Track day riding guide/helps on the street.

[wrightme43]

http://foreven.com/trackdod/NoviceGuide/

This is a really well written article. Alot of the info can be used on the street as well.
It is one of the articles that got me to go ahead and calm down and have fun riding in the rain. Somewhat. LOL It still makes me nervous but not near as bad as the first time. I was so tense that when the wind blew, it almost blew the bike out from under me, because I didnt know to loosen up my arms.
I hope someone gets some use from it.

 

[hedmisten]

I love the rain now that I have learned that if Im going down...its for a reason. I cant be too upset if it cant be avoided.

 

[Cali rider]

Here is the same article in .PDF for those who want it offline..

 

[AngelFZ]

Thank you so much for this.

I'll have very good material to read...

I was curious about your first track day, when should you decide to go. Do you need to be more like an experienced rider to go, etc.

 

[nimzotech]

Great Guide - thanks for sharing.

 

[Maverick]

Thank you so much for this.

I'll have very good material to read...

I was curious about your first track day, when should you decide to go. Do you need to be more like an experienced rider to go, etc.

It is up to you to decide when to try your first track day. The beginner groups are intended for new track day riders. The gear requirements and bike preparations are much more relaxed than the intermediate and advanced groups. But check your local track for the specific rules. The beginner group also has more restricted passing rules to make it safer and more fun for the new track riders. If you are comfortable on your motorcycle, you can try a track day IMHO.

The tracks around here also have what they call parade laps at lunch time. As long as your bike isn't leaking anything, they will have a rider escort a group of potential track day customers around at street speeds so the potential track day customer can see what the track looks like. Again, call around and see what's available in your area.

 

[Wavex]

+1 ^ do a track day as soon as you can!!! You do need to be comfortable shifting gears and braking, but that's about all you need in terms of skills... I feel that I am a better rider after each track day that I do, so the earlier the better imo... I remember my first track day was on a brand new bike that I had bought 2 months earlier

 

[marke14]

Do a track day as soon as you feel like you are up to it. Don't hesitate - it's so much fun, it has changed my definition of "fun." And I've lived a "colorful" existence thus far.

I'm w/ Wavex - just do it!

 

[Wyotech kid]

I agree with the rest, do a track day as soon as possible. I had only been on a bike for 8 months ever in my life and i had just bought my fz6 brand new 8 months b4 hand. I was nervous beyond belief and felt like i didnt belong there and had one of those one the heck am i thinking moments. But i had such a rush from the first 20 minutes session i was hooked from there. Beginner class is easy and laid back compared to other classes. Here in the southeast U.S. I was a member of NESBA. With them you can try for free 2 20 minutes sessions and even rent leathers, gloves and boots. Good group to be a apart of, theres also STT sportbike track time, they also rent the gear needed also.

Downfall for me with trackdays is I dont like riding on the street as much as i use to. Cant go fast (legally) and theres cars and police everywhere not to forget all the things that jump out at us too while on the street. But trackdays have made me a safer rider for the street, saved my bacon a couple of times cuz of experience from the track.

 

[AngelFZ]

Thank you very much!!!!!

I'm close to having my bike for just one month now. I'm improving smoth shifting and as I can ride "comfortable" I realize I'm still simply a beginner trying to learn more and fix/omit mistakes.

I talked to my MSF instructor and he suggested to ride for 6-8 months before taking the "advanced" class. I also saw the "total control" course, where they require like 3,000 riding miles before taking the course.

I'm trying to find more information regarding the track days around here (the closest one is about 2:30 hours from where I live.

I'll be looking to get past 1,000 miles to be more confident on the bike.
The track parede sounds excellent, I'll look for that.

During the last weekend I went with my brother to one of those tracks, but with the car. That is actually something I most likely will do first. I was not registered to drive in the event, as I was told it was awesome.

Once again, thanks a lot for all your comments.