[Torchsport]

I rode legally on the street for 30 years before I ever set a tire on a track. I knew I didn't know it all, but I felt my skills were good enough to get me by.

The biggest problem over the years was I live in a state that doesn't have a substantial amount of good twisty roads. So I didn't really realize the skills I was lacking.
Then I started to travel more to areas that had better curves. A few times with groups of other riders. Some very good riders. It really opened my eyes to what I didn't know as far as keeping the balls of my feet on the pegs, looking thru corners, finding the apex, body position, trail braking....A LOT of things!

So 4 years ago I started doing track days and advanced rider training. I am still a long way from where I want to be, but I've come a long way in my skill advancements.
I used to think track days were for rich racer boys that were just using track days as practice sessions. (Although that is true for some)
But there are so many skilled control riders there to help you out with tips on line selection, reference points and the like.
There are also formal classroom education along with going out and practicing each thing you've learned, then back in class, then building on each new skill that you learn.

Bottom line is dont be shy or afraid to give the track a try. YOUR skills will be forever grateful.

 

[u3c307]

Thanks TS for posting. I think track is one of the best way you can test your skill when you think you are too good or believe a 300cc is not enough. I have seen 300cc out track 600cc/1000cc. Anyhow, track is awesome to sharpen your skills.

 

[Ace]

Great tip Torch. Definitely going to try and get to the track as soon as possible would love to race the R3 one day

 

[Ho11ywood195]

The track is the best place to learn and by far the best place to do so. I started slowly some years ago and took my time I wasnt worried if I was the slowest guy out there but the time learning new skills was worth it. I recommend it to everyone who rides just to try it once the streets and cayon rodes became boring to me real quick once the track bug bit me..

 

[Stirz]

I can agree with much of what has been said. Your skills increase quicky and dramatically when you put the bike on the track and get some good instruction. Seriously - you will learn and improve more from 4 or 5 trackdays than you will in that number of years riding street.


What you didn't mention is that trackdays lead to racing and racing leads to going broke.

 

[abvc]

riding twistie road is more fun than track day. however an experience is always good, just don't drop your bike lol.

 

[t-rav_12]

Well said, TorchSport.
Stirz, you crack me up how you keep it real. Boys and girls, he speaks the truth.

What you didn't mention is that trackdays lead to racing and racing leads to going broke.

 

[rc racer]

riding twistie road is more fun than track day. however an experience is always good, just don't drop your bike lol.

Have you done any track days?

 

[Deviljon]

I'd like to get into track, and am looking for a good beginner course to take. Unfortunately, all my friends that got into track no longer ride, so I'd have to take it on my own (which I'm okay with).

Does anyone have any highly recommended classes that I should check out? I'm in the Socal area.

 

[Torchsport]

That happens to quite a few guys. You get so addicted to going full out on the track that riding on the street isn't satisfying anymore. And knowing it's unsafe to ride that hard on the street, many just stick to the track only.

I still street ride, but not as much as before...


@ abvc:
It is MUCH safer to "drop" your bike at the track than on the street as there are no sign posts, cars, curbs, or trees to hit. And best of all there are corner workers with communication amongst each of them to get to you right away and alert/flag other riders around you and clear the track so that the on-hand safety personnel can attend to you immediately.

 

[FangShui]

I'd like to get into track, and am looking for a good beginner course to take. Unfortunately, all my friends that got into track no longer ride, so I'd have to take it on my own (which I'm okay with).

Does anyone have any highly recommended classes that I should check out? I'm in the Socal area.

This is what you want. They do classes at the shorter Streets of Willow Springs course at Willows Springs International Raceway. For those not familiar with it, that's up north of Lancaster, CA in Rosamond, CA, just off of Highway 138/14. It's about 80 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles.

Next one starts Sept.12th

http://www.superbikeschool.com/

Also, watch this video of forum member sean931 racing his R3 at Thunderhill Raceway up in Willows, Ca for an idea of what it's like

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gFlg9HSSC4

 

[Deviljon]

This is what you want. They do classes at the Streets of Willow Springs course.

Next one start Sept.12th

http://www.superbikeschool.com/

Also, watch this video of forum member sean931 racing his R3 at Thunderhill Raceway up in Willows, Ca for an idea of what it's like

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gFlg9HSSC4

Awesome, I'm signing up for Oct 4th since I'll be on vacation Sep. Going to get my friend to sign up as well. Fang always coming through with the links! :laugh:

 

[FangShui]

Awesome, I'm signing up for Oct 4th since I'll be on vacation Sep. Going to get my friend to sign up as well. Fang always coming through with the links! :laugh:

Cool! I did the CA SuperBike School way back in 1989 at Willow Springs. It was awesome! It was started by Keith Code of "Twist of the Wrist" fame. It's not only for racers, but for street riders, too.

But, be warned, it may get you hooked on racing and as forum member Stirz stated in one of his posts, " trackdays lead to racing and racing leads to going broke."

I live, as always, to serve. Links, or whatever...........

 

[Deviljon]

LOL no worries, I've been broke for the last 10 years with all the hobbies I have gotten into. What's one more?

 

[FangShui]

LOL no worries, I've been broke for the last 10 years with all the hobbies I have gotten into. What's one more?

There are much, much worse things to spend money on, eh?

 

[abvc]

Have you done any track days?

i rode to the track on my bike, so it is very risky, and i went wide to the soil maybe three times, trying harder on corner carry speed

@ abvc:
It is MUCH safer to "drop" your bike at the track than on the street as there are no sign posts, cars, curbs, or trees to hit. And best of all there are corner workers with communication amongst each of them to get to you right away and alert/flag other riders around you and clear the track so that the on-hand safety personnel can attend to you immediately.

i know, road has many more variables, don't try to ride it too hard, i crossed the line couple of times, lucky nobody came from the opposite end.

i rode in this road, average recommended corner speed is 35 km/h

reefton spur Australia

 

[Norton-Motorsports.com]

You'll learn more in a weekend at the track than a year on the streets... I take new guys out all the time. It's a major ordeal to go to the track for the first time by yourself. Full suit, boots, gloves, back protector, trailer, truck, track day fees, gas, lodging, etc. It's prohibitively expensive for a lot of people to give it a chance. I have extra suits, gear, room in my trailer, I'm happy to handle all the logistics for anyone in San Diego who wants to give it a chance, just pitch in $30 for gas and pay for your track day ($135-$250 depending on track and day) and I'll make sure you have an awesome time.

 

[Torchsport]

We have a thread on our local sport bike forum called "Adopt a track noob". Anyone that has spare gear, space on a trailer, and the time to help a noob get over the anxieties of their first track day will sort of help initiate them on all of the details.
It's a great motivator for the track noob.

 

[Aufitt]

Many people overthink things before they even start.


ANY bike in good condition and a $2 roll of rape tape will do a coached novice track day.
From CB125 to a Goldwing to a Harley Ive seen em all,

Track riding is 99% in the mind, its not racing, that comes once the addiction is terminal

And it costs the same money as a fender eliminator, a crap slipon, or a useless seat cowl.

 

[Deviljon]

You'll learn more in a weekend at the track than a year on the streets... I take new guys out all the time. It's a major ordeal to go to the track for the first time by yourself. Full suit, boots, gloves, back protector, trailer, truck, track day fees, gas, lodging, etc. It's prohibitively expensive for a lot of people to give it a chance. I have extra suits, gear, room in my trailer, I'm happy to handle all the logistics for anyone in San Diego who wants to give it a chance, just pitch in $30 for gas and pay for your track day ($135-$250 depending on track and day) and I'll make sure you have an awesome time.

May have to take you up on this, which track do you usually go to?