What to Know Before Your First Motorcycle Track Day

If you are looking to improve your riding skills or simply enjoy riding as hard as possible without limits then a motorcycle track day is for you! Track Days are the most exciting, fun, and hands down the very best way to experience the true performance potential of your motorcycle in a safe setting. Track Days are events held on a closed racetrack where you are able to learn and improve your riding skills in a safe environment and at real-world speeds. Learning on a racetrack allows you to ride freely and advance your skill level without the typical hazards faced on the street (potholes, traffic, etc.), and you will have a blast doing it. Here is our guide to help you understand how to be prepared for your first track day.

Have Materials Handy:

The worst thing that can happen at Track Day is that you forget something back home and in result will not be able to participate or will just have an uncomfortable day at the track. Track Days are usually an all-day event so it is important to be prepared with all the materials you will need so you can enjoy your time there. Here is a list of items you should take to be prepared for Track Day.

Food and Water: Make sure to take food and water to keep the energy levels up and dehydration at bay. Take a cooler with drinks and snacks so that they are available when you get hungry. IT can get pretty hot throughout the day so stay hydrated!
Tape: The majority of tracks require you to tape up your lights and mirrors so make sure you pack it up so you can do it when you get there
Tools: Take the necessary tools to remove trim pieces, mirrors, or for other planned jobs (air pressure gauge, wrench, extra gas, etc.)
Documents/Driving License – Be sure to check with the Track Day organizer to make sure you have all needed documentation in order to participate
Lounge Chairs: We recommend you take some lounge chairs to sit and relax when you are not on the track that way you will not be standing all day
Fuel: Take additional fuel in case you empty out on the track.
EZ-Up (Optional): a great idea to bring it so the sun isn’t beating down on you all day

Pass Tech Inspection:

One of the most important things to know about Track Day is that you will need to go to the track with a motorcycle that is track worthy. Every Track Day starts off with a tech inspection to make sure your motorcycle is in good running order. The techs will look for any leaking fluids (mainly around your fork seals, brake master cylinder, coolant hoses and overflow, and engine cases), any missing screws securing fairings or fenders, and check chain tension and make sure brakes and suspension are in working order. Make sure that these things are working perfectly in advance so that you do not spend money for a track day only for your motorcycle to not pass tech inspection and not be able to participate.

Bonus Tip: Remove any unnecessary bodywork (i.e. cell phone mounts, license plate) that could possibly come loose with vibration at high speeds

Additional Bike Preparations:

Aside from passing tech inspection, your motorcycle will need some additional preparations to be ready for track day. Tape up your lights front and back to help keep the glass/plastic intact in case of a crash. Cover the lenses of your headlights, taillights, blinkers, and the reflective surface of your mirrors if you cannot take them off altogether. You must also make sure your motorcycles tire pressure is correct for the track. You must lower the tire pressure so that the tires do not feel overinflated due to the high temperatures of the track.

Bonus Tip 1: Use gaffer’s tape or painter’s tape to cover up the lights to prevent residue from regular tape

Bonus Tip 2: Ask a tire specialist what tire pressure they would recommend for your bike and tire combination as different manufacturers will have different recommended pressures

Have the Right Gear:

If you are going to ride in a Track Day, you must show up with the appropriate gear. Since you will be riding at high speeds, it is recommended that you wear gear that is in good condition and offers the maximum protection. If your gear is old and worn-out, it might not pass tech inspection. Here is a list of recommended gear for the track.

Full Leather Riding Suit: Wearing a full leather suit will offer the maximum protection. An alternative option for a riding suit would be a leather jacket and leather pants.
Riding Boots: The riding boots you wear must go over the ankle and may not have laces
Gloves: It is recommended to wear full-gauntlet gloves. If they are not, they should at least cover the area where your jacket sleeves end
Helmet: The street helmet must be a correct design with a Snell rating, It must not have any visual impact damage from crashes or from being dropped
Back Protector: A back or chest protector is optional, but we recommend you wear one for ultimate protection

Your Bike vs. a Rented Bike:

If you feel like your motorcycle is not in the best mechanical condition for a track day or are concerned that you will damage your motorcycle then you can always rent a motorcycle to use on site. If you do end up renting one you will not have to worry about prepping your motorcycle and passing tech inspection because the motorcycle they rent will be track ready. However, if your goal is merely to improve your riding skills then attending a track day on the bike you ride every day is a great way to get more comfortable with your bike. Whether you use your own bike or you rent one you will learn a lot and have a blast doing it.

Conclusion:

Every motorcycle rider who wants to become a more confident rider should attend a Track Day because your riding skills will significantly improve. How you use speed, your awareness, your technique and your level of control over the bike will come on leaps and bounds. By making sure your bike is prepped and you have the right gear and materials needed, you will be able to enjoy a fun and exciting day out at the track.

Related:
- Before You Buy a Sport Bike

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