Here are some tips for everyone..
First round is done and we have had a month between. How many can say that they ha e actually worked on their bikes. I mean worked on things like setup, suspension, geometry. Maybe the brakes? Clean lube make sure that the front wheel spins freely?, air cleaner?, checked all the bolts in handlebars, pegs, ect..?
Maybe it's because I now sell tires, but I was always under the assumption that all guys used new tires each round for a min at least race day.. however it is very surprising to me to see how many guys use, used tires, try to use them till there is absolutely nothing left on them, and then the struggle to lower their lap times.. there is nothing more important then tires. Guys spend money on motors getting more hp, guys spend money on brake levers or fancy bolts or decals, rad lines, dyno runs, full exhausts, clip ons, but won't spend the money that connects all of that to the asphalt.. or the suspension that connects the tire to the bike.
I watched last race round how many guys simply go out in practice and ride.. then come in, put warmers on the bike, and sit and wait to the next session only to do the same. Then they come over and ask me why they can't go any faster? What's wrong.? if you watch at least in the ZBM pits youll probably notice we are always working on the bikes, changing things, trying new things. this is why you have all the adjustment on your bikes... last weekend I spent 2 sessions moving and adjusting my bars and brake lever to a point I felt comfortable.. how many have actually tried moving bars and a lever to see if they find a more comfortable position?
Practice days are practice days.. you should be trying all sorts of things to see if you can get the bike setup a bit better. Going out each session changing nothing will result in nothing changing.
You mark your settings before you start to change and if you dont like you go back to where it was and at least it's back, but if you dobt try things how is it going to get better.
If you goto a sbk weekend, ama, CSBK, wsbk, motogp.. you'll notice guys frantically working adjusting things in between sessions. They are trying different things to find a better set-up. Why is it only them that do this? Why not You? there is alot of info on the internet, there is your coaches from your race school.. there is top guys that would help if you asked.. use the experience of the guys.
And one last rant about tires. Dobt be cheap with the 1/2 inch of rubber connecting to to the ground at 200kph... think about it.
Mike