This will be a long one but I have done 16 track days on my SV this year so I have learned a thing or two. Sorry about the novel:
#1 Rule. Have fun. There are no winners at track days, only losers. Don't get competetive AT ALL your first track day. There will be time for chasing people around later but just worry about getting comfortable on the track. (Don't ask me how I know this)
Do a good check on your bike, all controls (hand and foot), cables, brakes/calipers/chain, etc. tape your wheel weights with duct tape.
Also do a good post-flight inspection. You'd be amazed what will rattle loose after a day of wringing that beautiful I-4's neck. Clean and lube your chain and make sure it is on the looser side of the tension spectrum; your suspension will work better if the chain isn't too tight.
Pay attention to the rules and riders briefings. People can and do get hurt and killed (okay rarely, but it has happened) at these events, and the rules are there for everyone's safety. Don't EVER look behind you when riding on the track. Make SURE you know how to exit and enter the track safely and predictably, this is probably the most probable place you could have a collision with a high speed differential. If you see someone doing something stupid talk with control riders, management, etc. They want and need to know about idiots.
Try and get a good night's sleep the night before (you will be excited and nervous). Shy away from alcohol the night before (and preferably 2 nights prior). You don't want to go into this dehydrated.
What to bring:
1. a decent toolbox/kit with common sized wrenches, sockets and allen heads if you have it. If not, there will be plenty of people who will help you out.
A good, dial-type pressure guage. Stick guages suck. Borrow one from someone in the pits if you don't have a good one. 30psi F/R (cold) is probably a good starting point for tire pressures. Make sure you have more in the tires before you leave. It is easier to bleed them down than try and find a compressor and pump them up. Check Tire pressures again after lunch when they are cold again. If the ambient air temperature has risen a lot since morning, you may need to bleed them down a bit.
2. A collapsible chair. When you're not riding, rest. You will be tired by the end of the day. If it's going to be hot and you have a canopy-type tent, bring it if you have room. If you don't, pit next to someone who does and get friendly.
3. A cooler with plenty of water. STAY HYDRATED! I usually bring 1 or 2 gatorades as well but don't like to drink too many because they have too many calories. Munchies are nice too, but there may be a food vendor there as well.
4. If you have spare levers, pedals, etc. bring them. These are the most common parts you will break in a low-speed get-off. You may be able to recover from a minor crash and get re-teched if you have the parts you need.
5. I always bring a spare tire for the trailer and a small 2 1/2 ton floor jack, just to keep Murphy at bay.
6. Make sure you remember all your gear, Boots,leathers, helmet, gloves, back protector if you have one. If you're going to be doing a lot of track days, invest in underarmour or equivalent.
7. Bring some kind of spray cleaner (I use Honda Polish), wet rag, or something and clean your visor off between EVRY session. almost everything that you are doing is triggered by visual cues, so keep your visor bug-free. I soggy rag followed by a dry one works just fine too.
8. Extra gas. You probaly won't need any but gas at the track usually costs 3-5 times what it does on the street. Captive audience and all.
That's all I can think of for now. Have a GREAT time. By the way, what track are you going to?
Aaron
Topic: Taking it to the track (Read 3450 times)