PMP July 29th Preparation

[dm_gsxr]

I just want to make sure I'm 100% prepared for the 29th. So if I can get a quick review to make sure I don't need to do anything else, that'd be great.

What sort of things do I need to have on my SV for the 29th?

It's already wired up although I need to add the oil filler wire (missing).
I bought some blue painters tape and will disconnect the lights.
Remove the mirrors, right?
I plan on replacing the tires that day.
I'm sure the radiator is filled with water since it was a track bike, but I'll check.

For me, I have:

Full faced helmet
Gauntlet Gloves
Leather suit
Boots
Back protector

I expect we'll probably rent a trailer from U-Haul if they are available.

I'm sure I've forgotten something that I've done and certainly want to make sure I'm complete before the 29th. I'd hate to get there and find out I need something that I could have brought or bought well prior to the day.

It's my first official track day and I want to enjoy it and not worry about missing something and having to sit on the sidelines. That would suck badly :)

It might help if there were a separate list so the others will know (unless I'm the only one :) )

Thanks.

Carl

[rybo]

Hey Carl,

You've got most of it.

Here are the minimum requirements:

Bike

1. Coolant drained and replaced with water
2. Mirrors removed
3. Lights unplugged and taped over
4. Good tires
5. Good brake pads

You:

1. 1 Piece suit or 2 piece suit that zips together all the way around. Must be all leather (no textiles allowed)
2. Gloves that extend past the wrist
3. Boots that cover the ankles
4. Full face helmet (flip up's are not acceptable)
5. Back protector
6. Have taken an approved track riding course in the last 3 years (and are able to prove it with some kind of certificate)
7. The right attitude - it's a fun track day, not a race. There are no points on the line here.
8. Emergency contact information placed in an obvious location (hope you don't need it!)
Suggested:

A cooler full of water
snacks
something to provide shade
sunscreen
a chair to sit in when you aren't on the track
tire pressure gauge
a basic set of tools to work on your bike (hope you don't need them!)

[dm_gsxr]

Hey Carl,

You've got most of it.

Excellent, thanks for the confirmation. Some clarification requests though:

5. Back protector

Not one of the foam ones but a real protector (like the one I got from Bueller?). Just trying to be clear.

6. Have taken an approved track riding course in the last 3 years (and are able to prove it with some kind of certificate)

That's the class us newbies are taking in the morning, right?

a basic set of tools to work on your bike (hope you don't need them!)

Any suggestions from your (or others) experience? I mean I know about a basic set of wrenches, sockets, torque wrench, screwdriver set, your service manual would be good if you don't know the torque values by heart.

Other items such as your rear suspension wrench if you need one and plan on adjusting.

Anything relatively unique that I might not think of?

Thanks again for the info :)

Carl

[rybo]

5. Yes....a real back protector. There should be hard plastic on it and it should cover your tailbone.

6. The course you are taking in the AM meets this requirement.

Basic tools:

My kit has:

Metric open end and socket wrenches
Allen wrenches
screwdrivers
pliers in various sizes
duct tape
safety wire (and pliers)
tubing for bleeding brakes
any unique tools required for my bike (axle wrench, chain tension adjuster etc)
tire pressure gauge
extra oil
extra brake fluid
zip ties
stands for both ends of the bike

[dm_gsxr]

Excellent. Thanks for the additional info. I'll make notes and stick it on my website so I always have it. Thanks again.

Carl

[Blake yellowtwin]

Hey if you are hauling your bike, it might sound stupid, but double check that you have your ignition key, that almost set me back monday. It's a small piece that can cause you a lot of trouble.

blake

[konichd]

Here are my track day prep lists :)

[rybo]

Here are my track day prep list :)


Very nice...your best post all day for sure. On a scale of 1-10 I give it an 11.

s

[Devaclis]

I am getting my new clutch on Friday. Any other mechanicals you think I should replace before this event? I have new brakes, tires, fuel filter, valve clearances checked. Also, does my killswitch have to be connected? It is currently there just as eye candy.

[Spiderman]

Hey if you are hauling your bike, it might sound stupid, but double check that you have your ignition key, that almost set me back monday. It's a small piece that can cause you a lot of trouble.

blake

Not stupid at all. For that exact reason, I made a spare key and kept it in my tool box.

[konichd]

Perhaps I'll give Capirossi a call and see what his trackday checklist looks like, you know, since he's going to be riding a Kawi and all :)

[konichd]

Yes Dana your kill switch should work

[dm_gsxr]

An excellent list. Thanks for the info. I hadn't thought about taping bike weights but it makes sense. And you answered the kill switch question I had. Does the kickstand kill switch need to be connected? Mine's currently disconnected.

Thanks again.

Carl

[konichd]

Actually thank Bob (Spiderman) and Archangel (Warren) I basically pasted thier "trackday list" together and came up with my own.

Since most race bikes don't have a kickstand I don't think that should have to work. However in the unfortunate event of a crash your kill switch should work so others can shut your bike off. :)

[rybo]

Kickstand kill switch, no. Handlebar kill switch YES!

Capirossi's trackday checklist: Tell crew to get the stuff ready.

If I could get on that plan even I would ride a Kawasaki.

[konichd]

Capirossi on a Ducati NO! Capirossi on a Kawasaki YES! :)

[Devaclis]

^ well, hell, that sucks. How about I just promise to not need it?

[konichd]

Dana, I don't know what PMP rules state, but its not a good idea to have a non-functioning kill switch.

[Devaclis]

I disagree. I hear the starter on a Kawi is, in itself, a killswitch. You lose at least 50% of your credibility by using it :)

I will wire the switch back up tonight. But not because you said so. Because I WANT to ;)

[rybo]

I disagree. I hear the starter on a Kawi is, in itself, a killswitch. You lose at least 50% of your credibility by using it :)


Do you lose less credibility if you push start it? ( do you lose more if you have to have someone ELSE push start it? )

[konichd]

Oh fo' shizzle! Rybo lighten' people up today! DAMN!