SBK Japan

I will discuss two levels of gear that you must have in order to ride the track in Japan. Some of the smaller tracks have looser regulations when it comes to what they will allow but i am going to stick with what can get you on anywhere as the minimum requirement. If you wish to go with less be my guest, but be aware that they may decline your permission to ride at shaken procedures.

I will divide this section into two parts TRACKDAYS and RACING and that will allow you to see the difference in what is required for each and get yourself prepared for whatever level you are planning on reaching.

TRACKDAYS

The minimum requirement for riding the track in Japan is a

• Zip-up Two Piece Leather Suit. If it doesn't zip you will risk getting flagged.
• Leather Gloves.
• A Helmet. At motegi they require a sticker on your helmet with your name and blood type.They will check and make you return from the pit lane line up if you dont have it. This sticker is available from the sign up desk.
• Ankle Covering Motorcycle Boots.

• A Back protector, although being an important safety item and one i would never recommend track riding without. They won't check for it.

Trackdays have clearly stated regulations, that are available and at some tracks are handed to you as you do the morning sign up. But they are rarely enforced to any standards. The responsibility for YOUR SAFETY RESTS WITH YOU AND YOU ALONE.

 

RACING

 

Your minimum gear requirements for racing are determined by the organising bodies that are in charge of setting the standards for your race. I would advise becoming very familiar with those regulations before you show up to race day.

 

They will include

• One Piece Leather suit.
  

1. MFJ will check for the MFJ tag and if its not there, no race. Any suit that has been Homologated by MFJ will have a local importer that usually will be able to supply you with the appropriate tag that must be sewen into your suit.
2. You must also write your name and blood type on something in katakana on the inside tag of your front zipper.

• Leather Gloves 
• A Helmet.

1. MFJ will check this for its MFJ sticker.  So if you bought your helmet abroad you WILL NOT pass shaken (Tech) without getting that sticker.
2. Your helmet usually must have a sticker stating your name and blood type on it. (This will vary track by track.)

• A Back Protector
• A helmet remover. I believe this is an MFJ only regulation
  
• Racing Boots

 NOTES

1. MFJ regulations are relatively strict. They will check ALL YOUR GEAR, and you won't race if it isn't in order. 
2. They will also fail you for any gear that has holes in it. You can use tape to cover the holes in an emergency, but just make sure that you cover them before you go in. It is best to do it on the inside of your suit to keep them the interest in checkin it down.
3. Bring all this gear to Shaken. They will not clear you until you see it all, so if you forget they will make you run back. No excuses.
4. All gear requirement, homologation details are available as a download from the MFJ site. Remember if your suit isn't on the list, you will run a very real risk of not being able to race.
5. Should you crash in qualifying, they will often ask to check your gear again at the pre race check. do what you can to fix any holes before this time.
6. The pre race check will require your helmet to be checked no matter what, so have your Pit Crew take it with your bike.

As stated before, THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR SAFETY RESTS WITH YOU. Racing is no joke, riding the track is no Joke. I have seen and suffered from very serious injury track riding. Take all the precautions you can and wear the very best gear you can afford ALL THE TIME.