Track day prep...
Discussion
Covering lights is not a requirement although it is mentioned, as are the removal of mirrors & the taping of brake lights. Normal gaffer tape will suffice.
Might be best to disconnect the lights if you do tape them up as you don't want to fry the tape (if you're lights stay on all the time like mine).
As for tyre pressures, the last day I went to the tyre experts told be 31psi front 29psi back. This was for my R6 which is normally 36psi all round. Someone there will let you know. Remember these pressures should be when the tyres are cold so don't change is to these after say a couple of sessions otherwise you'll be running way too low. Do it at the start of the day or even the evening before (dependant on if you're riding to the track or not).
Probably an idea to remove numberplate as well. There are 'spotters' from insurance companies on these day taking down plates & if you did happen to bin it & try it on with you're insurance........ well you get the picture. Just take it off.
Might be best to disconnect the lights if you do tape them up as you don't want to fry the tape (if you're lights stay on all the time like mine).
As for tyre pressures, the last day I went to the tyre experts told be 31psi front 29psi back. This was for my R6 which is normally 36psi all round. Someone there will let you know. Remember these pressures should be when the tyres are cold so don't change is to these after say a couple of sessions otherwise you'll be running way too low. Do it at the start of the day or even the evening before (dependant on if you're riding to the track or not).
Probably an idea to remove numberplate as well. There are 'spotters' from insurance companies on these day taking down plates & if you did happen to bin it & try it on with you're insurance........ well you get the picture. Just take it off.
Edited by hobo on Wednesday 7th June 11:31
tyres are a whole world of conversation. the theory (and its true) is you will get the tyres much much warmer than you ever realised you could, hence the tyre pressure is increases through normal gas expansion at temperature. drop a few pounds -> 5, more at the back as it contains more air, ergo...
dont dont dont get red mist, let people past, dont try and keep up, and never ever on the first lap. chances are the bloke that whizzes off on lap 1 will be sliding into the sandpit later the same day...
dont dont dont get red mist, let people past, dont try and keep up, and never ever on the first lap. chances are the bloke that whizzes off on lap 1 will be sliding into the sandpit later the same day...
Worth a mention perhaps, you will see guys using tyre warmers in the pit garages. So if you ain't using them expect riders who do to be quicker round the twisties much earlier in the sessions than yourself. Just in case you may be thinking to yourself "how come I'm so slow" and then try to keep up on colder rubber.
Have a great track day.
Have a great track day.
shot2bits said:
Also wondered about tyre pressures on the bike and whether they need adjusting?
GSXR1000 huh? What pressures do they run on the road? If it's anything like my gixer600 at around 36/36 recommended then I'd go for something like 32 front and 30 rear. If it's a really hot day, I'd drop them further to 30 front and 28 rear. For comparison, my old SV race bike used to run at 28/29 front and 26/27 rear depending on track temperature.Shot2bits,
Plenty of good advice here on tire pressures etc.
Here are a few other things to think about.
1. Fuel: Chances are you will need to refuel during the day, fill the bike up as near to the circuit as possible, before you sign on. You can then refuel during the lunch break; it's one less thing to think about in the afternoon.
2. Remember your driving license!
3. Food and drink: The food on sale at most circuits is not fit for a dog (and priced like it was an airport) So you may want to take something better with you.
Personally I like to graze all day, rather than having a set meal during the lunch break. There are frequently crashes in the first session after lunch, caused in part by people trying to digest the grease burger and fries they ate half an hour before.
Also stay hydrated, you will be working hard and your concentration and balance will be significantly reduced if you get dehydrated. If the weather is hot, you may want to consider an electrolyte drink. Fizzy cola etc. is best avoided (see burgers)
4. Alarm controller: if you have one, figure out what you are going to do with the remote. It's about minimising the distractions, to allow you to concentrate on you riding.
5. Garages / pit space: This is not usually allocated or organized, (if it is someone will soon tell you)
Stay relaxed and have fun!
Mark.
Plenty of good advice here on tire pressures etc.
Here are a few other things to think about.
1. Fuel: Chances are you will need to refuel during the day, fill the bike up as near to the circuit as possible, before you sign on. You can then refuel during the lunch break; it's one less thing to think about in the afternoon.
2. Remember your driving license!
3. Food and drink: The food on sale at most circuits is not fit for a dog (and priced like it was an airport) So you may want to take something better with you.
Personally I like to graze all day, rather than having a set meal during the lunch break. There are frequently crashes in the first session after lunch, caused in part by people trying to digest the grease burger and fries they ate half an hour before.
Also stay hydrated, you will be working hard and your concentration and balance will be significantly reduced if you get dehydrated. If the weather is hot, you may want to consider an electrolyte drink. Fizzy cola etc. is best avoided (see burgers)
4. Alarm controller: if you have one, figure out what you are going to do with the remote. It's about minimising the distractions, to allow you to concentrate on you riding.
5. Garages / pit space: This is not usually allocated or organized, (if it is someone will soon tell you)
Stay relaxed and have fun!
Mark.
mtbr said:
Shot2bits,
Plenty of good advice here on tire pressures etc.
Here are a few other things to think about.
1. Fuel: Chances are you will need to refuel during the day, fill the bike up as near to the circuit as possible, before you sign on. You can then refuel during the lunch break; it's one less thing to think about in the afternoon.
2. Remember your driving license!
3. Food and drink: The food on sale at most circuits is not fit for a dog (and priced like it was an airport) So you may want to take something better with you.
Personally I like to graze all day, rather than having a set meal during the lunch break. There are frequently crashes in the first session after lunch, caused in part by people trying to digest the grease burger and fries they ate half an hour before.
Also stay hydrated, you will be working hard and your concentration and balance will be significantly reduced if you get dehydrated. If the weather is hot, you may want to consider an electrolyte drink. Fizzy cola etc. is best avoided (see burgers)
4. Alarm controller: if you have one, figure out what you are going to do with the remote. It's about minimising the distractions, to allow you to concentrate on you riding.
5. Garages / pit space: This is not usually allocated or organized, (if it is someone will soon tell you)
Stay relaxed and have fun!
Mark.
Plenty of good advice here on tire pressures etc.
Here are a few other things to think about.
1. Fuel: Chances are you will need to refuel during the day, fill the bike up as near to the circuit as possible, before you sign on. You can then refuel during the lunch break; it's one less thing to think about in the afternoon.
2. Remember your driving license!
3. Food and drink: The food on sale at most circuits is not fit for a dog (and priced like it was an airport) So you may want to take something better with you.
Personally I like to graze all day, rather than having a set meal during the lunch break. There are frequently crashes in the first session after lunch, caused in part by people trying to digest the grease burger and fries they ate half an hour before.
Also stay hydrated, you will be working hard and your concentration and balance will be significantly reduced if you get dehydrated. If the weather is hot, you may want to consider an electrolyte drink. Fizzy cola etc. is best avoided (see burgers)
4. Alarm controller: if you have one, figure out what you are going to do with the remote. It's about minimising the distractions, to allow you to concentrate on you riding.
5. Garages / pit space: This is not usually allocated or organized, (if it is someone will soon tell you)
Stay relaxed and have fun!
Mark.
Thanks mate, appreciate it...
sorry to jump in but I always take a pasta salad or fruit and a large energy drink and nibble and sip all through the day as mentioned,I have done the stop for lunch and eat everything in one go break but then felt nackered in the afternoon. Also is anyone at Oulton on Tuesday (13th) Thanks Chris
Rob
Don't worry too much about your tire pressures, you can always ask the tire man at the track day.
Failing that set the rear (cold) somewhere between 29 -31 psi and the front a pound or two higher.
than the rear and you will be close enough.
For a road bike on road legal tires, It's just not that important to worry about trying to be any more accurate.
Mark.
Don't worry too much about your tire pressures, you can always ask the tire man at the track day.
Failing that set the rear (cold) somewhere between 29 -31 psi and the front a pound or two higher.
than the rear and you will be close enough.
For a road bike on road legal tires, It's just not that important to worry about trying to be any more accurate.
Mark.
Check out www.throttlemonkeys.co.uk/
they have a first track day thread which is very good.
they have a first track day thread which is very good.
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