Got the bike back from the shop today. Aparently 8 valves were too tight, spark plugs were changed and a whole laundry list of other things were adjusted. She runs like a new bike now !

So I'm looking to go down to the drag track once the weather gets a little more consistent. I've raced my car before but I know bikes are a completely different beast.

What would you guys suggest I do to prepare for such an event?

What "specialized knowledge" should I have for this sorta thing?

I've seen some guys drags their bikes before, they just keep their weight forward and hang on.

 

1. get a full set of leathers, boots, and gloves.

2. compress the front suspension with a strap. this will provide more forward weight bias and prevent possible wheelie at the start. however, this decreases straight line stability at high speeds. thus, you may end up in a tankslapper. i highly suggest a steering damper.

3. learn how to manipulate the clutch without stalling or tearing it up too much. feel where the lockup point is and that is where you want to hold the bike prior to launch.

4. learn how to upshift without the clutch. this will save you time.

5. decrease rear tire pressure to gain more rear traction. a good starting point is dropping 5psi from stock.

6. gradually come out of the tuck after the finish. this adds wind resistance to slow the bike down in conjuction with the brakes.

7. check all the bolts.

 

I think I'll pass on compressing the front at this point, but thanks for the info.

should I hold the front or rear brake on the line as well?
If I'm going to have the clutch in the friction zone I'll need a brake to hold the bike.

 

front brake only as you will want one foot on the ground and the other at the ready to shift.

 

dude if you race cars you should know how to race a bike. but then again I have raced crs and have never raced a bike either. But for a tip at the start try not to be in the friction zone. try to be more focused on where your powere is on your rpm's an have your trottle there. Holdingthe front brake you will not be able to have total control of the trottle and holdin the back brake doesn't allow you to have total balance when leaving the line. Because its a bike you really want to find the level of ease when coming of the clutch cause you dont want to bring the front end up.