Installing a real time lap timer on the Ninja.

After getting a good look at some AMA Superbikes down in San Diego a few weeks ago, I took some of my notes and set out to improve some things on the Ninja. One of the things I noted was the lap timers the bikes had. Having on track, real time feedback of my lap times might help me accelerate my improvement and consistency while doing laps. Being the low budget prospective racer that I am, I found a timer system that I could afford  and set about to installing it. 

SV Racing is a parts house that I have gotten parts from several times In the past. They sold me a brake upgrade kit for my old V-Strom that was one of the best upgrades I did for that bike. They have this self labeled timer available for only $30. Professional level timers cost at least three times more. For that price I had to give it a try. In the package you get what we have on the right. There is the timer with receiver lead, the transmitter and some velcro tape for mounting as well as some basic instructions. Two AA  batteries go in the transmitter while the timer comes with batteries pre-installed. You turn on the timer, then the receiver and go. Thats it!

I installed the timer display on the speedo since the speedo is disconnected anyway. Putting the timer here keeps it in my sight line, but not in the way. I used the velcro tape so if I want to move it later I can. I ran the lead under the gauge cluster and down to the bottom of the front of the fairing. The lead is four feet long or so which gives you plenty of room to mount it in the best way possible to get a good signal from the transmitter. I used some more velcro tape to mount the receiver lead. I tested the steering to ensure I wasn't getting any binding with the wiring. All was good to go.

The other half of this duo is the transmitter. It is a line of sight, infrared beam transmitter. It has a 60' transmission distance and is a pretty small form factor. Not wanting to possibly lose the unit the first time I take it to the track, I came up with this solution. I cut a small piece of scrap wood and used more velcro from my stash. On the bottom of the wood block I drilled a hole and inserted a T-nut with 1/4x20 threads that match the male threads of the light tripod head you see above. Now I can place the tripod somewhere by the side of the track at the height of the receiver eye to get a good signal. Being on the tripod will help me to keep track of everything compared to the itty-bitty transmitter all by itself.

Here is a shot of the unit in action in the garage. I turn on the receiver, then turn on the transmitter. Once the receiver gets a signal from the transmitter it starts timing. It will keep clocking the lap until I pass by the beam again. Once I break the beam, the timer displays my lap time for 10 seconds giving me time to check it before the next turn comes up. Once the session is done I hit the "CLR" button to stop the timer back in my paddock area. The buttons allow me to scroll through each lap. They also lets me see my fastest lap, slowest lap, average lap and total track time. I can't download the data and it only allows me to save the last 60 laps. In that regard it is a bit primitive compared to the pro level ones. Again this is a budget timer and for my use it should be just fine.

Until now I have used my TrackAddict app on my phone in the breast pocket of my leathers. The free version only lets me record three session before I have to delete data. I also can't see the lap times as I'm riding since the phone is secured in my pocket. Between the two timers I can get all the data I need for my level of performance. I took the timer with me to Buttonwillow on Monday, but didn't get a chance to use it. I couldn't find a safe place close enough to the track that would allow the transmitter to give me a good signal. I didn't want to put it somewhere that would distract other riders either. Since it was my first time there and my first time riding with Let's Ride Trackdays, I figured I'd just use the phone app. This timer would be perfect for the kart track and I think I could find a place at the Streets of Willow easily as well.

Thats it folks. I have some parts on the way in the mail and an extensive list of post track projects to do on the Ninja. I also want to get out on the FZ1 sometime before I have to pack it up and move in July. Stick around for more budget racing action to come!

Blue