When should you hit the track??

Ducati Diva · 02-23-2009, 10:34 PM

As I've stated many times I am a very new rider. Jeeps has told me that before long he wants to take me to do a track day. I trust him completely(he's one of the best amature riders I've ever seen) and would never put me in harms way, but I am asking for other opions to get see what the "average" rider thinks.
When is a good time for a "beginer" to try out the track? Does it help you gain street skill? How experienced were you before you hit the track?

azoomm · 02-23-2009, 10:56 PM

It is my belief that you should at the very least have an inherent understanding of riding a motorcycle. Meaning, there are enough things to think about - you shouldn't have to think about how to shift.

Some of the best track experiences that I've witnessed have been those without a lot of experience on the street.

derf · 02-23-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azoomm

It is my belief that you should at the very least have an inherent understanding of riding a motorcycle. Meaning, there are enough things to think about - you shouldn't have to think about how to shift.

Some of the best track experiences that I've witnessed have been those without a lot of experience on the street.

What she said plus a long day of sitting around in the hot sun followed by short burst of off the wall pants shitting fun.

lauralynne · 02-24-2009, 02:59 AM

I went from MSF to track directly. But I'm not normal.

go when you're comfortable. If you have doubt, don't go. But don't be cocky about it either. Like M said, you should be comfortable on the bike, not have to 'think' about the basics. And not be scared of speed. Respect it but no fear. Fear will make you hesitate on the track and there is no room for hesitation.

was92v · 02-24-2009, 07:18 AM

When you feel like you are comfortable enough to control panic. Fight, flight or freeze will get you or someone else hurt. When you can put panic reaction into a compartment and your mind and body can ride through it you will be OK. Once you realize that every fiber in your being wanted to stand the bike up and nail the brake, but instead you made yourself bend it in and make the turn, in spite of yourself, you are ready to expand your capabilities. Until that light comes on, you may be just be setting yourself up for trouble.

smileyman · 02-24-2009, 10:02 AM

MSF first, good track school second, then track day it up. Beginners should get a chance to learn in a controlled environment how to operate that machine before they are forced into traffic and congested areas. Earlier the better to learn the bikes capabilities and build confidence in the riders abilities!

zed · 02-23-2009, 10:58 PM

track days are awesome. more than likely you will be placed in the beginners group because you have never been to a track. they have experienced riders teaching the classes, listen, learn, go out and have fun.

you will learn more in one day at the track than you will in months on the street.

DLIT · 02-24-2009, 03:10 PM

It's a good idea to have all the basics down to where they're 2nd nature to you. As Azoom said, you want to focus on braking, shifting and corner set up and not worry about the little things. And don't worry about being the slowest on the track. Just HOLD YOUR LINES and all will be good. You want to be predictable out there, so other riders trying to pass don't have to worry about you going wide all of a sudden and washing them out. And TAKE A SCHOOL AT YOUR 1ST TRACK DAY!

Looni2ns · 02-24-2009, 05:48 PM

We generally recommend a year, and at least 3,000 miles of riding experience before riding on the track. For your first track experience, try to find an organization with classroom and on-track novice instruction, and small groups so you get a lot of one-on-one instruction. If you're not sure whether you're ready, see if you can do a two-up ride w/a friend at a track day. You'll have to have the equipment (leathers, helmet, boots, gloves) but it will give you an idea as to whether you really want to get out there.

OreoGaborio · 02-24-2009, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Looni2ns

If you're not sure whether you're ready, see if you can do a two-up ride w/a friend at a track day.

If you find a track day organization that'll let you jump on the back of your friend's bike and go out onto a live track, I'll eat a boiled brick. There's no way in HELL any track day organization run by someone in their right mind would let you do that.

With that said, there ARE track day organizations that'll give rides on the back of a QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR'S bike. Cornerspeed and Tony's Track Days are two examples of that.

02-23-2009, 10:34 PM	#1
Ducati Diva just learning Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: western nc Moto: 1996 M900 Posts: 1,348	When should you hit the track?? As I've stated many times I am a very new rider. Jeeps has told me that before long he wants to take me to do a track day. I trust him completely(he's one of the best amature riders I've ever seen) and would never put me in harms way, but I am asking for other opions to get see what the "average" rider thinks. When is a good time for a "beginer" to try out the track? Does it help you gain street skill? How experienced were you before you hit the track? __________________ Todays mighty oak is just yesterdays nut who stood it's ground!

02-23-2009, 10:56 PM	#2
azoomm moderator chick Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hill Country TX Moto: Pasta Rockets Posts: 8,917	It is my belief that you should at the very least have an inherent understanding of riding a motorcycle. Meaning, there are enough things to think about - you shouldn't have to think about how to shift. Some of the best track experiences that I've witnessed have been those without a lot of experience on the street. __________________ We have enough youth. How about a fountain of "smart"? Come Play at the Track!! http://www.elitetrackdays.com

02-24-2009, 02:59 AM	#4
lauralynne 667:Neighbor of the Beast Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Everett WA Moto: VTR1000, SV650, FZR400, CRF150 Posts: 1,403	I went from MSF to track directly. But I'm not normal. go when you're comfortable. If you have doubt, don't go. But don't be cocky about it either. Like M said, you should be comfortable on the bike, not have to 'think' about the basics. And not be scared of speed. Respect it but no fear. Fear will make you hesitate on the track and there is no room for hesitation. __________________ WMRRA's slowest Expert! triathalete, mom, racer, rider, friend, sister, wife - all in one tidy package! Married my best friend 8/30/09

02-24-2009, 10:02 AM	#6
smileyman White Trash Hero Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Moto: Buell 1125R Porco Rosso Edition Posts: 4,895	MSF first, good track school second, then track day it up. Beginners should get a chance to learn in a controlled environment how to operate that machine before they are forced into traffic and congested areas. Earlier the better to learn the bikes capabilities and build confidence in the riders abilities! __________________ Arkriders.com To be the best you must first be willing to risk the worst!

02-24-2009, 03:10 PM	#8
DLIT Clit Commander Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Las Vegas Moto: 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale S Posts: 4,189	It's a good idea to have all the basics down to where they're 2nd nature to you. As Azoom said, you want to focus on braking, shifting and corner set up and not worry about the little things. And don't worry about being the slowest on the track. Just HOLD YOUR LINES and all will be good. You want to be predictable out there, so other riders trying to pass don't have to worry about you going wide all of a sudden and washing them out. And TAKE A SCHOOL AT YOUR 1ST TRACK DAY! __________________ Dress for the crash. Not the ride.

02-24-2009, 07:18 AM	#5
was92v Nowhere Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 558	When you feel like you are comfortable enough to control panic. Fight, flight or freeze will get you or someone else hurt. When you can put panic reaction into a compartment and your mind and body can ride through it you will be OK. Once you realize that every fiber in your being wanted to stand the bike up and nail the brake, but instead you made yourself bend it in and make the turn, in spite of yourself, you are ready to expand your capabilities. Until that light comes on, you may be just be setting yourself up for trouble.

02-23-2009, 10:58 PM	#7
zed yellow don't corner well Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kansas City, KS Moto: 06 ZX10R Posts: 1,243	track days are awesome. more than likely you will be placed in the beginners group because you have never been to a track. they have experienced riders teaching the classes, listen, learn, go out and have fun. you will learn more in one day at the track than you will in months on the street.

02-24-2009, 05:48 PM	#9
Looni2ns Crazy Lady Rider Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Metro Atlanta Moto: '05 SV650S "Baby", '00 Bandit 600S "Rita", '87 EX500 (track) Posts: 311	We generally recommend a year, and at least 3,000 miles of riding experience before riding on the track. For your first track experience, try to find an organization with classroom and on-track novice instruction, and small groups so you get a lot of one-on-one instruction. If you're not sure whether you're ready, see if you can do a two-up ride w/a friend at a track day. You'll have to have the equipment (leathers, helmet, boots, gloves) but it will give you an idea as to whether you really want to get out there.