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Are You Ready For Your Motorcycle Track Day? Part II
Now that you’re aware of your personal track day safety, let’s get your motorcycle ready.
Most track day organizers have the same basic requirements for track day motorcycle prep. Some details as well as levels of enforcement will vary. Just as your gear is examined, a good motorcycle track day organization will perform technical inspections on all participant’s motorcycles as well.
Regardless of which track day you attend, all riders should be responsible for the following.
• Tires are the most important part of your motorcycle when riding at a track day. If you plan on running your normal street tires on the track, they should have at least fifty percent of their original tread depth left. If mounting special soft compound track tires, be aware of proper break-in and heat cycling requirements and consider using tire warmers. Remember to always check tire pressures in the morning before they heat up!
• A properly prepped track day motorcycle will not be leaking oil or fluids. This means engine oil, gear oil, fork oil, brake fluid or coolant.
• Most tracks prohibit water cooled motorcycles from running antifreeze. Antifreeze is very slippery and on the track surface antifreeze is a serious invisible hazard. Water cooled motorcycles should have their cooling systems flushed and filled with water or a non-glycol based coolant. At the same time check all hoses and fittings.
• Make certain everything on your motorcycle is tight. Properly adjust your motorcycle chain and check the security of the master link and clip.
• Brakes should function properly, even the rear. Brake pads should have plenty of material on them.
• All headlights and tail lights should be covered with tape. Removing the headlamp fuse or relay will prevent the tape from melting to the lens.
• Mirrors should be taped over or removed to prevent accidental blinding and distraction. I recommend taping over the speedometer for this reason as well.
Most motorcycle shops now offer track day motorcycle prep, so do not hesitate to take it to a professional if in doubt about anything!
When at the track:
Pay extra attention to tire grip in the morning, even if you use tire warmers, the track will still be cold and slippery.
Remember to pace yourself during the day. At the track days I've been to , most people sit out their last session, too tired to ride any more.
For more on motorcycle track days visit http://www.mototechtips.com/motorcycle-track-days.htm
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