First track day

[vanson1200r]

Doing my first track day at Fontana this Sunday in California. My buddy and I are loading our bikes in his truck (he has a 954) and going up the day prior, we are bringing gas, tools, stands, chairs, water & food and the such plus prepping the bikes IAW www.fastrackriders.com information board. Any suggestions for a first timer as far as bike prep? Just changed all oils and adjusted the primary chain and clutch and I have brake pads on order. I can’t really think of anything else….

 

[FIDOSOL]

Check the recommended suspension settings in your manual. Set your bike up that way, the track is the best place to make small adjustments/fine tune your suspension setup.

Also, take it easy. Work your way up to really getting into it. Enjoy yourself and get someone to take some pictures.

 

[RuiP]

Definitely get your suspension setup. Sliders would be a good idea too. And of course start out at your pace. Then gradually pick up the pace once you begin to feel more confident on the track.

I'm going to look at reserving a trackday for myself.

 

[vanson1200r]

I have my suspension set up for my weight by the manual for street use but if there is a set up guy at the track I will enlist his services. To late to install any crash protection on the bike though

 

[ct1200]

EZ-up or umbrellas if you have them, being in cali I think that would be 2nd nature though.

Deff ease into it, find a rhythm with the turns and speed will come without even trying.
Squeeze the brake no grabbing fist fulls.
If you get caught up in traffic jump onto pit road and let them by, its not a race its a track day.

Pack a good lunch, by 2-3pm you'll feel it
Just a 1 day or 2?
2 days back to back are great for learning

And Enjoy yourself!!!

 

[vanson1200r]

What is a good tire pressure for the track? I have the Michelin Power Pure's

 

[FIDOSOL]

You should check the tire as well as the manual for your bike.

 

[ct1200]

Thats as tricky a question as what oil to use.
Remember though your tires are going to get a bit hotter than just normal street riding, so a lb or 2 low might be a good thing.

 

[motomanfan]

Most track day providers have tire vendors that show up. If so, check with them for recomendations for your tire. Have fun!

 

[Kruizen]

I ran the pures at 28 rear, 30 front cold. multiple track days on them. Never looked at the pressures again for the rest of the day.

Your just starting out so tire pressure won't be a serious issue.

 

[shaggy]

A zip tie on one of the fork tubes will tell you if your front end is set up too soft/hard (bottoming out under hard braking)for your ridding skills.

Also get a "real" tire pressure gauge (more accurate readings and makes it easier to bleed of extra air) and check you pressure as soon as you get off the track. I run 30 on the rear and 28 at Loudon and 30 at VIR on the front on my XB12R with CT2's. My pressure changes through the day as air temps rise. Always use the same gauge.
A small round fan to blow dry your helmet is a real plus on hot days.