![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
|
The real benefit of track days
kayso, I don't get to ride recreationally that much. I do commute and I love the track, but those lovely half-day weekend rides are rare.
In fact, today was the first real recreational ride I've had this year, despite six track days. ![]() We have some lovely roads here in Connecticut, which unfortunately are often spoiled by traffic. Today, however, I was able to plan, scheme and gap to take advantage of the better twisties, riding a few sections multiple times. Never at knee-dragging pace, of course, but fast enough to practice body position and throttle control for realz. Wow. The time I've put in at the track, and the instruction I've gotten, have REALLY made a difference in how I ride roads I know very well. Big, decreasing radius sweepers that would have gotten my attention a few years ago are now easy despite significantly higher speeds. It was a total blast. If you haven't gone to the track, you really should consider it even if you don't see yourself as a fast rider. it will make you safer, better and able to have way more fun on every ride you take.
__________________________________________________
I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
![]() |
![]() 3 out of 3 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
The more controlled and calm you are, the better your chances of not having a single vehicle accident due to riding over your head.
The more open your vision is, the faster you can react to surprises and changes in the road. Conveniently, track days work on both of those skills intimately. Just don't be that guy who goes on insane mode on the roads with his newfound skill. |
![]() |
![]() 1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#3 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
your approaching my reason for staying out of the canyons. as you get better you can go twice as fast with even less risk of crashing on your own then before but on the street you are never truly on your own. That coyote, that unexpected gravel, that fart can equipped Honda civic blowing the DY, you never know when a helping hand will come along and help you onto your A$$. I don't have to lecture on this since i know your smart enough to know, i'm just saying for the others who don't know.
enjoy your new found skills and try to not hurt anyone's ego too much as you go by ![]() |
![]() |
![]() 6 out of 6 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#4 | |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________________________________________
Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare |
|
![]() |
![]() 1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#5 | |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
"most folks racing this bike get it in a competitive state of being with much less invested than you've already put in Saturn." - Alex |
|
![]() |
![]() 2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#6 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Misti
Location: Vancouver, BC
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): currently: Yamaha YZF 250 dirt/motard Posts: 787
|
Track riding allows you a controlled environment to practice relevant skills without worrying about unknown factors like traffic, animals, gravel, debris on the road etc.. plus there is less risk if you do push yourself and crash as you are wearing ALL the gear and there is an ambulance on site. Plus you are probably there working on specific skills with a riding coach so it makes sense that there are huge benefits to track days
![]() ![]() ![]() I don't ride on the street much at all anymore. The track is where I learned ALL the relevant skills. What has been the biggest ah-ha moment for you guys while riding on the track? what was your biggest learning moment? Misti
__________________________________________________
"Leap and the net will appear!" superbikeschool.com www.motomom.ca |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Paul
Location: Roanoke, VA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Candy Plasma Blue 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
For me, there were so many "ah-ha!" moments, but a couple that really stick out: -delaying turn-in helps with so much, especially with seeing through the all-too-common blind corners, making both hitting the optimal spots easier and avoiding hazards (be they stationary, or oncoming traffic) -getting my knees properly planted on the tank helped me feel so much more connected when leaning. also helped me keep weight off the bars, which had been a cardinal riding sin of mine since I tend to be tense all the time. SUPER glad to have had a good friend to drag me to the track every year , since I can never seem to find the spare $ & time to do it on my own more often ![]()
__________________________________________________
Proud member of the Blue Army |
|
![]() |
![]() 2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
|
Track days give you the chance to be one with the bike. It won't teach you the bike's limits but it will teach you your own limits (safely, hopefully).
After riding on a track there is less need (desire) to ride fast on the street.
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
![]() |
![]() 1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#9 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
So Andrew, how does your upgraded braking skills factor into things? I know... we pushed some of your buttons no so long ago. How have they settled into your everyday riding?
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ant
Location: Wooster
Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ducati 999 2012 Ninja 250r Ducati748 Yellow finally running 2003 SV650 S (SOLD) Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________________________________________
Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
|
![]() |
![]() 1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#13 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
![]()
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
|
![]()
__________________________________________________
I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
![]() |
![]() 1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#15 | |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
|
Quote:
But yeah... I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with harder braking overall.
__________________________________________________
I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
To all...
If you have it in you, do NOT stop riding street. Instead find the raw joy in the open road, seeing new places & things and keep meeting interesting, cool people. Share your stories, listen to other's tales and blaze new trails into areas where you may not have gone on your own. Go motocamping, set a new personal mileage record and take plenty of pics to relive the journey another day. Lastly, don't be just another bike in the line. Set an example, be a role model. You have earned above average skills via sweat and hard work. Let those skills speak on your behalf but always stay humble. The sport only grows with good people leading the way, Unregistered is now chosen to inspire others. This is the true benefit of track days.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
![]() |
![]() 4 out of 4 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#17 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
|
^^ this.......so much this
__________________________________________________
Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
|
Plus on a hot track day in leathers all day I lose 1-2 pounds!
|
![]() |
![]() 1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
#19 |
#squid
Name: nickypoo
Location: Five Guys
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jul '16
|
If you're not having fun then you gotta stop riding
__________________________________________________
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ant
Location: Wooster
Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ducati 999 2012 Ninja 250r Ducati748 Yellow finally running 2003 SV650 S (SOLD) Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
|
Anyone see the Valentino Rossi series the Doctor? His flat track ranch in Italy is incredible, track within a track and multiple layouts.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Misti
Location: Vancouver, BC
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): currently: Yamaha YZF 250 dirt/motard Posts: 787
|
Quote:
![]() ![]()
__________________________________________________
"Leap and the net will appear!" superbikeschool.com www.motomom.ca |
|
![]() |
![]() 1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
![]() |
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
[roadracingworld.com] - N2 Track Days Raises Over $51,000 At Inaugural Benefit For Ro | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | August 5th, 2014 12:20 PM |
[cyclenews.com] - 3J’s Motorcycle Track Days To Host Dave Stanton Benefit At Sonoma R | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | October 21st, 2013 07:00 PM |
[roadracingworld.com] - RideSmart Motorcycle School Raffling Track Days To Benefit In | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | March 17th, 2012 11:30 PM |
[roadracingworld.com] - Racers Edge Performance Track Days/Practice Days Now Open To | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | March 25th, 2011 10:50 AM |
[roadracingworld.com] - Sportbike Track Time Hosting Track Days At Barber Motorsports | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | August 1st, 2010 11:20 PM |
|
|