|
Page 2 of 2 THE MORNING MAINTENANCE Before you ride there are a few things you should do, some essential some recommended. Ill make a list of some stuff for you to consider. - Stretch-Track riding is a sport just like any other, and the faster you go the more physical it becomes, It is a good idea to stretch well before you get on your bike. Not only does it allow you a chance to relax your mind, but it prepares your body for the rigors of riding to the limit.
- Check and re-check- Don't rely on others for your safety unless you trust them and their knowledge implicitly, it is your life and safety and your responsibility.
The Morning Bike check list.. This List is not a license to tighten the the begeebers out of the listed areas. Every bolt has a torque measurement listed in the respective manual. And that should be followed explicitly, using a Torque Wrench. There is nothing more annoying than ripping the thread from your frame by over tightening a rear set bolt. - Handle pinch bolts.
- Brake clamp bolts, brake and clutch hinge nuts.
- Axle nuts, caliper bolts, Brake pad pins.
Rear Step bolts. Shifter connecting rod lock nuts. Muffler bolts. Tyre pressures.
Additional checks.. This stuff may or may not be up your alley, but its worth while but not essential to safety. - Suspension settings- Assuming you have set up your sag (See Setting sag write up) already. Before you head out you might want to consider writing down your bikes suspension settings. Make your numbers either in clicks from fully tight, or mm. depending on how your suspension operates.
| FRONT | REAR | | PRELOAD | PRELOAD | | REBOUND | REBOUND | COMP-HIGH
| COMP-HIGH | | COMP-LOW | COMP-LOW
| - Cable Tie- You may wish to get a cable tie and loosely attach it to the fork leg so you can record you fork compression under braking.This is a vital measurement for ensuring your suspension is operating to an appropriate level and will help you determine the setting you will need to get your bike stopping and turn effectively and safely.
BEFORE YOU GET ON YOUR BIKE I'm sure i don't need to list this stuff as it's all common sense. But anyway something to think about. - Drink, Drink, Drink!! If it's summer make sure you are drinking fluids from the early morning, the heat exhaustion on the track can be debilatating for some and being parched is no fun at all.
- Fill up your gas tank, a 30 minute session on a tuned machine (1000cc) will use about 14litres.
- Check your zipper and helmet strap are done up and secured properly. There was an incident with a fellow a few years ago who crashed without doing his helmet strap up and lost his life as a result.
Well that's about it, I will update it with more info as i re-read it and realize i left something out. Last word!! Track riding is about having fun, but it is the kind of fun that can come at a serious cost if things go wrong. What i have written here is not only designed to help you get there but help you come home safely. Take your maintenance seriously and then your FUN will be too!!
|