Minimum gear needed for 1st track day.

[rider]

Hello all,

I am looking to try my first Track Day and after reading the Rider Preparation section of TTD's website, I started taking an inventory of my safety equipment and realized that all my gear is made for street and according to what I read, won’t cut it for the track.

For some background on my riding ability, here is a brief overview of my history (I posted this on Tony's Track day forum so excuse me for being a bit lazy in coping my riding history section).

I never had any formal training of any kind except what I learned on the trails growing up on my XR100. My first street bike was a Suzuki GT 380 which was a year older then I was. Stopped riding for about 10 years and then about 5 or 6 years ago I got back on a bike. 2 different Honda Magna's, and then moved over to a FZ1 (also have a Ninja 250 because it's just fun to ride sometimes).

Now that I am getting a bit more serious, I decided it would be good to get some real training. I would like to be more confident cornering and on the street in general, also would like to get a clue on suspension and how to tune it properly for myself (I do like to wrench a bit).

My current safety gear setup that I use is my Icon riding boots which are really meant for the street. After doing a little reading I guess they would qualify as a "stunt" boot (they look kind like work boots with a pad for the shifter) but I did not have that intention when I bought them (still don't, at least not on purpose). I also have a Shift Mesh jacket with CE protection in the shoulders and elbows but the back protection pocket is empty. My leather jacket is more of a fake motorcycle jacket, so not much protection but warmer then my Mesh even with the liner in. Helmet is an old Shoei which I had from my early days of riding so I am due for a new one. My gloves are a joke which I got for $35.00 4 years ago.

I realized that I would need to drop some serious coin to really get me track ready, and that is not even touching my bike.

Leathers, Boots, Gloves, helmet, and back protection looks like the minimum for me to join the track day.

My question is, since this will be my first shot at the track, I was wondering if you had any tips or tricks to get me on the track in the most economical way. I wont be pushing it all that much as this will be my first time and it is just to get a TD under my belt for experience and then decide if I will truly get addicted to this or not. Also I would prefer to take some time to put together my safety gear instead of running out and just buying stuff because it is the cheapest and qualifies to get me on the track.

I would really like to hear your opinions as I am looking for some good advice from some track vets.

[Jim]

you'll need a back protector at least. if your jacket is non perforated and has a zipper to zip to leather pants, then you could probably use it. gloves have to be non perforated, and over the jacket (gauntlet style). someone will chime in here about boots & SNELL 2005 stamped helmets

[Pigman]

U can rent a suit from the below link. I did and it was a great deal Patrica hooked me up. Makes it easy to see if it something worth invetsing a few hudred in. Gear is always a good buy and worth the $$$ though. But, also ebay, new enuff, and the WERA board will have some great deals that are worth checking too.



http://seacoastsport.com

[Jayspeed]

For suspension, search online and you can find some educational literature that can get you goin on your own as far as setting up your suspension how you want it. It will also include hours of riding the bike you want to set up on some desolate road over and over and adjusting over and over till you get that feel for it. As far as gear, its up to you how much you want to spend. You can get either a 1 piece or 2 piece suit(as long as it zips together), race boots, gloves that provide wrist protection(gauntlet style), modern helmet, and back protecter. When it comes to cheap or expensive its up to you what you want to spend for your safety.

[Doc]

www.wera.com has good used gear.

I am selling a suit cheap and I might have gloves too. What size are you.

Go buy a new COMPOSITE Helmet (NOT POLYCARBONATE) TODAY!

[rider]

Im kind of a tall skinny guy.

Jeans I buy are 34W X 34 Inseam and I have a 42 chest with 33 arms. I am 6 feet tall and 175 pounds.

Finding leathers that fit my frame seem to be a bit difficult. They don't seem to make leathers with long enough legs. Are you supposed to buy shorter length leathers? Like for example, do I take 2 or 3 inches off my pant legs for leathers? Or is it possible that I am really supposed to find a size 42 or 44 leathers with 33 or 34 inch inseam??

From what I have seen they don't exist.

[Doc]

I would buy 44's I am only 5'8" but Gino who is about 5'10" wore the ones I am selling. I find the length of the leg on all leathers longer than I need and I have a 31 inch inseam.

[nt650hawk]

They fit fine but I would have liked it to be a little bit tighter. I'm 5'10 180# 34wx32L I think the length was a bit on the longish side for me.

[OreoGaborio]

you'll need a back protector at least. if your jacket is non perforated and has a zipper to zip to leather pants, then you could probably use it. gloves have to be non perforated, and over the jacket (gauntlet style). someone will chime in here about boots & SNELL 2005 stamped helmets

Not to pick you apart, Jim, but.....

Perforated gloves & jackets ARE allowed. Only Mesh is prohibited. Jacket & pants do NOT need to zip to eachother as long as they overlap when seated on the bike.

Textile gear is also fine as long as it's motorcycle specific.


http://www.tonystrackdays.com/catego...reparation.htm

[garath]

Im kind of a tall skinny guy.

Jeans I buy are 34W X 34 Inseam and I have a 42 chest with 33 arms. I am 6 feet tall and 175 pounds.

Finding leathers that fit my frame seem to be a bit difficult. They don't seem to make leathers with long enough legs. Are you supposed to buy shorter length leathers? Like for example, do I take 2 or 3 inches off my pant legs for leathers? Or is it possible that I am really supposed to find a size 42 or 44 leathers with 33 or 34 inch inseam??

From what I have seen they don't exist.

I am close to your profile (6'2" 180lb) and found Dainese to be the best fitting so far. It seems made for tall skinny guys. I wear a US42 Dainese Zen jacket and currently a 32 pants, though the length is just a hair too short on the pants so I'm going to sell my US32 pants and go with the 34. Hit a cyclegear if you have one in your area and try on the Dainese. I think that'll be the best fit.

Unfortunately Dainese isn't the cheapest gear. But the bright side is that I've had my jacket for 3 years and it will probably last another 10 at least. Great quality. It's perforated so great in the summer and the liner makes it ideal for the colder days too. No complaints at all on the jacket.

[ctbandit]

Not to pick you apart, Jim, but.....

Perforated gloves & jackets ARE allowed. Only Mesh is prohibited. Jacket & pants do NOT need to zip to eachother as long as they overlap when seated on the bike.

Textile gear is also fine as long as it's motorcycle specific.


http://www.tonystrackdays.com/catego...reparation.htm

Thank God. I just spent 85 bucks getting a 360 zipper into my PERF pants and non perf jacket..

Can't wait to hit the damn track! And by hit the track I mean with both of my tires, not the leathers

[lrrs699]

Im kind of a tall skinny guy.

Jeans I buy are 34W X 34 Inseam and I have a 42 chest with 33 arms. I am 6 feet tall and 175 pounds.

Finding leathers that fit my frame seem to be a bit difficult. They don't seem to make leathers with long enough legs. Are you supposed to buy shorter length leathers? Like for example, do I take 2 or 3 inches off my pant legs for leathers? Or is it possible that I am really supposed to find a size 42 or 44 leathers with 33 or 34 inch inseam??

From what I have seen they don't exist.

I got a 2pc alpinestars suit with your name on it. It has some rash damage but nothing serious, definately still useable, i used it last race weekend but my new suit has arrived and I dont need it. Be good for trackdays. I am 6'1 180lbs same pant size as you. I will have it with me at the races this weekend if you wanna check it out. If your interested let me know

[Jim]

Not to pick you apart, Jim, but.....

Perforated gloves & jackets ARE allowed. Only Mesh is prohibited. Jacket & pants do NOT need to zip to eachother as long as they overlap when seated on the bike.

Textile gear is also fine as long as it's motorcycle specific.


http://www.tonystrackdays.com/catego...reparation.htm

thanks pete. like i said, i knew someone would chime in and make any corrections or additions to what i said

[DuncanMoto]

Im kind of a tall skinny guy.

Jeans I buy are 34W X 34 Inseam and I have a 42 chest with 33 arms. I am 6 feet tall and 175 pounds.

Finding leathers that fit my frame seem to be a bit difficult. They don't seem to make leathers with long enough legs. Are you supposed to buy shorter length leathers? Like for example, do I take 2 or 3 inches off my pant legs for leathers? Or is it possible that I am really supposed to find a size 42 or 44 leathers with 33 or 34 inch inseam??

From what I have seen they don't exist.

It's O.K. for the leathers to be short. It makes it easier to get your high race boots on over the top comfortably. Definitly rent some first and try on a bunch of sizes. Also know your european size and write it down so you can hop on a deal when it presents itself.

[Dieseldan]

i am 6 feet 200 33 waist and wear a 56 euro, it is very tight on my chest arms but good on waist

[TTD]

Couple of comments...

1 - street or track, every motorcyclist should be able to meet our minimum gear requirements. These are just sensible things that you should have anyway.

2 - if you're like 99% of the people that try a trackday... you will want to keep going back. That is when you should seriously consider a 1-piece leather suit as nothing will offer the same level of protection.

3 - I know a one piece leather suit is not great for most street rides, but the other gear you have can then be used for the street.

[scottieducati]

+1 for Seacoast Sport Rentals.

They are partnering with Boston Moto for our '09 NHMS events, and do a phenomenal job. They insist on a personal fitting, and your rental fee can be allocated towards a purchase too! So you get fitted, AND a rental set all in one stop.

They're off 93N on the way to the shop too.

U can rent a suit from the below link. I did and it was a great deal Patrica hooked me up. Makes it easy to see if it something worth invetsing a few hudred in. Gear is always a good buy and worth the $$$ though. But, also ebay, new enuff, and the WERA board will have some great deals that are worth checking too.



http://seacoastsport.com

[rider]

Do you know how much they charge for a suit rental per day?

+1 for Seacoast Sport Rentals.

They are partnering with Boston Moto for our '09 NHMS events, and do a phenomenal job. They insist on a personal fitting, and your rental fee can be allocated towards a purchase too! So you get fitted, AND a rental set all in one stop.

They're off 93N on the way to the shop too.

[TTD]

http://www.tonystrackdays.com/catego...her-rental.htm

[rider]

That is reasonable. Thanks for the link.

http://www.tonystrackdays.com/catego...her-rental.htm