I have the short cable and a laptimer holder on the fork. The timer is on the top of the fairing on either side with velcro. The only time I have had an issue with the beacon was at Miller and I believe no one was picking it up more than occasionally. My setup will not work if the forks are up all the way very easily but I believe Baketech has one that will (goes on the key switch) __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

10-18-2007, 09:27 AM	#19
Crash Life is getting better Join Date: 12-20-2006 Location: Simi Valley, CA Bike(s): 03 KTM 525 SMC, 05 RC-51 Posts: 316	Re: ? on lap timers.. Thanks Sheep That's kinda why I'm liking the Athon more and more. It's a gps based unit and doesn't need a transmitter. You simply push the button as you cross the start finish line on a warm up lap or something and the unit marks that as the line. You can have up to 4 different "split" I guess with this unit. Seems pretty sweet. __________________ Soon to be http://www.c5graphicdesign.com Funded by viewers like you

10-18-2007, 12:18 PM	#21
CBRVFR Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 55 Bike(s): VFR750 SV650 TZ250 Posts: 5,023	Re: ? on lap timers.. $500 bucks to tell me I'm too slow? Shit, I know that already. __________________ "...the TV also never took away the screwdriver and shoved it up the repairman's ass." Our own Mr.2nd Amendment, explaining the difference. Perfectly. Rich Herald, the Gentle Giant

05-21-2008, 06:52 PM	#23
phobe circa 1960 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,629	Sorry to dig up an old thread... searched "athon" and this came up. I keep seeing the ads for this in the mags. Tell me why I shouldn't buy one? (I mean other than the fact that it's on backorder) Athon GPS R Lap Timer - Tachometer - Shift Light - Track Mapping __________________ Cum hoc, ergo propter hoc

05-21-2008, 07:23 PM	#24
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,380	Not a bad setup but that is data acquisition not lap timer __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way