Sportbike Track Day Setup
By Jeff Viets of Viets Performance
Riding at the racetrack is more enjoyable when you and your motorcycle are prepared. While most track day providers will perform a basic tech inspection before allowing you to participate in their event, I believe it’s best to go over the bike in advance yourself, checking to ensure the drain plug and oil filter are secure, controls operate smoothly, oil and brake fluid levels are proper and no fluid leaks are present. Chain tension is another item worth noting – if the chain is too tight the rear shock can’t do its job properly and that can be a big problem at speed. Walk around the bike – check the bolts that hold your rearsets on, look for anything loose or out of place, and take care of any additional prep required by the trackday host such as disconnecting brake lights or taping headlights so you know your bike is ready.
Setting and checking tire pressures before you go out on the track (tire pressures are generally much lower than the owner’s manual or street settings for racetrack riding) is another very important item. I suggest doing this in the morning, before you ride rather than the night before as pressures can fluctuate overnight.
Most modern sportbikes are incredibly capable at the racetrack right off the showroom floor – there are a couple inexpensive upgrades worth considering if you’ll be riding at the racetrack (and I think you will be spending a lot of time there once you try it..!):
1.) If you haven’t had your suspension set up, get that done. Many trackday providers have onsite suspension support, and Dave Moss of Catalyst Reaction Suspension Tuning has a number of articles and guides on the subject. A balanced suspension with sag set properly with you on your sportbike will make a huge difference as you and your sportbike circulate the racetrack.
2.) Stomp Grip Traction Pads are applied to your sportbike tank and/or frame and give your knees and thighs a dimpled surface to help you grip the tank under braking and while cornering. I’ve used Stomp Grips on all my bikes the last few years and they really make a noticeable difference while riding.
3.) Stock brake lines are generally made of rubber hose and some of the hydraulic force pushing fluid to the brake calipers can be reduced by expansion of the brake lines themselves. Upgrading to a braided steel brake line like Galfer Braided Steel Brake Lines, (Galfer brake lines are widely used by factory AMA teams) will generally improve feel and feedback at the brake lever which can improve your confidence on the brakes.
4.) Most modern sportbikes are geared very tall from the factory to help pass noise and emissions requirements here in the US. Changing the front and/or rear sprocket to alter the final gearing of the bike can help improve acceleration and your drive off corners. Driven Power-Up Kits include front and rear sprockets and a 520 Gold RK chain packaged at an attractive price versus purchasing the parts separately. A 520 chain and sprockets will also reduce rotating mass and help to lighten the drive train.
These are just a few of many products designed to improve the performance of your sportbike, but they are some of the first things you may want to consider as you begin riding at the racetrack.
About Jeff Viets: Motorcycles have been a big part of Jeff’s life since 1988. In 2001 he was bitten by the track day bug and now log 40-50 days each year instructing at schools and track days with Keigwins@TheTrack in Northern California. In 2003 Jeff launched Viets Performance an online and trackside provider of sportbike performance products and Dunlop, Pirelli and Bridgestone motorcycle race tires.
