Track days

[akili02]

As a new rider I just wanted to know how everyone felt about track days? I mean are they good for new riders to learn on or should you just avoid them until you've been riding for a while?

[RayOSV]

Track days are great for advancing your riding skills in a safe environment (clean surface, no cages, everyone going the same direction, etc.), but you should really have a few thousand miles on the clock first. You need to be comfortable on your bike and able to lean into turns at higher speeds. The track is a place to push your limits somewhat, but in a predictable way. I'm not suggesting this, but a good rule of thumb is to wait until you're able to take turns at least 50% faster than the posted suggested speeds (if not double). It can be really un-nerving to be passed on both sides on the track by riders going 30-40 mph faster than you are. I'd suggest a novice track day with instruction for your first one. You'll learn a bunch and have a blast.

[Fargin_Bastige]

Originally Posted by akili02

As a new rider I just wanted to know how everyone felt about track days? I mean are they good for new riders to learn on or should you just avoid them until you've been riding for a while?

How long have you been riding?

[akili02]

Originally Posted by Fargin_Bastige

How long have you been riding?

Only a few months. A few of the people that ride at the shop that I got the bike at re trying to get me to go with the shop on there track day. They are all saying that I would have a great time and learn a lot (swearing that I'll be going 160 down the straight aways) probably not. but just wondering if it would actually be helpful or would I just be extremely intimated by the speeds?

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Originally Posted by akili02

Only a few months. A few of the people that ride at the shop that I got the bike at re trying to get me to go with the shop on there track day. They are all saying that I would have a great time and learn a lot (swearing that I'll be going 160 down the straight aways) probably not. but just wondering if it would actually be helpful or would I just be extremely intimated by the speeds?

Speed is subjective, on the street that speed would be intimidating, on a track you somewhat lose the sensation of speed over time. I'm not saying it doesn't 'feel' like your going 160 mph, but it's done in a much calmer manner due to it being an environment designed to support that. On that note, I don't know of any tracks in your section of the country capable of attaining that speed for even a brief moment, what track are they saying you would ride? The new Hastings Nebraska track may not be available till late season due to construction not progressing as rapidly as they thought it would. Mid-America Motorplex (south of Omaha) might allow you to touch that speed for a moment on the straight away, but that depends on your ability and bike. Road America and Brainerd are the only 2 tracks 'up north' capable of 'as fast as your bike goes' high speeds, but those are quite a haul from where your at. Daytona is about the only track that you can truely top your bike out and keep it there for a short distance, on top of the speed your also leaned over on the banking, talk about a reality trip - that's it!

I have mixed feelings about track days, on one hand it's good due to a safe environment for speed and like-minded motorists on the same surface as yourself. On the other hand I don't like UN-INSTRUCTED trackday riding, it fools you into thinking your improving your skills, when in reality it only somewhat improves them and mainly allows you to do the same wrong things you were doing on the street at a faster pace. Learning how to actually ride better thru instruction is where it's at! I would highly suggest paying for personal instruction at the track if available, the things you would learn from that experience alone would be priceless and actually make you a better rider in a greatly reduced period of time. Once you know how to ride properly, track days could be fun for you, otherwise it may be somewhat intimidating and/or frustating if you don't understand WHY other guys are so much faster than yourself. Street riders generally develop some very bad riding habits that most are totally unaware of, identifying and breaking you of those habits will be a huge advantage for you. Learning HOW to ride, and WHY suspension settings are so important in having fun and staying safe, are things that will greatly improve your enjoyment of track time and make you a better rider on the street as well.

[Fargin_Bastige]

Originally Posted by akili02

Only a few months. A few of the people that ride at the shop that I got the bike at re trying to get me to go with the shop on there track day. They are all saying that I would have a great time and learn a lot (swearing that I'll be going 160 down the straight aways) probably not. but just wondering if it would actually be helpful or would I just be extremely intimated by the speeds?

Have you taken any other training?

I, personally, would say a track day would be useless to you and would give you bad habits.

You need to be in a learning environment at this point. You would most likely be overwhelmed.

[akili02]

Originally Posted by GSXR RACER MIKE

Speed is subjective, on the street that speed would be intimidating, on a track you somewhat lose the sensation of speed over time. I'm not saying it doesn't 'feel' like your going 160 mph, but it's done in a much calmer manner due to it being an environment designed to support that. On that note, I don't know of any tracks in your section of the country capable of attaining that speed for even a brief moment, what track are they saying you would ride? The new Hastings Nebraska track may not be available till late season due to construction not progressing as rapidly as they thought it would. Mid-America Motorplex (south of Omaha) might allow you to touch that speed for a moment on the straight away, but that depends on your ability and bike. Road America and Brainerd are the only 2 tracks 'up north' capable of 'as fast as your bike goes' high speeds, but those are quite a haul from where your at. Daytona is about the only track that you can truely top your bike out and keep it there for a short distance, on top of the speed your also leaned over on the banking, talk about a reality trip - that's it!

I have mixed feelings about track days, on one hand it's good due to a safe environment for speed and like-minded motorists on the same surface as yourself. On the other hand I don't like UN-INSTRUCTED trackday riding, it fools you into thinking your improving your skills, when in reality it only somewhat improves them and mainly allows you to do the same wrong things you were doing on the street at a faster pace. Learning how to actually ride better thru instruction is where it's at! I would highly suggest paying for personal instruction at the track if available, the things you would learn from that experience alone would be priceless and actually make you a better rider in a greatly reduced period of time. Once you know how to ride properly, track days could be fun for you, otherwise it may be somewhat intimidating and/or frustating if you don't understand WHY other guys are so much faster than yourself. Street riders generally develop some very bad riding habits that most are totally unaware of, identifying and breaking you of those habits will be a huge advantage for you. Learning HOW to ride, and WHY suspension settings are so important in having fun and staying safe, are things that will greatly improve your enjoyment of track time and make you a better rider on the street as well.

Thanks for the advice I believe that one of the tracks is in washington and the other is in Utah. I may have been exagerating the speed but I guess that was more for effects . I'm not sure if they offer instruction on these tracks but I will look and see because it can only help me (if I do decide to go, more than likely not) Most important I just want to find the safest way to work on my skills, and I thought that possible a controlled environment like that track would be the way to go. But after a few replys maybe just an empty parking lot and regular streets is what I have to work with. Thanks again

[akili02]

Originally Posted by Fargin_Bastige

Have you taken any other training?

I, personally, would say a track day would be useless to you and would give you bad habits.

You need to be in a learning environment at this point. You would most likely be overwhelmed.

the only courses that I have are the Idaho STAR & the beginner MSF course, I'm going to sign up for the advanced course when it opens in April.

[l3uddha]

the track is a great place to learn, even if you're just beginning to ride. if you're not experienced, stay the f*ck away from "open riding" track days and racing, obviously (for your own safety). there are, however, schools like the penguin roadracing school that teaches people to ride at any level; but just at a much safer place like a track, rather than congested streets. you can rent full leathers (they're required) and you'll have instructors throughout the entire experience practically holding your hand if you want them to. there's a few hours of class time before the actual riding to go over all the basics, ask questions, or whatever. I think most are a full day experience for like ...maybe $250? not too sure, but they probably have the penguin school or something much like it atyour local track. and again: it's not an open racing school; racing is strictly forbidden except during the open track sessions which you can get into towards the end of the day. this is a class/school to greatly improve and test your riding skills under the supervision of trained instructors and at the safest and most fun place to ride: a track!

[MRBoss429x]

Originally Posted by l3uddha

the track is a great place to learn, even if you're just beginning to ride. if you're not experienced, stay the f*ck away from "open riding" track days and racing, obviously (for your own safety). there are, however, schools like the penguin roadracing school that teaches people to ride at any level; but just at a much safer place like a track, rather than congested streets. you can rent full leathers (they're required) and you'll have instructors throughout the entire experience practically holding your hand if you want them to. there's a few hours of class time before the actual riding to go over all the basics, ask questions, or whatever. I think most are a full day experience for like ...maybe $250? not too sure, but they probably have the penguin school or something much like it atyour local track. and again: it's not an open racing school; racing is strictly forbidden except during the open track sessions which you can get into towards the end of the day. this is a class/school to greatly improve and test your riding skills under the supervision of trained instructors and at the safest and most fun place to ride: a track!

Thanks for the info. Im pretty much in the same boat as akili02 and now plan on doing the penguin roadrace class and hopefully some trackdays soon after.

[Fargin_Bastige]

Originally Posted by akili02

the only courses that I have are the Idaho STAR & the beginner MSF course, I'm going to sign up for the advanced course when it opens in April.

I still would only take the coached schools. If you just let loose on the track, you will pick up bad habits.

[akili02]

Originally Posted by Fargin_Bastige

I still would only take the coached schools. If you just let loose on the track, you will pick up bad habits.

Thanks for the info I'll look into it an see if it's even offered

[akili02]

Originally Posted by l3uddha

the track is a great place to learn, even if you're just beginning to ride. if you're not experienced, stay the f*ck away from "open riding" track days and racing, obviously (for your own safety). there are, however, schools like the penguin roadracing school that teaches people to ride at any level; but just at a much safer place like a track, rather than congested streets. you can rent full leathers (they're required) and you'll have instructors throughout the entire experience practically holding your hand if you want them to. there's a few hours of class time before the actual riding to go over all the basics, ask questions, or whatever. I think most are a full day experience for like ...maybe $250? not too sure, but they probably have the penguin school or something much like it atyour local track. and again: it's not an open racing school; racing is strictly forbidden except during the open track sessions which you can get into towards the end of the day. this is a class/school to greatly improve and test your riding skills under the supervision of trained instructors and at the safest and most fun place to ride: a track!

Thanks alot I guess if I keep asking questions and riding i wont be a forever

[Muffler Bearing]

Good post, I was wondering the same thing.