Summer Prep for Trackdays

With summer officially due in 3 weeks (would someone tell the weather gods!), I have the baby blade prep'd for the trackday season. This is what I've done.

Firstly my bike has been in for a service, new front tire and set of Oggy Knobbs all of which set me back $1700. The service was due and even if it wasn't one of the first things I do, when spring comes, is book it for a service. Before heading off to a trackday I like to know that the following has been checked

• Brake fluid level
• Oil level
• Brake pads
• Chain has been adjusted and lubed
• Chain master link is secure
  
• Sprockets are in good condition
• Bolts are tight
• Bodywork is securely attached
• Valve caps ok
• Tires in good condition

The day before the trackday:

• I check tire pressure
• Remove mirrors
• Tape up lights & indicators
  

This last service included a new front tire - the wax on this new tire has been gently scrubbed off  with a ride over the Rimutakas. The first few laps on the track will take careful handling as the tires warm up and the wax coating towards the edges of the new tire wears off.

The final part of the service was to fit the Oggy Knobbs, this feels like insurance, the kind of thing that I'll be glad if I never need them. They are model specific - the knobs fitted to the front and rear axles look like they could fit a number of different bikes/models and are called axle armour. The knobs to protect the fairing, sometimes known as frame sliders, are very specific to my CBR and are attached to the engine without needing to cut the fairing. If in any doubt about the suitability for your bike, talk to your local mechanic - it's their job to know and explain the best solution for your bike/situation. The idea of the Oggy Knobbs is to offer crash protection for your motorcycle and reduce your repair bill if you are in a crash - sounds good to me!

On the day I'll take:

• helmet
• gloves - all my pairs in case it rains
• boots
• back protector
• leathers - either 1-piece suit or two-piece that zips together
• motorcycle key
• tools
• duct tape
  
• tire gauge
• spray polish
• rags/towels for cleaning
• chairs
• sunglasses, hat & sunscreen
• extra set of warm clothes
  
• water, snacks
  
• ibuprofen or panadol
• tissues
• indemnity form/wallet/licence/paperwork etc

Tony and I managed to get both bikes on our trailer yesterday which will make things much easier for travelling to trackdays. This weeks trackday is at Manfeild, just 2hrs 45 mins drive from home, yet the drive is much more enjoyable when we can talk in the car about our plans for the day - or how we did on the track during the day. I'll keep you posted on trackday preparation and go into more detail aof how to load two sportsbikes onto a small O'Leary trailer.

Have fun.