Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi everyone!

I'm a beginner biker - been riding about 6 months - and I'm itching to do a Track Day - possibly in June.

I wondered how many of you experienced riders have done this and what advice can you give? Is it too soon for me to do this?

Your advice is much appreciated!

Cheers.

COntact the organizers of the track day near you and ask them if they have a time set aside for beginners. From what I've seen, being barely able to balance a bike is all you need to be qualified.....

depends on the track day.theres track days and theres track days.some point you in direction of track and leave you to it(best avoided without a zillion years experiance and a death wish,then theres properly organised affairs,with classes for all (novice to expert).make sure you tell them how much practice youve had and they will show you the ropes,just pick the right one.xjrjohn

I'd say, if you gotta ask, then you're likely not ready.

I rode on the street for a year when I first started riding, and then went immediately to the track, but kept riding as a daily commute. I knew it was where I would learn the most about the bike and develop my riding skills. Back then there were no track day options... so i went to our local roadracing club, took the course, got my race licence and did the roadracing thing. tons o' fun. tons to learn. addictive

Then i bought another bike for the street and kept on race prep'd. You might want to ensure you have the budget to buy race plastic, etc, in case of a crash.

When you are up to speed on your bike, and riding comfortably and quickly on local backroads, and feel that you have a decent level of control (practice practice practice), plus good mechanical ability and understand the workings of the bike, etc... THEN ensure your bike is in good roadworthy condition, with high quality tires, etc.. and you have learned about how to setup your suspension, look after the basic maintenence, etc... you will be ready for the track. Master the basics first. Take an advanced street riding course. Learn about decent technique in throttle control, braking, steering, body position.. and have GOOD gear.

hope that helps.

//monkey

It's never too early for a good track day. Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginner course (or your country's equivalent) but 6 months of riding means you should be comfortable enough on your bike to get on a track, in the right environment.

I did my first one last fall, and I wish I'd done it sooner. I learned more about the handling and capabilities of my motorcycle in 2 days than I did in the previous 18 years of street riding, reading books and magazines, and watching videos. I learned a lot the first two years I rode also, but that involved crashing repeatedly.

Choose an organization that offers a track school as opposed to a pure track day. I went with Sportbike Track Time and their Novice class has a (required) classroom component and a good ratio of instructors/control riders to students. There were some real noobs out there, but the organizers did a great job making sure everyone rode at a pace that was comfortable for them, even if it meant one really slow girl got her own instructor.

Join a local riding group and make some friends. You'll likely need help to get to a track day; a support vehicle to carry tools, gas cans, and a cooler is necessary. It's also nice to haul your bike on a trailer, or at least have trailer space available if your bike needs help getting home. There's no more reason you should crash on the track than on the street, but it's possible, so it's good to have a plan.

You'll need full gear - real motorcycle boots, gloves, leathers either one-piece or zip together two piece, spine protector, and an undamaged helmet. Some groups allow textile suits in Novice, so check with the groups that hold track days in your area. You should be riding in full gear all the time anyway, so it's money well spent.

You'll also need a motorcycle that can pass the tech inspection - everything in working order, new or nearly new tires, no knackered chains or worn out brake pads. You _don't_ need a new sportbike. Most track groups have a minimum CC requirement, but you can learn to ride anything better on a track. The day I went there was a guy out on an old KZ650, and I and another guy were on '86 VFRs. Depending on the track and class you may need to replace your coolant with water. The one I went to didn't require safety wire or coolant replacement in Novice, just tape over all glass, wheel weights, and fold in the mirrors.

I agree absolutely w/ Abenormal ...

Trackdays can hone your skill and make you a better rider in a safer environment than the street. As others said though, make sure you're attending one with a good reputation and that is properly organised!