A SIMPLE CHECKLIST — DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

ÿEvery rider knows the essentials of what to bring on a ride and what to leave at home. Included in this article will be a checklist of gear, tools and parts, and inspection list to complete before ever leaving the house. These are basic preparation and safety items that everyone should have on race day, so while youƒ??re packing up the trailer use this as a guideline!

Gear

Whether youƒ??re a pro, an intermediate rider, or about to hit the track for the first time, this list should help you get the essentials together while packing your gear bag.

• Helmet ƒ?” always check for cracks and to make sure buckles are fastening properly

• Goggles ƒ?” check lenses for any sort of damage and make sure band is fitted properly

• Tear-Offs

• Race Collar/neck protection ƒ?” make sure Velcro/closure is in working order

• Pants ƒ?” check for holes or wear and make sure waist closure is fastening properly

• Jersey ƒ?” check for holes or wear

• Gloves ƒ?” make sure there is no damage and Velcro/closure is in working order

• Chest Protector ƒ?” check for cracks, check bolts and look to make sure all closures are working properly

• Knee braces/guards ƒ?” make sure knee cups are free of damage and check closures

• Knee sleeves/Socks

• Kidney Belt ƒ?” be sure Velcro/closure is in working order

• Boots ƒ?” check buckles/closures to make sure they are closing properly

If itƒ??s going to be a muddy day, be sure to bring a few extras of each. Nobody likes sitting in wet and muddy clothes between motos, so make sure you have enough to last you through the day.

Also keep in mind that children are growing non-stop. Always be sure to check fitment on their gear, especially if it is a new riding season and the gear has been unused for a few months. This is crucial, most importantly for their protective gear such as helmets, chest protectors and knee braces/guards.

Tools, Parts and Accessories

Should you need to make some minor adjustments at the track, always have the right tools for the job. Below is a list of a few of the basics every rider should have with them on track day. It is always better to be over prepared than under prepared, so use below as a starting point and add on the things you know you may need and donƒ??t want to be withoutƒ??just in case.

• Tool Box ƒ?” Socket set (usually metric), wrenches, allen wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.

• Spare clutch/brake levers

• Chain lube/all purpose lubricant

• Air filter/oil

Inspection Checklist

It is always a smart and safe decision to make sure you do a thorough inspection walk-through of the bike before you leave for the track. There is nothing worse than spending a day at the track wrenching on your bike that should have been ready to go when you got there! Here are a few things to check before you leave home.

• Check all body bolts / nuts

  • Fenders

  • Side panels

  • Fork guards

  • Brake line guide

  • Radiator shrouds

  • Gas tank

  • Chain guide and roller

  • Bars/Triple clamps

• Torque axle nuts to spec

• Tighten and adjust spokes

• Check oil drain plug/skid plate

• Inspect Grips ƒ?” Make sure they are glued tight!

• Check tire pressure ƒ?” on sandy/muddy tracks, riders will often times lower the pressure a few PSI. For hard pack, try raising it a couple of pounds. 12 ƒ?” 15 lbs is the typical range for most tracks and conditions.

• Suspension ƒ?” review your previous suspension settings. Although we could write an entire book on suspension settings, here are a couple of things to check:

  • Rear shock sag

  • Shock compression/rebound

  • Fork compression/rebound

  • Inspect fork oil seals ƒ?” if there is oil dripping down your fork tubes that means itƒ??s time for new seals!

• Inspect / tighten spark plug and spark plug cap

• Inspect cable action ƒ?” ensure cables move freely and there is no visible damage

• Make sure you have fuel! And if itƒ??s a two-stroke, make sure youƒ??ve premixed the gas and oil!

Now youƒ??re ready

After reviewing this checklist, you should have everything you need to hit the track for a good day of riding. Advanced preparation will ensure that your machine is ready to go and you have all of the proper equipment necessary. Since this is an article on safety and protection, it should be noted that some of the most serious crashes are not from rider error on the track ƒ?” itƒ??s from lack of preparation and / or maintenance. A rider has little chance of recovering from a motor that seized tight in midair because he forgot to premix the gas/oil! And besides, your riding buddies will never let you live that down! Go ride, be smart, and be safe.

ƒ??EVS ƒ?” Winning Through Safetyƒ?