Do you ride your sports bike on the track? Looking for volunteers to help develop aftermarket accessory

[single_cell]

Hello,
I am an engineer working on an aftermarket accessory for sports bikes that are tracked. Since I don't ride, I am looking for someone who would be willing to let me take measurements on their bike so I can create the custom prototype and then try it at the track. (It does not impact bike performance, but would allow you to go flat out in certain places at the track). Sonoma is closest track to me so it would be most convenient. If you live in the east bay (Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond) or north bay, we can meet up before the next track day so I can take the measurements (I will need 2-3 weeks to make the prototype). Happy to answer any questions.

 

[Mee]

You're a few days late.

 

[single_cell]

You're a few days late.

Hello, why do you say that?

 

[Mee]

Most track riders already go flat out on the track.

April 1st was 3 days ago.

 

[Sportbiker]

Hello,
I am an engineer working on an aftermarket accessory for sports bikes that are tracked. Since I don't ride, I am looking for someone who would be willing to let me take measurements on their bike so I can create the custom prototype and then try it at the track. (It does not impact bike performance, but would allow you to go flat out in certain places at the track). Sonoma is closest track to me so it would be most convenient. If you live in the east bay (Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond) or north bay, we can meet up before the next track day so I can take the measurements (I will need 2-3 weeks to make the prototype). Happy to answer any questions.

Trying to help out here -
If you want some participants, it might be beneficial to elaborate a little bit about the gadget / gizmo - (don't have to detail it if you are worried about IP theft).

Is it Electronics? Aerodynamics? What is the benefit for the rider who is willing to work with you?
Are you going to pay for their time ? is it voluntary but they get to keep the mods?
Do you have to drill or make any irreversible mods to the bikes? Are these for any generation of sportbikes including the 2026 model years?

I ride my sportbikes at the track and my bikes are plenty fast. I'm intrigued but skeptical that you can develop something in 3 weeks that can make a 220 HP Aprilia go faster on a straightaway which the factory engineers haven't thought about. Possible? Yes. Probable - maybe not.

 

[ThinkFast]

I am an engineer working on an aftermarket accessory for sports bikes that are tracked. Since I don't ride, I am looking for someone who would be willing to let me take measurements on their bike so I can create the custom prototype and then try it at the track. (It does not impact bike performance, but would allow you to go flat out in certain places at the track).

Retired AFM racer and one-time startup advisor (and inventor) here.

Have you done any market testing of your idea yet to confirm that there is in fact demand potential for your product? Prototyping can be resource intensive in terms of both time and money. You typically wouldn’t make that investment until you’ve done at least some cursory market testing to confirm that people want what you’re envisioning.

The fact that you’re not a rider raises the importance of this even more. As @Mee points out, going “flat out” during a track day isn’t really much of a challenge for many riders, at least on the straights. So providing a bit more detail on what the nature of your innovation is might help people decide whether they’re interested in helping you develop it.

And in the FWIW department, inventors are often overly paranoid about someone “stealing” their idea. Ideas are cheap. Execution is hard, and most people lack the technical skill, time, money and - most important - persistence required to take something from an idea to a workable concept; from a workable concept to a prototype; from a prototype to a marketable product; and from a marketable product to a profitable business venture. I’d be happy to discuss with you further 1:1 if you’re interested (no charge) - just PM me.

 

[single_cell]

Trying to help out here -
If you want some participants, it might be beneficial to elaborate a little bit about the gadget / gizmo - (don't have to detail it if you are worried about IP theft).

Is it Electronics? Aerodynamics? What is the benefit for the rider who is willing to work with you?
Are you going to pay for their time ? is it voluntary but they get to keep the mods?
Do you have to drill or make any irreversible mods to the bikes? Are these for any generation of sportbikes including the 2026 model years?

I ride my sportbikes at the track and my bikes are plenty fast. I'm intrigued but skeptical that you can develop something in 3 weeks that can make a 220 HP Aprilia go faster on a straightaway which the factory engineers haven't thought about. Possible? Yes. Probable - maybe not.

Hi, Thanks for your questions. It will not increase performance in any way, but there are some tracks where you have to lift off and I'm looking to eliminate that. Yes, I'm being intentionally vague, but it's not related to electronics or aero. I suppose the greatest benefit would be if it works you can try to get a faster time because you won't have to lift. As a volunteer, yes you can keep the mod (assuming it works, of course). Right now I am designing it so you do not have to do anything irreversible to the bike except maybe using double sided tape to adhere it. I started work on a 2022 Aprilia so I think that it should be fine for 2026 if that's what you have. Probably preferred if they are similar I will not have to make too many changes.

Regarding turn around time, I already have the main design complete. It's a matter of customization to each bike and I need probably a day or two to do that and then to have it manufactured.

 

[single_cell]

Retired AFM racer and one-time startup advisor (and inventor) here.

Have you done any market testing of your idea yet to confirm that there is in fact demand potential for your product? Prototyping can be resource intensive in terms of both time and money. You typically wouldn’t make that investment until you’ve done at least some cursory market testing to confirm that people want what you’re envisioning.

The fact that you’re not a rider raises the importance of this even more. As @Mee points out, going “flat out” during a track day isn’t really much of a challenge for many riders, at least on the straights. So providing a bit more detail on what the nature of your innovation is might help people decide whether they’re interested in helping you develop it.

And in the FWIW department, inventors are often overly paranoid about someone “stealing” their idea. Ideas are cheap. Execution is hard, and most people lack the technical skill, time, money and - most important - persistence required to take something from an idea to a workable concept; from a workable concept to a prototype; from a prototype to a marketable product; and from a marketable product to a profitable business venture. I’d be happy to discuss with you further 1:1 if you’re interested (no charge) - just PM me.

Hi! I appreciate your thoughts. I myself am a startup advisor too (different industry tho I'm sure) so I know where you're coming from! I can't PM you yet due to new account but I will once I pass the 15 day mark .Thank you so much for your offer!

 

[Sportbiker]

Hi, Thanks for your questions. It will not increase performance in any way, but there are some tracks where you have to lift off and I'm looking to eliminate that. Yes, I'm being intentionally vague, but it's not related to electronics or aero. I suppose the only benefit would be if it works you can try to get a faster time because you won't have to lift. As a volunteer, yes you can keep the mod (assuming it works, of course). Right now I am designing it so you do not have to do anything irreversible to the bike except maybe using double sided tape to adhere it. I started work on a 2022 Aprilia so I think that it should be fine for 2026 if that's what you have. Probably preferred if they are similar I will not have to make too many changes.

Regarding turn around time, I already have the main design complete. It's a matter of customization to each bike and I need probably a day or two to do that and then to have it manufactured.

what do you mean lift off?

 

[single_cell]

what do you mean lift off?

omg, thanks for catching that!!! I am used to car lingo and didn't even notice. For cars we have to lift off the throttle at certain points on the track. I'm not sure what the equivalent for bikes would be, but basically easing off the throttle.

 

[Sportbiker]

That will be a good one. I, for sure don't have the balls or the skills to not have to roll off slightly when entering a corner or roll off completely when starting to brake.

 

[ThinkFast]

there are some tracks where you have to lift off and I'm looking to eliminate that.

Yes, cars ‘lift off’ (as in your foot off the throttle). On bikes we roll off, as you’ve already caught above. It would help a lot if you could give an example. For instance, at Blackhawk Farms we had to lift as we exited 3A going into 4 in order to settle the car into a dip there. Having instructed at track days there and raced bikes there, I can say that for that turn on a bike we never rolled off, at least not to the degree we needed to in a car (been a long time, so memory a little hazy on tat). It was all about settling the suspension into the dip so the car was more planted as we did our turn in after the dip.

On a bike at the track you’re mostly on the gas or on the brakes if you’re going fast. There are turns that use maintenance throttle, too, like carousels (T6 at Sears Point, T9 at RoadAmerica).

So can you give us an example like that and describe how bikes do things now (with the roll off); and what your invention would do to alleviate that in that particular instance? Or at least the first part, of that - an example where bikes have to ‘roll off’, and then wouldn’t need to using your gizmo.

 

[single_cell]

That will be a good one. I, for sure don't have the balls or the skills to not have to roll off slightly when entering a corner or roll off completely when starting to brake.

Not related to cornering. No balls required for this, I promise.

 

[single_cell]

Yes, cars ‘lift off’ (as in your foot off the throttle). On bikes we roll off, as you’ve already caught above. It would help a lot if you could give an example. For instance, at Blackhawk Farms we had to lift as we exited 3A going into 4 in order to settle the car into a dip there. Having instructed at track days there and raced bikes there, I can say that for that turn on a bike we never rolled off, at least not to the degree we needed to in a car (been a long time, so memory a little hazy on tat). It was all about settling the suspension into the dip so the car was more planted as we did our turn in after the dip.

On a bike at the track you’re mostly on the gas or on the brakes if you’re going fast. There are turns that use maintenance throttle, too, like carousels (T6 at Sears Point, T9 at RoadAmerica).

So can you give us an example like that and describe how bikes do things now (with the roll off); and what your invention would do to alleviate that in that particular instance? Or at least the first part, of that - an example where bikes have to ‘roll off’, and then wouldn’t need to using your gizmo.

There are some tracks where you have to roll off for a few seconds, but not for the purpose of weight transfer/settling or cornering. So it's not really for performance other than to eliminate the need for rolling off, which would allow you to go faster. Of course only by a hair given the short duration.

This is more of a pet project of mine, not necessarily for the sake of making something that will significantly enhance any one's lap times, but to 1) prove it can be done (COMSOL simulations show its feasible), 2) actually get it done and 3) geek out over the math/physics, if you're into that kinda thing. If it turns into something viable that would be an added bonus.

Not sure if you guys can DM me since I have to wait 2 weeks, but if any one is interested in talking further please DM and we can chat offline too.

 

[peterhively]

Sorry, but I don't get it. My throttle is pinned wide open on the straights, closed in the braking zones, and somewhere in between everywhere else.

That's how it is, that's how it's always been, that's how I like it, and I have no interest in changing any of that.

When I roll off the throttle it's because I want to a) slow down or b) change direction. Rolling off the throttle is an acquired skill and I can't think of any time I'd want to avoid doing so?

Now don't get me wrong, I'm all in favor of newfangled tools that make my life easier. For example, I love my quickshifter and autoblipper!

I'll be at every motorcycle trackday at Sonoma this year, and I'd be happy to listen if you want to explain better.

 

[single_cell]

Sorry, but I don't get it. My throttle is pinned wide open on the straights, closed in the braking zones, and somewhere in between everywhere else.

That's how it is, that's how it's always been, that's how I like it, and I have no interest in changing any of that.

When I roll off the throttle it's because I want to a) slow down or b) change direction. Rolling off the throttle is an acquired skill and I can't think of any time I'd want to avoid doing so?

Now don't get me wrong, I'm all in favor of newfangled tools that make my life easier. For example, I love my quickshifter and autoblipper!

I'll be at every motorcycle trackday at Sonoma this year, and I'd be happy to listen if you want to explain better.

Do you mind sharing those dates (can DM me if preferred) and what kind of bike you have?

 

[single_cell]

That will be a good one. I, for sure don't have the balls or the skills to not have to roll off slightly when entering a corner or roll off completely when starting to brake.

What kind of bike do you have that you take to the track?

 

[peterhively]

Good morning!

To answer your questions, my track bike is a Yamaha R9. I was planning to ride Monday 4/20, but if it's wet and cold as forecast, I will skip it. Next up after that is Monday May 11.

Now back to my questions!

As I said I'm happy to listen...I think we all are. You've got several experienced track riders and racers here, who have taken the time to ask simple questions about what you're trying to accomplish because we don't understand it. You said you're "Happy to answer any questions", but you don't want to disclose any secrets about your device. That's fine, I don't need to know anything about the device itself until I understand what it is supposed to do for me.

We operate the controls to tell the bike what we want it to do. You're saying you can help us by relieving us of the need to roll off the throttle in certain instances, but you haven't explained why, when, or where on the racetrack we would want that assistance.

We intentionally roll off the throttle to slow down for a corner, or roll off very briefly to transfer weight forward to help us change direction, such as in the esses. We might roll off slightly to adjust our speed in traffic, or if we're running wide on the exit of a corner. Other times we do it reactively to control a rear wheel slide, or on a big bike to control wheelies.

Some of these are very fine adjustments which is why we make sure our throttles operate smoothly, and we're super picky about our grips, gloves, etc. We work on our fitness, and our body position so we can be light on the bars to enable the smoothest possible throttle operation. Some of us have spent years or decades training on small dirt bikes on small dirt tracks in slippery conditions to hone our throttle control because it is so important.

So without disclosing any secrets about your device, would you please try to explain to us why, when, and where on the race track, we would want to avoid rolling off the throttle?

Thank you!

 

[single_cell]

Good morning!

To answer your questions, my track bike is a Yamaha R9. I was planning to ride Monday 4/20, but if it's wet and cold as forecast, I will skip it. Next up after that is Monday May 11.

Now back to my questions!

As I said I'm happy to listen...I think we all are. You've got several experienced track riders and racers here, who have taken the time to ask simple questions about what you're trying to accomplish because we don't understand it. You said you're "Happy to answer any questions", but you don't want to disclose any secrets about your device. That's fine, I don't need to know anything about the device itself until I understand what it is supposed to do for me.

We operate the controls to tell the bike what we want it to do. You're saying you can help us by relieving us of the need to roll off the throttle in certain instances, but you haven't explained why, when, or where on the racetrack we would want that assistance.

We intentionally roll off the throttle to slow down for a corner, or roll off very briefly to transfer weight forward to help us change direction, such as in the esses. We might roll off slightly to adjust our speed in traffic, or if we're running wide on the exit of a corner. Other times we do it reactively to control a rear wheel slide, or on a big bike to control wheelies.

Some of these are very fine adjustments which is why we make sure our throttles operate smoothly, and we're super picky about our grips, gloves, etc. We work on our fitness, and our body position so we can be light on the bars to enable the smoothest possible throttle operation. Some of us have spent years or decades training on small dirt bikes on small dirt tracks in slippery conditions to hone our throttle control because it is so important.

So without disclosing any secrets about your device, would you please try to explain to us why, when, and where on the race track, we would want to avoid rolling off the throttle?

Thank you!

Ah yes, thanks for pointing out my contradiction ("happy to answer questions" yet... not answering any questions, lol)! Not intentional, I swear and I appreciate your patience and willingness to continue the discussion.

As I mentioned earlier, it's not for any technical enhancements/modifications to your skills or bike, nor is it for racing. You would ride exactly as you have been. There are some tracks with restrictions because a certain "coalition" doesn't like to be reminded that they live near a racetrack, despite choosing to live near racetrack. To avoid getting flagged, some people roll off the throttle. I aim to prevent you from having to do this. So the why would be to avoid getting flagged, when is right before you'd get caught and where is on the straight. Still vague I know, but hopefully a bit better?

 

[peterhively]

Ahhh, OK, I was wracking my brain trying to think of any other reasons to roll off the throttle and I forgot about "cheating the sound meter" at Laguna Seca.

I'm running the stock exhaust on my bike so I have no need to do so, I can pin it right past the sound booth and on the normal line.

So thanks for filling in the blanks, I'm afraid I have no need or interest in what you're working on. But there are plenty of folks who might, so good luck!