| Author | Message | ||
     Devondunit |
I'm hoping this stimulates a long and informative discussion, lol. I am not new to badweb and have been riding regularly for 8 years now (avg about 8000 mi. a year). I am on my second 1125r(wrecked my '08), an 09 now with barkers exhaust and EBR ECM, and have been wanting very much for a long time to do a track day. I have two room mates that ride sport bikes as well with similar experience as myself who are interested as well but none of us have even met anyone who actually attends track days, as a matter of fact- even though we all ride quite a bit and frequent the tail of the dragon, we don't really know any other dedicated motorcyclist at all.  Anyway... We live about 50 miles from the mid-Ohio track and are afraid that if we show up with the gear we think is appropriate And our bikes as prepared as we feel they should be (I.e. tires, safety wire; still have to learn that one; and light covers) we don't want to look foolish and nubile. So open for advice and tips on this. -We talked about going and watching one first. | ||
| Kruizen |
My recommendation would be to post this on the track organizations forum that you plan to ride with. Their members can guide you to proper gear, and bike prep for your first day. HAVE FUN don't worry about the little things. Everyone that has done a track day, had their first day also-probably with much the same feelings. Every organization I have ridden with was more than accommodating when you told them it was your first day. Go there with the mind set that its your first day and learn all you can. | ||
| Ogobracing |
Ditto to what Kruizen said. I would add that most track day providers require newbies to start with the beginners groups no matter how good the rider might think he or she is. Believe me, you will learn a lot no matter what your skill level. Talk to the instructors and/or control riders and they can help you a lot. I will also add you are now on the path to going broke.  | ||
| Jdugger |
Reach out to the track day organization you are riding with. With ours, we have a new rider program where one of our instructors guides you through your first day, and will answer pre-day questions via email, etc. We found a dramatic increase in return riders when we put this program in place. It's a win/win -- you have a better initial experience, and we get a return customer. | ||
| Albert666 |
i can't speak for usa track days but over here i wanted to do one for ages, never had the bottle or anyone to go with. my wife bought me a day at the ron haslam race school when it moved to silverstone so that was just a case of showing up really, i did take all my own gear as i rode there, had a great time, then booked myself onto a novice only track day at silverstone, i paid for some extra instruction from james whitham, by the end of the day i was getting my knee down ( not the be all end all i know but it feels good) since then i have done few track days at silverstone, i still don't have anyone who'll go with me me but there's always plenty of people to talk to, there's a few dicks who think they're better than everyone else and a few 'all gear but no idea' but its generally a good atmostsphere, it pays to get an instructor to follow you and give you some pointers etc as by the end of the day you think your as fast as you can be, but there's plenty of ways to improve, myself i need to aim for apexes a lot more, i always go in the beginners group as i'd sooner be quite quick in that group than slow in the intermediate group, plus the intermediates seem to have the most red flags, ambition outweighing talent and all that. all i ever do is ride up, tape up my headlights and mirrors, fold the mirrors down, let the tyre pressure down a bit and off you go, an 1125 won't get overtaken by much out there, its all about fun, its not a race (apparently)  here's a vid (Message edited by albert666 on December 29, 2012) | ||
| Ratbuell |
Check with the organization (and track) you plan to join. I would be surprised if a track day would require safety wire...standard "street-safe" tech should suffice. There may be rules for Advanced and Expert levels...but you shouldn't have to worry about that for a while. Ride YOUR OWN pace. Let them pass you. Better to finish at the back...than to not finish. Cheaper that way, too  Only compare yourself to yourself. The ONLY time you need to pay attention to the other riders is, to know where they are so you don't hit them or get hit by them. Otherwise, consider them mutes - they say nothing, so you don't have to pay attention to anything  Don't get riled up, don't get an attitude, don't let them get one with you. Ride, enjoy, and get better with every lap. | ||
| Jhuppdog |
I did my first track day this past October and since then that is all I can think about. I am hoping to do 8 track days and 1 California superbike day this year. The track is a great place to practice your skills and push yourself. You are riding in a semi-controlled environment and you do not have to worry about the cagers running over you. Everyone at the track was very nice. No matter the skill level everyone would talk to you and help out with whatver they could. As far as your bike goes, as long as it passed your state inspection it should pass tech. I remove my license plate and mirrors, put painters tape on the headlights and tailight and that was it. Just be prepared to be addicted. | ||
| Duggram |
HOLD YOUR LINE!!! A few years ago I was at a trackday that only a few riders showed up early to so the track operator let everyone go out together. I came up on a new track rider at about twice his speed. He left a lot of room on the inside of the turn so I went to the inside. Just as I got to him he slams on his brakes and pulls in front of me at about a 30 degree angle from his previous radius. I hit my front brake, and of course I'm using race pads and they work really good. My front end folds and I go over the front. I get a ride in the ambulance. At the hospital I get a CT scan and at first it looks clear. The ER doc, a general surgeon I had worked with in the past thought something didn't look right with the CT. He orders another and after it I get wheeled back to the ER. Soon the surgeon comes rushing to my gurney, orders up a scalpel and morphine. The ER nurse couldn't get the drug cabinet open. The surgeon says "Doug I'm sorry but we can't wait for any pain meds" and sticks the scalpel into my right lateral chest. Then he sticks a chest tube in. I had a tension pneumothorax which is a life threatening condition where the heart is getting crushed because a lung is punctured, commonly by a broken rib which I had 3. Please ride predictably. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Step 1: tape over your speedometer. If you are looking at your speed you are not paying attention where you need to be, the track. Step 2: Throw away your ego. A track day is not a race, there is no prize. Ride your pace and enjoy it, if someone passes you, don't get sucked into riding over your head trying to follow their pace. It's better to enjoy your day and keep on two wheels. Step 3: Addiction Be prepared to need to go back over and over again. | ||
| Duggram |
BTW at the time everyone said the accident was definitely my fault. I don't agree. If the new track rider had just held his line nothing would have happened. Since that accident I try to not ride on a track with newbies, and if I have to I go their speed in turns and pass them way wide on a straight. | ||
| Jdugger |
> Please ride predictably. This is something that has to be taught, not something a rider can do without good instruction. How can they possibly understand what "predictable" or "hold your line" means when they don't even understand why the correct line is what it is? I've been teaching Level-1 trackdays too long to expect anything predictable out of new track riders, even ones with decades of street experience. | ||
| Duggram |
I understand your point, but do you think this is bad advice? How hard is to understand don't slam on your brakes in a turn and suddenly make a 30 degree change in direction? Ride predictably without radical changes in direction. I respect what the trackday instructors do for participants. But is it wrong to expect trackday riders to have common sense? I'm not saying that someone should skip track instruction. That would be an irresponsible mistake. | ||
| Jdugger |
> How hard is to understand don't slam on your > brakes in a turn and suddenly make a 30 > degree change in direction? In my experience... "Very". There's absolutely no debate you are right in everything you say. I'm just commenting on my experience with new riders. They are tremendously unpredictable, regardless of how seriously they take and lecture. It takes seat time, and sometimes a lot of it, for "where you are on the track" to start to make sense for these guys. Most of them are mentally consumed with keeping the bike upright and all the new sensations of track riding. ... and at the end of the day, the guy performing the pass is the one responsible for keeping it clean. I seriously doubt the rider in question even realized his mistake. New riders have a lot to learn in a sport that's difficult and sometimes dangerous. It's mentally exhausting, and they just aren't there yet. We give them the exact advice you give several times every single instruction session; at our track day all L1 and L2 riders are required to attend classroom sessions. I'm saying it can take a while to stick, and you just can't expect it of a new rider. | ||
| Duggram |
>... and at the end of the day, the guy performing the pass is the one responsible for keeping it clean. And this is why since that crash I wait till we get to a straight and pass wide. BTW I found an axle bell that goes with the chain drive to make it easier to shove a socket on the axle nut. Not that important except for endurance racing but it does belong to you. I'll get it to you this week. | ||
| Coolice |
Just follow all the good advise above. There are no dumb questions. Let the "fast guys" pass you, your not racing. Its a track day. Come rested, bring plenty water, sports drinks, fruit etc. Riding on the track is very physical. Bring extra fuel, air pump/ tank. Tools for adjustments. Chairs and maybe a canopy if not in a garage. Last HAVE FUN! | ||
| Devondunit |
Wow, thanks to everyone for their advice and the personal experiences. I just recovered from an accident that broke my left clavicle in to 3 pieces and crushed my left foot so I have found myself more anxious on tight curves and more paranoid of going too fast on them. I downshifted from 3 to 1 going around a very tight curve which was a really stupid mistake and ended up body slamming a dirt embankment. I really feel the need to receive proper training and experience in a controlled environment to get my confidence back and avoid dangerous mistakes in the future. Can't tell you all how much I appreciate the advice and candor, I have been looking forward to getting into this for years. I'd like to open more discussion by asking for more specifics on gear. I buy good gear (arai helmet, scorpion leather jacket and gloves, alpine star boots etc.) but don't want to spend the money on a full suit right off the bat, can I get away with less as a beginner? All I have to go off of so far is the mid Ohio website. | ||
| Therealassmikeg |
One of the rules we have in our club is no inside passing before the apex in group 1 and 2. they feel that if you're not good enough to pass on the outside than you have no business passing on the inside. An observation of mine in the few track days I've attended is that it takes a few laps to see how someone you're trying to overtake rides, this gives you time to adjust to any bad lines, excessive braking he/she continues to take before making a calculated and safe move. As far as gear goes, a lot of clubs will rent or lend you gear the first couple of track days. Best advice is to contact the club, or find the website of the club that you plan on riding with and scour it for info you are looking for. You can buy used leathers. If you're willing to take a little time to clean them and stitch them back up you can find some deals on some nice gear. I picked up a used Spidi one piece suit and Alpine Star boots for under $200.00 they are well broken in and fit perfect. | ||
| Albert666 |
two piece leathers with a 360 deg zip are ok, that's what i usually wear the general rule they point out on all the track days i've done is a 6ft gap when overtaking and not to outbrake into corners, if someone has committed to a corner, its theirs, they don't know you're there | ||
| Jhuppdog |
As others have suggested keep your eyes out for used gear. I would watch craigslist and some of the track day organizer forums. A lot of times you can find barely worn gear for less than half price. Another option is to rent the gear. I ride with NESBA and they have a couple of sets of gear that they rent out on a first come first serve basis. This is a great option for someone who is not sure if they are going to like track days. As others have stated Ride your own pace and Leave your ego at home. I have never ridden with any other track organizations so I can only tell you about my experiences with the NESBA organization. They are very structred and focus on rider safety and at the same time make sure your having a good time. They have 3 different levels and with each level the track rules loosen up. I am in the beginner class and the have some basic rules. Keep your line No passing unless the bikes standing up (no passing in the corners unless instructed by a Control Rider) Keep your head facing forward (It is the responsibility of the rider behind you to pass clean and not run into the back of you) Watch the hand signals from the Control Rider Take a look around at the track organizations in your area and see which one best suits you and do a track day. | ||
| Crowley |
You've had some very sage advice here, that you'll no doubt forget entirely by the end of your first lap. Don't worry, we've all been there! I was incredibly unpredictable on my first track session (despite 30 odd years of fast -and lucky- road riding) I was taken to one side by another very experienced track rider and given some pointers, and then I paid extra for some Pro tuition. It was the best money I ever spent. I my experience, I've seen far fewer wipeouts in the Inter and Fast groups; the more experienced riders will spot you and give you a wide berth. Another very important factor is keeping yourself hydrated and fed. I'm well aware of this in my other sports, climbing, mountaineering, ski touring etc, but it's easy to forget if your're 'only' riding a motorbike. Bananas are natures fast food  | ||
| Jdugger |
> two piece leathers with a 360 deg zip are > ok, that's what i usually wear I recommend a 2-piece with 270 zip for riders who also do a lot of street riding or sport touring. I recommend a 1-pc if you get serious about the track. Why? If you are out on a mountain ride and stop for lunch, the 1pc is a disaster when you need to take a shit. It's a real hassle and the 2pc is vastly better here. But, on the track, the 1pc affords better movement with your body and isn't bulky around the mid-section. It *is* better. | ||
| Buellmojo |
Mid Ohio does their own thing, which is a good school, with good instructors. Rumor has it, Sport Bike Track Time might schedule a track day this year at Mid Ohio. none of us have even met anyone who actually attends track days, as a matter of fact- even though we all ride quite a bit and frequent the tail of the dragon, we don't really know any other dedicated motorcyclist at all. : ( In Ohio, near Columbus, it would seem that you are looking in the wrong places? | ||
| Nm5150 |
Buy the best gear you can afford.Most places also require a back protector now and I didn't like this until it really came in handy one day Stuff like Bohn Armor shorts and chest protector under your leathers ain't a bad idea either IMHO. | ||
| Glide |
Do not worry about being new every one there has gone thru their first day. Mid Ohio is a great experience and their web site walks you thru what to expect. Sign up for the novice group and you will be put into small group of riders with similar experience levels to work with an instructor for the day. But be aware is extremely addictive! | ||
| Pmjolly |
Recently, I did my first track day on a day that was very slow. We nearly had the track to ourselves. I am 44 years old. I've been riding since I was 16 years old. I've ridden the Dragon many times, the Ozarks a couple of times, and South Texas hill country several times. I know how to ride a motorcycle, but I was a total newbie on the track! My lines sucked. I was nowhere near riding fast. I did not even realize how bad my lines were until I watched video filmed by my instructor. I really appreciate him taking the time to work with me. I was more worried about keeping my Buell right side up than I was about proper technique. Here is a link to a video of that day. My camera was mounted just behind my front wheel. The other views are footage from my instructor. This is also video evidence that he can ride faster than some while using only one hand and turned around backwards giving a thumbs up! I say go for it Devondunit! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVlJrmtVYJw | ||
| Mackja |
Be mindful once you do a track day you will be hooked, it is an addiction!!! Most fun you can have with your cloths on,WOO HOO!!! | ||
| Clk92vette |
I have owned and ridden motorcycles since 1986. I did my first track day in 2011 in the novice group at Nelson's Ledges which is east of Cleveland. I did my second track day last year in the intermediate group. I honestly feel that I improved my cornering skills at least 50% in my first track day. My suggestions are as follows: start by reading a good instructional book such as Total Control by Lee Parks, spend some time practicing what you learned prior to your track day, if your not in good shape now start a training program that strengthens your core muscles, go and have a blast. You will never truly appreciate your 1125 until you take it on the track! |
