Track Day Preps

[Motorradmark]

I am preparing for track day and need to "turn off" my headlight. Any suggestions, other than pulling the fuse. Second question. Any suggestions on which tape to use, that won't make a huge mess on removal.

Any other pointers welcome.

s/f

[Tool Man]

Pulling the fuse is one option which would be easier than removing the bulb.

 

Most track day sessions will let you get by with running tape in an X fasion across the headlight. Electrical tape glue is easier to remove than duct tape glue after the sun bakes it on,and is acceptable.

 

Some tracks require safety wiring and turn signal removal as well so a check list from the sponsoring track would be a good thing to get a hold of. Tracks differ greatly on rules and reg's

 

Have fun, be safe, listen carefully, and don't try to impress.

[BobFV1]

Blue 3M painters tape works well - you see a lot of it at track day. Pull the fuse on your bulb. On an RT, be careful when disconnecting the turn signal wires after removing the mirror housings. Tape off the contacts so they do not come into contact with each other or they may short your flasher unit out (it happenned to me!!)

 

Good luck.

[David]

Blue 3M painters tape works well - you see a lot of it at track day.

 

That's what I use, and it does indeed work well. But it's worthless when it gets wet.

[Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs]

Disable your ABS fuse as well. I found that helpful on the track I rode (Portland, OR). The track had some pavement undulations at the end of the front straight where the open wheel-class cars actually push the pavement upon heavy braking.

 

Empty the fairing pocket and under the seat. It gets your bike as light as possible and prevents littering the track should you go down and something pops open.

 

Definitely remove your mirrors.

 

Remove a throttle-rocker if you have one. A screw-in throttle lock, like the Wrist Rest from Bob's BMW, isn't a big deal.

 

Oh yeah, have fun!

[RPG]

Just a month ago I had my RT at Grattan. I used blue masking tape (3M) to cover everything. Didn't disconnect any fuses or wiring. A couple of layers will block out the light.

 

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ABS feature of your bike. I know I did.

 

RG

[Cali Kid]

Ditto on what others have said. I ran my RT at Button Willow about two months ago. I removed the mirrors, if I did go down it would be one less item to be damaged. I also removed the headlamp bulb, it takes all of a couple minutes. As far as I can determine there is no fuse in the fuse panel for the headlight on the 1150RT. You could probably pull the lighting relay.

And as others have said, blue masking tape works well.

I'd leave the ABS alone. It will give you a chance to use the brakes in a manner you probably don't on the street. But should the occasion arise, you'll be more familiar with the braking behavior.

One more thing to consider. I didn't fill my tank before I took it to the track. I ran just enough to get me through the twenty minute sessions so the bike was lighter.

Amazingly, it was using close to a couple gallons in those twenty minutes!

I also put my seat in it's lowest position to lower my C.G. Helps a bit with handling.

 

All reved up and waiting for a place to go.

[Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs]

I also put my seat in it's lowest position to lower my C.G. Helps a bit with handling.

I toyed with that idea, ultimately rejecting it because I was comfortable with the seat-to-pegs distance and didn't want to muck it up. I was going to mention tightening the spring on your rear brake (OEM) to add a bit more ride height, thus more cornering clearance, but didn't because it changes your bike as you know it. But then thought that it helped me and might help you. Of course, my OEM shocks were hammered by that point. If I had an aftermarket setup dialed in I'd probably leave it alone.

 

Of course you'll want to remove your saddlebags. Take pictures and let us know how much fun you have!

 

 

[powerman]

if your using the RT there is no headlight fuse or ABS fuse.

You'll need tape. they were more concerened on my last trackday on seeing any light from the the rear brake light, You'll need at least 6 layers of the blue painters tape.

[RTZRGR8]

My preference for tape is "Electrician's Bundling Tape" or "Wire Bundling Tape." It it is grey (almost disappears on a Titan Silver bike) and has tiny lines embossed into it across the width that make it easy to tear in a straight line. I carry a razor blade or sharp utility knife to easily trim to fit. Best of all, it leaves virtually no adhesive residue (even on a warm headlight lens) and is not affected by moisture. I buy mine at the big orange box (Home Depot) but you can probably find it anywhere that carries electrical supplies. Enjoy!

[KyleD]

I use Gaffer's tape, it's like duct tape but with a adhesive that does not transfer onto the surface. It comes off clean without leaving a residue. It is used to temporarily cover audio/video cables on floors and carpets. Perfect for track day use. Kinda expensive at $20 for a large roll, but lasts a long time and comes in handy for other uses. Get it at specialty music or stage suppliers.

[Homerr]

I'll ask the dumb question. Never having been to a track day, I always thought the tape was incase you broke lenses that they would not shatter all over the track. But some here mention it is to block the light. Why is light bad on a track?

 

True heart of competition so you don't know when the other guy is braking?

 

[SteveB]

I'll ask the dumb question. Never having been to a track day, I always thought the tape was incase you broke lenses that they would not shatter all over the track. But some here mention it is to block the light. Why is light bad on a track?

 

True heart of competition so you don't know when the other guy is braking?

 

 

 

You are correct regarding the headlight. Shattered glass on the track is really going to upset some people. I use the blue tape and then go over it with black masking tape to match the color of the bike. The black tape looks better in the pictures.

 

The brake light is what they do not want to see on the track. A flashing brake light will divert your attention away from the direction you should be looking. I suspect it could also freak out the person behind you since we are accustomed to braking when we see lights in traffic. Due to frequency of RT tail light assemblies coming off you might consider removing the whole assembly.

[Shaman97]

I'll ask the dumb question. Never having been to a track day, I always thought the tape was incase you broke lenses that they would not shatter all over the track. But some here mention it is to block the light. Why is light bad on a track?

 

True heart of competition so you don't know when the other guy is braking?

 

Homerr --

Not dumb at all - I had the same questions before I went to the track.

 

The rules of the track determine why you would tape the lighting/mirrors. At the track day I attended two weeks ago, the rules were that you could not pass on the inside of a turn anywhere on the track. It was up to the overtaking bike to make the passing safe. The rear lights were taped so you paid full attention to the bike in front of you, regardless of what the rider was doing with his/her brakes. The mirrors were taped so you paid full attention to what was in front of you, not being distracted by the jockeying of riders behind you.

Good rules I guess, since nobody I knew of went down, though a few went off the track. The skill level there was all over the map, with me being in the more timid grouping of riders' skill level.

 

That's OK though, since I (and my bike) rode away from the track all in one piece. Next time, I'll push the envelope a bit more, since I didn't come close to 'my' edge.

 

With all that being said, I don't see why the headlights being taped or the bulb removed would have any effect, since you're looking forward, and can't see behind you.

[Motorradmark]

Thanks to all for the advice, etc. It WAS a BLAST! Was riding at Mid-Ohio, for the BMWMOA-sponsored event.

1. Blue tape big hit - worked for me and lent out most of remaining rolls I brought. Easy on and easy off.

2. ABS was not an issue. Also, Mid-Ohio has laid down concrete in the turns where the cars out push up the asphalt.

3. Concrete and asphalt on same course. They are different, but did not cause any issues.

4. Learned to trust my tires. Running Z6's. Performed very well and wore nicely.

5. If you have never done a track day, you must. Great experience, great "riding education".

Non-compensated comment. Monte and his team from SPORTBIKETRACKTIME did a super job. Good instruction, lots of riding, well organized, a real day of fun. Highly recommended.

s/f