Pre-gen Track Prep Questions

[Mike K]

I just registered for my first track day with TeamProMotion. I have a little less than a month to go over the bike and do track prep on it. TeamProMotion does not require lock-wiring for track days. I just have to tape over the headlight and directionals and remove the mirrors.

What I'm asking for here is what else should I do to my Ninjette to get it ready bearing in mind that it is and will be primarily a street bike. If I like the track as much as I think that I will I'll probably pick up a dedicated track bike. (There's a guy not too far from me selling an '03 track prepped GSXR600).

My bike has around 9400 miles on it now. I just put on a set of Pirelli Diablo scooter tires. They have about 250 miles on them. I'll do an oil and filter change. It has a new lithium ion battery.

[csmith12]

Do this...

Take off mirrors and front turn signals. It will only take 10 mins and will save you much headache if an event occurs.

Put a bead of silicone around your oil fill cap and drain bolt.

Adjust your rear brake lever down some. You will not be needing it on the track much unless you find yourself in the grass. This will prevent the lever from breaking the oil sight glass in an event on the right side.

Good luck, learn a lot, make a friend and don't forget to have FUN!!!!

[Mike K]

Great info. Will do.

I bought the Ninja with 6000 miles on it and I put 3000 more miles on it last season. I don't know if the previous owner adjusted the valves. I'll do a search here but should I check the valve clearances as a matter of course or maybe more often since I'm tracking it?

Thanks

[csmith12]

Unless there is a current concern about how the bike is running, I feel your bike will not blow up or anything if you don't check. I feel your not gunna get a straight answer from anyone on that. Normally I am all for doing your maintenance on time but less than a month out from a track day... it would be up to your risk tolerance. Do you want a mechanical issue to bring you down at 100mph because you didn't check? It's gotta be your call.

[Mike K]

I'm going to try to make the time to do it. I do routinely go pretty fast and rev up to the limit. Better safe than sorry.

I've never done it before. I'll search the FAQ's for directions on how to do it.

[rubber side down]

Don't forget to check the oil level through out the day. All the pre gens I know of like to use some oil while being rode hard, like you will at the track. Also check fuel level. You don't want to be that guy that runs out in the middle of corner and unable to find reserve while trying to get out of the race line. lol Yes I was that guy once.

[Mike K]

I was thinking about fuel and oil. I wondered where my oil had gone...Lol

How much fuel should I bring? I'll fill the tank of course. I also have a 5 gallon race jug left over from my Formula Vee days. I'll also bring a smaller jug to transfer the fuel to the tank. The 5 gallon is unwieldy.

Think 3 or 4 quarts of oil will be enough? What grade of oil?

Sorry for all of the questions,

[csmith12]

On a 2fiddy, we normally go through a bit less than a tank per day. Bring a few gallons extra just in case. You can always pore the extra in your haul vehicle.

Oil? Bring enough to refill it if you need to drain it for any reason. No special grade is needed, just bring whatever your currently running.