[LehighLuke]

So at the track, they make you tape up your lights and blinkers, right? Brake lights too? Anyway, is the reason for this so that the light isn't a distraction to the other riders? The headlight gets real hot, I would imagine that the tape adhesive would almost get melted onto the plastic and get gross...wouldn't it be easier just to remove the lightbulb?...or heck, even the fuse. Is that allowed?, or do they require you to have the lens covered in blue no matter what?

That got me thinking that it would be cool for most bikes...that manufacturers should mount a switch somewhere (like under the seat or something) that would just kill the power to all the lights so that you don't have to bother with all the tape. Is that a mod that you could do yourself?...and again, would that be accepted by the track?

 

[Thantos]

Bikes used to have an off position for the headlight. You can unplug the headlight to avoid the heat buildup/tape glue scenario. The tape is also to contain the pieces in the event of a crash.

 

[doozerdave]

Yes, brake light is a distraction, also tape helps with crash clean up. Pretty sure tape colour/type doesn't matter. You're right about the heat, pull the fuses or unplug the bulbs.

 

[asphalt788]

The tape is there so that when you dump your bike they arent stuck cleaning tons of plastic bits from your signal and headlight lenses off the track. Some tracks even make you do this for cars at HPDE events. Blue painters tape comes right off even after being baked on by the headlight head and the sun.

 

[yamahamer]

All the fuses are behind the right fake air scoop. 5 minutes and some tape is all it takes.

 

[ridethepiggy]

The painter's tape at Home Depot (their brand) is a nice blurple color. If you ride a graphite, it'll match!

I had to re-tape a few times after doing a 8-9 session day. Mainly the HDX brand is crap and doesn't stick very well. Doing it right the first time would probably hold all day.

I'd highly recommend pulling the mirrors and getting new LED indicators before going out. The stock turn signals are massive and need lots of tape.

 

[LehighLuke]

Never thought about the crash cleanup point. Thanks for the info!

 

[marthy]

Don't forget Water Weather or something similar. Most track event forbid the use of Prestone. Zip tie passenger foot pegs, tape wheel weight & every single lights. Remove license plate too. Lock wire drain plug, oil filter/hose clamp combo and few other bits depend of track rule. Ask questions before you go... much easier to sort things out before you go then there at tech.

 

[weaponzero]

So at the track, they make you tape up your lights and blinkers, right? Brake lights too? Anyway, is the reason for this so that the light isn't a distraction to the other riders? The headlight gets real hot, I would imagine that the tape adhesive would almost get melted onto the plastic and get gross...wouldn't it be easier just to remove the lightbulb?...or heck, even the fuse. Is that allowed?, or do they require you to have the lens covered in blue no matter what?

That got me thinking that it would be cool for most bikes...that manufacturers should mount a switch somewhere (like under the seat or something) that would just kill the power to all the lights so that you don't have to bother with all the tape. Is that a mod that you could do yourself?...and again, would that be accepted by the track?

The reason they do this is so that if it cracks or shatters it won't end up everywhere on the track. Ever tape up your windows for a storm? Same concept. Doesn't have to be blue, just most people use painters tape for this (since it doesn't mark up your paint) which typically comes in blue.

 

[v2Bob]

What others have said. Plus it is common that you can see vehicles on other parts of the track from where you are, so headlights can be a distraction too.

If I was taking a street 09 to the track I might just take the head and tail light assemblies off.

 

[triplethreat]

What others have stated. As far as coolant and safety wiring goes, every organization and/or track has their own specific rules regarding that.

 

[LehighLuke]

BTW, I am not personally even riding anymore, least of all going to the track...I was just moreso curious.

 

[doozerdave]

BTW, I am not personally even riding anymore, least of all going to the track...I was just moreso curious.

I was wondering about that. Thought maybe your plans had changed.

 

[FZ1Mike]

Don't forget Water Weather or something similar. Most track event forbid the use of Prestone. Zip tie passenger foot pegs, tape wheel weight & every single lights. Remove license plate too. Lock wire drain plug, oil filter/hose clamp combo and few other bits depend of track rule. Ask questions before you go... much easier to sort things out before you go then there at tech.

From my experience, it's usually only the intermediate or advanced groups that require non-ethyl glycol based coolant. But it depends on the track, so it's best to confirm in advance. Taping over the speedometer is often required in beginner groups as well (but not the tach) to discourage beginners from thinking about how fast they're going. By beginner I don't mean new riders - just new to the track.

 

[Tunnelvision748]

What everyone said is true, but the main reason it was first required was because back in the day motorcycles had glass headlights and the tape made it easier to cleanup.

 

[Mothy]

I was wondering about that. Thought maybe your plans had changed.

I, for one, am not completely counting that out. A track is a controlled environment. Maybe one day, Luke? Riding is one of those things that sticks with you... like your first love.

 

[doozerdave]

I, for one, am not completely counting that out. A track is a controlled environment. Maybe one day, Luke? Riding is one of those things that sticks with you... like your first love.

Yes, controlled environment... As I sit here recovering with a plated collar bone. Not my fault, hit from behind by a pro racer who crashed trying to pass me.

Definitely safer than street but shit still happens. That was my first crash at the track since 2004 (been tracking since 2002).

 

[v2Bob]

Dave, please don't scare the track newbies. Yours was an advanced group type of track crash, and in my experience not a common one, more what one would expect in an actual race practice or race. In the clubs that I've ridden with even in the advanced group riders are expected to keep an extra margin of safety while passing etc.

 

[doozerdave]

Dave, please don't scare the track newbies. Yours was an advanced group type of track crash, and in my experience not a common one, more what one would expect in an actual race practice or race. In the clubs that I've ridden with even in the advanced group riders are expected to keep an extra margin of safety while passing etc.

You're right, Bob. It was a race practice day where they allow track day riders to help pay the bills. Definitely a rare occurrence, and like I said, 10 years riding in advanced and with racers (even National level pros, this guy was regional) never had any real incident. By no means will I be giving up track over this, just won't be tracking with that particular organization again.

Track is where it's at! Most fun on two wheels for sure!

 

[jared p]

What everyone said is true, but the main reason it was first required was because back in the day motorcycles had glass headlights and the tape made it easier to cleanup.

exactly what i was preparing to type up, couldn't believe no one said it sooner. plastic bits dont matter, they dont puncture tires or people, glass does. mirrors, indicators, light covers etc, are all plastic now so, a lot of track day providers don't require taping if your parts are plastic, most require brake lights to have fuses pulled or taped just cuz yes, brake lights cause problems on the racetrack