Motorcycle Track Days – What Gear Do I Need?

To follow up on our Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Track Days, and in anticipation of us getting back to working on and hopefully soon launching our own MPW Track Bike, it seems appropriate to provide some advice on what you need to wear while out on the track.

 

The first thing to note is that not all tracks have the same requirements, and so you must check in advance with the particular track you will be attending. If their requirements are less strict than those of another track that you might also visit, gear up according to the requirements of the strictest track. From a safety point of view, there is one simple piece of good advice that applies to all your kit – buy the best that you can afford from a known and reputable brand with good reviews, and make sure it fulfils all the requirements. Try everything on, make sure you are comfortable and do not buy anything based purely on how cool you look – it is no good looking good if you have a headache, can’t flex your shoulders, have pins and needles in your fingers and blisters on your feet.

 

Helmet

ACU sticker

Your helmet must be a full-face ACU Gold Approved motorcycle helmet. The European safety standard ECE22-05 that approves the helmet for use on UK roads is not enough.

 

ACU approval is often marked by a gold sticker on the back of the helmet, but if there isn’t one there then a quick check on the helmet manufacturer’s or dealer’s website should confirm whether or not the one you have is approved. If it isn’t, you’ll have to get one that is. If it is but it doesn’t have a sticker, then it is best to get one as this may well be a requirement. You can do this by sending the helmet to the ACU, they will check it and apply a sticker.

 

Each sticker comes with a unique ID number and QR code. Now here’s a thing, there are ACU Gold stickers available on eBay, so what’s to stop you from getting one and sticking it on any old pudding basin of a helmet? Firstly, you won’t fool the track marshals, and secondly, you would be a fool to go out on track without a good enough helmet, however many stickers it does or doesn’t have.

 

The other requirements are that the helmet must fasten under the chin correctly, securely and safely, and must remain fastened at all times while out on the track.

 

Leathers

Leathers

A full leather suit is essential, and you are much better off with a one-piece race suit than a two-piece suit that zips together. However, if you do opt for the two-piece it must have a full 360º zip, anything less will not be allowed. Make sure the leather is at least 1.2mm thick. Textile suits are not allowed.

 

A back protector is compulsory at some tracks, but not all, and even if it isn’t you are far better off having one than not. If you have a suit without a built-in one you can get strap-on ones separately. You also want some shoulder, elbow, hip and knee protection, preferably all built-in to the suit. You may well have a particular suit in mind because of the brand and/or its looks, but it must fit well and you must be comfortable so always try the suit on, and if it isn’t comfortable forget it, and try on some others.

 

When it comes to your suit, as with all your kit, it is best to go with a reputable brand that has good reviews rather than opt for a cheaper unknown brand from the land of many cheap unknown brands. Don’t compromise on your safety for the sake of a few quid, get yourself a good one-piece race suit with all the protection you could need built in. You might even want to consider a suit with an airbag. Note that metal knee sliders are not allowed. What you wear under your leathers is up to you, and the weather.

 

Whatever you choose, make sure you are comfortable and have freedom of movement, so avoid bulk. A good technical base layer is the best and covers all seasons, and when it is cooler add a mid-lay over it. There are plenty of good technical layers out there that work with your body and each other to ensure good breathability and wicking.

 

Many people rightly praise the virtues of a natural material such as Merino wool or bamboo for the base layer. If budget is an issue bear in mind that own-brand base layers from high street camping/hiking stores are readily available and will do the same job as motorcycle-specific gear but without the label and the price tag. It is advisable to bring a spare top – you may be surprised at how much you sweat and will want something dry to change into, particularly between sessions so you can dry the base layer out.

 

Gloves

Gloves

There are many different gloves out there, and the ones you ultimately choose will depend on when you do your track day. Hands that are cold lose feel and hands that are too hot are uncomfortable, so choose your gloves according to conditions, and if necessary take two pairs with you. What they must both have, as with all your gear, is good quality protection, particularly over the knuckles and on the palms.

 

A waterproof membrane and some insulation are ideal for cool and wet days, but avoid bulk as you will lose feel. In the summer, you will need some perforation for venting to prevent sweaty hands and sticky gloves. Make sure there is a good overlap and fit between the gloves and the sleeves on your leathers.

 

Boots

Boots

You must have full boots that reach your calves rather than ankle boots, and many tracks insist on fitted toe sliders. Note that metal toe sliders are not allowed.

 

A good pair of sports or race boots will have all the extra support and protection, such as heel sliders, that you need for the track. The boots must fit well and be comfortable, and be flexible enough for walking in. Most boots come with a degree of adjustability, and it is best to avoid those that don’t. Having some method of ventilation is good for summer track days.



Other stuff

Your license. Any paperwork or forms the track organiser needs. Plenty of water – you will sweat and you must keep yourself hydrated. Some good food – you will need energy.

 

If you are travelling by car or van with your bike in tow or in the back, you can take as much stuff as you want, including a camping chair, spare footwear and clothing for between sessions, a tyre pressure gauge and some tools, fuel, paddock stands, gazebo, tyre warmers, etc. etc. The list can go on, and it is easy to take too much. For your first track day take the essentials, and as you build up experience you will learn what you do and don’t need.

 

If you are riding to the circuit concentrate on the essentials such as water, food, a tyre pressure gauge and spare t-shirt. If there is something you find you need and don’t have there will always be someone willing to help. Most track days will have a food vendor on-site, but it is best to avoid heavy and greasy food so check what is available beforehand and prepare your own if needs be.

 

 

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