Ever since building the cafe-style 78 last year, I've been buzzing the streets of Maine and realizing the fun that I have been missing riding the clunky cruiser these last 8 years. So now that I am approaching the half-way mark in life, I figure it's now or never to try some racing around a track. So my question is, even after rebuilding the bike from the ground up and replacing just about everything on it, would a 78 be suitable to use for a track day? There are a couple of clubs that run at a nearby racetrack, but know nothing about it - but am trying to gather info.

I know the leaning angle will be limited, and the bike is a bit heavy and my ego would have to be OK with CB250's passing me, but do you think the bike would hold up?

Anybody have any track experience?

thanks
Matt

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Mad Matt from Maine

1978 Goldwing
and another 1978 Goldwing
2004 Honda VTX 1300 with a few mods

Zero track experience here, but your bike is dead sexy ! I'd be interested to know how you fair. Good luck!

A lot of tracks offer classes of some sort, often with smaller bikes to practice on. Don't be afraid of leaning right over, be surprised how much lean you can get out of your ride. Go for it.

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77 gl1000 naked

I don't see a fork brace on it,that would be a very wothwhile addition when you push it a little. Go for It!
Nice looking bike!

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Proud member of the NGW Cartel
My album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/album140
Jesus is Lord ! Hope is not a plan
84 Standard ongoing project
82 Interstate 35k
84 Ascot- Has gone to new home sans sidecar. New owner is a BSA nut and will take care of the Ascot even better than me! The sidecar now hangs on the 1200 for winter riding.

most tracks will require a tech inspection, which will mean you need to run only water, not anti freeze. you will need a number of drain plugs and bolts for axles and brakes safety wired. and a few other things. including a good set of riding leathers, boots, helmet etc. most all sportbikes will eat you alive, but if you just want to have some fun, go for it

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Thanks fo the advice, so far. I did hear back from Fishtail riding school and said that they have a variety of bikes, and I could definitely ride the wing. I have another 78 waiting to get rebuilt, so may actually enhance that one and make it more track ready. Here's a photo of the cafe with the new pipes (which will get black coated this winter)
Matt

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Mad Matt from Maine

1978 Goldwing
and another 1978 Goldwing
2004 Honda VTX 1300 with a few mods

So another question.
What would you add / do to a '78 to make it a good track bike? I'm thinking.
fork stabilizer
small fairing
low bars
dyna coils/ignition
smaller/lighter seat
smaller/lighter fenders

And of course, over-bored cylinders, super-charged and fuel injected. Anything else???

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Mad Matt from Maine

1978 Goldwing
and another 1978 Goldwing
2004 Honda VTX 1300 with a few mods

Slicks.

Gord

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"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -
'80 GL1100 Interstate, 'R2B' (RAT TO BE)
My Original 'RAT' was an '82 CB900/1100F
And now Team 898

75-77 heads and cams and carbs?

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77 WING, under magnaficent scalpel
77 Wing. black and ready
83 Wing, ready to alter, finally... A title.

You will nevar make it a good track bike.
Instead of worrying about it... just get it through tech inspection and make some laps!!!

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Timothy Mark Fisher
Catalina Arizona

"I like a cold beer with my beer"
(OldWing)
"Most of us like the sport of wrenching too."
(fred camper)

This might help you some. I have been on the same track....no pun intendend

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=40379&hilit=+drag

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Matalex

Current Bikes:
1975 GL 1000 Bobber
1979 GL 1000 Full Vetter
1977 GL1000 Resto project
GL1100 Drag Bike Project

I'd definitely stick a 5/8" master cylinder on the front or you will be outbraked on every corner......

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"The Moving Finger writes, and having writ, moves on,
nor all your Piety nor Wit
can lure it back to cancel half a line...
so....probably best use Tipp-Ex in future?"

1976 GL1000 "Mitzi"
1976 GL1000 and Héchard sidecar "Mitzi 2"
1977 GL1000 'The Parts Bike' now in bits
1976 XT500 'C'
1976 TT500 'C'
1980 Paris-Dakar XT500 (replica)
1992 Grinnall Scorpion SC3 prototype
1993 'Big Valve' BMW R1100RS "Red Sonja"


Hal's Nalbum

.....I'd do it!

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David E. King ll L.M.P.
Grand Coulee, WA.
Yellow 1976 GL1000

Nice looking bike. Fork gaiter looks sweet. Is this zero equals zero bike? White wall tires with the tank stripes... 0=0
Vanity plate idea.. Mathman

If you can do a track school (instead of just a "track day") for your first time out, I'd highly recommend it...

Don't forget to lower the tire pressures front and rear. There is usually tire support at the track and he can recommend starting pressures...

I wouldn't ride without a serious spine protector under full leathers. You may be able to just borrow one from one of the guys for the day..

Try not to go alone, but have a buddy to watch out for you who can get you and your bike home in the event of a crash....

Stay hydrated throughout the day...

Before you go
Read Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatch

and

Twist of the Wrist, Volume II by Keith Code

Lots of good info in those two books...

Have fun and don't try too hard to go too fast or lean over too far too soon...it will come in time... be sure to post pics!

PS Nice work on your 78!

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2013 BOTY

1976 Cafe Racer "Patience", She's almost done...

Motowalt’s 76 Resto/Café "Patience" build thread.