Our man in the paddock Danny McFadden advises…
You’ve got your licence, you’ve signed up to a series, you’ve sorted a bike and you’ve set it up. What’s left? Kit. The stuff that’s going to keep you safe should the worst happen and you end up having an off. Here are our top tips.
ACU requirements for riding on track are an approved (gold standard) full face helmet, full gloves, boots and a set of single piece leathers and a separate back protector. All of which should be in good order, without rips, tears, holes, etc.
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In last month’s article I was advocating only spending your budget on bike modifications/upgrades as and when you reach the limits of the standard parts as I had in mind this month’s article on kit. Your safety gear is where it pays the most to spend extra. Not only in terms of additional protection it offers you, as they more often than not survive ‘minor offs’ considerably better than cheaper items, which in the long run will save you money.
When it comes to purchasing your riding kit it really is worth the effort to test fit the offerings from as many brands that fall within your chosen budget range. Shapes and sizes vary massively between manufacturers and I consider it to be of the utmost importance to have the most comfortably fitting items to stop any focus from being taken away from your riding.
Here’s a bit of a breakdown about what to look out for when you’re buying each bit of kit…
Helmet
All manufacturers offer a different style and fit – and my experience confirms that they are not ‘one size fits all’. Visiting a specialist of all the brands where you can try them on and make use of someone with proper knowledge is worth its weight in gold. Helmets continue to be updated and improved so what might not have worked a few years ago might just now be the perfect fit. Things to look out for are ease of use with a gloved hand, visor locking system, pinlock and tear offs. As a side note, a removable washable liner for me is a must… you can even order a complete new set with some helmets so that over a race weekend you can have a fresh dry liner. It also gives you longer use of your helmet and it’s not an unpleasant place to put your head.
Gloves
Much like the helmets, I do recommend trying these on. You may already have a trusted go-to brand, but if not then try them on and make sure you have good range of motion and the armour doesn’t cause you any pain. I learnt this the hard way when I ordered a pair online without trying them on first and finished a race weekend with sores on my knuckles!
Boots
Feet injury and fractures are common among racers so make sure you have a pair that offers maximum protection. I sacrifice a bit of range of motion for safety here and so far have never had to worry about my feet when I have come off the bike.
Back protector
The built-in ones in suits are often not sufficient, so I would recommend a standalone back protector such as Forcefield or Knox. I ride with an airbag system which although is costly, gives me piece of mind.
Dog tags
It is also a requirement to wear a set of id ‘dog’ tags with your name and contact details. All of these items are also covered in the ACU test I covered in my first article (available online). You will have to pass a ‘kit inspection’ at the beginning of each round and should you fall at any point another inspection will have to be carried out and passed before you can get back to racing.
The other stuff: Packing right, not light
The list of items you’ll be wanting to have with you for the weekend will be a long one which you’ll be constantly adding to as and when you get caught out. They’re not all essential, but after a few years in paddocks, here are my recommendations for what to take with you for a weekend of racing. Away from the track, racers are a pretty friendly bunch – and someone in the paddock will have and often will lend anything you may need to get out of a jam.
✔ Generator: To run your tyre warmers, kettle, etc. Although most tracks have power, it is often difficult to get set up in an area you can hook up to (unless you want to hire a garage).
✔ Awning: Ideally with sides to protect you from the elements. These are available at all price points. However, again it does pay to go for a good-quality brand.
✔ Fire extinguisher(s): This is essential. It’ll be covered during your ACU test.
✔ Fuel for the event: Fuel is available at a few of the tracks, but I’d suggest you’ve always got a can with you for emergencies.
✔ Tyre warmers: I take two sets, one for the bike and one for a second set of wheels with your next set already fitted. Having a second set with you could mean the difference in missing a race entirely or having a poor result due to having to wait for your tyres to get up to temperature.
✔ Pit board and numbers for qualifying and the races: Initially you may not feel the need for this, however, I would recommend it as not only does it help bring your partner/friend/helper into the event, but also it can really spur you on knowing how far off a position you are and having them gee you on from pit wall. All race clubs now use the TSL timing system and it’s simple enough to use on a mobile phone from which to then relay your preferred information on to your pit board.
✔ General tools: Bring along as many tools as you can realistically take. You never know what you might end up having to do to the bike from fault finding to repairing crash damage to get back out.
✔ Spares:– This is something you will constantly be adding to as and when you suffer a problem during an event so you’re covered the next time it might fail. This is why the majority of racers have such a large parts cache with them. The basic items you should have with you include oil/brake fluid/oil filter/brake pads/levers/pegs/handle bar tubes/fairings and screens/chain/sprockets (usually in different sizes).
I would recommend also having replacements for the items that are constantly being removed/fitted, such as wheel spindles/nuts and brake caliper bolts. It only takes a thread to fail on one of these and you could be out of the event.
✔ Tyre pressure gauge: A good-quality tyre pressure gauge is a must. I would also advise that you only ever use that particular gauge. It is rare that any two gauges read the same and you could find that the bike feels different each time you go out as your tyre pressure will constantly be different.
✔ Food and drink: It is worth planning ahead to make sure you are correctly fuelled throughout the event. Due to the often hectic nature, adrenalin and exertion, the last thing on your mind is to sit down and eat properly. This is despite the fact you will be burning significant calories and becoming dehydrated throughout the day. I eat and drink constantly throughout the day. I follow the little and often mantra made up of protein shakes and snack bars – and drink a hydration mixture from a large two-litre bottle which is marked so I (my wife) can keep a track on how much I’m taking on board. I then have a substantial meal each evening followed by a decent healthy breakfast (remember my first article about getting healthier as a side bonus!)
✔ Track map/paper and pen: You can use the map to mark down your relevant braking/turning markers as well as information such as gear used and for feelings from the bike. You can also make notes of any set up changes you make throughout the weekend along with notes on the benefits/negatives of said changes. This information is ideal to be able to revisit the next time you’re at the same track so you can try and hit the ground running on the test day by setting the bike back to those settings as I’ll guarantee you’ll have forgotten most of it by then.
“Your safety gear is where it pays the most to spend extra. Not only in terms of additional protection it offers you, as they more often than not survive ‘minor offs’ considerably better than cheaper items, which in the long run will save you money.”
After some new gear?
Our pals at HelmetCity.co.uk have given Danny a 15% off discount code to share with you lovely lot (for full priced gear over £50). If you want to take advantage, tap in the code DMR15 at the checkout.
WORDS: Danny McFadden PHOTOS: Matt Anthony and Joel Cooper
#morebikes #motorcycleracing
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