As there are a few guys on here starting to race in 2014, I thought it may be helpful for me to list a few things that I have found useful and used probably more than other things. Some are obvious, some less so. Anyway, here we go and in no particular order: Grid girls. I missed this off to start with, but was soon made to realise the error of my ways by Yorkshire Tyke and James. These should be taken with you at all times and come in handy for many many things. I personally use my vast army of them to ensure that my bed in my caravan is warmed sufficiently and that in the absence of my teddy, I do at least have some comfort at night. Paddock stands. Obvious really, but I would recommend going for something basic and not flashy. made the mistake of getting some flashy alloy ones from ebay that looked quite neat, but they flexed and gave no stability. Something along these lines is ideal: Moto GP Front And Rear Paddock Stands - Demon Tweeks Tyre warmers, again obvious. Just don't forget them! Jerry cans. I have found that I use about 25 litres of fuel over a weekend. I would advise getting smaller 5-10 litre cans rather than 25 litre ones. The larger ones can be a bugger to get fuel out of when full. Also, it is worth adding fuel stabiliser to fuel as soon as it is bought, as fuel goes off after a few weeks, so if you don't use all your fuel in that meeting, if it doesn't have stabilisers in, it isn't as good. I can supply this through my work if needed, but loads of companies do it. Spare numbers. Once you have joined your club, you will have your race number. Always buy a load of spare numbers, plus an additional number, just in case you can't run your usual number, i.e. I normally run as 73, but I have got a stash of number 1 so if needs be I can run as 173. Lock wire. Carry spare as if you change filters or the like or the scrutineers pick you up on something, then you can rectify it easily. go for thinner wire as it is a lot easier to handle than thicker stuff. Sockets. Carry a socket for the top yoke as well as the obvious one for the rear wheel. I have had to remove my top yoke several times to remove the steering damper and once after a fall, when I needed to reset the forks in the yokes. On the R6 it is a 37mm socket, not a popular size, but I got an impact one from Halfords. Haynes manual. Very useful for getting torque settings for wheels, brakes callipers, top yokes, etc Torque wrench. Again pretty obvious, but getting the right figure for the wheels is in my opinion vital. Assorted nuts/bolts/washers and o-rings. You can never have too many odds and sods like this. T-Bar allen keys. Very useful, especially in 4,5 and 6mm. Have used these loads as they are easy to handle and adjust stuff. Tyre pressure gauge. Get a good digital one, maybe even 2 just to be on the safe side. At the end of the day, you rely on your tyres to keep you upright. Note book and pen. Handy for making notes on gearing, tyre pressures, whatever. Keep it in your tool box and it is surprising how often you will use it. Duck Tape. You can't live without this stuff, whether it is for taping up boots, leathers, holding fairings together, it is vital Extension lead. Get 1 or 2 on a 20 metre reel type with 4 sockets, so you can plug in tyre warmers, heaters to warm vans, caravans etc. Also worth getting a caravan to 3 pin style one, as this is great for some garages and generators Caravan Plug To 13 Amp Socket Mains Adapter Mains Leads Mains Hookup Electrical Caravanning Paper towels and hand wipes, very useful for getting oil/general bike crap off your hands. Sounds obvious, but the number of people that have used mine over the year is untrue. I think that is it, but I am sure I have forgotten something. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy. You are going to enter a world that is like nothing else.
Girl????? Don't you mean GIRLS? The more the merrier, a gaggle of grid girls, a brace of pit bitches, a plethora of paddock pussy, you get the general idea.
I have amended the post accordingly. A thousand apologies on my part. Not like me to forget such a crucial item.
Is that you offering your services YT? I'm sure who ever your covering with your brolly will purchase your Lycra suit for you to wear!
I got a list I go through everytime I ride, was just sick of always forgetting something.. these few top my list Bike key Measuring jug 5ltr, use it pour or measure how much fuel I need for a race Towels and soap, that special garage soap to get the grease off, (or to drop in the showers, whatever tickles your fancy) Box of spares Airbed & Airbed pump Will have to make a new list as my laptop crashes 2 weeks ago and lost everything, but these were several of the things at the top of my list
dunno where I'm gonna put my balls this year, I had a gap between the tank and seat on the snigger, hopefully stanley will be more rideable!!
"Hopefully stanley wil be more rideable" this is just descending into a whole new level. I hope the two of you are very happy together.
Ahem! Can we keep this all above board please robin, I know you have certain tendencies and urges, but I am on this forum actually talking in the context of a motorcycle, specifically this one-
Apologies YT, I don't know what came over me. Anyway, that is a cracking looking bike you have there. It looks as though you are still running on road shift?
Haha nothing forgive matey!! Yeah still on road pattern atm, not sure the race one is a great idea tbh???
Haha nothing forgive matey!! Yeah still on road pattern atm, not sure the race one is a great idea tbh???
I stuck with road shift for a bit, but then tried race shift and wouldn't go back now. It is so much easier to go up the gearbox when leant over, far less awkward than having to hook your foot under the lever while hanging off the bike. Give it a go, it does make sense.
one 20min session mate and you'll never want road pattern again, no wonder you keep falling off, get that shifting pattern changed asap mate!!!!!!
