Track days are a great way to explore your limits, and those of your bike, in relative safety. But whether you’re an experienced circuit regular, or taking to the track for the first time, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget something important. And no-one wants to miss out on a day of motorcycle riding because you left your keys at home, for example. Instead, use our Ultimate Motorcycle Track Day Checklist to make sure you have the most track fun possible!
Ultimate Motorcycle Track Day Checklist: You!
You’re the most important part of a motorcycle track day. And a little bit of preparation will make sure you make the most of your time.
Make sure you know what time you need to arrive, where the circuit is located, and any details like how to actually get into the paddock. There’s nothing worse than turning up late and flustered. And make sure you get an early night on the eve of the event.
Also check the location of the nearest petrol station, and consider taking a fuel can and funnel - you’ll burn a lot more petrol going flat out.
Put all your documents together in plenty of time. Make sure you have your full motorcycle licence (Both halves), any indemnity forms or booking documents, and if you’re transporting your bike to the track - make sure you have your keys with you! (Check out this handy way to keep your details with you)
There are plenty of ways to check out a new track before you arrive. Have a look for on-board videos on Youtube, check out circuit maps, or see if they’re available in any videogames to have a reasonable idea whether you’ll be turning left or right at the end of the straight.
When you turn up, make sure you attend any briefing sessions and actually pay attention. It’ll not only keep you safer, but also mean you don’t miss the fact there’s usually at least one or two sighting laps for each session, for example.
It’s best to bring food and drink with you if possible - you’ll want to stay hydrated and have light snacks rather than filling up on burgers at lunch. Otherwise your concentration will definitely be lacking in the afternoon.
Before each session, spend a little bit of time calming yourself down and relaxing - getting excited and tensing up won’t help your riding, and can even be dangerous. If you’ve ever noticed most successful racers have the same routine to prepare for a race, it’s because it’s a form of meditation to allow them to stay calm and focus.
Circuit Location, Paddock Entrance, Petrol Stations.
Documents: Driver Licence (Both parts), Indemnity Forms, Keys and Alarm Fob.
Circuit Maps and Layout: Youtube videos, maps, videogames to learn the layout.
Briefing Sessions: Turn up and pay attention!
Bring light snacks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Relax and stay calm for each session. Take it at your own pace.
Ultimate Motorcycle Track Day Checklist: Your Kit
For riding on a UK circuit, you’ll need to check your helmet is ACU Gold approved as well as ECE2205 road legal. Fortunately these days suitable helmets start at very affordable prices, and that includes flip-front options.
It’s worth making sure you have a clean visor and possibly refreshing the lining before the day. You’ll want to see where you’re going for starters.
Generally you’ll need one or two-piece connected leathers, and suitable boots and gloves. It’s worth checking your gloves are comfortable, and that there’s nothing wrong with your leathers or boots. Check that knee sliders aren’t about to fall off, and you might need to replace any titanium knee or toe-sliders depending on track regulations. Make sure anything you want to keep with you (wallet etc) is able to be stored securely in your leathers - we’ve seen track days halted because someone dropped their wallet on the main straight!
It’s well worth investing in an under layer, particularly on hot or cold days. A decent base layer will stop you ending up sitting around in a sweaty T-shirt between sessions, and rapidly cooling down could make you feel rough by the end of the day. Plus it stops the fight to get sweaty skin back into leathers.
If you have a spare helmet, it can be worth bringing alone just in case. And a helmet bag is worthwhile, as concrete paddock garage floors aren’t kind to dropped lids.
Consider what else you may want to take - if you’re traveling alone then your space may be a little limited, but you can still pack enough to cover most options.
Your basic tool kit should include: The most helpful sockets, spanners, screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, tie-wraps, duct tape and a tyre pressure gauge. Normally people will help you out in times of need, but it’s better to take your own if you can.
Lastly, check you’ve got some spare earplugs with you.
Helmet: ACU Gold approved, clean visor, bring a spare dark visor.
Leathers and Boots: Check knee sliders, toe sliders etc.
Base Layers: Avoid getting stuck in sweaty leathers or cooling too fast and getting ill.
Spare helmet and helmet bags: Protect your lids and a spare means you can keep riding.
Basic Tool Kit: sockets, spanners, screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, tie-wraps, duct tape and a tyre pressure gauge.
Ultimate Motorcycle Track Day Checklist: Your Bike
You don’t want to be the one black flagged from the circuit because something just fell from your motorcycle. Give yourself plenty of time before the day to go a proper safety inspection on your bike.
Check your tyres, brakes and chain have plenty of life in them, and are adjusted correctly. You’ll want to keep an eye on your tyre pressure in particular when you’re in-between track sessions.
If you can, pack a fuel can, fuel funnel, basic tool kit and spare levers and pegs. That way you’ll be able to keep going in the event of a minor incident.
Check: Tyre pressures, brake levers and fluid levels, chain adjustments.
Pack: Fuel can, fuel funnel, spare levers and pegs.
Tape: Headlights, Mirrors or Speedo. Or remove Mirrors when you arrive.
Spare valve caps.
