Grattan 2008 Tech, tires and time

maxib · 06-24-2008, 08:30 PM

I need some help from those who have done this before.

I need new tires. I talked with Steve from Dunlop and I have new tires on the truck which is scheduled at the track. The tread on my current tires is good, but I think my tires are too old and I would rather have fresh Dunlop D209GP tires installed at Grattan.

Okay, when I get there I have to take off the wheels and bring them to the truck to get the new shoes put on. Knowing how fast I am as a mechanic (I have to read the factory manual and my lips move while doing so) it will take a bit of time. Probably all morning. (I use a torque wrench, and I'll probably get the spacers backwards)

However, I don't want to miss the 'parade' laps so that I can remember the correct lines on the track. (Yes...I know that Frank does the walk around, but I AM certifiably deaf and have never heard anything he said before, even with the wimpy bullhorn that I think Dave gave him.)

Anyway, this is all about getting through tech I guess. The Pirelli Corsas on the bike look great, but I think they are too old by my estimation. (Moot point, I just want new tires) So...do I go through tech with the Pirellis, do the sighting lap and then spend the morning changing tires...

Or do I just go to the Dunlop truck and get new tires and join the next session? Is tech inspection available all day?

So, you tire guys tell me please how this works!

Jetbdude · 06-24-2008, 08:37 PM

I'll help you out with your tires if you want. Should not take more than 1/2 hour. We can even take the wheels off on Sunday evening. You'll be all set for the parade lap. I'm sure a tech can come to your bike if we can't roll it to tech shed.

seamus · 06-24-2008, 08:53 PM

Nothing like waiting until the last minute. That way, you're only stressed out for a minute.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetbdude

...We can even take the wheels off on Sunday evening...

I was going to recommend the same.

Plenty of time.

NorthernRR · 06-24-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetbdude

I'll help you out with your tires if you want. Should not take more than 1/2 hour. We can even take the wheels off on Sunday evening. You'll be all set for the parade lap. I'm sure a tech can come to your bike if we can't roll it to tech shed.

I am hoping that this is a standing offer... hahaha

maxib · 06-24-2008, 08:57 PM

Thanks a lot E! I don't know what time we'll get to the track yet. Sunday night is the goal, but Monday a.m. might be when we get there so that was my concern.

I really appreciate your offer to help. Looking forward to seeing you again, and wishing V all the best with her endeavors.

DEPO · 06-24-2008, 08:58 PM

No problem... glad to help.....

It is not hard to do what so ever.... and several of us will be willing to help.

evl_twn · 06-24-2008, 09:10 PM

I'll have stands and tools for anyone that needs em, and wants some help with it.

slickwill · 06-24-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evl_twn

I'll have stands and tools for anyone that needs em, and wants some help with it.

I'll need to take you up on that......if I can get there, my ride just cancelled

HondaGalToo · 06-24-2008, 09:19 PM

I'll supervise!

Nah, I can help, too. There's lots of folks. There'll be wrenches and hands flying around so fast!!! I may even remember which spacers go where on a 954...

maxib · 06-24-2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamus

Nothing like waiting until the last minute. That way, you're only stressed out for a minute.

Good one!

I at least called today to make sure they have the tires on the truck when I get there!!!

Seriously, I know my tires are three years old from when I mounted them and I cannot find the secret date on code, so they are probably older and harder than I want. (Older and harder with age...wouldn't we like that?...Oh, sorry...I got off on a tangent...there's a pun in there somewhere)

Anyway, I know I should have done this weeks ago, but the guys will have the tires at the track and will mount/balance for me. I just have to get the wheels off and back on before the second day!

Shenders1 · 06-24-2008, 09:24 PM

Three years??? Yup, I'd say time to replace 'em.

You'll have more help than you need to do the swap - Including me, if you arrive Monday AM.

evl_twn · 06-24-2008, 09:26 PM

Anyone know what time the gates open Monday morning? I won't be able to head up until Monday morning this year, just wondering what time I can get in.

maxib · 06-24-2008, 09:31 PM

Thanks for all the offers for help.

seamus · 06-24-2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evl_twn

I'll have stands and tools for anyone that needs em, and wants some help with it.

I plan on enlisting your help with the FMX if you don't mind

RedRider · 06-24-2008, 09:36 PM

Maxi, get it done Sunday if you can. I'm sure with this crew you'll get them changed in no time. Wish I was there to help.

Not sure who's handling the tech duties in my absence, but I'm sure they'll be glad to tech you any time. Better to have confidence in your tires, than to have them weighing on your mind.

SheepOfBlue · 06-24-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRider

Maxi, get it done Sunday if you can. I'm sure with this crew you'll get them changed in no time. Wish I was there to help.

Not sure who's handling the tech duties in my absence, but I'm sure they'll be glad to tech you any time. Better to have confidence in your tires, than to have them weighing on your mind.

Yep anytime you think your tires are done they are

Fine for the parade lap but I agree that you can get them skinned Sunday evening if the tire truck is there.

Rumor has it passenger sheep is in charge of tech this year

maxib · 06-25-2008, 12:21 AM

If passenger sheep is teching, then I am certain the painters tape on my headlight lens will pass!

RR, we'd like you to be there too, but despite the good natured ribbing, I think we all know that you have a really great reason to go whale watching. Congratulations on your anniversary and thanks for the info on Grattan tech. I really do appreciate it. It eases my mind knowing that tech is available when needed.

When we get there, it's gonna look like a F1 pit stop (but not quite as fast) to get these tires on.

Thanks again to everyone!

davef · 06-25-2008, 07:25 AM

I'd be glad to help as well. We have the same bike and I have many wheel changes under me belt. Lots of tools too.

Same to you Slick Will!

davef · 06-25-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

I'll need to take you up on that......if I can get there, my ride just cancelled

Where are you exactly? As of right now, I have a free spot on my trailer.

Oops, I just saw your location and I had Iowa confused with Indiana, sorry geography is not my strong point.

abtech · 06-25-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evl_twn

Anyone know what time the gates open Monday morning? I won't be able to head up until Monday morning this year, just wondering what time I can get in.

Around 6:30 to 7:00 AM

slickwill · 06-25-2008, 12:46 PM

Do we have to pre-order tires? Or will there be a selection anyway?

I'm going with a set of 208's.

ND4SPD · 06-25-2008, 12:49 PM

The truck will probably be stocked but if you want to guarantee yourself what you want your best bet is to pre-order it.

maxib · 06-25-2008, 01:27 PM

I talked with Steve and he said the 208s and 209s are standard on the truck, so he didn't want to take my preorder yesterday. Having helped unload the truck a couple of years ago... let me tell you, they have a LOT of tires in that truck.

Maybe have to preorder if you want slicks...I don't know about that.

I also asked about cash, check or credit card and he said anyone of them would work, so I'll use yours.

He also said they have air to put into your brand new tires as well!

slickwill · 06-25-2008, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxib

I talked with Steve and he said the 208s and 209s are standard on the truck, so he didn't want to take my preorder yesterday. Having helped unload the truck a couple of years ago... let me tell you, they have a LOT of tires in that truck.

Maybe have to preorder if you want slicks...I don't know about that.

I also asked about cash, check or credit card and he said anyone of them would work, so I'll use yours.

He also said they have air to put into your brand new tires as well!

Well that pretty much answered all of my questions. I guess I'll just show up and hope that ya'll haven't already bought up all the tires.

bwhip · 06-25-2008, 02:16 PM

I'll be more than happy to pitch in with any help or tools you might need, maxib.

slickwill · 06-25-2008, 02:18 PM

I should have all the right tools and even have the know how now that I've done it once. I'll just need stands...and a stack of magazines that are just the 'right' height.

SheepOfBlue · 06-25-2008, 02:19 PM

Do you have a front stand or pin for a 954 Slick? I am sure I have anything else you will need (except torque specs)

06-24-2008, 08:30 PM	#1
maxib Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: MN Age: 57 Bike(s): 02 CBR954RR 05 ST1300 Posts: 1,021	Tech, tires and time I need some help from those who have done this before. I need new tires. I talked with Steve from Dunlop and I have new tires on the truck which is scheduled at the track. The tread on my current tires is good, but I think my tires are too old and I would rather have fresh Dunlop D209GP tires installed at Grattan. Okay, when I get there I have to take off the wheels and bring them to the truck to get the new shoes put on. Knowing how fast I am as a mechanic (I have to read the factory manual and my lips move while doing so) it will take a bit of time. Probably all morning. (I use a torque wrench, and I'll probably get the spacers backwards) However, I don't want to miss the 'parade' laps so that I can remember the correct lines on the track. (Yes...I know that Frank does the walk around, but I AM certifiably deaf and have never heard anything he said before, even with the wimpy bullhorn that I think Dave gave him.) Anyway, this is all about getting through tech I guess. The Pirelli Corsas on the bike look great, but I think they are too old by my estimation. (Moot point, I just want new tires) So...do I go through tech with the Pirellis, do the sighting lap and then spend the morning changing tires... Or do I just go to the Dunlop truck and get new tires and join the next session? Is tech inspection available all day? So, you tire guys tell me please how this works!

06-24-2008, 08:37 PM	#2
Jetbdude Every man's dream Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 34 Bike(s): 07 600RR Posts: 2,483	I'll help you out with your tires if you want. Should not take more than 1/2 hour. We can even take the wheels off on Sunday evening. You'll be all set for the parade lap. I'm sure a tech can come to your bike if we can't roll it to tech shed. __________________ #20

06-24-2008, 08:58 PM	#6
DEPO Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 33 Bike(s): Track 954 and Uly Bagger Posts: 705	No problem... glad to help..... It is not hard to do what so ever.... and several of us will be willing to help. __________________ Welcome to the Dance!

06-24-2008, 09:19 PM	#9
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,735	I'll supervise! Nah, I can help, too. There's lots of folks. There'll be wrenches and hands flying around so fast!!! I may even remember which spacers go where on a 954... __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

06-25-2008, 07:25 AM	#18
davef Daddysaurus Join Date: 12-19-2006 Location: Reading, PA Age: 35 Bike(s): 954 Posts: 377	I'd be glad to help as well. We have the same bike and I have many wheel changes under me belt. Lots of tools too. Same to you Slick Will! __________________ 2002 945RR "Dark" Ohlins, Galfer, 520 Conversion, Mig Half System, and Crap Plastic

06-24-2008, 08:57 PM	#5
maxib Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: MN Age: 57 Bike(s): 02 CBR954RR 05 ST1300 Posts: 1,021	Thanks a lot E! I don't know what time we'll get to the track yet. Sunday night is the goal, but Monday a.m. might be when we get there so that was my concern. I really appreciate your offer to help. Looking forward to seeing you again, and wishing V all the best with her endeavors.

06-24-2008, 09:10 PM	#7
evl_twn CAN CRUSHER Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Central Illinois Age: 40 Bike(s): worm gear Posts: 1,646	I'll have stands and tools for anyone that needs em, and wants some help with it.

06-24-2008, 09:24 PM	#11
Shenders1 2 Cylinders, 4 Valves, No Waiting Join Date: 01-14-2007 Location: South Lyon, MI Age: 43 Bike(s): Ducati HM Posts: 968	Three years??? Yup, I'd say time to replace 'em. You'll have more help than you need to do the swap - Including me, if you arrive Monday AM.

06-24-2008, 09:26 PM	#12
evl_twn CAN CRUSHER Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Central Illinois Age: 40 Bike(s): worm gear Posts: 1,646	Anyone know what time the gates open Monday morning? I won't be able to head up until Monday morning this year, just wondering what time I can get in.

06-24-2008, 09:31 PM	#13
maxib Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: MN Age: 57 Bike(s): 02 CBR954RR 05 ST1300 Posts: 1,021	Thanks for all the offers for help.

06-24-2008, 09:36 PM	#15
RedRider Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 49 Bike(s): 929 Posts: 2,396	Maxi, get it done Sunday if you can. I'm sure with this crew you'll get them changed in no time. Wish I was there to help. Not sure who's handling the tech duties in my absence, but I'm sure they'll be glad to tech you any time. Better to have confidence in your tires, than to have them weighing on your mind.

06-25-2008, 12:21 AM	#17
maxib Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: MN Age: 57 Bike(s): 02 CBR954RR 05 ST1300 Posts: 1,021	If passenger sheep is teching, then I am certain the painters tape on my headlight lens will pass! RR, we'd like you to be there too, but despite the good natured ribbing, I think we all know that you have a really great reason to go whale watching. Congratulations on your anniversary and thanks for the info on Grattan tech. I really do appreciate it. It eases my mind knowing that tech is available when needed. When we get there, it's gonna look like a F1 pit stop (but not quite as fast) to get these tires on. Thanks again to everyone!

06-25-2008, 12:46 PM	#21
slickwill 67 Kg Join Date: 08-31-2007 Location: Idaho/Iowa Age: 29 Bike(s): Western Flyer Posts: 2,144	Do we have to pre-order tires? Or will there be a selection anyway? I'm going with a set of 208's. __________________ If it has wheels, I've crashed it, and some things that don't skis, snowmobile, card board box, giant tube, sentra, dirtbike, lawn tractor, grandmas bread tray, kayak, canoe, raft, bicycle, waterskis, tobaggan, horse, ATV, Now my CBR (women)

06-25-2008, 12:49 PM	#22
ND4SPD I'm BATMAN!!! Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 8,064 Images: 25	The truck will probably be stocked but if you want to guarantee yourself what you want your best bet is to pre-order it. __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X

06-25-2008, 01:27 PM	#23
maxib Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: MN Age: 57 Bike(s): 02 CBR954RR 05 ST1300 Posts: 1,021	I talked with Steve and he said the 208s and 209s are standard on the truck, so he didn't want to take my preorder yesterday. Having helped unload the truck a couple of years ago... let me tell you, they have a LOT of tires in that truck. Maybe have to preorder if you want slicks...I don't know about that. I also asked about cash, check or credit card and he said anyone of them would work, so I'll use yours. He also said they have air to put into your brand new tires as well!

06-25-2008, 02:16 PM	#25
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 3,906	I'll be more than happy to pitch in with any help or tools you might need, maxib. __________________ Seamus is awesome. Seriously. My Gallery

06-25-2008, 02:18 PM	#26
slickwill 67 Kg Join Date: 08-31-2007 Location: Idaho/Iowa Age: 29 Bike(s): Western Flyer Posts: 2,144	I should have all the right tools and even have the know how now that I've done it once. I'll just need stands...and a stack of magazines that are just the 'right' height. __________________ If it has wheels, I've crashed it, and some things that don't skis, snowmobile, card board box, giant tube, sentra, dirtbike, lawn tractor, grandmas bread tray, kayak, canoe, raft, bicycle, waterskis, tobaggan, horse, ATV, Now my CBR (women)

06-25-2008, 02:19 PM	#27
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,410	Do you have a front stand or pin for a 954 Slick? I am sure I have anything else you will need (except torque specs) __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way