Track Day Bike Prep

zortness · 02-29-2008, 02:48 PM

Some general information about prepping your bike for a track day.

1. Tires and brake pads need to be in near new condition. If you are unsure, call the track provider and ask if a tire vendor will be present at the track day. Tire vendors will often offer track day specials on new tires, should you need them.

2. Mirrors need to be removed or taped over. I suggest removing them. They are directly in your line of sight when you are leaning off of the bike.

3. Throttle: The throttle should move freely and snap back into the closed position when released. Throttles usually have one or two cables with a screw type adjustment on the cable with two pieces that lock together that can be used to adjust the play.

4. Clutch Lever: The lever should have very little "play" (non-tensioned movement) on the cable and completely disengage the clutch when pulled in. Most cable-style clutches will have a screw type adjustment similar to the throttle cable.

5. Brake Lever: The lever should have very little play and should not be easily pulled all the way to the hand grip. If your brakes are too "soft", try bleeding the brakes and adding new fluid. Fluid should be mostly clear.

6. The bike must have a working kill-switch on the hand controls.

7. Headlights and taillights need to be removed taped over. I recommend blue painter's tape or vinyl.

8. Blinkers need to be taped over or removed.

9. Wheel weights need to be taped over. Duct tape works well for this.

10. Radiator Fluid: Most bikes come with a glycol-based coolant. The problem is, these coolants are very slick should a crash occur. Most tracks recommend Water Wetter or another glycol free coolant, but do not require it for track days (racing is another story). Miller Motorsports Park requires glycol free coolant for all vehicles on the track at all times.

11. Your engine needs to be in good working order. No leaks!

12. Tighten/Check frequently removed bolts, oil drain bolt, oil filter etc. These are the most common reasons for black flags, nasty wrecks, and long track delays. Also, check that your chain slack is within specifications.

13. Oil: Make sure your fluid level is correct before you arrive at the track. Oil will usually deteriorate more quickly with track use than street use.

14. Safety wiring is not required by track day organizations, but it is required for racing. Safety wiring can save a lot of preparation time and add peace of mind, but it is difficult and takes a good amount of time.

post credit

marko138 · 02-29-2008, 03:40 PM

Prep is very important. And most places will not refund your money if your bike doens't pass Tech.

Cutty72 · 02-29-2008, 03:57 PM

Not only the loss of money for the track day, but you miss out on a lot of fun as well!

azoomm · 02-29-2008, 08:07 PM

Also note: Chain must have proper tension... and sprocket in good condition.

Last year I had to fail someone because their sprocket was missing teeth. I thought it was a common sense thing, I guess not.

zortness · 02-29-2008, 08:43 PM

That's pretty sad, I would think that's common sense too... Maybe I should add that in, heh.

Cutty72 · 03-01-2008, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azoomm

Also note: Chain must have proper tension... and sprocket in good condition.

Last year I had to fail someone because their sprocket was missing teeth. I thought it was a common sense thing, I guess not.

what if you're bike doesn't have a chain??

marko138 · 03-01-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azoomm

Also note: Chain must have proper tension... and sprocket in good condition.

Last year I had to fail someone because their sprocket was missing teeth. I thought it was a common sense thing, I guess not.

Wow. Thats amazing. Who the hell would even consider going to Tech w/ a sprocket missing teeth.

OneSickPsycho · 03-01-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marko138

Wow. Thats amazing. Who the hell would even consider going to Tech w/ a sprocket missing teeth.

This guy...

jalaan1 · 03-01-2008, 02:26 PM

thanks Zortness.

t-homo · 03-01-2008, 10:00 PM

Awesome post man. You have a ton of track info in ya.

02-29-2008, 02:48 PM	#1
zortness Contagious Track Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vegas Moto: Too many bikes Posts: 131	Track Day Bike Prep Some general information about prepping your bike for a track day. 1. Tires and brake pads need to be in near new condition. If you are unsure, call the track provider and ask if a tire vendor will be present at the track day. Tire vendors will often offer track day specials on new tires, should you need them. 2. Mirrors need to be removed or taped over. I suggest removing them. They are directly in your line of sight when you are leaning off of the bike. 3. Throttle: The throttle should move freely and snap back into the closed position when released. Throttles usually have one or two cables with a screw type adjustment on the cable with two pieces that lock together that can be used to adjust the play. 4. Clutch Lever: The lever should have very little "play" (non-tensioned movement) on the cable and completely disengage the clutch when pulled in. Most cable-style clutches will have a screw type adjustment similar to the throttle cable. 5. Brake Lever: The lever should have very little play and should not be easily pulled all the way to the hand grip. If your brakes are too "soft", try bleeding the brakes and adding new fluid. Fluid should be mostly clear. 6. The bike must have a working kill-switch on the hand controls. 7. Headlights and taillights need to be removed taped over. I recommend blue painter's tape or vinyl. 8. Blinkers need to be taped over or removed. 9. Wheel weights need to be taped over. Duct tape works well for this. 10. Radiator Fluid: Most bikes come with a glycol-based coolant. The problem is, these coolants are very slick should a crash occur. Most tracks recommend Water Wetter or another glycol free coolant, but do not require it for track days (racing is another story). Miller Motorsports Park requires glycol free coolant for all vehicles on the track at all times. 11. Your engine needs to be in good working order. No leaks! 12. Tighten/Check frequently removed bolts, oil drain bolt, oil filter etc. These are the most common reasons for black flags, nasty wrecks, and long track delays. Also, check that your chain slack is within specifications. 13. Oil: Make sure your fluid level is correct before you arrive at the track. Oil will usually deteriorate more quickly with track use than street use. 14. Safety wiring is not required by track day organizations, but it is required for racing. Safety wiring can save a lot of preparation time and add peace of mind, but it is difficult and takes a good amount of time. post credit

02-29-2008, 03:40 PM	#2
marko138 DefenderOfTheBuelliverse Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Parts Unknown Moto: Buell XB12R Posts: 18,585	Prep is very important. And most places will not refund your money if your bike doens't pass Tech.

02-29-2008, 08:07 PM	#4
azoomm moderator chick Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hill Country TX Moto: Pasta Rockets Posts: 8,917	Also note: Chain must have proper tension... and sprocket in good condition. Last year I had to fail someone because their sprocket was missing teeth. I thought it was a common sense thing, I guess not.

02-29-2008, 08:43 PM	#5
zortness Contagious Track Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vegas Moto: Too many bikes Posts: 131	That's pretty sad, I would think that's common sense too... Maybe I should add that in, heh.

03-01-2008, 02:26 PM	#9
jalaan1 orangina Zed Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LI, NY Moto: '12 Z1000 Posts: 700	thanks Zortness.

03-01-2008, 10:00 PM	#10
t-homo WSB Champion Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 7,146	Awesome post man. You have a ton of track info in ya.