Then followed Race School day with Chris Walker from the BSB, at Mallory Park in Leicestershire. My instructor for the day: James Westmoreland from BSB.
Needless to say I did myself proud…

After getting Royally dicked around by the NHS for 5 weeks, I went private and got my clavicle sorted. It shouldn't have taken that long to get an answer and solution, but that's Britain for you.


I felt like an utter arse after high siding at a chicane through a combination of slightly greasy surface from a small shower, and a massive helping of my own stupidity. I won’t hide behind “wet track”, or “tyres gave up” as those aren’t get out clauses. Wet track? Pay more attention. Tyres give up? Unless there was a fault, then they should have been replaced.
For me, a lapse in concentration, and trying to play catch up to my instructor and the other lad to whom I was paired. Instead of focusing on my exit point of the second half of the chicane I was looking down towards the hair pin two corners away to see if they’d noticed I was held up in traffic. Stupid, stupid boy. As a result of my lapse, I gave it a little too much throttle, and that combined with the greasy surface and the next thing I know I’m a couple of feet above the bike.
I also snapped my right wrist. The clavicle happened after the bike I came off followed me and hit me in the shoulder.
I was told at this point by the NHS that I’d be ok to get back to work in a few weeks….so no riding time, but plenty of eBay time! I do love a bargain, so after making my “wish list” I thought I should price things up…which led to me finding bargains that I couldn’t resist. Damn it.

 

In the meantime, I got a bit...eBay-happy. And tracked down some bargains, finally deciding to track it after watching my mate on his 636 at Oulton Park.
Cue R&G engine case covers. Basically sliders, and not replacements like the Woodcraft items. They bolt over the OEM parts.
Gilles VCR Rearsets - 25% off, and couldn't resist! Added some HEL braided lines at the same time. Not so easy doing it one handed...
ASV levers. I like a shorty brake and a long clutch for some reason...also nice and easy for me to fit one handed!

 

Following about 4 different opinions from NHS “Doctors”, and nobody seeming to have any clue as to the best route for letting my shoulder heal, I went private and found out it probably wouldn’t given the nature of the break. Which = surgery at about the 5 week point, with the fracture looking pretty much as before, and needing some artificial bone shavings added (I think. It was either that or a bone graft from my Hip. And I didn’t have a scar on my Hip when I woke up!)

I marked myself up before catching the train to the hospital, and ordered some track fairings so I'd have something to keep me busy.

I also bought some used Arrow rearsets for my R6 as it must have been feeling quite neglected...

 

Two days later I was home, and fitted the rearsets. And then set about getting extremely bored and a bit too eBay-happy. Within a few days this turned up as well.

Trickiest bit was holding the tank up with my swede whilst propping it up.

 

Quite a while later and the QS was on.

And then time to trial fit the fibreglass.

As many of you know, most track fairings won’t fit with the standard exhaust system. I didn’t know…which gives way to an awesome excuse for taking advantage of another offer, with 20% off.

 

Finally fairings are on, but looking a bit sh*t. And the quality becomes apparent when my fingers go straight through some air bubbles between the fibre glass and the gel coat.

Time for filler! Lots of it.

And also an update from the Hospital. Pretty much healed, but still off work and bored. Yes, track fairings are going to get trashed eventually, but I still couldn't bring myself to just throw them on. Giving me something to do while I couldn't ride I thought I'd give my DIY a good go and see what they look like.

 

Now time to go and get some seat foam, and some for my tool chest…I suppose there is a downside to not having a car at the moment.

Followed by final coats of paint...

 

Very nice build, excellent job. Where did you find a SS tail unit?

 

Just off a local guy on eBay! The quality isn't too great - a lot of air bubbles and stuff. But for the price I paid I can't really complain! £280, and they came in black gel coat. They've supplied a couple of sets to BSB - I reckon I either got rejects or old stock or something, hence the price and quality. They do the job though!

 

New tyres - Bridgestone Battlax R10s to replace the BT016s that have been destroyed by motorway miles and boring rides while my shoulder was still hanging out.

I think the next purchase would have to be a PCV before I get the suspension sorted.

Very much doubt I'll get any track days in again until next season as I'm back off to work in 2 weeks.

Fairings are pretty much finished now, a few decals are on and a couple more coats of lacquer...

 

Fairings are finished, and on the bike! Not looking too bad for the DIY rattle can job.

 

A bit gutted that two of the decals lifted as I lacquered over them (1st picture), but I don't think they'll peel off any time soon. No doubt I'll have sprayed/taped over them before that happens anyway.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to how I can fill the gap under the tail (second picture)? It looks like too much fibreglass was cut away at the manufacturer. I tried high temp black gasket sealant, but it doesn't do a very good job. Would this cause a problem, or should I ignore it?

Popped the number plate back on so I can take it for a spin on some twisties as unfortunately I won't get it on the track until next season.

 

We've got a very similar setup! I had the black 2012 ZX-6R with the same Akrapovic slip on, HEL's SS brake line, HM QS. Similarly, I bought a fiberglass race fairing set and then only realized it wouldn't fit the Akra setup. Then I had "no choice" but to buy*another exhaust, so I went with Yoshimura R-55 slip on.

I have gaps with my race fairings too but I am not so bothered about it since I don't run it on the road with it. During long non-track-day period I'll just swap back to OEM. Right now I am pretty tired of swapping my fairings, did that about 6-8 times now.

How do you find your race fairings working for you on the road?