As the track day comes near, a rider gets busy preparing and practising all the techniques. The preparation is much-needed before hitting the track, but not only for the rider. As you step foot on the track, your bike must be ready, and you must be able to completely rely on it. You do not want a mechanical error to fail your performance after putting in so much effort. You also do not want to get disqualified because your bike didn’t make the quality check.
A suitable bike is obviously crucial to participating and performing at the intended level. Ensuring all the parts are correctly functioning so you will have absolute control and precision when you ride is equally important. Here, we will explore all the steps to get your sports bike ready for the track day.
Preparing the Sports Bike for Track Day: 10 Tips
The goal is to perform the best while ensuring safety for yourself and other riders on the track. Follow these suggestions, not necessarily in the same order, before you enter the track.
- Protect Your Levers
Levers are essential for performance and control. The levers installed on sports bikes are capable of handling a day at the track. However, for safety purposes and to prevent accidental mishaps in close-ground situations, invest in some quality lever guards. These guards will protect the lever even in case of a close call, allowing you to ride on without any worry.
- Cover Your Reflections
This is not a compulsory requirement but a highly recommended one. You will need to keep your focus sharp on the track without any distractions, which includes the urge to see the riders behind you in the mirror, catch a quick glimpse of yourself, or sudden light reflections. That is why many suggest taping off the mirror and other reflective surfaces on your bike. It’s an easy fix to ensure complete attention. It is important that you do this just before you start on the track and not way beforehand when you are riding on the road.
- Do a Tyre Check
The tyres of the bike will be the point of contact between the track and you. Hence, the tyres should be in top-notch condition to sustain the rush and pressure of the track. Do a thorough tyre check before the track day. The tyres should not be too old and worn. Look for visible cuts and cracks. They should have enough tread to provide a solid grip, good enough for a day on the track. If your tyres look like or have a replacement due, it is best to get it done before hitting the track to ensure both performance and safety.
- Research about Correct Pressures
Since you will accelerate and brake harder on the track, the bike will generate more heat. You may need to reduce the pressures. Look for the track’s recommendations on correct pressure, which depends on the weather and surface conditions. Adjust your tyre pressure accordingly to get an accurate balance of grip, control, and speed.
- Adjust the Suspension
Adjusting the suspension of the bike as per the track’s unique requirements might be the key to recording your best performance. A basic understanding of suspension fine-tuning will come in handy. Set the sag correctly for balanced and responsive suspension. Adjust the compression and rebound dampings to balance stability and comfort. You can opt for expert advice for further improving your bike’s performance.
- Examine the Plug
On the day of the track, the engine of your bike will perform at a higher level and for a longer time. This additional pressure will lead to extra vibration and heat generation, which can undo parts like the sump plug. One way to prevent that from happening is to make sure the plugs are properly tightened before you hit the track. Completely lock wiring is not required; just tighten it up nicely following the manual.
- Check the Levels
These are simple things and, hence, probably are easy to overlook. Check if the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid are at optimum levels. The sight glass should be within range. In the case of a dipstick, check as per the manufacturer’s manual.
- Check the Brakes
Nobody wants a brake failure, be it on the track or the road. Before the track day, examine the brake pads and discs. Test the brake responses so that you know they will be sharp and reliable during sudden stops or tricky corners.
- Stay Updated on Noise Limits
Tracks in India can have different noise restrictions. Get a compliant exhaust system or a silencer to stay within noise limits.
- Clean Your Bike
Sports bikes like the BMW S1000RR have appealing designs for the track to keep riders looking smart and confident on the track. That said, you must clean all the parts of your bike as you usually do so that you reach the track all nice and shiny. The same goes for the rest of your riding gears, as well.
Conclusion
Designs made for the tracks, like a BMW sports bike, are already equipped to perform at a great level. Riders need to fine-tune certain adjustments and thoroughly inspect all parts of the bike before they ride on the track. It may take new riders a bit more time to figure out the correct adjustments and get used to their prep routines, but all these are worth it for assuring safety and performance.
