recommendations for first 1/4 run

[Bruiserman]

What should a newb do on his first 1/4 mile run.
Go real easy? Who cares if runs are in the high teens, or just go for it....

I don't want to loop the busa, is that hard to do unless I really punch it?

Just curious what to expect with this bike so that I am prepared a little. I am not even sure if I am going to run it tomorrow.
Thanks

 

[MoosesBusa]

Step 1. Ignore the tree Your ET isn't gonna change no matter what your reaction time was. Just for fun red light and throw off the other guy!
Step 2. Breathe
Step 3. Bring the rpm's up to 3500 and listen for the tone. memorize the sound 'cause you aren't gonna see the tach again until your moving.
Step4. While the bike is tached up to the 3500 rpm SOUND, let out just enough clutch to move the bike into the second trap then pull it back in until your toes are able to hold you back.
Step5. When you're ready, roll on the throttle at the same rate as you are releasing the clutch. Listen to the other bikes launches and you'll understand the last statement. The amount of throttle you give it is directionally proportional to the amount of clutch you release.
Step6.SHIFT into 2nd before the rev limiter hits.
Step7. repeat until you have passed thru the trap at the end.
Step8. DO NOT GRAB A HANDFULL OF BRAKES! Use front and rear brakes equally and firmly. Release for a second and repeat. You don't wanna glaze the pads and ya also don't wanna do a 130mph endo! You have a LOT of speed to scrub off quickly but it can be easily done. If you prefer you may downshift one gear at a time but be damn sure you don't do it too soon or you'll stretch your rods ( Not a good thing)
Step9. Take the best turn off to the return lane when you are slow enough to do so and go get your time slip from the shack.
Step10. Breathe, calm down from the rush and realize you are now addicted

You're not gonna run 9's for a while so don't even think about it. As your confidence grows, so will your launch rpm's. the better 60' time you have the lower ET you're gonna get.

This is just a general suggestion based on what worked for me. Others will suggest to simply dump the clutch and hammer it. I see those guys loop more often than those that do it the way I've described. At the end of the day, do what you are most comfortable with.
Strapping the front of the bike down greatly reduces the risk of looping and wheelstands. Straps are available just about anywhere for $20 or so.
Hope this helps
Moose

 

[Bruiserman]

Thanks, I have lowered the front 1.25" with reapers should I strap it even lower? I lowered the rear 1.5 inches
Thanks for the advise. The only part I am worried about it the beginning. I am pretty good at using both brake all the time and can scrub off speed pretty quick. I just get nervous even thinking about it. Not scared though.

 

[MoosesBusa]

Strapping it down eliminates your suspension from additional upward momentum. If your nervous about looping it would be a good idea. The lower the bike is the better. Also, If you want to REALLY make it harder for it to come up you can extend the swingarm with some bolt on extensions. You'd be surprised what adding 4" of length can do. The good thing about extensions are that they aren't permanent. On race day you put 'em on along with the longer chain and when you're done you take them off and put your stock chain back on.

 

[Mr Brown]

What Mooses said, except step 4. Use you feet to roll the bike into the staging lights, or your clutch will hate you after about 25 passes. Trust me, I've done it. Don't engage your clutch until you mean it, also don't bring your bike up to launch revs until the other guy has lit both pre-stage and stage bulbs. 3.5k is approximate, a good starting place. If the bike doesn't come up too bad, try again at the same rpm, just do the clutch/throttle movement quicker. If you get a chance, watch some more experienced racers, and pay attention to the sound of the bike, and the relationship between clutch and throttle. Let us know how it goes.....

 

[rosco15]

Leave like your leaving from a stop light and take it easy at first. Go faster and faster each time. The glue makes the starting line alot stickier than on the street.