Trackday
Yet more time on track Monday evening at Snetterton and after four, twenty minute sessions I managed to rack up another 40 laps onboard the BMW. Conditions were exceptionally good and it was my first outing on track this year which has been completely dry throughout. The circuit was reasonably congested so putting in fast, consistent lap times proved to be quite difficult. What it did allow me to do was get used to the bike after making a few parts changes last month; most notably fitting replacement front brake pads.
The HP race brake pads are extremely good. They do require bedding in, which is a simple process and just involves applying the brakes gently a few times until the pads make full contact with the brake discs. After that they require repeated short application to build up heat until the brake disc is coated with a thin, uniform dark-blue layer of material. The initial three sighting laps provided ample opportunity for this and once bedded in they are exceptionally good. They offer a very progressive initial bite, which is similar in feel to the OEM brake pads, but then braking power builds much more strongly. Whilst performance from cold is good, once they are up to temperature they perform even better. Under very heavy braking, when thermal loading is at its peak, they respond far better than the standard brake pads and feel at the lever is vastly improved. Ultimately the more heat that you can generate the better their performance, which is exactly what you would expect from a race brake pad.
The Akrapovič HP full race system measured its lowest static noise result of 98.4 dB so the baffle wasn't required. On track the popping and banging of the exhaust on deceleration has been reduced in frequency following the installation of the alpha Racing airbox and valve cover set. For me this is no bad thing as I prefer a quieter exhaust note so I don't have to be concerned with triggering the drive-by sound meter. The only other noticeable difference since fitting new parts is that the bike's operating temperature is now a couple of ?C lower having fitted the Samco silicone hose kit.
Tyre wear remains consistent and the harder compound K3 Racetec RRs are coping well with track use. Small slides under power in SLICK mode are predictable and at no time was an increase to DTC needed. Whilst they have plenty of life left in them they will be removed shortly and replaced with the far more race focused K1 and K2 compounds.
Overall not a bad track evening.