A couple of weeks ago we checked out some of the best leather one-piece race suits, but what about the rest of what keeps you safe? Let's check out what other bits of kit we recommend to have the best trackday possible.
If you’ve settled on doing a trackday then fair enough. You don’t need to leave the country and fall foul of ever-changing travel restrictions, so it’s an ideal way of getting out on your bike to experience something different to the commute.
While far safer than any road, with one-way traffic and very few things to hit, you do need to make sure your kit is up to scratch for riding on the track. While you’re less likely to hit something, you’ve still got to contend with sliding and hitting the ground at high speed if everything goes pear-shaped! Not only that, if your kit isn’t up to scratch you might not be allowed to enter the track.
Race Leathers – Airbag suits, one piece suits and two piece suits
If you’re strapped for time and can’t read last week’s blog (link here) then arguably the best bang for buck sits with RST when it comes to one piece suits. Their Pro Series Airbag CE suit is arguably the choice when it comes to dipping your toes into track riding and not needing a new mortgage. This is a full race suit with an airbag equipped In&Motion back protector for some of the ultimate in safety – at only £749.99 RRP this is about the best track protection you can get for the price.
If you’re looking for something more conventional and don’t want to blow the bank, then again RST are king. The Tractech Evo R comes in at £449.99 currently, while their two piece equivalent comes in at a shade under £470 – for all intents and purposes it’ll perform as well as the Pro Series Airbag, minus the airbag tech.
Trackday Helmets
If you’re getting serious about riding on the track then you might want to treat yourself to a lightweight race helmet, but for most you’ll find that your road lid will just fine for dipping your toes in track riding. That being said, you’ll be thanking having a solid, full-face lid if all goes wrong as it goes a long way to keeping your head safe. Here are a couple of our picks:
The Shoei NXR is one of the kings of the mid-tier premium helmets for the road, and while it’s definitely not a race helmet it’ll comfortably let you experience a trackday without worry. Shoei’s renowned quality and safety are backed up by an included Pinlock and great ventilation to keep you seeing clearly and cool when you’re chucking your bike around.
If you’re getting more serious then maybe the HJC RPHA-11 might tickle your fancy. Unlike some race helmets this doesn’t attract the price tag you might expect although you will pay a premium for some of the eye-catching graphics that are on offer. Cal Crutchlow has raced in this very model of helmet, suffice to say it has had some testing! Race helmets are inherently louder than normal road helmets to save weight, but a good set of earplugs should keep your sane and away from premature deafness. If you’re looking for a helmet for the track that’ll reduce neck fatigue, and able to be used on the road with earplugs then this could be the helmet for you.
Gloves for the Track
Next up, your hands. A good pair of race gloves will offer good feel through the palms and fingers for precise control of levers and the throttle, but include extensive armour and other innovations purely for safety.
A favourite of ours, and one that makes a great summer road glove too, is the Knox Handroid, now in its 4th iteration. These are not budget gloves, however you’re getting potentially some of the best hand protection for tarmac possible, and some seriously sci-fi looking bits of kit. Natty floating knuckle protectors reduce hand fatigue, excellent scaphoid protection and probably the simplest fastening system you’ll come across are all present and correct. At £229.99 these aren’t cheap, but they’re worth every penny if you’ll use them.
For something more conventional, look no further than the Dainese Carbon 3. A shade over £140 these are much more palatable in price and still offer excellent protection. A carbon knuckle and TPU protection on the fingers and palm ensure your hands slide and can take an impact, while sheepskin and goat leather offer excellent abrasion protection without compromising suppleness and feel.
Boots Made for Racing
Your feet are very vulnerable to being twisted in ways they shouldn’t when you have a spill, alongside the risk of being dragged along tarmac. A good pair of boots massively reduces the risk of serious injury. If you’re after a pair that’ll do well on the road then some waterproofing is a handy addition, alongside a simple fastening system that keeps anything loose away from the chain, while fitting well.
For a budget option look no further than the RST Tractech Evo 3 Waterproof boots, these come in at £125.99 currently and feature about all you need for a solid road and basic track boot, including a waterproof membrane, shin plate, side-zip and a so-called 360 Heel Cockpit to keep your ankle aligned.
If you’re taking things more seriously then Sidi’s ST boots are an excellent upgrade well suited to track use but still keeping things sensible with the price at £260.99 currently. Sidi is well-known for natty fastening systems, with the ST being no different. The side-zip is pair to a quick-release fastener at the top of the calf that’ll last better than Velcro. A fibreglass ankle brace system keeps your ankle from twisting, while replaceable toe sliders and heel armour will help ensure the boots can take a blow and be usable afterwards.
If you need some expert advice, then you can have a chat online with us via web chat on our website. The Bike Stop shop in Stevenage is unfortunately closed once again in line with Government guidelines, however our online shop is alive and well, and taking orders for delivery. We will be of course reopening fully as soon as it is safe and permitted. You can also check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365-day period – see our returns page for more details.
