A Better Way To Record And Compare Lap Times

Motorcycle track days are one of the safest and best ways to both increase rider skill and have an unbelievable amount of fun. Less expensive than racing, less risk (both from harm and from the law) than riding on the street, track days allow a rider to truly test the limits of their abilities, and the capabilities of their motorcycle, in a controlled environment. From absolute beginners, to seasoned racers, track days are an opportunity for improvement, a way to get more comfortable going faster, and to be one with the machine.

While track days are not a race, and safety should not be compromised in pursuit of speed, the ultimate gauge for the track rider is the treasured lap time. Speed is the goal, speed is the objective, speed is king, and speed is measured in fractions of a second. Yet, not all speed is created equal, as a scorching lap time on a bone stock 400cc lightweight is not the same as an identical lap time on a fully race-prepped literbike on slicks. For this reason, LapMeta was created to properly store and accurately compare and contrast lap times.

As a database of lap times, LapMeta stores stats that can be filtered by specific motorcycle make and model, categorized by modified or stock. Finer details such as tire compounds and gearing are recorded, letting riders know what setups people are using for faster lap times. For example, often, a rider will find themselves in low-speed corners too high in the rev range for first gear, and too low for second gear. Going with a smaller rear sprocket will lower the revs to allow the use of first gear, but will it compromise performance at the top end elsewhere at the track? LapMeta will reveal what setups other riders have used, and what lap times they have achieved with that gearing.

LapMeta entries also often include links to onboard footage synchronized with the lap time. Riders can also view reference laps for specific bikes that show recommended braking markers, turn-in points, and line choices for that bike, instead of a generic on-board lap from a completely different vehicle. Watching a lap on video from a modified Civic may reveal if the track goes left or right, but will not be very useful in letting an R1 rider know the best braking points.

LapMeta is not just lap times, however, as it also includes detailed, high-resolution track maps, often broken down into sectors to make learning the track and finding places to improve lap times much easier. For a rider visiting a track for the first time, LapMeta can be an invaluable tool that gives a virtual track tour, shows what a “decent” pace should be, and reveals recommended gearing, all before leaving home. Complicated tracks can take many laps to learn and be comfortable just knowing what turn comes next, so having detailed information and video can save considerable time getting up to speed at a new track.

LapMeta is a community-driven database, with accuracy typically backed by data loggers such as Aim, Solo, Garmin, or similar timing equipment, and video proof. Originally car-focused, the motorcycle side of LapMeta is growing rapidly, with early adopters given the opportunity to set record lap times for tracks and bike classes. Like a combination of Strava and Wikipedia for motorcyclists, LapMeta is both a reference and a tool for motorcyclists, allowing for apples-to-apples comparisons, setup info, pre-ride reconnaissance, and settling internet forum debates.

For more information, visit moto.lapmeta.com.

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with LapMeta