Getting into track days?...

[Benji_Blade]

Hey All,

I'm fancying getting into track days though i dont have a track specific bike. I only have my road bike (CBR1000RR6). Is this a big no-no? I understand the dangers of binning it but is there any way to get the experience? I'm keen to have a go though am a total noobie when it comes to the ins and outs. I went and did Knee down school a little while back and am keen to put this into practice.

Sorry if this promps some of the track day guru's to roll their eyes whilst letting out a little but i just want to know where to start, i know with cars they hold "Run what you brung" days, do they do this for bikes? I dont want to go out and be the next Rossi, I just fancy the experience and to improve my fast riding legally

Any help or suggestions would be very appreciated. Happy New Year to one and all.

Cheers,

-Ben

[deej]

Hi ben

Different people will have different opinions on this im sure

I did the Ron Haslam school first and learnt a bit about track riding,etiqeutte and skills etc then went onto trackdays. At your first trackday take your time to learn the track and build your speed up as the day goes on, take plenty of water as you will dehydrate whilst out on track. Bike wise lower your tyre pressures, tape up lights and mirrors etc. I'd also recommend grabbing a instructor for a session or two, theyre usually free unless its a celebrity day/instructor, well worth losing a session of free riding to get yourself some extra experience and knowledge to help you become the next rossi

im sure there will be loads more help soon

[DynaMight]

Nothing wrong with using your road bike. Theres a lot less dangers on the track than on the road, the only real danger to yourself is YOU.

Just do a trackday, simple as that. Book novice and see how you do, just try not to go in thinking you'll be the fastest out there, but imo because you've asked, it already sounds like you're level headed.

I don't think it matters which track you start at, yes some are easier to learn than others but if you do a lot of road riding, you'll learn any track to a decent level after a few sessions.

[TLS-Moose]

If you are going to use your road bike (and it can be hard to justify the expense of a track-only bike as well), and you decide you like trackdays, do what most do - invsest in plenty of good quality crash-protectors and a set of race plastics

[billinom8s]

TRack fairings ase a good place to start, even if it's to ease your mind. Don't worry about being nervous or asking questions - we have all been there, nerves are good.

If you can, go with friends, a bit of banter makes it fun. DOn't worry about being overtaken, it's not a race - so they say



Get your name down on our private trackday, quiet track, not too testing but still a fun day out. Like gav said, stick yourself in novice and in from there.

[deej]

youve made the best decision by actually deciding to do one

go along an enjoy it and dont forget to get your photos at the end of the day too

[Milky]

When the next Llandow? Definelty try a small easy track like that if you can. I've only done a couple of track days myself but was definetly a good idea startng off in a small beginner group and bimbling round a lttle circuit Track days are great for improving your confidence back on the road aswell

[Diggler]

Makes no real difference which track you go to, just go at your own pace. If you are there with friends which is always a good idea just dont start racing each other itll end in tears. Use the instructors its what there there for. When I did a instructing I loved taking out first timers just to see the silly grin on there faces at the end of the day.


BE WARNED !!! you will get addicted

[ninjajockey]

I did my first trackday last year, ( my mrs bought it for me as a present)
I loved it, took my road bike, I went on my own ('cos I have no mates ) but everyone was really friendly and I got loads of advice from people in the paddock, the guys next door even insisted i join them and made me share their barbeque lunchtime .
I did one session behind an instructor and it really helped, getting a good line through a corner really sets you up for the fast bits.
To be honest my sliders didn't come anywhere near the tarmac, but it was one of the best days of my biking life, I'll be doing more this year

[billinom8s]

When the next Llandow? Definelty try a small easy track like that if you can. I've only done a couple of track days myself but was definetly a good idea startng off in a small beginner group and bimbling round a lttle circuit Track days are great for improving your confidence back on the road aswell

FRIDAY JUNE 3RDi am taking money for it now

[Benji_Blade]

Hey Guys,

Thank you for all your replies, very helpful and it took a lot of the worry away. I will certainly be looking into going and having a blast. I didn't realise there was an option to follow an instructor, even if you had to part with a bit of cash to do so, i think it would be worth it.

The reason for my slow reply is i had a bit of a boo boo on the rugby field and broke my foot, in a cast for a bit so i'll not be biking full stop for a month or so I'll deffo get involved when i'm back on my two feet and wheels thank you again, very informative.

Cheers,

-Ben

[Squashed_Fly]

I'm a trackday virgin too! Booked in for Ron Haslam in May, to pop my cherry, then hopefully coming on the Llandow day as well.

One question I have, when people mention taping up lights and mirrors, what exactly do you mean by that? Just put sellotape over them? And why is it necessary? Lots of questions!

[ninjajockey]

One question I have, when people mention taping up lights and mirrors, what exactly do you mean by that? Just put sellotape over them? And why is it necessary? Lots of questions!

The trackday organisers like you to take up your lights, and (preferably) remove your mirrors, because if you do have a mishap it reduces the risk of broken glass on the tarmac, as the tape will hold it together.
Gaffer tape is best, but electricians tape almost as good

[DynaMight]

One question I have, when people mention taping up lights and mirrors, what exactly do you mean by that? Just put sellotape over them? And why is it necessary? Lots of questions!

It's not really essential to tape up the lights etc, but if you can use the same colour tape as the rest of the fairing then it instantly makes it a track bike, which in turn decreases your lap times by 10 seconds. Removing or folding in your mirrors is quite important imo, because on track, you shouldn't be worried about what's behind you, only what's infront of you.

[Diggler]

Put a little bit of tape across your speedo as well, you dont need to be looking down to see how fast/slow your going