Iv'e been riding for 10 years and decided last month to sign up for my first ever track day. I wanted to get some suggestions of stuff to bring. I am going to be at Barber Motor Sports for the 17 July session, and I live in Montgomery, AL only a little over an hour away. I have an '02 Yamaha R6, and I will load it on the back of my truck. Here is my current packing list. Let me know if should bring anything else: - Bike Stands - Tool Box - Extra Oil - Cooler w/food and drinks - Pop-up tent & chairs - Extension cords x2 - Fan - 5 Gal gas can - Blue painters tape - Extra cloths Thanks for the help!
Go ahead and tape up all lights and unplug if you can. Also tape wheel weights with duct tape. Do all of your prep before getting to the track so you will have more time to relax. Also ask someone to help unload your bike, the people at these events are more than willing to help out. Congrats and welcome to the addiction!!!!!
Thanks for starting this thread. I, too, will make my first track day on the 17th. May add the 16th if I still can. As it stands now, I'll be on a BMW K1200S. I'm looking for a dedicated track bike, but I refuse (at this point) to pay retail. Looking some here and there, but trying to keep my investment below 4K, preferably less, but I'm not a mechanical fixer-upper. If I was, I'm sure I could find one for much less. Looking at bikes listed in the 2003-2006 range. CBR600RR GSX R600 ZX6R R6 Any suggestions appreciated.
The K12S is gonna be a big bike to haul around on the track (My first trackYEAR was on a Busa), but you'll still have plenty of fun..just remember, when everyone on a 600 is at the brake marker, and you are still with them...that's not good (I have experience with that ). Watch the threads here, there will be plenty of opportunities to find a decent trackbike in your range. It's a LOT of fun. For both of you: WATER WATER WATER...it's gonna be H-O-T which distracts from your riding/learning. Recommend you both consider signing up NOW for a cooler month (hint: October is usually an AWESOME weekend)...
In no particular order: o Leathers o Boots o Gloves o Helmet o Visors o Back Protector o Chest Protector o Tools o Tire Pressure Gauge o Gas Can o Rags o Cleaner o Towel o Notebook o Rain Suit o GoPro & Battery o Other Camera o Tent o Chairs o Extra Shirt o Socks o Generator o Tire Pump o Spare Tires & Wheels o Spare Tire for Trailer o Lug Wrench o Headache Medicine o Reading Glasses o Receipt o Money o Motorcycle Key o Stands o Chain Lube o Trailer Ramp o Oil o Jumper Cables o Bike Cover o Duct Tape o Blue Tape o Long Underwear o Air Mattress o Flashlight o Race Gas o Sunglasses o Phone Charger o Tea o Ice o Snacks o Water o Cooler o Trailer License Plate o Pit Fan o Tire Warmers o Extension Cords
I usually just bring the bike, leathers, and beer.... I am always hoping everyone else will have everything else I need. LOL Just Kidding! This event I will be bring the "house"... Maybe even the wife and kids???
Thanks for the tips everyone. I made my checklist, so I don't forget anything. Since I will be riding in the beginner's group, I decided to ease into the new hobby since I have way too many at the moment, so I am making some compromises starting with tire warmers. I plan on getting a new set of street tires the day of, but was not planning on buying tire warmers. I know this is starting to get a little off topic with a lot of other articles and threads on this same topic, but do you guys think I should be fine for this first track day with a new set of street tires vs race tires and warmers? Also, I use to hit jumps on my snowboard back in the day, so I was going to bring my back protector. It is the same thing they sell for motorcycles, but it is just the back and not the chest protector as well. Thoughts on my two compromises?
You'll be fine without warmers, just take it easy the first lap which in Novice the coaches will help control.
Oh yeah you can find something like that under $4k easily. My '09 ZX6R that came fully built with lots of bells and whistles and only 3100 miles was $4k. A few years ago I bought an '06 CBR600 already track ready (just needed new tires and adjustable rear sets) for $2800. They're out there, and not that uncommon. Just keep looking on this forum, and WERA forum. Lots of cheap track bikes around.
Any back protector is better than no back protector. As long as you can get it into your leathers with you. You won't need warmers for Novice. Always give yourself a lap (or two) before you start riding hard to let your tires warm. Not such an issue when it's summer. The Novice program is developed intentionally for new track riders - to safely get you up to speed KNOWING you have these questions. Tires: You will find LOTS of threads about tires. There are plenty of good 'street' tires that will do you just fine all the way up into the middle of intermediate - but WHICH street tire might be important so you might want to put up your choice and let us comment...And you won't want to run them at street pressure (which was the weird for me the first time I heard that)... Lastly, come with your bike READY TO RIDE - i.e., read and follow the tech inspection checklist on the STT site, prep your bike and gear so that is not a worry at the last moment. You'll have a blast.
Planning on heading to barber for the 16th; how's the weather down there this time of year? trying to stay out of the rain.
Don't forget your driver's license or other picture-id that STT will accept, otherwise they will not let you register.
My opinion so feel free to take it at the value it has Read all the posts as they are good. However the main thing is a bike that is ready (almost any neighbor will gladly help with taping etc if needed) Then safety gear in good condition. Then food/water. Most other things on the lists can be borrowed or gotten away with ignoring the first time. I don't speak for everyone but if I had a neighbor with that was the first time out they would certainly be invited under shade etc. I have loaned battery tenders (after borrowing one). I have tire gauges and wrenches (along with 90% of the pits). Thing 2; tires are often over thought. I set of fairly new hyper sport tires of today is better than the D208 race tires I ran once IMO more than capable. And certainly they are good enough for Novice pace and in most cases Intermediate pace. I would actually be concerned with my slicks cooling at colder events running Novice pace. 'Failure' would more likely be you wacking the throttle and/or crap lines (or over adjusting mid corner). The rare person who comes out with two much pace that is also smooth will attract coaches/control riders like flies to poo probably. They will take care of you and even more so if you listen. Thing 3; hardest yet. Relax and don't worry about pace one bit tape your speedo. Listen to the classes and give it your best try. Again control will help you with pace and group you with others that are similar. It is fun, not a race. so if you end the day with a smile and shiny bike you did good. If you also improved you did great. Don't over think it and realize your first time everything will not be perfect (shoot I have lists and spreadsheets and still forget things on occasion) Instead roll with it and have fun.
Any questions feel free to ask. I usually put right across from registration table on the black BMW s1000rr with the red Toyota Tundra truck. I will one of the novice coaches on Sunday. Come ask me any questions you may have. All of the staff is there to help
What I've learned on this, my first year of doing track days and doing only the novice group, is that the only thing you need to worry about bringing (beyond a prepped to the requirements bike) is water. You're running novice group, quit thinking about unnecessary items like tire warmers and devote all your mental energies to relaxing and enjoying the moment. I can't speak for anyone else in here, but when I put my bike into gear to head out for a session, my mind goes into complete relaxation mode. I'm exactly where where I want to be without a distraction or care in the world. See you there, smiling from start to finish.
Really appreciate this post. I'm really excited and ready for it to get here. Probably won't sleep much all week. No worries about tire warmers and such, but just want to be prepared with the basics.