1125 R Track Day preparation?

[EVIL5LITER]

I'm planning on doing several track days this year and I will be using my 1125R for that purpose, at least until I turn my SV650 into a full time track racer for WERA racing.

What would be the first modifications you would make to the bike to improve the track performance and/or longevity. I know brake fade can be an issue and a lot of people rave about cartridge kits and changing out the rear shock.

I have already put on a Barker's can, Buell ECM, eliminated the throttle thingamajiggy and put on fork and swingarm sliders. I've also ordered the carbon fiber case covers. The bike will get a fresh set of Dunlop Q2's to replace the factory Pirelli's (it is a low mileage bike) as the track day gets closer.

Any suggestions?

 

[Bossanova]

Besides maybe going to a 520 chain conversion swingarm, sounds like you have covered the basics. You might want to strip off as much stuff like passenger pegs, headlight cluster to reduce weight. I found some old Flexi-Glass fairings that I just fitted to my bike that reduced weight considerably.

Not so much performance suggestions but…
Most tracks will want you to drain the coolant and run straight water or an approved coolant like Water Wetter. If you end up racing you will also need to safety wire up oil plugs and filter, possibly other items. If you are just prepping for a TD and then returning to street config after the TD use really good painter’s masking tape on your lights and unplug your headlight cluster! It will cook the tape glue on and be a PITA to get off. Lower your tire pressures- (Dulop Q2 - 32/32 Hot, 30/30 Cold is recommended on another forum).

Have fun- spend some money on gear- get the best you can afford.

 

[EVIL5LITER]

I bought decent gear with plans to upgrade to high end (GP level) stuff later on. I bought a Cortech one piece suit, the Cortech Latigo boots and gauntlets. I plan on using an HJC RPS-10 helmet for track only use, but I haven't picked up one I will use for that yet (I've got one, but it is one of the signed and numbered Ben Spies Moto GP editions, so I don't wear it often). In the meantime, I'll probably use my carbon fiber Joe Rocket (same one Matt Mladin and Mark Miller use) helmet.

I really want to do the chain conversion, but holy cow is it expensive! I figured that my money would be better spent elsewhere before I got into that.