I'm going to a trackday this summer...
what do i need to do to prep my GS for the track?
any upgrades i should be looking at to enhance performance?

I'm going to get Progressive springs and the srinath/sm bars for sure before i go...anything else?...

Good tires are a MUST! Change oil and lube the chain. Fresh brake pads(front) and change the brake fluid. You'd be surprised how much that helps.
Have fun. I doubt you'll need anything else first time out.

Beware! Track riding is addicting and exepensive.
Just ask any (always) broke racer on this board.

Where are you doing your trackday? I do a little racing out at shannonville, hopefully I'll get the GS out this summer.

Does anybody suggest safety wiring the oil drain plug? I know I would. And the front brake caliper bolts. Wrap some duct tape around the threads of your chain adjusters just in case. Remove your headlamp, turnsignals and mirrors just in case you crash. And reflectors. Just for fun I put red reflective tape over the brakelight.

most track day clubs don't require that. it's a must if you're racing, but lets not force a newbie to break a dozen of 1/16 drill bits just yet.
let him get hooked first!

Check with the track or sponsor on what has to be safety wired. Be glad for the air cooled engine, you don't have to flush out the glycol. Don't forget about your gear. If you tape up any lights, unplug the bulb so to tape doesn't stay stuck to the lens.

Be warned...track days are addictive  :mrgreen:

safety wiring is not required...it's not really a 'race' type of track day...more of an intro so we can all get addicted...

i was hoping I'll save up enough money to buy those Avons...but if not...i'll be going with the stockers...

how often do i have to replace break pads?
I'll change the oil before I go...with just normal bike oil...not synthetic...

i think it's at cayuga...

Quote

how often do i have to replace break pads?
quote]

There's no set mileage when they should be replaced.  It's best to visually inspect them.

Oh, and I think you want "brake" pads, not "break" pads!  LOL!

DO NOT GO TO THE TRACK ON STOCK TIRES!!!!!!

most schools require oil fill/oil filter/ and oil drain
and disconnect lights and tape them

bridgestone BT090 or BT-96's
in a 110/140 about $260 a set

stock tires are bad...i know i know...hopefully i'll be able to save up some money...

oh...and BRAKE!!!...i know...

Ditto on the Brigestone BT090 tires.  They rock.  Only sticky radial tire that fits the stock rims.

they are not good for streets though right?...
by streets I mean with mileage and all weather to be priority....

Quote from: werase643DO NOT GO TO THE TRACK ON STOCK TIRES!!!!!!

most schools require oil fill/oil filter/ and oil drain
and disconnect lights and tape them

bridgestone BT090 or BT-96's
in a 110/140 about $260 a set

i can't find these tires on the webpage...

Here is a link to the website where I got mine.

http://www.barebones.net/tires.htm

You have to get these tires from a race distributor.  Try
http://www.dbmotorsportsracing.com for a start.  

I did a track day on Pirelli Supercorsas and although I have a 150/60 on the rear, I didn't experience the sharp "turn in" that some have felt.  

Adam

Quote from: werase643DO NOT GO TO THE TRACK ON STOCK TIRES!!!!!!

most schools require oil fill/oil filter/ and oil drain
and disconnect lights and tape them

bridgestone BT090 or BT-96's
in a 110/140 about $260 a set

He said he was going to a track day, not a school.

He doesn't need the race DOT's but I would not use the OEM tires either, even on the street, especially not in the rain.  

Bridgestone BT45's or equivalent will be good enough for a track day.  It is his first track day too, so he's not going to be burning up the course!

He can knock himself out & safety wire everything and the kitchen sink, but it would be more prudent to check with the organization that is holding the track day to see what the minimum requirements are.  Many orgs. have websites where this info can be found.  Usually the minimum for a track day for a "street" or "beginner" class is to have lights & speedometer taped over, remove mirrors, have tires with good tread left, make sure your brakes are in good shape, make sure chain is adjusted properly & lubed.

Quote from: Pam G

Quote from: werase643DO NOT GO TO THE TRACK ON STOCK TIRES!!!!!!

most schools require oil fill/oil filter/ and oil drain
and disconnect lights and tape them

bridgestone BT090 or BT-96's
in a 110/140 about $260 a set

He said he was going to a track day, not a school.

He doesn't need the race DOT's but I would not use the OEM tires either, even on the street, especially not in the rain.  

Bridgestone BT45's or equivalent will be good enough for a track day.  It is his first track day too, so he's not going to be burning up the course!

He can knock himself out & safety wire everything and the kitchen sink, but it would be more prudent to check with the organization that is holding the track day to see what the minimum requirements are.  Many orgs. have websites where this info can be found.  Usually the minimum for a track day for a "street" or "beginner" class is to have lights & speedometer taped over, remove mirrors, have tires with good tread left, make sure your brakes are in good shape, make sure chain is adjusted properly & lubed.

yes...yes...and yes...that's how my track day is gonna be...
i guess i better get the tires then...