Alright guys, I'm posting early. Also, I'm requesting a sticky. I know, I'm asking a lot, sorry. Anyways, it's wintertime over here but come next riding season, I wanna track my bike. I'm not a millionare at the moment so I have enough money for the essentials, new tires, frame sliders, new fluids, the trackday itself, odds and ends, yadda yadda.
The question is, what all do I need out there?? I have a TZ-1 jacket so I could zip some pants to it. Question being, don't some tracks require one piece suits?? Also, I know I would need to safety wire some things and tape off my lights and such, what else can you guys tell me??
If anyone could make some sort of list or just rattle of some basic stuff, I'd be happy to make a list of it and if we could sticky it that'd be fantastic. Thanks a bunch guys.

 

Need:

* new tires
* leather suit (preferably, although some track SCHOOLS will allow textile suits) - you'll want a one piece, but a two piece that zips together can be a good substitute (better to have a full circumference zip, but a short zipper will suffice)
* tape up your lights (better yet, remove them if possible), wheel weights, and remove any blinkers and mirrors
* lots of water - if you don't have to pee after every session, then you aren't drinking enough. lack of water leads to heat exhaustion, and that's no fun.
* boots, gloves, helmet, ear plugs, sunscreen

Maybe (not required by some trackday providers, but it might be of some benefit to you):
* frame sliders
* safety wire (usually only needed in the competitive/race classes) - just be sure to torque everything down properly and/or use loc-tite
* tape your speedo - some places don't require it, but it's actually quite distracting knowing your speed...for me at least
* air compressor (usually someone at the track will have one)
* canopy (EZup or something similar) - you don't want to be baking in the sun
* chairs - you'll want to sit on something under that nice canopy, right?
* change your coolant to water or something similar to water wetter - coolant is a mess to clean up on the track (not all providers require this change)
* back protector - again, some places don't require it, but it will be in your best interest

 

Awesome, thanks a bunch Herb, you were one of the people I was hoping would post up. This winter being down time it's project time including bleeding brakes, re-torquing chassis bolts, lubing everything, basically everything that I can do in my 101 Sportbike Performance Projects book.

 

-Bring a bicycle or minibike if you have one! Walking around the pits suckkkks.

-If you see freezing temps go with engine ice to replace you coolant instead of water wetter. Engine ice doesn't freeze until like -35 or something.

-Get a notebook and write down everything you remember from your sessions. After a few they all become a blur and you don't really remember what you wanted to work on, questions you had or new lines you want to try.

-Bring some power bars or something of the sort. Riding on a full stomach makes me want to find a couch and take a nap. Power bars give you plenty of energy but dont' fill you up, this is important when your drinking a bottle of water after every session.

-Extra Gas in gas can. Gas at the track is expensive.

After I get back from the track Sunday I'm sure I'll remember some more to post up.

 

id do some reading on the wera.com boards if you're seriously interested.

.02

 

Good posts marmalade...Covering the speedo is a real good idea, I disconncted mine on my ZX-7 and youd be suprised how much faster you can take corners when you don't know how fast your going, lookin at speedo and going wow i better brake, instead of just sliding off the seat...

Good call guys! Immortal your next buddy...

 

Ah yes, how could I forget the freezing temps. I've been spoiled by southern california.

Besides a bicycle or minibike, you could bring a skateboard or rollerskates.

Food is a great idea. I can't believe I forgot to list that. During your day, don't forget to feed yourself. Some tracks provide food/snacks, but some do not.

Since it's your first time, I recommend bringing a friend or finding someone else to truck/tow your bikes up together. It's easier with a buddy there. And if he's got some mechanical skills, maybe put him to work.

And don't be shy! Go up to other riders and talk to them. Everyone's out to have fun. If you're having trouble with a turn or two, ask around. Especially if they have control riders. Have a control rider lead you around (at 50-75% of their speed) a lap and show you what lines they recommend. It won't always work out better, but most likely it will.

One last thing - bring tools. Whatever you need to work on your wheels (axle nut socket size, wrench, stands, etc). It will help if you need to make adjustments. Again, other riders will probably have their stuff, but it's not guaranteed their tools will fit your bike (I only bring a bare-bones set with me at the track).

 

Good thread!

Is signing up for a track day a simple as that? Just signing up? Do you need to have any prior experience? My closest track i believe would be VIR. Im located in Blacksburg. So many questions dont know where to start

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1bar &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is signing up for a track day a simple as that? Just signing up? Do you need to have any prior experience? My closest track i believe would be VIR. Im located in Blacksburg. So many questions dont know where to start </TD></TR></TABLE>
Yep. You call 'em up, or if they have online registration, you sign up. Pay the money, and you're pretty much set.

Some providers offer a "track school" setting, where you receive instruction and practice those techniques during your session.

Some providers do things differently than others. If they have a website, check out their information first. They will usually have a list of what to do and what to prepare, rules regulations, etc.

Any more questions, ask away! We've got plenty of members with track experience here.

 

this is alll good info as my track day is coming up in the following weeks