CBR650R CBR650R on the track

[beneweis]

Hey y'all,

I just booked a track training for next April and I was curious if anyone has tried the CBR650R on a racetrack before? I know about this race school in UK that has replaced their CBR600RRs with CBR650Rs so it can't all be crap.

Anything I should look out for?
Which tyres did you use?
Did you adjust the rear shock?
How easily can the mirrors be taken off?
Any chance to disconnect the lights or should I just tape them?

I am gonna start at this cute little track called "Spreewaldring" just outside Berlin. But if things go well I plan on going to Autodrom Most next.

https://stc-motodrom.de/
https://www.autodrom-most.cz/en/

 

[fnation25]

Hello,
Yes I've taken the cbr650r to the track a couple of times already.
Answering your questions:

Anything I should look out for?
Nah the bike is fine, just enjoy.

Which tyres did you use?
S22

Did you adjust the rear shock?
Not needed for me.

How easily can the mirrors be taken off?
Just hide them by moving

Any chance to disconnect the lights or should I just tape them?
Just tape them.

Enjoy, it's lot of fun and good luck.

 

[Redlinerider]

Idk about the 650R but I have taken my 650F to the track twice now.

Mirrors came off with easily (just two screws per mirror) but most track day organizations will let you tape them.

I ran stock tires and left my rear shock alone. The bike preformed perfectly.

 

[beneweis]

Thanks guys!

That's what I thought. I am gonna replace the stock Dunlop's early next season and will most likely run the Bridgestone S22 or Pirelli Rosso III and those should be perfectly fine on the track (especially given my non-existent skills).

I'll prob try to remove the mirrors. You know, for the looks.

 

[User26]

Thanks guys!

That's what I thought. I am gonna replace the stock Dunlop's early next season and will most likely run the Bridgestone S22 or Pirelli Rosso III and those should be perfectly fine on the track (especially given my non-existent skills).

I'll prob try to remove the mirrors. You know, for the looks.

You will definetely enjoy it!
I wouldn't even bother buying expensive tyres, especially if it's your first trackday. Any decent street tyre will do and it wont be the tyres holding you back.
I did a few trackdays with my z750 on sports-touring bridgestone's (i don't remember their name) and had lots of fun.
But if you have the budget to spend, those Pirelli's do look pretty cool .

 

[Redlinerider]

I agree. I found that the bikes capabilities greatly exceeded my own even with stock tires.

 

[beneweis]

Definitely the case for me. Bike is way more capable than I am. I just need to replace the tyres anyway (also really don’t love those Dunlop’s in the wet) so whatever, gonna go for some decent rubber.

 

[fnation25]

Yap go with the s22, you will be extremely happy. I have over 10000KM on S22 already, 2 track days and should last me more 2000/3000 KM. I never had a sport tyre that would last me as long as these.

Here's a pic of the abuse they got on track days.

 

[Ern818]

Refreshing this thread - just today I was on racetrack with my 650R on stock Metzeler's Roadtec. Had 1 issue - powerslide/highsider (out of fear I closed trottle immidiately) Tires are anyway 10000km+, so time for change...

fnation25 - nice pic of rear wheel - no issue with pegs? I was scratching both today, incl my knees, but outermost tire thread was still intact...

my tire pic attached

so thinking to go for S21 or S22. Is there big difference between them? Both seems to be good on track, but S21 is chepaer here

 

[fnation25]

I removed the pegs warner or what they are called. It's a better tire, not huge difference but it's better.

 

[baloo2650]

Thanks guys!

That's what I thought. I am gonna replace the stock Dunlop's early next season and will most likely run the Bridgestone S22 or Pirelli Rosso III and those should be perfectly fine on the track (especially given my non-existent skills).

I'll prob try to remove the mirrors. You know, for the looks.

Yep, pull the mirrors and turn signals. Don't worry about tires until you have a few days at the track under your belt. Unless you are some sort of a Rossi-esque prodigy, your bike in full-on stock trim will corner faster than you could imagine it will... Don't go spending extra money, just get on the track and see what YOU can do... Cheers!

 

[Ern818]

Update now, I have now S21s fitted. Any recommendations about tire presures? I feel that at least rear shall be lower than stock (2.9bar). Plan to go to the race track in 2 weeks

 

[Dankotaru]

Update now, I have now S21s fitted. Any recommendations about tire presures? I feel that at least rear shall be lower than stock (2.9bar). Plan to go to the race track in 2 weeks

As a reference point, I'm about 200lbs with gear, run Dunlop Q4 tires on the track, usually ambient temps between 70 and 88 degrees with full to partial sun on the track, and have found 32psi cold pressure to be the sweet spot for my rear tire. I run 29-30psi front.

I have not lowered the front pressure too much because right now I like to keep a responsive 'tip-in' feel more than I need that extra little bit of contact patch. You will lower the rear much more from stock. How much you should lower the pressure depends on the tire, conditions, your riding style, etc... I recommend you take a tire gauge with you and adjust the pressure incrementally between heats and see how each step down in pressure works for your pace. If you need to add some air back, chances are someone there will have a compressor to add air, or take a small portable one that runs off your truck/van's battery. The engineer in me also recommends that you keep a little notepad with you, and record the ambient conditions, the pressures you used during each heat, and notes on how the bike felt each time. I also use a tire pyrometer, and you might be able to borrow one from someone else at the track. These little data points can help you choose good starting pressures on subsequent track days, and also recognize changes in your riding style or ability as time progresses.

 

[Ern818]

Let me share my experience from track (did yesterday). Hot day (27-30 celsius). I rode 2.2bar front and 1.9 rear (warmed tires). I used warmers. Grip was simply great, very happy with tires.
Tires were almost new (~200km on them since new) see attached pics after 38 laps in Brno race track (Czech rep.)

Unfortunately, 2 issues appeared too - lost right peg indicator and had/have issue with front brake. Will make dedicated thread if I'll not find the same topic here