Track Day Motorcycle Prep Checklist: What to Do Before

by Euro Motards

A track day is one of the best uses of a motorcycle — controlled environment, clear road, focus on riding rather than traffic. But arriving without the right preparation can mean failing a noise test, being turned away for missing crash protection, or, at worst, a mechanical failure at high speed. This checklist covers everything you need to do before your first track lap.

Safety Equipment: What UK Circuits Require

Crash Protection

An increasing number of UK circuits now require crash protection as a condition of entry to the pitlane. What 'crash protection' means varies by circuit, but the standard requirement is:

  • Frame sliders: mounted at the engine case bolt positions, extending beyond the fairing line
  • Bar end weights/sliders: plugs or sliders at the handlebar ends to prevent bar ends digging in during a slide

Some circuits additionally require or recommend engine case covers — particularly for bikes where the clutch or alternator covers are very close to the ground in a slide (naked bikes and triples especially). Check your specific circuit's regulations page before the day — requirements vary between venues like Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Donington and Cadwell Park.

Passenger Footrests

Passenger footrests must be removed or folded and secured before track use at most UK circuits. A loose passenger footrest that contacts the tarmac in a lean is a serious safety hazard. Remove them or verify they're secured in the folded position.

Noise Test Preparation

Most UK track day sessions begin with a static noise test. The circuit technician will ask you to hold a specific rpm (typically 4,000–5,000rpm) while they measure at 0.5m from the exhaust outlet. Common limits:

  • Quiet sessions / noise-sensitive circuits: 98–100 dB
  • Standard open pitlane sessions: 102–105 dB

Always bring your dB killer, even if you usually ride without it. If your exhaust is borderline, fitting the dB killer is a 2-minute job in the pitlane. Failing the noise test and being turned away is a genuinely common occurrence for riders with open-ended race exhausts.

Fluids: What to Change and Check

Brake Fluid

This is the most safety-critical fluid change before a track day. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. Road use rarely generates enough brake heat to matter. Track use — particularly at circuits with heavy braking zones like Brands Hatch Indy or Donington Park — can take front brake temperatures well above 200°C. Brake fluid that has absorbed moisture boils at these temperatures, creating vapour in the brake lines and causing brake fade or complete loss of pressure.

Use DOT 4 as a minimum for track use. DOT 5.1 has a higher boiling point and is a better choice for heavy track use. Change the fluid if it has been in the system for more than 12 months or if it has any colour (fresh DOT 4 is nearly colourless; degraded fluid turns amber or brown).

Engine Oil

Check level and condition. If the oil is due for a change, do it before a track day rather than after — track sessions put significantly more thermal stress on oil than road use.

Coolant

Check level in the expansion tank. Some circuits ban antifreeze-containing coolant on circuit due to its slippery properties if spilled. Check the specific circuit's rules — some require pure water or a non-glycol coolant for track sessions.

Tyres: Check Before You Leave Home

  • Tread depth: minimum legal depth is 1mm for motorcycles in the UK, but for track use you should have more than 2mm remaining across the tyre width. Worn centre tread with good shoulders is common on road bikes — this reduces warm-up time but check shoulder condition carefully.
  • Pressures: Set cold pressures at the track day organisers' recommended starting point (often printed in the briefing pack). Typical starting pressures: 32–34 psi front, 28–32 psi rear for road tyres used at track days. Reduce 2–4 psi for slick or semi-slick tyres if used.
  • Age: Tyres over five years old should not be used at track days regardless of tread depth — the rubber compound hardens with age and grip degrades significantly.

Seat Cover: Grip for Track Position

Track riding involves more active body movement than road riding — sliding forward under braking, hanging off in corners, repositioning between direction changes. A worn or slippery seat cover makes all of this harder. A seat cover with a grippy alcantara or textured synthetic surface gives you better tactile feedback and requires less physical effort to maintain body position.

Quick Checklist Summary

  • Crash protection fitted: frame sliders, bar ends, engine case covers
  • Passenger footrests removed or secured
  • dB killer packed (even if not fitted for road)
  • Brake fluid fresh (DOT 4 minimum, DOT 5.1 preferred)
  • Engine oil level checked, condition acceptable
  • Coolant level checked, glycol-free if circuit requires
  • Tyre tread and age confirmed acceptable
  • Tyre pressures set for cold (adjust after warm-up laps)

Browse our crash protection range and exhausts. See also our guides on track day noise limits and essential track day accessories.

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