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Generator and tire warmer

Finesse77

Finesse77

Novice
Joined
Jan 16, 2008
Location
SF bay area
Moto(s)
Yamaha R6
I ordered a tire warmer for the first time that I will be using at Infineon this May 21. I am not sure if there's an power outlet at that track. So I am planning to get a generator. What would be the ideal first time generator to buy and affordable. I'll have 3 more upcoming trackdays this year so I am really pondering about getting one. That's why I invested on a tire warmers. There's an on sale generator at Harbor Freight for $112. The watts is 800. Is this enough for tire warmer use?
Please educate me on generators and tire warmers.
This would be my first time on using both equipment.

Thanks
 
Unless you're racing, I'd go pirelli pro slicks and forget about the generator/warmers. I've been to 5 trackdays this year with sc2's, and getting the warmers on and off once every 40 minutes is a pain in the ass.

Also, there are power outlets under the grand stands at Sears, FWIW.
 
It's preferrable to have a few watts in reserve and not run a generator at full capacity, though it can certainly be done. Add up the watts on your warmers and then compare to the capacity of the generator.

Advice: Do not skimp on a generator. Not only do you want it to be reliable, you want it to be quiet. Very quiet. One sure way to make enemies is to have a noisy ass generator in the pits. Unless you go to the far end and put the generator far, far from everyone else, get a Honda or similarly quiet generator. There's a reason that Honda generators are the generators of choice, not only in the pits but just about everywhere. Noisy generators absolutely suck huge smelly rotten eggs.

And $112 for a generator is going to get you neither a reliable one nor a quiet one.
 
My 2cents is don't be the guy at the track with the cheap LOUD generator.

The proven generators that you see will be the Honda EU2000i's.
 
i think you need a minimum of 1000 watts, warmers usually pull 500 watts each f/r.

They are constantly cycling on/off to maintain temp
 
stan23 said:
My 2cents is don't be the guy at the track with the cheap LOUD generator.

The proven generators that you see will be the Honda EU2000i's.
Click to expand...

FXCLM5 said:
i think you need a minimum of 1000 watts, warmers usually pull 500 watts each f/r.

They are constantly cycling on/off to maintain temp
Click to expand...
Mine pull more than 500W each when on fully, so the 2000 gives some margin. Once they're cycling, the load goes down quite a bit. Anyway, I've seen people get by with 1000W units, but I think the generator just gives what it can and then it may take longer for the warmers to reach full temp. Not sure if that's bad (long term) for the generator tho.
 
stan23 said:
My 2cents is don't be the guy at the track with the cheap LOUD generator.

The proven generators that you see will be the Honda EU2000i's.
Click to expand...

Hey now, I sold that thing finally :wtf

I was told that the Honda 1000 watt is sufficient but I won't know for sure until later this summer. Thankfully, I have another to hook up with it for 2000 if needed.
 
I have this one, Colman 1850 watt. It is definitely not as quiet as the hondas or yamahas. I put it on the opposite side of my truck and it is barely noticable, I can still carry on a normal conversation. And once the track goes hot, you cannot hear it at all over the bikes.
 

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would it be accurate to say that pirelli sbk pro's are less grippy than full-on "one-day'ers" race slicks, but much more grippy than Q2's? maybe in the steering category too?

looking into budget track days myself...
 
OneRedLT4 said:
I was told that the Honda 1000 watt is sufficient but I won't know for sure until later this summer. Thankfully, I have another to hook up with it for 2000 if needed.
Click to expand...

:thumbup Many people don't know it, but the smaller Honda generators are capable of being hooked up together to provide double the watts. Nice feature.
 
anyone doing 4 track days a year does not need warmers and a generator

spend the cash on more track days......



shit, most racers don't use warmers (myself included).
 
Grease_Monkey said:
I have this one, Colman 1850 watt. It is definitely not as quiet as the hondas or yamahas. I put it on the opposite side of my truck and it is barely noticable, I can still carry on a normal conversation. And once the track goes hot, you cannot hear it at all over the bikes.
Click to expand...

YOU might not notice it, but as the (theoretical) guy parked on the other side of your truck, I notice. (This happened last time I went to Infineon)
 
Daredevil said:
anyone doing 4 track days a year does not need warmers and a generator

spend the cash on more track days......



shit, most racers don't use warmers (myself included).
Click to expand...

Woohoo... cares! Plus, how can anyone tell how fast you are if you don't have tire warmers? Looking fast off the track is just as important, everyone knows that. :teeth

TheRiddler said:
YOU might not notice it, but as the (theoretical) guy parked on the other side of your truck, I notice. (This happened last time I went to Infineon)
Click to expand...

I am considerate enough to make sure it is not facing some elses paddock spot. It's called situational awareness and it seems to be a concept that is slowing fading away in today's society.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, I decided not to get generator for now. It was just the thought of buying one because yearly we go camping, and it could be useful and at the same time, use it for trackdays.
But for now, I wanna try the tire warmers.
For Infineon, someone mention there's a power outlet under the grandstand, can I run an extension cord if I were to pit on a open space or can I pit underneath the grandstand closer to those tables by the restroom.

Thanks
can't wait next Monday. see you guys Monday.
My goal on that day will be my braking and lap times at least on 2:15-2:20.
And of course continue to learn on my body position.

P.S
I am giving a free set of Michelin Power Pilot 2CT. Front date code is 3110 and rear is 2509 I think... I'll bring this on Monday, who ever is interested for you street or commute bike. PM me or 408-791-4460
 
FlipRider said:
Yeah, I decided not to get generator for now. It was just the thought of buying one because yearly we go camping, and it could be useful and at the same time, use it for trackdays.
But for now, I wanna try the tire warmers.
For Infineon, someone mention there's a power outlet under the grandstand, can I run an extension cord if I were to pit on a open space or can I pit underneath the grandstand closer to those tables by the restroom.

Thanks
can't wait next Monday. see you guys Monday.
My goal on that day will be my braking and lap times at least on 2:15-2:20.
And of course continue to learn on my body position.

P.S
I am giving a free set of Michelin Power Pilot 2CT. Front date code is 3110 and rear is 2509 I think... I'll bring this on Monday, who ever is interested for you street or commute bike. PM me or 408-791-4460
Click to expand...



Lot's of folks run an extension in the bathrooms over near the snack bar too.

At 2:15-2:20, you don't need warmers. Just saying..
 
stan23 said:
Lot's of folks run an extension in the bathrooms over near the snack bar too.

At 2:15-2:20, you don't need warmers. Just saying..
Click to expand...

Agreed. Save the money and put it towards more trackdays.
 
FlipRider said:
It was just the thought of buying one because yearly we go camping.........
Click to expand...


Using a generator if you're way out in the middle of bum-fuck nowhere is fine, I suppose, but if other people are around, like in a campground, loud generators really, really suck. And that includes the quietest Hondas. Every time I see/hear a generator running in a campground, I am so tempted to walk up to the campers and ask them why they didn't just set up camp in their driveway. I mean, WTF?

(Just sayin'.....)
 
stan23 said:
Lot's of folks run an extension in the bathrooms over near the snack bar too.

At 2:15-2:20, you don't need warmers. Just saying..
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info, yeah I am planning to add two more trackdays this year.
And I am planning next year to attend Pridmore racing school. Hopefully I get some funds.
 
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