Thread: 2002 F4i for a track bike?

I thought my '02 F4i was awesome on the track. I felt right at home on it. It makes a good track bike because you are already comfortable with it.

This would be best for me since well I already have it in the garage LOL.

Already have the front signals off, no rear as they are intigrated, have to tape up the lights I know. Something about safety wire and water wetter. Thats all I know about track bikes.

Should I do anything with the suspension? soften harden nows the time to throw your $.02 at me

I'm sure every track company is different. Go to apex2apex.net and click on 'policies and requirements'. Depending on your level depends on what kind of prep and clothing requirements you need, but its all in there. As far as your suspension goes...I'm still trying to figure that out on mine. I'm about 185ish and mine is almost full stiff. What is your weight?

weigh in at 196.... should be down to about 180 (its a process, I'm workin on it!!!)

skill level, what comes before beginner? I know nothing about track riding at all.

I'll check out the site, thanks for the tip.

Originally Posted by sinfuldragon

weigh in at 196.... should be down to about 180 (its a process, I'm workin on it!!!)

skill level, what comes before beginner? I know nothing about track riding at all.

I'll check out the site, thanks for the tip.

Just start at beginner. You don't usually have to safety wire anything. Just as you said, tape your mirrors (use masking tape, and take off right after or it will be a pain) tail light, unplug your bulbs for headlights and brake light. Use distilled water with water wetter (personally I think the water wetter is a joke but whatever) and you will be all set. You will need a coat with armor (doesn’t have to be leather for beginner) and gloves that protect the wrists, leather boots that cover the ankles. Don't worry right now about your suspension. Beginner is just to get you familiar with the track and learning the lines...learning body position, proper breaking and what not. Very laid back. You will really like it. Later you can get help with your suspension.

Where are you located?

If you go with this you won't be wrong anywhere short of a race organization (more wiring required for racing). Some organizations require kickstand removal (MCADX days is a definite kickstand removal) and some don't.

I recommend removing anything you'd normally tape up (turn signals, etc). Mirrors are definitely removed. In the event of a mishap, it's less stuff to replace.

Even if the org you're riding with doesn't require it for novice, drain and flush cooling system and replace with water and Water Wetter. You don't want to be the guy who causes a total shutdown for several hours.

Safety wiring the oil filter, filler cap and drain plug aren't difficult. A large hose clamp wired to the engine or frame will suffice for the filter. The plastic filler cap is easily drilled. You can drill your current oil drain plug or Ed Bargy sells predrilled kits.

You can leave the water/water wetter in year round if you have a heated garage or the temps don't go near/below freezing in your area. It's fine to ride on the street with it and it's one less thing to deal with if your bike will see dual use.

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

Where are you located?

Northern Indiana. bout 45 minutes south of Merriville.

Originally Posted by seamus

If you go with this you won't be wrong anywhere short of a race organization (more wiring required for racing). Some organizations require kickstand removal (MCADX days is a definite kickstand removal) and some don't.

I recommend removing anything you'd normally tape up (turn signals, etc). Mirrors are definitely removed. In the event of a mishap, it's less stuff to replace.

Even if the org you're riding with doesn't require it for novice, drain and flush cooling system and replace with water and Water Wetter. You don't want to be the guy who causes a total shutdown for several hours.

Safety wiring the oil filter, filler cap and drain plug aren't difficult. A large hose clamp wired to the engine or frame will suffice for the filter. The plastic filler cap is easily drilled. You can drill your current oil drain plug or Ed Bargy sells predrilled kits.

You can leave the water/water wetter in year round if you have a heated garage or the temps don't go near/below freezing in your area. It's fine to ride on the street with it and it's one less thing to deal with if your bike will see dual use.

gets way too cold here and the garage is only heated when I'm out there working in it.

Thanks for the info. I'm kinda excited about getting a bike ready for track next year

You aren't far from Grattan either. Track day this weekend!

try my brother flipf4i, he's logged a lot of track miles on his. He's a little smaller than you but did a lot of good/helpful mods to his bike.

So I've been looking high and low for a good price on body parts but as my main use for this bike will be track/teaching the wife a question just popped into my head.

do I need to have side fairings and a tail on the bike to take it to a track day?

If you can find it, rent a video called "One Man's Island."

It's a little slow in parts, but it's a self-made documentary about a guy who decided to sell everything and go to ride the IOM TT. If I remember correctly, he did it on a leased 2001 F4i.

http://www.onemansisland.com/

I've seen naked bikes like SVs and Monsters at trackdays, so you probably don't need side fairings. I'd leave the tail fairing on, though, as getting hit with a metal subframe would hurt more, as I'm thinking it has some sharp corners/end pieces.

In addition to needing a jacket, as mentioned above, you need pants also. Most orgs require that they have a full-circumference zipper attaching it to the jacket, not just that short 9" zipper across the back. Cordora suits like an Aerostich are generally allowed in beginner, but check with the org you'll be riding with to be sure. Mesh gear is not allowed.

New gear.... my wife is gonna kill me before this is over


I figured I'd need to grab a suit but you really think the tail needs to stay? I would guess that if I were about to be hit by the bolt in the side of the tail that fairing isn't gonna do much to stop it.

but then again I don't know that, its why I asked

Originally Posted by sinfuldragon

New gear.... my wife is gonna kill me before this is over


I figured I'd need to grab a suit but you really think the tail needs to stay? I would guess that if I were about to be hit by the bolt in the side of the tail that fairing isn't gonna do much to stop it.

but then again I don't know that, its why I asked

you'd be surprised how much protection they offer. not just for you but for whatever is underneath it. I'd leave all the fairings on. they're cheaper and easier to replace than whats underneath.

Originally Posted by CBR929RE

you'd be surprised how much protection they offer. not just for you but for whatever is underneath it. I'd leave all the fairings on. they're cheaper and easier to replace than whats underneath.

Truer words were never spoken. A typical low speed lowside in the hairpin (turn 9) at Grattan with fairings typically costs a rear brake lever, some rubout work on the pipe and maybe a bar end. Without a fairing it usually means new cases, new radiators and plumbing and even new cylinders if it digs in. The bodywork makes it slide when is hits the tarmac, while hard edges cause it to flip and do ungodly things to every exposed piece on the bike.

Awesome! I knew that someone here would be able to tell me why my idea was stupid.

thanks guys, the hunt for body parts continues I guess.

Oh yeah, I forgot about how the side fairings help it slide and protect casings, etc. I've heard that, just escaped me. Yeah, leave on all the plastics! I'm going back to my nap now.

rest up ol timer. Come next year you are gonna have another one of those young punks (who think they know everything there is to know about racing) to take to school.

See ya then

If I am not mistaken, LTL has a set on bodywork for an F4I that he had on one of his bikes. Check with him he may be wanting to sell them. Just a thought.

I.... but.... wait... what?

I don't know who LTL is. That his entire screen name to send a PM to?

Who you callin' old timer??!!

Luv to Lean. (ltl) how much do you plan on spending on gear?

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Who you callin' old timer??!!

LOL

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

Luv to Lean. (ltl) how much do you plan on spending on gear?

ah thanks.

Not yet sure. I need to hit some shops to check sizes/fit. I don't plan to skimp out if thats what you are asking. I'd rather pay a good amount for it to get scraped up and leave me walking away pissed off.

Originally Posted by sinfuldragon

LOL

ah thanks.

Not yet sure. I need to hit some shops to check sizes/fit. I don't plan to skimp out if thats what you are asking. I'd rather pay a good amount for it to get scraped up and leave me walking away pissed off.

Well I was just going to say there is some stuff that is decently priced to keep the woman off your back. Also you have the winter to watch ebay.

Originally Posted by sinfuldragon

LOL

ah thanks.

Not yet sure. I need to hit some shops to check sizes/fit. I don't plan to skimp out if thats what you are asking. I'd rather pay a good amount for it to get scraped up and leave me walking away pissed off.

I haven't tried their leathers yet (nor seen them) but I've had really good luck with my Fieldsheer Textile stuff. Only had it 1 season but it's on par with my Joe Rocket stuff which cost a bit more

Ok I have gear and a body to finish up, what about tires?

Will street tires suffice? I currently have Diablo Strada on the bike.
I don't have any fantasy about being fast this first go round. For me its gonna be more of opening the door and trying to see what I think.
Those tires be good enough? Any reason I'd need more than one set (remember, I'll be going slow)?