Another eventful fortnight at mono motorcycles, seeing Daniel & Katy taking a short break last week to attend the fantastic Castle Combe Grand National.

Ever considered a track day, but not sure where to start? Here’s a few things to think about before you go.

First thing to think about, is if your bike is suitable for track. Then think about the type of track you are going to. Some tracks are considerably faster than others. Brands GP being one of them. If you’ve never done a track day before, you will need to make sure you are booked into the right class for the day. If in doubt, contact the track. Next, think about how to prep your bike. Indicators, rear pegs, reg plates, etc can be removed, mirrors folded in or removed. You will also need to make sure you have full leathers, boots, gloves, lid.

Before you even pack up your bike, check that the decibel level of your exhaust is accepted by the track you are going to. If you are not sure, you can get it checked by using an app you can download to your phone, or you can buy a DB tester. If in doubt, take a couple of DB killers with you. Tyres are best on track when they are warm, so tyre warmers are a good investment. Not all tracks have power, so maybe a generator too. Paddock stands, tools, fuel, kit, plenty of hydration for yourself, are all essentials for a track day.

On the day you will need to register early & get a garage set up, so getting to track at 5.30/6am is not unheard of. Sound testing & briefing follows. Once you’ve got through all of the tick boxes, then you are ready to get out on track.

Remember. Always respect the marshals. Know your flags & warm your tyres for a few laps & above all ride to enjoy.

Following briefing & the sighting laps in the morning, Daniel was out in the only group made up of non racers. As we were at Castle Combe to watch the NGRRC Grand National, the racers tend to use the Friday track day as practise. This didn’t mean that the Triumph 765 RS wasn’t put through her paces.

As Daniel doesn’t have a generator, he was not able to warm the tyres before each session. Therefore at least 2 of the 5/6 laps in each session were taken up warming the tyres. Once they were up to temp, Daniel was able to make a better connection with the track & as can be seen from the state of his knee slider, getting his knee down is not a problem! 

This year’s Grand National at Castle Combe was dedicated to 50 years of the Legend that is Barry Sheene.

A maverick, wild card, charismatic, hard racing World Champion; Barry Sheene still holds a huge part in the motorcycle racing hall of fame. Daniel & I grew up in awe of this iconic racer, who pushed himself above & beyond & despite having several monumental smashes in his time, leaving him pinned & plated; his cheeky smile & the twinkle in his eye has surpassed tide & time & he is still revered the world over. Always in our hearts Sheeney.

Back in the workshop on Tuesday after an excellent weekend of racing at Castle Combe & we welcomed an immaculate Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport for a major service & front brake pads. All of the valve clearances were well within tolerance on this very well looked after Triumph.

On Wednesday, the MV Augusta F4 which is now running after joining us as a non start, had her newly filled & repainted panels fitted. They are an absolute match to the original paint. The front fairing & tail section both had been damaged in a tumble, but Jamie Gladman of JAA custom paint has not only repaired the damage, but has matched the paint perfectly. 

Thursday morning we welcomed a very clean Yamaha XJ900 Diversion to the workshop for interim servicing.

Up on the ramp Thursday afternoon, we welcomed a Honda Fireblade 929 CBR RR. The Fireblade joined us for fitting of a quick action throttle.

First up on the ramp on Friday, the beast that is the Aprilia RSV4 RR joined us. This weapon of a machine joined us for servicing & a thorough check over in advance of a track day

Our penultimate breakfast club for 2019, will take place on Sunday 22^nd September. The Charity Ride out will be a collection for SERV/Air Ambulance & the destination will be the MAG event at Port Solent. We are asking for a minimum of £5 donation per bike, to be presented to the Air Ambulance representatives at MAG Port Solent.

As always for all your motorcycling needs, contact Daniel or Katy on T: 01243 576212 E: monomotorcycles@gmail.com or through our contact page.