got any pics?
Improve your riding...do a track day
Ok guys, the verdict is in. I did my first track day yesterday at Streets of Willow. It was specifically designed for beginners, there were lead riders who helped show the lines and who would answer questions and give pointers while you waited in between sessions. Guys, there is nothing...and i mean nothing...better for learning and improving your riding than a track day.
There are lots of reasons people believe that right-hand turns are harder than lefts. I learned on the track that the biggest reason is becuz you cannot see thru a right-hand turn on the street. While I was on the track, I was dragging both knees effortlessly becuz I had complete confidence in the fact that my line was clear and I could see everything ahead of my turn. Visibility really is the biggest hinderance in right-hand turns.
Ok, I'm done ranting. Hit the track guys, you'll have the time of your lives and you'll be a totally new rider becuz of it:thumbup
There are lots of reasons people believe that right-hand turns are harder than lefts. I learned on the track that the biggest reason is becuz you cannot see thru a right-hand turn on the street. While I was on the track, I was dragging both knees effortlessly becuz I had complete confidence in the fact that my line was clear and I could see everything ahead of my turn. Visibility really is the biggest hinderance in right-hand turns.
Ok, I'm done ranting. Hit the track guys, you'll have the time of your lives and you'll be a totally new rider becuz of it:thumbup
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I'd agree. Just wish my first TD had some instructors. It was a run what cha brung event. Not really a lot of schools around Co. right now with the lack of tracks.
There will be many many pics put up tonite at www.fastmotofotos.com. There was a pro photographer there, he was snappin pics like a madman. I'm definitely gonna order a few of 'em. I have to admit, once I figured out where he was, I was hammin it up a little bit, draggin the knee a little longer for the camera:thumbupkaizashozay said:got any pics?
Are full leathers required at the track? Full suit or what? I haven't really put much thought into going to the track but it doesn't sound like a bad idea. Just need to know what kind of gear I'd need.
From my understanding, correct if wrong,
Ya, youll need a full suit, real riding boots, full gauntlet gloves, and approved helmet.
GOOD TIRES, either slicks or minimum PP's or comprable good street tires
Depeding on the event from my understanding you mayneed to safety wire the bike, tape off headlights & tail lights possibly more
Ya, youll need a full suit, real riding boots, full gauntlet gloves, and approved helmet.
GOOD TIRES, either slicks or minimum PP's or comprable good street tires
Depeding on the event from my understanding you mayneed to safety wire the bike, tape off headlights & tail lights possibly more
Very true Awws, the track definitely changes your riding. I found, as I'm sure many others have, that it makes you SO much more conservative on the street. I still have fun on the street, don't get me wrong, but I don't push it nearly as hard as I used to, and when I do, I have much better control of the bike from what I learned at the track.
I think a couple track days and a set of leathers should come with the bike.
I think a couple track days and a set of leathers should come with the bike.
The group I went with was called Motorcycle Training Center, it's an organization backed by the State Sheriff's dept. These are the rules we were told to follow, and keep in mind they will likely change from group to group:IamChuckNuttz said:Are full leathers required at the track? Full suit or what? I haven't really put much thought into going to the track but it doesn't sound like a bad idea. Just need to know what kind of gear I'd need.
You'll need a two-piece suit that zips together at the waiste. Only club racing requires a one-piece suit as far as I know. Full-gauntlet gloves, track boots and a good quality helmet are required as well.
There are no restrictions on tires as long as there's plenty of rubber on them. However, if you're on street tires, be prepared to have the track get a little slippery in the afternoon becuz the track is getting hot and street tires aren't designed for continuous race-temperature running.
All lenses must be taped. This is mostly to prevent other riders from being distracted by brake lights or accidental turn signals. The headlights are taped too, mostly to prevent glass chunks from flying in the event that someone wrecks hard enough to break the headlights. I used duct tape for mine, don't use it. It's a really messy clean-up.
Mirrors have to be removed. This is mostly to prevent a rider from getting distracted by a bike coming up behind him. You don't wanna be focusing on how far ahead you are. Just keep your mind and eyes ahead of you, that's what keeps the shiny side up :thumbup
Other than that, just get out there, ride to your limits and maybe push them a little, but just have fun. Nothing else like it in the world, I'm totally addicted now.
*edit*
Oh, and Cephas, I absolutely agree. I've always thought that, in order to even get a basic driver's license, you should be required to drive a 15-foot straight truck with a manual 5-speed and be able to back it into a parking space. If you can do that, you can drive anything. Along that same line, requiring a motorcycle buyer to spend some time at the track would be a perfect way to really educate new riders on just how fun , and dangerous, high-speed maneuvering can be.
JenningsGP in Jennings, FL has open track days neary every other week all year round.
www.jenningsgp.com
I can answer any questions you might have about that facility..
www.jenningsgp.com
I can answer any questions you might have about that facility..
"Guys, there is nothing...and i mean nothing...better for learning and improving your riding than a track day. "
Couldn't have said it better myself! Well put!
Couldn't have said it better myself! Well put!
So gear wise, would I be best off just to rent a suit for a day and see how I like it? I'd hate to spend big bucks on a suit just to try a track out. If it's something I want to do more often then I could buy all the gear, parts, etc that I'd need. But then again, do most people who ride track have separate track bikes? It seems like it would be a pain to have to make your street bike track-legal every time you want to ride track.
So I guess what I'm asking is should I just rent a suit and make my bike track ready so I can try it out? Or what do most people do the first time they do a track day?
So I guess what I'm asking is should I just rent a suit and make my bike track ready so I can try it out? Or what do most people do the first time they do a track day?
"track legal" usually just means taping lenses and removing mirrors. Unless you race in a club and are racing for points, trophies and sponsorships, you don't need a full race bike. The racing addiction wouldn't be nearly as wide-spread if every hobby racer was required to turn his (her) bike into a full track-only machine.
I don't recommend renting a suit. You're at the mercy of whatevre suits they have available, if any at all (the day I went to did not offer rentals), and if they don't have one that fits well you're stuck with the next closest thing. Trust me, when you're encased from neck to ankles in leather, you do NOT want to be uncomfortable becuz your suit is bunching up or squeezing too tight in any area. You are already hot, sweaty and parched.
I know it's lame to lecture about proper gear, but you really should be wearing a set of full-gauntlet track gloves and a good leather jacket every time you ride. I even wear my track boots on the streets, and if I'm doing anything more than just cruising with friends I put on the leather pants too. Every leather jacket you get that comes from any of the big brands...Icon, Alpinestars, Frank Thomas, Dianese, and I'm sure there are others I missed...come equipped with waiste zippers already attached. That jacket can serve as your normal every day riding jacket (mine does), and then you only need to add the track pants to your wardrobe.
It all comes down to a simple question...how much is your skin worth to you? Suck it up, spend the money, get the right gear, and now you're set for the track. Sorry for the lecture, I know it's lame.
I don't recommend renting a suit. You're at the mercy of whatevre suits they have available, if any at all (the day I went to did not offer rentals), and if they don't have one that fits well you're stuck with the next closest thing. Trust me, when you're encased from neck to ankles in leather, you do NOT want to be uncomfortable becuz your suit is bunching up or squeezing too tight in any area. You are already hot, sweaty and parched.
I know it's lame to lecture about proper gear, but you really should be wearing a set of full-gauntlet track gloves and a good leather jacket every time you ride. I even wear my track boots on the streets, and if I'm doing anything more than just cruising with friends I put on the leather pants too. Every leather jacket you get that comes from any of the big brands...Icon, Alpinestars, Frank Thomas, Dianese, and I'm sure there are others I missed...come equipped with waiste zippers already attached. That jacket can serve as your normal every day riding jacket (mine does), and then you only need to add the track pants to your wardrobe.
It all comes down to a simple question...how much is your skin worth to you? Suck it up, spend the money, get the right gear, and now you're set for the track. Sorry for the lecture, I know it's lame.
Good posting there... And lets be honest, it's not like you're going to NOT like the track... If you like riding a sportbike at all, you'll LOVE the track. No exceptions.
I've got an A* Ice jacket, but there's no zipper on it. A* gloves as well but not full gauntlet. I just wear steel toed boots right now but I'm looking into a pair of Sidi's. They've got the A* group buy going right now that's why I'm asking all the gear questions. Can get a 1 or 2 pc suit and a better pair of gloves for a reasonable price. Thanks for the help.
i just got a 1 pc teknic suit and wore it out for the 1st time today on a group ride.. it didnt take very long at all to get used to it and i really enjoyed wearing it so much that i will be using it for both street and track days.. best investment yet.
this thread is gettin me excited for my first track day. i hope to do one this summer
few questions though: will my Pilot Powers be good enough? they only have ~500 miles on em.
do any of yall take your plastics off just in case you go down?
few questions though: will my Pilot Powers be good enough? they only have ~500 miles on em.
do any of yall take your plastics off just in case you go down?
Leave the plastics on, and get good frame sliders. If you mess up the plastics, that's just an excuse to get track plastics.
Your Pilot Powers will be just fine. I've done three track days on PP's (different sets), and they've performed beautifully.
Your Pilot Powers will be just fine. I've done three track days on PP's (different sets), and they've performed beautifully.
mike04R6 said:"Guys, there is nothing...and i mean nothing...better for learning and improving your riding than a track day. "
Couldn't have said it better myself! Well put!
Sorry but that statement is so BS...... I can't belive you said that. Seriously.. Gosh!! Of course there is something better than a track day.. Isn't it obvious?
there is nothing and i mean nothing better for learning and improving your riding than multiple track dayS...
Thanks.. :bowdown
Ok, where do I sign up?AwwsChwA said:The group I went with was called Motorcycle Training Center, it's an organization backed by the State Sheriff's dept.
I actually think I took the MSF course through Motorcycle Training Center. Where can I get info on doing track days?
edit:
Nevermind, I found it.
http://www.mtctrackday.com for any other So Cal-ers that are interested.
track is bad ass..
so u streets of willow right? thats the smaller course than the track correct?
so u streets of willow right? thats the smaller course than the track correct?
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