Why haven't you done a trackday yet?

[howworkclutch]

Why haven't you done a trackday? Whats holding you back?

 

[DewMan]

None available near me. I'd love to learn more in a controlled environment. I can't even find an advanced MSF course within driving distance.

[Bigturbomax]

Its a combination of things for me.....boots, gloves, pants, spousal permission lol! I want to go, but need better gear. Thats my holdup. I have a great jacket and snell approved helmet. My gloves are good street protection but not gauntlet so no for the track. 

[Bigturbomax]

1 minute ago, DewMan said:

None available near me. I'd love to learn more in a controlled environment. I can't even find an advanced MSF course within driving distance.

This too. Theres a track not too far from home. But advanced rider course is 3 hours away. I would really like to do that before a track day if possible. 

[DewMan]

Just now, Bigturbomax said:

This too. Theres a track not too far from home. But advanced rider course is 3 hours away. I would really like to do that before a track day if possible. 

I'd skip the MSF in your case. You'll learn a lot more at track day offering proper guidance than you'll ever learn from the MSF course I'm guessing. 

[Bigturbomax]

1 minute ago, DewMan said:

I'd skip the MSF in your case. You'll learn a lot more at track day offering proper guidance than you'll ever learn from the MSF course I'm guessing. ">

Good point. Even the advanced course tho? 

[DewMan]

1 minute ago, Bigturbomax said:

Good point. Even the advanced course tho? 

I'll let those who have done track days answer that question definitively but from what I understand I believe so. The advanced MSF course still doesn't leave the parking lot.

[bornagainbiker]

I'm 61 years old and enjoy just puttering along taking in the scenery, with no real urge to go fast--ever. I do enjoy watching others go fast though. 

[DewMan]

Just now, bornagainbiker said:

I'm 61 years old and enjoy just puttering along taking in the scenery, with no real urge to go fast--ever. LOL

I agree. I have not desire to be "Ricky Racer" but the skills learned at a track day will make you a safer rider on the street as well IMO. 

[bornagainbiker]

Just now, DewMan said:

I agree. I have not desire to be "Ricky Racer" but the skills learned at a track day will make you a safer rider on the street as well IMO. 

Good point. 

[Zupatun]

IF you take a beginner's course at the track, you'll learn a lot. Or a track oriented school like California Superbike School, or YCRS or another.  

Just a typical trackday, not so much...even just a friend taking you for a tow around the track, you're bound to not learn so much.

Most trackday schools offer leathers for rent as well as bikes to rent...I've rented a bike on a fly-away (Star School at Thunderhill, CA).  Flew in to San Francisco and drove up with a buddy for two days at the track.

 

Matt

Haymarket, VA

[NikitaUCLA]

Because I can't find a god damn suit that will fit a 5'5 140 lbs asian guy! 

[stickshift]

5 minutes ago, NikitaUCLA said:

Because I can't find a god damn suit that will fit a 5'5 140 lbs asian guy! 

Try Berik leathers (mail order only):

https://www.berikbrand.com/goods_list/goods_list_2.php?called=category&vctg_no=7

[blackout]

2 hours ago, DewMan said:

I'd skip the MSF in your case. You'll learn a lot more at track day offering proper guidance than you'll ever learn from the MSF course I'm guessing. 

Agreed.  And pick up a book like Total Control, by Lee Parks.  Also, watch YouTube videos of the track before you go.  That way you are at least partly familiar with the course layout.  Just ways to get your moneys worth if instruction at the track is marginal.

[blackout]

2 hours ago, DewMan said:

I agree. I have not desire to be "Ricky Racer" but the skills learned at a track day will make you a safer rider on the street as well IMO. 

It did for me.

[norcal616]

ROAD RACE SUIT — Bates

---

 

Just about every 2 wheel drag racer uses this company... Just take your measurements with at least sweatpants and sweatshirt to give your self a tiny bit of room to "layer up or grow" 

Different suits for different types of sports...

[blackout]

2 hours ago, Zupatun said:

IF you take a beginner's course at the track, you'll learn a lot. Or a track oriented school like California Superbike School, or YCRS or another.  

Just a typical trackday, not so much...even just a friend taking you for a tow around the track, you're bound to not learn so much.

Most trackday schools offer leathers for rent as well as bikes to rent...I've rented a bike on a fly-away (Star School at Thunderhill, CA).  Flew in to San Francisco and drove up with a buddy for two days at the track.

 

Matt

Haymarket, VA

Yup, when I went to the track for the first time, the coaching was marginal.  The classroom instruction was a joke.  The coaches did watch you ride and would tell you what you were doing wrong after the fact, but the free class room instruction was limited.  For me, this was no problem, because I read books and knew what I was supposed to do.  I went on the track and tried out what I read in the books, and the coaches would guide me from time to time.  But, if a few ladies show up in novice, the coaches will tend to ignore the dudes.  I saw this one day, it was kinda funny....

[1tondriver]

23 minutes ago, norcal616 said:

ROAD RACE SUIT — Bates

---

 

Just about every 2 wheel drag racer uses this company... Just take your measurements with at least sweatpants and sweatshirt to give your self a tiny bit of room to "layer up or grow" 

Different suits for different types of sports...

And just write a check for $1700

The closest track that allows motorcycles is 3 hours away. Renting a trailer, leathers and lodging add up quick. I am going to do a couple next year though and rent leathers, will have a new pick up for bike and bite the bullet for lodging and food. Gotta pay to play

[Bigturbomax]

4 hours ago, blackout said:

Agreed.  And pick up a book like Total Control, by Lee Parks.  Also, watch YouTube videos of the track before you go.  That way you are at least partly familiar with the course layout.  Just ways to get your moneys worth if instruction at the track is marginal.

Ive read total control front to back at least 5 times haha! Learned alot from that book. 

[stickshift]

11 hours ago, howworkclutch said:

Why haven't you done a trackday? Whats holding you back?

 

I have, I’ve done a few! 

The standard 07 has its limitations on track, but it’s still a whole lotta fun! Track focussed street tyres are a must (at a minimum), even with standard suspension and brakes this bike can hustle.

I agree with what others have said - you WILL be a better (safer) road rider after spending time at your own pace on the track.

[Beemer]

16 hours ago, Bigturbomax said:

Its a combination of things for me.....boots, gloves, pants, spousal permission lol! I want to go, but need better gear. Thats my holdup. I have a great jacket and snell approved helmet. My gloves are good street protection but not gauntlet so no for the track. 

 Just do it. They do nothing but deal with newbs at Track Days and you'll be no exception. Put some good rubber on and go treat yourself. Just don't turn into one of those dick-heads that flies in and out between cars as if he's in a race and on a race track. Oh, one more thing, ask for permission after you've had your fun, lol! 

[Beemer]

I'm with DewMan, nothing around here. I'll just have to try and enjoy my old Hot Wheels track, lol!

[cyow5]

13 hours ago, blackout said:

Yup, when I went to the track for the first time, the coaching was marginal.  The classroom instruction was a joke.  The coaches did watch you ride and would tell you what you were doing wrong after the fact, but the free class room instruction was limited.  For me, this was no problem, because I read books and knew what I was supposed to do.  I went on the track and tried out what I read in the books, and the coaches would guide me from time to time.  But, if a few ladies show up in novice, the coaches will tend to ignore the dudes.  I saw this one day, it was kinda funny....

This nails it for why I won't (and can't get spousal approval). My first track day in a car was with a group that had "instructors" advertised but they wouldn't ride with you and gave useless feedback. Ditto for the classroom session quality. Second session ended in a guardrail. 

 

Finally got back out on track last year with a significantly better group and had an absolute blast. Instructors in the car were mandatory and gave great coaching, live. My concern with a bike track day is the lack of immediate feedback, especially since the guardrail in a car was just annoying but in the bike would be a lot worse. 

 

[blackout]

Just now, cyow5 said:

This nails it for why I won't (and can't get spousal approval). My first track day in a car was with a group that had "instructors" advertised but they wouldn't ride with you and gave useless feedback. Ditto for the classroom session quality. Second session ended in a guardrail. 

 

Finally got back out on track last year with a significantly better group and had an absolute blast. Instructors in the car were mandatory and gave great coaching, live. My concern with a bike track day is the lack of immediate feedback, especially since the guardrail in a car was just annoying but in the bike would be a lot worse. 

 

Evolve GT is a track day provider that would give good training.  They have a good novice program.  Look them up if you are on the east coast.  Not sure how far west they go.  I just showed up on a regular nyst day so training was marginal.

[cyow5]

5 minutes ago, blackout said:

Evolve GT is a track day provider that would give good training.  They have a good novice program.  Look them up if you are on the east coast.  Not sure how far west they go.  I just showed up on a regular nyst day so training was marginal.

Yeah, after the success of my most recent track day, I know what to look for now. The problem is that my wife is now super paranoid, and she is one of those types to write off something forever due to a single bad experience. She's fine with me having the bike and doing track days in the car, so that's pretty much where that's going to have to stay for a while.