1. Headquarters Air Mobility Command Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Cornering 202

2. 2 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” The information presented here is for informational use only Many references were used to develop this presentation Not all possibilities are covered Use the given information with proper respect to ORM Note: Do Not Remove “For Official Use Only” From Any Slide FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Note: This Slide is Mandatory

3. 3 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Advantages / disadvantages closed course operation Rider Preparation Motorcycle Preparation Closed course operation OVERVIEW

4. 4 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” WARNING This presentation is an overview of high-performance motorcycle operation in a closed-course (race track) environment This is at your own risk, you must fill out a high-risk activity worksheet before performing Speeds are higher then street operation Greater stress will be placed on your machine and you  For safe operation, ensure your machine is prepared  For safe operation, ensure YOU are prepared This guide does not cover all rules, requirements, etc.  Follow rules of your local organization  Follow requirements of your organization

5. 5 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Track Closed course (race track) Advantages  All going in same direction  Mostly consistent traction  Medical care close-by Disadvantages  Possible high speed  Must have all required safety gear (can get expensive if bought new)  Scary

6. 6 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Rider Preparation Full safety gear  Riding suit One-piece leather/textile or zip together two piece suit Keep from jacket riding up, exposing skin  Impact armor CE approved Shoulders, elbows, spine  Boots Full leather Armored, good for ankle protection  Full-fingered gloves  Full face DoT / Snell-certified helmet

7. 7 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Rider Preparation Portland Int’l Raceway, turn 1, two bike crash Rider walked away

8. 8 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Bike Prep Brakes  New / good condition pads  Rotors above manufacturer’s min. width  Fresh fluid, S.S. brake lines Chain / Sprockets  >15K, consider new  Well lubricated/adjusted  Sprockets within spec’s Tires  New / good condition  Air pressure  Balanced  Good wheel bearings

9. 9 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Tires, Cont’d Rubber deteriorates from oxygen, ultra-violet rays, road grime, grease, oil, etc.  Becomes hard  Not very compliant  Born on Date Inside an oval, 3-4 digit code 3 digit, made in 1990’s; first 2 numbers week made, last number is year 4 digit, made in 2000, first 2 numbers week made, last two are year As rubber becomes warmer, becomes stickier  “heat cycles”, every tire has a limited amount  Street tires average 1500-7000 miles, 2-3 years  Race tires considerably less number of heat cycles  Compound is variable, but takes longer to get to operating temperature, not good for street Rule of thumb  Ensure tire is mounted and balanced correctly (arrow on sidewall facing forward)  Allow 1-2 laps before pushing hard  Street, allow 2-5 miles

10. 10 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Lights / gauges  Tape over, remove bulb  Do not cover up gauges completely Controls  Adjusted for you  Ball-end on levers Steering head  Manufacturer’s settings  No slop Safety wire  Vibration area nuts and bolts  Fluid retention  Do not drill brake line banjo bolts Always refer to organization’s rules for full compliance

11. 11 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Suspension adjustment Sag  Amount motorcycle settles into suspension travel at rest  Initial starting point only, variable by motorcycle, rider, track, etc. 23-27% total travel; track 28-33% total travel; street Will require 3 people 1 measurer 1 rider 1 stabilize motorcycle/rider combination  NOTE: Rider may also stabile motorcycle if able to grasp something solid for support

12. 12 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Measuring sag Front fork  Use same location for all measurements  Fully extend front suspension, measure  Rider mounts motorcycle in full riding gear, assumes riding posture  Compress front Slowly let it return to state of rest Measure  Extend front Slowly let it return to state of rest Measure

13. 13 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Measuring sag Front fork, cont’d  Add compression and extension measurements  Divide by 2  Answer is static sag in relation to total suspension travel Adjust per manufacturer’s recommendation’s  Both forks should be adjusted equally  If adjustment exceeds 33% of total length of spring, consider stiffer springs

14. 14 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Measuring sag Rear suspension  Use same location for all measurements  Fully extend rear suspension, measure  Rider mounts motorcycle in full riding gear, assumes riding posture  Compress Rear Slowly let it return to state of rest Measure  Extend Rear Slowly let it return to state of rest Measure

15. 15 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Measuring sag Rear suspension, cont’d  Add compression and extension measurements  Divide by 2  Answer is static sag in relation to total suspension travel Adjust per manufacturer’s recommendation’s  If equipped with dual springs, both should be adjusted equally  If adjustment exceeds 33% of total length of spring, consider stiffer springs

16. 16 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Damping Not all motorcycles are equipped with damping adjustments Used to control spring action by changing spring energy into heat, dissipated into fork/shock oil Oil level must be at manufacturers specs Oil degrades over time  Different weights available  Check manufacturer’s spec’s Forks must be adjusted the same Dual shock rear suspensions must be adjusted the same

17. 17 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Front rebound damping Usually a small slot inside top fork leg Turn all the way in Turn all the way out  Count the number of “clicks”  Count number of full revolutions Grasp front brake Press down vigorously on front Allow to return freely  Do not let go of front brake  Front might go back down

18. 18 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Front rebound damping, cont’d Goal is for front end to come to a rest near it’s starting point with no additional movement  Turn adjustment until reached  Remember to count and record number of clicks / revolutions  1 click or ½ revolution Front compression Designed to control upstroke velocity Usually small slotted screw on bottom of fork leg Subjective to each rider, motorcycle, track Adjust the same on both legs Remember to count / record number of revolutions

19. 19 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Rear suspension Adjustment principles same as front Refer to manufacturers recommendations for adjusting

20. 20 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Motorcycle Preparation Additional considerations Canopy Friend Gas can (with gas) Prep bike and haul to track Track-only bodywork Fluid retention belly pan Generator Tire warmers Food, water Chair(s)

21. 21 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Closed Course Operation Will require a bike and gear technical inspection Bike must be prepared at organization’s rules Riding gear must be in good condition Riders meeting Layout of track Flags Remember this is only a guide, follow the requirements of the organization that is renting the track!

22. 22 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Closed Course Operation First time out: Find someone experienced to follow, then have them follow you Cold tires, give them a lap or two to warm up Learn the track Going faster, look farther ahead First time back in: Calm down Keep smile on face Drink water Get feedback and advice

23. 23 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Closed Course Operation Second time out: Find same person from before Cold tires Apply knowledge to one corner per lap Second time back in: Calm down Drink water Get feedback and advice For third, fourth, fifth, etc. Repeat second time out When tired, take a break

24. 24 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Review Closed course pros’ and cons’ Stable environment High speed Rider preparation Riding gear in good condition Impact armor Motorcycle preparation Preventative maintenance is not enough Tires are crucial Operation  Cold tires, not much traction until warm  Find someone knowledgeable to critique you

25. 25 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” Review A closed course, high-speed event allows one to learn how their machine, and themselves, perform Safer then the street More fun then the street Legal

26. 26 Enabling the “Global” in “Global Vigilance, Reach and Power!” REFERENCES Motorcycle Design and Technology Motorbooks Int’l; Gaetano Cocco, 2004 Sport Riding Techniques David Bull publishing; Nick Ienatsch, 2003 GP Suspension; Dave Hodges owner http://www.gpsuspension.com/ Total Control Motorbooks Int’l; Lee Parks, 2003 Images from Green Knights M/C Club, Hanscom Chapter 5 http://greenknights5.com/; Gil Besana, President http://greenknights5.com/ Images from Phoenix Sport Bike Club Get the best from your bike, don’t let the bike get the best from you