Track Day Prep?

[MrM0t0]

So I used Google and only found this https://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=119378 for anything to do with prepping a Feejer for a track day. Got good tire pressure advice, (32 lbs.) about what I was expecting for that part.

Tony's Track Days here in New England recommends pulling the fuses for your head, brake, and tail lights. Does anyone know if this will wreak any havoc with an '08 AE's ABS or anything else?

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Auburn]

Check with the track you are going to or the club that is putting the event on. Usually you will be required to tape all glass and drain the antifreeze and run water only. If you have to do the water, add water wetter (made by Red line). It makes the water work better fro cooling and provides lubrication for the water pump.

They will tell you what safety gear is mandatory too.

 

[leclairk]

Great thread, I have been wondering the same thing. Would love to do some track days this summer. Someone warned me to plan on new tires after a day or 2 at the track? Not that your tread will be gone, but your tires will turn rock hard from the heat.

 

[Auburn]

Yeah, heat cycles will kill them. go with a new or nearly new set. You will be surprised how hot they get and how much time you spend leaned over in corners.

 

[MrM0t0]

Thanks for the info gents. I'm all set as to the specifics of what the track is looking for in terms of bike prep and rider gear requirements.

My primary question has to do with pulling the fuses for the brake light. I'm unfamiliar with the ABS mojo and don't want to set off any codes, etc.

 

[Fred W]

OK, I'll bite: What is the idea behind pulling the brake and tail light fuses?

I get the headlight fuse if you are taping over it. If you were actually racing you might not want to let the other riders know exactly when you are braking, but for just a track day?

And why would tracks require you to tape over a plastic headlight lens? I could see if it was glass, but how many modern motorcycles actually have glass lenses anymore. You may as well tape over your windshield and the entire faring too, since they have about the same chance of shattering as the plastic headlamp bucket does.

 

[Auburn]

Fred, the average tech guy for a track day doesn't know if it glass or plastic at a glance. It is easier to have people tape over the lenses. Makes clean up easier if the plastic is all taped together. The tape over the brake and turn signals serves to effectively block them from displaying, so you do not need to pull fuses.

 

[900gc]

Thanks for the info gents. I'm all set as to the specifics of what the track is looking for in terms of bike prep and rider gear requirements.
My primary question has to do with pulling the fuses for the brake light. I'm unfamiliar with the ABS mojo and don't want to set off any codes, etc.

I did a track day on my FJR with Tony's when my track bike was down. Very fun I may add. The beast got around NHMS pretty darn well!

Don't worry about pulling fuses. Just tape all glass/plastic up with blue or green painters tape. DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE! It will leave residue and be a bear to take back off. The bike will not steer well @ 32 psi. It will feel too much like a wrestling match. I ran 36 psi in my BT023 GT's which worked well. Obviously the newer your tires are the better.

Track days are a good time to fiddle with the suspension settings too. Don't know what you are running for suspension, but if it is stock, I'm guessing you already know that you'll want to crank in much preload and firm up damping a lot.

 

[mavrik]

i believe the drain plug and a few other bolts have to be wired also....

 

[Bugnatr]

"Don't worry about pulling fuses. Just tape all glass/plastic up with blue or green painters tape. DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE! It will leave residue and be a bear to take back off."

+1 don't bother with the fuses

I have 4 track days on 4 different bikes using new PR2's and then wore them out on the street with regular riding. Never had a "heat cycle" issue after using them on the track.

Every track or track club has their own rules for bike prep so no need to drain antifreeze or safety wire anything unless they instruct otherwise.

You will have a ball!

 

[builderwill]

i believe the drain plug and a few other bolts have to be wired also....

Probably so, along with oil filter, etc. but this is different from track to track and also depends on what level you ride. I know at my local track if you stay in beginners class you you don't have to safety wire anything and can still wear textile clothing. Moving to intermediate requires full leathers with 360 degree zipper for jacket and pants, etc.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I know at my local track if you stay in beginners class you you don't have to safety wire anything and can still wear textile clothing...

Is that beginner's class on Cty P, 32, 34, 106, or maybe US 160?

 

[MrM0t0]

Thanks folks. I appreciate your input.