Hi all,

Just a quick question on something I feel a bit stupid about at the moment.

I've got a couple of mates who've kind of invited me to a track day. Nothing specific, but I'm not sure what to do.

I'd love to get my bike on a track and get a chance to ride it properly, but I guess I'm a bit scared of the unknown.

They both race. One has a Blade and the other a ZX10, and they're both pretty serious and do very little road riding. They've told me to take my bike to a track and go in with the intermediates. They said I'm too advanced for Novice because I can ride my bike and one of the other riders will most likely draw me into an accident.

My main concern is, I don't have a clue about the rules of tracks or what really goes on on track days, so I'm not sure what to envisage. Is everyone in a race? Do you just get to bimble around the track as you like to practice and get better? What is the likelihood of me going home with a broken bike (mine's still pretty new)? Can you get instruction? Is there anything specific I should know before getting involved.

I'm sure my mates would be happy to answer the above but I just feel a bit silly asking so many questions.

Any advice is appreciated.

Cheers

K

Hi,

I've did my first one a week ago. I asked some questions in this topic. I was really worried about the protocol, etc. I needn't have - it's all very relaxed. Didn't need to tape up lights or remove mirrors, etc.

I don't mean to sound patronising, but I think you should enter novice. I'm glad I went into novice and will do the same on my next day. (I don't ride slow on the roads).

On my day there was no racing and no timing of laps. I could've got some free tuition from the track day organisers (Hottrax) if I requested it but I was happy to just ride around the track at my own pace.

Pete

I agree.

Without track experience you are best going in the Novice group, if you show skill/promise the organisers might suggest you go into the Inters. Riding fast on the road isn't necessarily the same as riding fast on track

There's a topic in the ride out sections about a track day in castle combe.

I've booked it and newbarker too…
It will be my first track day as I've wanted to do one since I got my license, not going there to race or anything, just for the experience of being on track.

It's on the 21st of May and it's £125
You can join us if you want..

One of the guys that works with me, only does track days, he has a babyblade, and he's going too, so I'm hoping to pick is brains on some pointers..
And is always good to go with someone that you know, because when you are off the track while the other levels are doing their session you'll have someone to talk too..

Thanks for the invite. It's a little far to come on my own and on the bike I think. If I had a van I'd try and get it in the back but I don't and unfortunately my license doesn't include trailers.

Something like that sounds ideal though.

I'll have a look at going in with the Novices and see what happens. I'll also check out the link to the other thread cheers.

I'm busy trying to work out how to get rid of my bike and get a new Daytona 675 at the same time so I've got a lot to try and work out at the min but I'd happily take mine to the track to start off with.

Did my first trackday about a month ago and had a great time and have my next one lined up in just over a week... i'd advise you to go in the novice group first few times out at least.



If the marshals think you're too quick they'll move you up a group.

To be fair when i did my day i was in a massive group, and went out thinking i was in over my head...

In actual fact it turned out that some guys that were alot slower than myself and others were alot faster.
The ability range in the group riders was pretty vast

The main thing the instructors emphasise, and more importantly you keep in mind is that you ride at your own pace and not to push your limits, the run you through all the track rules/different flags and what you need to do when you see them. If you stick to thier instructions you'll have a great day.

Which track/date are you looking at by the way?

the question is, can you do a track day on a CBT or do you need a full licence, if i can i might buy a NSR250 if i can find one for a track, dont want to risk my nice and shiny 125

Most require a full licence.

Being an oldie, track days were never available when i was younger. I have l aways had this problem, particularly with the fact that fellow motorcyclists would learn how to ride faster but not necessarily safer round a one way track of even surface, some 40ft wide and with no street furnishings to worry about. In the event of being too fast for bends [the majority having very good visibility all the way round] they have a large run off area or in the event of a spill come to little or no harm save perhaps bruises etc.

Far different from the scenario on the road where serious injury or death may occur

I read a thread the other day about use of speed. and one motorcyclist said rather that getting his thrill riding fast down a straight road he much prefers getting a 60% angle whilst doing 50 or 60 mph.or faster if possible round twisty bends on A B or country roads.
As most motorcyclists will in the main accept the 85% rule that speed limits are there for a reason and therefore its responsible to ride within them, there is a SMALL minority of some 1 or 2 % only who believe that the law is an ass and not for them and that they will do what they want when and where they want .

Going back to the thread of track, go ahead and do it. its all learning and if u like or dont like it u will have experienced it. Take what u want from the track day and apply it to be safer on the road.
Dont be afraid of saying no to your mates. If they have or believe they have particular skills let them do there thing and u do yours. and just enjoy.

I think alot more than 1 to 2 percent speed most of the time,