At ZigWheels, we had the exciting opportunity to take part in the Harley-Davidson X440 Flat Track Race during India Bike Week (IBW) 2024. This race served as our first real experience with flat track racing and also proved to be quite an eye-opening experience.
Getting Started
A few weeks ago, I attended the TVS Ronin Drift-R school, where I learned fundamental skills for riding on the flat track. This enlightening experience significantly enhanced my road riding abilities.
Landing the chance to participate in the Harley-Davidson X440 Flat Track Race at IBW 2024 thrilled me. It was an opportunity to apply what I had learned previously, and as someone who had never raced before, I was eager to see how I’d perform.
The Motorcycle and the Circuit
For this event, we rode the uniquely modified Harley-Davidson X440. This bike featured numerous alterations in both its design and mechanics. The headlight was removed, replaced with a racing number plate.
The standard seat and subframe were swapped out for foam padding and a sleeker rear end. Additionally, several mechanical modifications were made; for instance, the front brake was taken off and the original footpegs were replaced with ones suitable for off-roading.
One feature I particularly appreciated about this build was its resemblance to the Harley-Davidson XR750. Overall, the modifications were executed exceptionally well, making the bike feel like an authentic flat tracker.
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The race track was a 160m oval, considerably shorter than the 250m circuit I had previously experienced. This smaller size posed unique challenges, particularly due to the reduced straightaway lengths.
The intensity of the race increased as we approached the corners at a much faster pace. The bike was well-equipped to handle the conditions, but I couldn’t help wondering if I was truly prepared for this challenge.
The Race and Lessons Learned
The flat track race was quite different from my expectations. Instead of having all eight journalists racing simultaneously, we were divided into four pairs. This structure meant that the race became a series of one-on-one match-ups, with the winners progressing to the next round. This format allowed me more space to maneuver on the track.
One principle I adhere to is that “competence breeds confidence.” Before the race, I felt quite self-assured. However, once the competition began, it quickly became evident that my confidence was not supported by the necessary skills.
Getting eliminated in the first round made it clear where I truly stood in terms of my abilities. I managed to get a couple of things right, but there were also many mistakes.
During my prior track experiences, I focused on three critical areas: vision, body positioning, and throttle control. However, I overlooked the importance of choosing racing lines, which was a significant factor in my performance.
When riding on roads, we think about lines for safety against oncoming traffic. In contrast, in racing, the objective is to find the optimal path to maximize speed and minimize lap times.
I attempted to approach the corners from a middle line into an inside line, exiting toward the outside. This habit stems from road riding, where it allows a better view of oncoming traffic.
However, during racing, the dynamics are entirely different. On the flat track, where double apex turns are involved, choosing the right lines is crucial. Ideally, I should have approached wide, taking the first apex closer to the center of the track and the second on the inside.
Insights Gained from Racing
One of the most significant lessons I learned from participating in the Harley-Davidson Flat Track Race is that there’s always more beneath the surface. This is especially true in flat track racing.
To the casual observer, it may appear to be a simple race around an oval track, but once you find yourself on the bike, your perspective shifts dramatically. The insights gained from this experience have highlighted areas of my skills that require improvement.
If you’ve been contemplating trying flat track racing, my advice is straightforward: just do it. The experience will significantly enhance your road riding abilities.
