Track Bike Question

[ninjawasaki]

Hey all,

I did read through the newb guide up top, but I do have a question regarding a track bike. Before I start spending money modding my bike, I'm toying with the idea of getting a used 600 to turn into a track bike instead. I guess my main question would be...is there a certain published list of rules to have your bike prepared for the track? Or is this something that varies by track and/or organization and I just need to go hit all of their websites and find out? Which I'm not against doing, just didn't know if there was like 1 ultimate source I could go to instead.

Sorry if it's a dumb question.

-Frank

[ramm]

It's very easy to set your bike up for the track. Most organizations are the same when it comes to tech rules.

-Lights taped up. (I recommend pulling the headlight and blinker fuses as well)

-Oil drain bolt safety wired

-Oil filter safety wired

-Tires with decent tread (no flat spots)

-Chain slack

-Even though it isn't a rule for all orgs, use water wetter or water for coolant!

-Throttle works appropriately

They will also check your brakes, and clutch levers.

That's the basics. I'm sure I may have missed something...I know some orgs require advanced riders to have a bit more safety wiring done to the bike.

[ninjawasaki]

Dang that's actually not too bad. Thanks for the info!

[Slurppie]

-Oil drain bolt safety wired, -Oil filter safety wired

Please make sure you do this even if the org you ride with doesn't require it. Someone didn't safety wire their plug on Sunday at Road A and decided to oil T7 - T9.

[Nikk777]

Look up Ed Bargy's site and safety wire to his specs and you will be covered for most all orgs and race groups...not to mention it will save you from having mishaps on the track from stuff coming loose.

Also, in key spots, use safety clips in conjunction with safety wire to make maintenance easier!!! Harbor Freight has an awesome deal on them... $8.97 for a box of assorted sizes!!! http://www.harborfreight.com/49-piece-industrial-safety-pin-assortment-67607.html
Trust me it's a great price and sometimes they are hard to find.... Typical places to use them are front and rear axle bolts, front axle pinch bolts, caliper bolts, oil filler cap, radiator cap, etc... I've also used to for an easy way to safety wire a camera on the bike and not worry about it falling off and losing it or messing someone else up behind me....

[Sixx]

I would reccomend a 520 chain and sprockets. If you are going to ride moe than one track, you will be changing gearing often.

[Derrick]

I would reccomend a 520 chain and sprockets. If you are going to ride moe than one track, you will be changing gearing often.

I'd hold off on this for awhile. Your stock stuff should serve you well for some time.

[ninjawasaki]

Awesome info guys, thanks! Ya, I figure for the first year or two I'll work on just getting comfortable with the whole track experience (mainly riding with other people on a track). But would eventually like to get to multiple tracks and being able to adjust the bike as needed.

[ramm]

I'd hold off on this for awhile. Your stock stuff should serve you well for some time.

+1. Stock works just fine for me.

[Slurppie]

Awesome info guys, thanks! Ya, I figure for the first year or two I'll work on just getting comfortable with the whole track experience (mainly riding with other people on a track). But would eventually like to get to multiple tracks and being able to adjust the bike as needed.

Post up when ever you decide to hit the track. As many track junkies that are on GSB, you're bound to find someone to pit with and who will be a resource as you become addicted to the track drug.

[wayne13]

Don't know what you are using for riding gear but most all require at least

Ankle covering boots

Gaunlet style gloves

DOT or better approved full face helmet

1 piece leathers or a 2 piece that zips together.

And dont forget to drink plenty of water and eat a few bananas to avoid cramps.

[ninjawasaki]

Ya gear is the first thing to get squared away. I've got an Arai Corsair and the gauntlet gloves. Need to get another 1-piece suit since I sold mine years ago. I have some of the a-star street boots, but will definitely get something more substantial for the track. I had a set of Gaernes before and I really liked those.

[Nikk777]

Don't worry about sprockets or gearing... 2 years of racing and I'm just now starting to change gearing for different tracks to benefit from it...

[rr_double_rr]

+1. Stock works just fine for me.

>Insert "for one turn only" joke here.<

Just messing with ya man, I'll be out there next season and probably won't make it out of the pits with all the karma I'm racking up here.

[wayne13]

Ya gear is the first thing to get squared away. I've got an Arai Corsair and the gauntlet gloves. Need to get another 1-piece suit since I sold mine years ago. I have some of the a-star street boots, but will definitely get something more substantial for the track. I had a set of Gaernes before and I really liked those.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/

I bought a Fieldsheer one piece here for $299. They always have gear on sale here. Topher got a set here also but IDK what he paid for them.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com

You can also look here for gear. They usually have some good stuff also. Get your gear taken care of first so that you can protect yourself. Your stock bike will be good enough to ride novice class for a while. That is unless your stock bike is a Ural.

[wayne13]

Also instead of riding that stock bike on the track, which is covered by most insurance companies on track days in case you want to do that, check our buying a track bike for less than 4K on most of the forums. Check the WERA forum and here along with BSB, ASB and at the same time AVOID craigslist.

Yep your street bike is covered on the track. Mine is covered by State Farm and I have a confirmation letter to the effect.

[RogueElement]

Also instead of riding that stock bike on the track, which is covered by most insurance companies on track days in case you want to do that, check our buying a track bike for less than 4K on most of the forums. Check the WERA forum and here along with BSB, ASB and at the same time AVOID craigslist.

Yep your street bike is covered on the track. Mine is covered by State Farm and I have a confirmation letter to the effect.

Most insurance companies are like that as long as it isn't a timed event. All they have to hear is "classroom time" and they'll cut you a check.

[Mongo]

Most but not all - ask your agent or at least read every line of your policy. There are a lot of them changing their rules with regard to that one lately.

[wayne13]

Most but not all - ask your agent or at least read every line of your policy. There are a lot of them changing their rules with regard to that one lately.

Exactly, make them put it in writing.

[Derrick]

Most but not all - ask your agent or at least read every line of your policy. There are a lot of them changing their rules with regard to that one lately.
^^This.
I got a call from my State Farm agent a few months back. They will no longer cover a bike or car for that matter that is crashed on the track..timed event or not.

Also, do a few track days to see if you get the bug before even thinking about buying a track bike.

[RogueElement]

^^This.
I got a call from my State Farm agent a few months back. They will no longer cover a bike or car for that matter that is crashed on the track..timed event or not.

Also, do a few track days to see if you get the bug before even thinking about buying a track bike.

Sounds to me like they're about to see a lot more cases of insurance fraud.

[Nikk777]

Sounds to me like they're about to see a lot more cases of insurance fraud.

I thought that was already happening... guy wrecks at the track...hauls the pieces up to the mountains, slings it off the edge of some dropoff, then collects insurance for the "street" mishap...

[RogueElement]

I thought that was already happening... guy wrecks at the track...hauls the pieces up to the mountains, slings it off the edge of some dropoff, then collects insurance for the "street" mishap...

Well yeah, it'll always happen. But the insurance companies are going to be paying out the claims for track accidents even if they stop covering them. That's my point.

[chkaotic]

I'd agree on the gearing staying stock for now.. you should be used to it, and the shift points it provides you, so that'd be one less "change" to worry about out there. How big a boy are ya? I only ask because the stock shocks may or may not be the best fit.. but honestly ,you'll probably do just fine with them for the first few times.. once you get more into it, the shocks would be my first recommendation.. then you can get into bike-specific threads and find what gearing to start playing with

[wayne13]

^^This.
I got a call from my State Farm agent a few months back. They will no longer cover a bike or car for that matter that is crashed on the track..timed event or not.

Also, do a few track days to see if you get the bug before even thinking about buying a track bike.

I have not heard anything from my agent about this. I checked on this at the end of last year and have a written statement telling me that they will cover such incidents. I will call him tomorrow and check this again. I meant to call today but people are drivng on the streets of Atlanta in the rain. Idiots!!!

[Derrick]

I have not heard anything from my agent about this. I checked on this at the end of last year and have a written statement telling me that they will cover such incidents. I will call him tomorrow and check this again. I meant to call today but people are drivng on the streets of Atlanta in the rain. Idiots!!!
The people at my agent's office are great. One of the guys there, James.. said once the word came down to him from the (underwriters?), IIRC, he thought of me because I too had spoke to him about how I was using the bike.

He said they had a client who has a Ferrari he takes to the track and he's going to get the same call as I did.

[wayne13]

Thanks Derrick! I will call my agent tomorrow and see what they say.

[ninjawasaki]

Can you track hypermotards? I think I remember seeing a post at some point saying they weren't allowed anymore or something along those lines or in regards to something. Maybe that was for actual racing as opposed to a basic track day. -shrug-

[ramm]

Can you track hypermotards? I think I remember seeing a post at some point saying they weren't allowed anymore or something along those lines or in regards to something. Maybe that was for actual racing as opposed to a basic track day. -shrug-

Absolutely. :up:

[SlimDizzleATL]

Another noob question...I'd really like to get into track days. I want to do at least one next year...All my wife will probably let me spend money on. lol. So is there any orgs that rent track bikes? May be a silly question. I feel like it'd be a lot easier to ride someone elses bike since I ride mostly street.

[ramm]

Another noob question...I'd really like to get into track days. I want to do at least one next year...All my wife will probably let me spend money on. lol. So is there any orgs that rent track bikes? May be a silly question. I feel like it'd be a lot easier to ride someone elses bike since I ride mostly street.

Not that I know of (besides the demo days that Yamaha puts on).

It doesn't take much to get your own bike ready for the track.

[SlimDizzleATL]

Not that I know of (besides the demo days that Yamaha puts on).

It doesn't take much to get your own bike ready for the track.

And by mostly street I mean all street. lol. I guess maybe I'll start there. Its ok if you drop their bikes right? :Poke:

I might consider letting Power-Tripp do it. Im handy, but I get frustrated easily.

[ramm]

And by mostly street I mean all street. lol. I guess maybe I'll start there. Its ok if you drop their bikes right? :Poke:

I might consider letting Power-Tripp do it. Im handy, but I get frustrated easily.

Nothing frustrating about it, although, I didn't safety wire mine. But it isn't that hard if you got the tools. I realized that after I had it done. :lol:

Slim, be ready by March! That way you got all season ahead of ya! :up:

Oh and Yes, you can drop their bikes. :lol:

[RogueElement]

Nothing frustrating about it, although, I didn't safety wire mine. But it isn't that hard if you got the tools. I realized that after I had it done. :lol:

Biggest pita is drilling the holes for the wire. As long as you have that spinning wire tool, its cake after that.

[ramm]

Biggest pita is drilling the holes for the wire. As long as you have that spinning wire tool, its cake after that.

Yep. :lol: