So, who's had their Supersport on the track?

14689 Views 52 Replies 22 Participants Last post by Grossi.BP, May 6, 2021

mercer854

Discussion Starter · Aug 8, 2017

I'm heading to VIR for a couple of days of track time, and I've been looking for some real world track experience from owners. I've read magazine reports, but those riders have had the bikes set up by factory techs, and they're writing first-impression articles based on a handful of laps to sell magazines, not contribute to a community of owners.

I'll be glad to offer my experience afterward, but this is going to be a couple of leisurely days as the bike isn't broken in yet. I believe the engine is ready to go, but I don't want void my warranty, so don't expect much.

I've read all I could find on this forum, but have turned up nothing yet. Anybody want to share what they've learned?

Reactions: 4

1 - 20 of 53 Posts

Duracell

· #2 · Aug 8, 2017 (Edited)

I have. It did rather well. Exept beeing passed on the straights, by more angry machinery. Sport setting, but keeping traction controll at level 4. With standard air pressure the tyres got a little slippery at the end of 20 minutes pass. next time I adjusted to 32 psi rear and 33 psi front.

no problem.

www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=101...0774505980358.458486.732780357&type=3&theater

See less See more

Reactions: 5

amoslws

· #3 · Aug 8, 2017

Duracell said:
I have. It did rather well. Exept beeing passed on the straights, by more angry machinery. Sport setting, but keeping traction controll at level 4. With standard air pressure the tyres got a little slippery at the end of 20 minutes pass. next time I adjusted to 32 psi rear and 33 psi front. no problem.

www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=101...0774505980358.458486.732780357&type=3&theater

I too was breaking in the engine on the track, 7000rpm was not breached, since the 6000rpm and first sevice was completed. Yes it is difficult to resist the urge when the others come flying passed on the straights, my focus at that time was to learn how the SS handles the bends and frankly it did great. The combo of the rosso III's and the bike itself install enough confidence to have a fun day out. I have another track day scheduled for end of august, this time the engine is run in so I have no excuses for going slower than the rest.

Reactions: 4

LiamC

· #4 · Aug 9, 2017

Duracell said:
I have. It did rather well. Exept beeing passed on the straights, by more angry machinery. Sport setting, but keeping traction controll at level 4. With standard air pressure the tyres got a little slippery at the end of 20 minutes pass. next time I adjusted to 32 psi rear and 33 psi front. no problem.

www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155277981250358&set=a.10150774505980358.458486.732780357&type=3&theater

Where was that last photo #8 taken?

Duracell

· #5 · Aug 9, 2017

LiamC said:
Where was that last photo #8 taken?

Eh.. wich photo was that ?

All my photos on track is taken at Rudskogen raceway, Norway...
D

LiamC

· #6 · Aug 9, 2017

It looks like it's taken from the end of a straight looking back down with a big Würth sign across track. You're on a Monster? Left hand turn.

Duracell

· #7 · Aug 9, 2017

LiamC said:
It looks like it's taken from the end of a straight looking back down with a big Würth sign across track. You're on a Monster? Left hand turn.

Found it, same track, end of straight. Last Year Spring I think, just before switching to a Hypermotard 939 SP.

mercer854

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 12, 2017 (Edited)

The comments below are basically copied from my youtube video. The impression is completely personal, but I do try to be objective. The video is unlisted and is intended for this forum only...although I know it can be 'leaked'. :wink2: (Oh, and it takes 2-3 minutes before anything really happens; I'm just delivering my supplies to my next corner station initially.)

Corner Marshall at Keith Code's "California Superbike School" riding new 2017 Ducati Supersport S at VIR (North Course). Everything is OEM stock off the showroom floor with standard factory settings initially.

Relaxed street ergonomics are a little awkward on track, making it difficult to fully tuck, and pegs are quite low for fast cornering. The street shift pattern (which is not designed for easy switching to GP Shift) combines to disrupt the flow. Tried the windscreen in Lower and Upper positions. Wind in Lower (standard) position is fierce, pulling rider's helmet violently at speed, Upper position somewhat better, but buffeting over 120mph. Front Ohlins suspension was harsh on this bumpy track in standard setting. My duties didn't allow much time to work on the bike, but a few clicks of damping front and rear netted noticeable improvement, so the bike shows it has much potential with proper setup and track tires.

Electronics work as advertised, but ride by wire throttle takes too much attention for this rider at anything than WFO or Idle positions. I selected Sport Riding Mode with Traction Control at 2 and ABS at 1. Quick shifter (DQS) selected for both Up & Down shifts. A bizarre result of the electronics showed in the video in the downhill chicanery know as Hog Pen (turns 16-17A). http://virnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Track-Map-Registration.pdf Normally a bike will pick up 5-10 mph in the sharp drop flip/flop with the throttle held steady, but with the same throttle setting held steady the Ride By Wire system would shut down the fuel and engine braking would slow the bike 5-10 mph in that same stretch! Probably why a 100+HP bike topped out at the same speed as an 80HP bike...it was starting the straightaway 10-20mph slower!

Overall impression: With a few tweaks it can be a serious trackday bike. But, as is, a fun bike with no serious track aspirations. A good beginner bike or school rental.

I'd like to have had time to work on setup, so I could have cut loose. As it was, I had to use my left-brain more than usual, so my riding was very conservative. Those journalists who raved about the bike on-track had the advantage of set-up of chassis and tires done perfectly for them by factory techs, and most importantly were riding with other Supersports...so they had no dedicated track bikes to compare them to.

Thankfully, it's a naturally good cornering bike. It has sporting limitations, but you know, most importantly, it was eventually fun. Next time, tho'...:grin2:

Reactions: 5

amoslws

· #9 · Aug 12, 2017

mercer854 said:
The comments below are basically copied from my youtube video. The impression is completely personal, but I do try to be objective. The video is unlisted and is intended for this forum only...although I know it can be 'leaked'. :wink2: (Oh, and it takes 2-3 minutes before anything really happens; I'm just delivering my supplies to my next corner station initially.)

https://youtu.be/VQxbEz5SMjM

I'd like to have had time to work on setup, so I could have cut loose. As it was, I had to use my left-brain more than usual, so my riding was very conservative. Those journalists who raved about the bike on-track had the advantage of set-up of chassis and tires done perfectly for them by factory techs, and most importantly were riding with other Supersports...so they had no dedicated track bikes to compare them to.

Cheers to that video. Nice work on the tyres. What was the ambient temperature, can you recall.

mercer854

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 12, 2017

amoslws said:
Cheers to that video. Nice work on the tyres. What was the ambient temperature, can you recall.

Quite moderate for summertime here. Mid 80s, full sun on asphalt. Last tire setting was 32F 35R. I'm sure that's not the final solution, but that gave me 10% pressure rise right off a hot track, and felt secure. I just wish there'd been time to get the front dialed in; I was 15-20mph slow on two fast corner entries because the front just wasn't working yet.

mercer854

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 13, 2017

One more short video

More fun in the sun playing with the guys at the California Superbike School at VIR. Had to pull into the paddock just when I was having fun chasing fellow Corner Marshal Max to wash off the remains of the biggest, juiciest bug in Virginia...completely obscured the faceshield! Tear-offs anyone?

@ 6:48 everything slowed momentarily as we passed the busy scene of a two student pile-up with Instructors in attendance just off the edge of the track.

Reactions: 4

JaggerCat

· #12 · Aug 13, 2017

mercer854 said:
More fun in the sun playing with the guys at the California Superbike School at VIR. Had to pull into the paddock just when I was having fun chasing fellow Corner Marshal Max to wash off the remains of the biggest, juiciest bug in Virginia...completely obscured the faceshield! Tear-offs anyone?

@ 6:48 everything slowed momentarily as we passed the busy scene of a two student pile-up with Instructors in attendance just off the edge of the track.

https://youtu.be/P8hz208xM2w

Nice, just watched the vid!

Reactions: 1

Rhino

· #13 · Aug 13, 2017

mercer854 said:
More fun in the sun playing with the guys at the California Superbike School at VIR. Had to pull into the paddock just when I was having fun chasing fellow Corner Marshal Max to wash off the remains of the biggest, juiciest bug in Virginia...completely obscured the faceshield! Tear-offs anyone?

@ 6:48 everything slowed momentarily as we passed the busy scene of a two student pile-up with Instructors in attendance just off the edge of the track.

https://youtu.be/P8hz208xM2w

great Vidio looks like a fun day and the bike looked light and smooth

Reactions: 1

Ed K

· #14 · Aug 13, 2017

mercer854 said:
More fun in the sun playing with the guys at the California Superbike School at VIR. Had to pull into the paddock just when I was having fun chasing fellow Corner Marshal Max to wash off the remains of the biggest, juiciest bug in Virginia...completely obscured the faceshield! Tear-offs anyone?

@ 6:48 everything slowed momentarily as we passed the busy scene of a two student pile-up with Instructors in attendance just off the edge of the track.

https://youtu.be/P8hz208xM2w

Great to see a racer's perspective and comments about the SS.

What kind of bikes have you raced?

Reactions: 1

mercer854

Discussion Starter · #15 · Aug 13, 2017

Ed K said:
Great to see a racer's perspective and comments about the SS.

What kind of bikes have you raced?

Well, since you asked...:wink2:

From 1964 -2012

Scrambles, TT, Flat Track:

Velocette 500
Ducati 250
Parilla 250
Triumph 650

Roadracing:

Kaw EX500
Yamaha SRX620
Triumph 900
Suzuki SV650
MZ Skorpion 762
Ducati 750SS
Ducati 748
Triumph T140
Honda F3
Honda RC51

Track rides:

Yamaha R6
Kaw 636
Triumph 675
Ducati 998
Kaw ZX10
Oh, and the ST2, of course :smile2:

I may have missed a few one-off rides in there somewhere, but that's pretty close. I enjoy helping riders set up their chassis at trackdays, so get a lot of 'Track test' time that way. Been corner-working for track time with California Superbike School at our home track for 16 years now. Not the most intense track time, but lots of 'free' fun and seat time is the best thing for a rider.

I was pretty rusty when I got the Supersport...sad truth is that I haven't ridden much on the street in a while, and had only done a few trackways since 'retiring' from racing. But it's starting to be fun again, and the motivation is kicking in.

See less See more

Reactions: 5

mercer854

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 13, 2017

Rhino said:
great Vidio looks like a fun day and the bike looked light and smooth

You know, it's weird, but the bike has a natural inclination to flow smoothly and corner easily, but with the front end damping set as it was it just felt like it was on washboard on all but perfectly smooth surfaces. That's certainly not a design issue, but rather the need for very precise suspension tuning. The bike was almost unrideable on my first test ride due to a rigid front end. Adjustment got it OK for smoother roads, but even hard front end braking was enough to induce front end hop on track.

I decided not to edit out the shuddering in the video. The camera is mounted securely; that's actually what the ride was like. I was too wimpy at first to even stay in the throttle at the bend after the finish line over the ripples until I had relaxed the front forks a bit.

It's not the bike's fault, but the humans who set it up. I need to attend to basics now that I'm back to the shop so that Ohlins suspension can shine!.

Reactions: 2

Ed K

· #17 · Aug 13, 2017

We are privileged to have you join us and give your perspectives.

Reactions: 5

mercer854

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 13, 2017

Ed K said:
We are privileged to have you join us and give your perspectives.

You guys have motivated me, too. It's great to have so much positive energy; IMHO that's what motorcycles are for, ultimately.

Reactions: 2

Rhino

· #19 · Aug 13, 2017

mercer854 said:
You know, it's weird, but the bike has a natural inclination to flow smoothly and corner easily, but with the front end damping set as it was it just felt like it was on washboard on all but perfectly smooth surfaces. That's certainly not a design issue, but rather the need for very precise suspension tuning. The bike was almost unrideable on my first test ride due to a rigid front end. Adjustment got it OK for smoother roads, but even hard front end braking was enough to induce front end hop on track.

I decided not to edit out the shuddering in the video. The camera is mounted securely; that's actually what the ride was like. I was too wimpy at first to even stay in the throttle at the bend after the finish line over the ripples until I had relaxed the front forks a bit.

It's not the bike's fault, but the humans who set it up. I need to attend to basics now that I'm back to the shop so that Ohlins suspension can shine!.

I spent an hour yesterday driving up and down the same stretch of road changing my front Rebound. 1st standard 2nd at 0 clicks feeling how hard it was then 3rd at 16 clicks feeling how soft then 4th 8 clicks then 3 clicks then back to 6 clicks standard, I videoed each with a little piece of paper showing which setting the video was for etc. Next I will do Compression the same way and put it back to Standard then I go to my little place where I test my bikes and try adjust both Rebound and compression with a fresh understanding of what my adjustments are going to do and feel. I would be interested in what your SAG is set at as this is the 1st bike I have set up with the front slightly down and the back higher. It just works so much better at levelling itself while throttling out of corners or general acceleration. I just need to fine-tune the Front dive when breaking as coming into corners. My aim is to play with the compression which will help control the speed of the front dive. once I am happy with that I might go back to my SAG and see what difference it make. Oh it a process for sure:grin2: Thanks for your impute mate.

See less See more

Reactions: 1

mercer854

Discussion Starter · #20 · Aug 14, 2017

Rhino said:
I spent an hour yesterday driving up and down the same stretch of road changing my front Rebound. 1st standard 2nd at 0 clicks feeling how hard it was then 3rd at 16 clicks feeling how soft then 4th 8 clicks then 3 clicks then back to 6 clicks standard, I videoed each with a little piece of paper showing which setting the video was for etc. Next I will do Compression the same way and put it back to Standard then I go to my little place where I test my bikes and try adjust both Rebound and compression with a fresh understanding of what my adjustments are going to do and feel. I would be interested in what your SAG is set at as this is the 1st bike I have set up with the front slightly down and the back higher. It just works so much better at levelling itself while throttling out of corners or general acceleration. I just need to fine-tune the Front dive when breaking as coming into corners. My aim is to play with the compression which will help control the speed of the front dive. once I am happy with that I might go back to my SAG and see what difference it make. Oh it a process for sure:grin2: Thanks for your impute mate.

I like your creative yet methodical approach. Hope to see videos.

1 - 20 of 53 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.