How to prepare your motorcycle for a track day: complete checklist before riding

A track day demands more from your motorcycle than any road ride. Temperatures are higher, brakes work harder, and tyres face loads that simply do not exist in daily use. A thorough pre-track check prevents on-track interruptions, reduces the chance of mechanical issues, and lets you focus on riding instead of worrying about the bike. ## Mechanical check: the essentials Tyres: - Pressures set to track recommendations, not road pressures. - Tread profile without excessive wear, no sharp edges or squaring in the centre. - No cuts, embedded objects, or bulges on the sidewalls. Brakes: - Pads with enough material remaining (minimum 3-4 mm). - Discs with no deep scoring or warping. - Brake fluid: correct level and in good condition. Changing fluid before the season is good practice. - Hoses with no visible leaks or cracks. Engine and fluids: - Oil at the correct level. Do not go on track with oil at the minimum mark. - Coolant: level and condition. The engine runs hotter on track than on the road. - No fluid leaks of any kind: oil, coolant, brake fluid. Drivetrain: - Chain with correct tension and lubrication. - Sprocket and rear sprocket with no bent teeth or excessive wear. Controls: - Brake and clutch levers well adjusted with no excessive play. - Throttle working correctly: returns smoothly on its own without sticking. ## Track-specific preparation - Mirrors: Remove them or fold them. They are not needed on track and can break or cause injury in a crash. - Lights: Tape over the lenses with masking tape to protect them. Some circuits require this. - Coolant: Some circuits do not allow conventional coloured coolant because it makes the track surface slippery if spilled. Use distilled water or a track-specific coolant. - Brake pads: If you have been running road pads for a long time, consider switching to track compound. Road pads can lose effectiveness under the repeated heat of track braking. ## What to bring to the paddock - Basic tools: wheel wrench, Allen keys, chain adjustment tool. - Tyre pump and pressure gauge. - Fuel can: many circuits do not have a fuel station available during sessions. - Reserve engine oil. - Front and rear paddock stands if you have them. - Rags and rubbish bags to keep your area clean. ## Day-before checklist - Bike mechanically checked. - All fluids at correct levels. - Tyres in good condition and pressures prepared. - Mirrors removed or ready to fold. - All gear checked and ready: helmet, suit, gloves, boots, back protector. - Documentation ready: ID, driving licence, bike insurance. ## Day-of checklist - Arrive with enough time for technical inspection if the organizer requires it. - Adjust cold pressures based on the day's conditions. - Check the rear brake and handlebar before the first session. - Take the warm-up laps seriously: tyres, brakes, engine and body all need gradual heat. ## After the track day - Check brakes, chain, and tyres after riding. - Change the oil if the bike has worked hard across several sessions. - Clean the bike and check whether any leaks appeared during the day. Book your next track days in advance and always arrive with your bike properly prepared.