I want to do my first track day this year, but I'm trying not to spend too much on gear. I read in a post that for a 2 piece suit, the zipper has to go at least 1/2 the way around. Is this true? I can't use the jacket I bought last year with a 8" zipper in back if I buy pants? For riding boots that cover the ankle, high-top heavy-duty work boots that barely cover the ankle wouldn't work, right? Full-size leather work boots? How about riding shoes or 3/4 length riding boots? I'm probably gettings a pair of Gaerne GR-W's, just want to know my options. When they say full-face helmet, does that exclude flip-ups? When they say no damage, does that mean no minor paint scratches? I have a Nolan N-90 that got a little scratched in the back in a low-side. No impact damage, though. I'll probably wear my HJC CL-16 just to be safe, though. I replaced it because the wind noise was making me deaf. Even though the HJC is very cheap, maybe it offers more protection that a flip-up. It is SNELL approved. It doesn't fit as snug as it used to, though.
Take a good read on this page, it lays out the requirement for both you and the bike. http://www.sportbiketracktime.com/track-day-regulations.html The whole idea is to require that folks come to the track with protective equipment that will minimize the possibility of injury if there is an off. I'm not saying the you have to have the best that money can buy, but remember, the only thing between you and the track.......read.....asphalt, is your protective gear. 8" zippers leave a LOT of exposure if you get off and go sliding on your side/back/front....in other words the chance of it riding up and allowing a skin/asphalt meeting, is way high. Keep in mind, you want as much of your body protected as possible with gear that will do it's job
gear "I replaced it because the wind noise was making me deaf." get some earplugs. I tried these for 1st time last weekend. excellent. http://www.google.com/products/cata...T7fnOufM2gX6vaCuCA&ved=0CHoQ8gIwAQ#ps-sellers I know it's expensive, but DON'T SKIMP ON SAFETY GEAR. I had a lowside sat. My rt foot was caught under the bike for half the slide, but I suffered not one bit of damage due to excellent boots. the boots you suggest are simply not made for what we do. you need some hard plastics on the outside to facilitate sliding. I, for one, am willing to lend you what I can to increase your safety margin.
(QUOTE) I'm trying not to spend too much on gear (QUOTE) Just a FYI a guy I work with had a Nolan Flip up.. He wrecked.. and the thing flipped up on him really fn up his face good... I would rather Loan you the right gear rather than trying to get by with the wrong gear... I have extra gloves boots and a helmet...I am sure others have the same to lend out.. Honestly I see 3 Strikes here..... 1-I would get a 1 peice but if 2 make sure it zips all around 2-Full Boots for riding... (Not for Building Houses) 3-Gauntlet Gloves covering wrist and leathers 4-Full Face Helmet.. No Flip up... 5-Extras include Back and chest protector... Look at it this way you invest in Hundreds of Dollars for your bike parts.. Exhaust, Sliders ect... All of that can be replaced... Your Body??? Nope... Not a Parts Unlimited to buy a new Sternum or Spnal cord... Think about it... GEAR is the best Investment you can make... Dont skimp on it.... Thanks Marc
I assume you meant the work boots, not the Gaerne GRW racing boots? 1 piece is better than 2? I was thinking 2 piece since I could wear the jacket separately off the track, for commuting and stuff when full leather isn't practical. I do already have a leather jacket for that, though. If 1 piece gives better protection, I guess I will go with that. I found a 2-piece in my size on closeout I almost bought. I guess I should keep looking. Is there an appreciable difference between white and black leather on sunny summer days?
I dont ride on the street so I wasnt thinking from a comuter standpoint... White leathers get dirty and black get hot.... Choose your poison... The heck with the color though... choose function over fashion...:thumb: And yes a 1 Peice is much better than a 2 In my opinion... More safe anyway... Not to mention 1 less zipper to deal with..
The proper gear is like water in Africa. I had a wreck this weekend and had it not been for my gear I would have any part of my Gluteus Maximus left.
gear sorry; yes. I have an old pair of Sidi size 45 that you can have. they work, just don't look so good. like Perrone.
I don't care how they look so long as they offer sufficient protection. According to the sizing chart, they might be a size small, but that should work. I think I might take you up on that. Thanks. I just noticed on the forum homepage that where is a Dianese store right by house and there will be STT instructors there March 25. I guess that is where I should be asking questions.
cdenley, i see you live in the Chicago area. I live in the NW suburbs of Chicago. Tell me what size you are and if you are close to me then I have a ton of stuff to let you use for your first track day. I got you covered in a couple sizes anyway. Don't skimp on safety gear, it could save your life. Send me a PM with your stats and I'll get a brotha hooked up. My self, Greg Kotlinski and Tea will be at the Dainese store on the 25th. I can bring you stuff there if you are the correct size.
My suggestion is get the best gear you can afford. You can pick up some stuff at reasonable prices if you look around. Used stuff can be okay but just give it a good look over. I did what you did for my first track day; I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it or if I would even like it so i went out and got some budget stuff (other than helmet). Later that year, I had a low side and now I have a permanent reminder on my knee and leg of buying cheap gear. Get good gloves and boots that are made for the track not just for riding a motorcycle. A back protector is a must as hitting armco hurts!!! You don't have to drop $7,000 on gear but ask yourself, what is my life or at least my skin worth? So ask questions about what you get to guys that ride the track like you are doing. You will do one and get hooked, you will get plenty of use out of whatever gear you buy because you will love doing this.
I have every bit as much invested in my gear as I do my bike and I'm ok with that. As someone else stated, your bike can be easily repaired. You, not so much. Personally, I would not even consider hitting the track in anything less than quality leathers, back protector, chest protector, armored shorts, boots with ankle protection (including lateral distortion) and for me a special requirement is gloves with the scaphoid protection sliders. Broken wrist=no work for me and I'm self employed so that's BAD. Get a good full face helmet with dual (DOT+Snell or DOT+ECE) ratings. I believe STG has some Speed and Strength ones starting at just $80! Make sure everything, especially the helmet, fits well. Live to do this for a long time... That's the way I look at gear.
This place is awesome! Make sure you go to the Dainese store for that event and these guys will help you with all the gear needs you may have. Please do not ride in some of the items you listed above, as everyone has already said, good quality gear can save your life. Give me a call or shoot me an email if you need anything else for new gear, we have some kick ass deals for closeout helmets, etc. right now. I'm available Monday through Saturday here at STG at 888-784-4327 x216 or Aubrey@sportbiketrackgear.com.
Yeah, you can easily put 4-6K into one set of gear. It's not absolutely necessary. A 1 piece helmet is a must in my book but there are $200 lids that will protect your head as well as a $900 lid. (Don't tell the guy with the $900 lid that unless you want to be called a moron for as long as you'll listen...) Fulmer, AFX, Scorpion, HJC and others make reasonably priced helmets that crash well. Boots don't have to be $600 but the best ones are. More boot armor is better than less! Gloves are so damn important. I like Arlen Ness or Held. Cheap gloves unravel in a slide. Leathers are a whole nother story. Just be sure that the stretch material is Kevlar, the armor is EU certified and don't trust a brand you never heard of.
Just to be clear I bought my bike for $2,300 - an ex-racebike - so I don't have a zillion dollars into my gear. It's possible to gear up reasonably well for half that. Wish I'd realized how generous many STT members are before I started buying.