August 25th, 2013, 07:32 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
My First Trackday!
I had my first trackday at Thunderhill Raceway. I rented one of Feel Like a Pro's (FLAP) Ninja 250s because I figured it would be easier to get a feel for how a trackday goes without having to deal with bike prep/transport/etc. They keep the bikes prepped and provide snacks and water so it was cool.
Here are my thoughts from the day in no particular order: - I have never seen so many people riding without gear on haha. Then of course I did it too for tech inspection. Hell that was more bikes in one place than I've ever seen before. - Hearing bikes on the track in person is boner inducing. - Huge difference in riding one of FLAP's bikes and my relatively stock bike. It was great to see how clip-ons and rearsets feel. The motion pro throttle was nice. Oh and sticky tires rock. Now I want to go mod my 250 but I don't have money for that - I realized I could corner relatively well once I got the hang of riding on a track. I actually got a bit frustrated because I could go fast in the turns but couldn't pass on the inside because I was in C group. Often couldn't pass on the outside because people were swinging wide too. Oh and then of course I couldn't pass in the straights cuz I'm riding a 250 and most people had supersports. I'm still not really fast though and obviously not competing so not a huge deal. - **** it was fun to keep the speed going almost all the time and blast through the turns. Passing supersports is quite an ego booster. - The novice school classes were definitely helpful. I probably should have made more use of the available coaches since they were there and all, but I still learned a lot. The classes took away from having down time though which would've been nice. I wanted to nap lol. I think this was my best session. Nothing special but woo video!
Link to original page on YouTube. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 25th, 2013, 07:36 AM | #2 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
WHOOO HOOO!! That's awesome! Congrats!!
Though I'm showing the first video is private. whaaa
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
|
August 25th, 2013, 07:39 AM | #3 |
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 |
|
August 25th, 2013, 08:08 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
|
|
August 25th, 2013, 08:43 AM | #5 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
Precision will be at T-Hill next weekend and I keep passing on it due to funds and it looked boring for a 250 with all those straights. But now seeing the curves and the elevation, maybe it would be worth at least one day out there.
Looks like you had a great time!
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
|
August 25th, 2013, 08:37 PM | #6 |
It's a long boring story
Name: Ryan
Location: St. Louis
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 167
|
I had my first full track day on the 250 Saturday. I had been to Putnam on my Z1000 before so I have been in both ends of the spectrum. Yesterday I was very frustrated at one point. I had been passing liter bikes as if they were parked. Then they started stuffing me into turn 1. After I lost my drive it took me till turn 9 to recover because the bigger bikes behind me had the power to pass on the small straights once I was slowed down. After that I would be waiting on them too. I felt like I was on the interstate and the far lane was ending and all the jerks kept swooping in and making me stop because they had a bigger car
|
|
August 25th, 2013, 11:53 PM | #7 |
Your face
Name: Wes
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.
|
Damn that looked fun!!! Was the speedo broken? It looks like it never got off 0
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 12:19 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 09:45 AM | #9 |
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
|
It looks like you're going much faster than the speedometer indicates.
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
|
August 26th, 2013, 10:11 AM | #10 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
Great vids!!!
I wanna hit the track so bad... It's bout time to pee or get off the pot for me
__________________________________________________
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 05:45 PM | #11 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
Quote:
Do it. You'll be amazed what the little ninjette can do |
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 06:44 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Justin
Location: Fresno CA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 12' Ninja 250 Posts: 831
|
why did they fck with the speedometer? That would drive me crazy. Id love to know my entry/exit speeds.
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 06:46 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
Because then people would be more concerned with how fast they're going instead of paying attention to their surroundings. I assume it's also better to learn what the proper speeds should feel like rather than relying on looking down. I've heard of trackday orgs requiring people to tape over their speedos as well.
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 26th, 2013, 07:07 PM | #14 |
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
|
Then run a telemetry app, just about any smartphone has one nowadays. Trust me, looking down while on the track just isn't a good idea. Sure it happens... but once you start improving your pace through the corners, your attention needs to be there.... not on the gauges.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
August 26th, 2013, 07:32 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
http://gotbluemilk.com/web130824b/383/index.html
Oh hey, I sorta feel cool. I'm also totally open to criticism on BP |
|
August 26th, 2013, 07:36 PM | #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
|
Rebecca, I don't think you can ask for much better your first time out. Well done!
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
August 26th, 2013, 07:36 PM | #17 |
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
|
Cool pics too!
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
August 26th, 2013, 09:13 PM | #18 |
Your face
Name: Wes
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.
|
When I go to my first track day, I'd want to rent one too. I can't stand the thought of dumping my baby, not to mention all the prepping and hauling you alluded to. What was the policy if you crashed their rental?
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 09:22 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
You either pay for the full cost of damages or you can pay an additional $50 to limit your damage costs to $500 regardless of the damage.
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 09:31 PM | #20 |
The A Team
Name: Aufitt
Location: Western Australia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Z50, CB125, RZ500, MC22, R3. Posts: 394
|
With that mindset you will dump it,
and there is no reason to crash on a first track day as the pace is very slow. coaches will show you how not to. Take your own. |
|
August 26th, 2013, 09:38 PM | #21 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
Quote:
I did it with ZoomZoom Trackdays and they give so much help to novices. Classes ever hour right after the C group session and plenty of coaches around to help you out, all of which is included with the track day cost. Remember that you're there to learn and improve, not to race. I'm pretty sure I went annoyingly slow the first couple of sessions while I got used to everything. |
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 09:55 PM | #22 |
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
|
|
|
August 26th, 2013, 09:56 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: al
Location: NorCal
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): ex300, gave up looking for a 250 Posts: 435
|
Dicing it up in the corners with a 250.
|
|
August 27th, 2013, 03:51 PM | #24 |
Your face
Name: Wes
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.
|
I definitely understand your point, and I certainly wouldn't go to my first trackday with the intent of pushing myself so hard I crash. But I think it's important to consider the risk because crashing is certainly a risk everytime we strap on our boots. I mean, look at Rebecca's 2nd video. She wasn't pushing herself too hard and had one booboo around that one curve. She did well to keep the bike on 2 wheels, but who knows what could happen. All I'm saying is **** happens, and when it does, I'd rather have it happen to someone else's bike
|
|
August 27th, 2013, 04:52 PM | #25 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
Quote:
|
|
|
August 27th, 2013, 05:05 PM | #26 |
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
|
It happens but you got lucky twice there. 1st time for not crashing (yay!), 2nd that noone was there when you crossed back over the track (yay again!).
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
August 27th, 2013, 05:06 PM | #27 |
Your face
Name: Wes
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.
|
|
|
September 3rd, 2013, 09:44 AM | #28 |
Kawi Girl
Name: Heather
Location: Washington
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Green SE, '13 Ninja 636 Pearl White Posts: 245
|
Congrats on falling in love with the track!! I got the bug on my 250 in June at The Ridge in WA. Different groups have different pros and cons when on the 250. I started in C group again for my second track day this June, it was hard for me as I felt off kilter and out of rhythm the entire morning. I was passing other riders in the corners but they would pass on the straight. My poor 250 just can't compete with the 600s. Upon getting bumped into B class I instantly found my rhythm since I wasn't passing anyone at all.
Best of luck in your future endeavors on the track!
__________________________________________________
Perspective: Everything looks better from the inside of a motorcycle helmet |
|
September 5th, 2013, 12:46 AM | #29 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Alan
Location: Woodland, California (Sacramento area)
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, 2009 KLX250-SF, 2014 Zero S Posts: 269
|
Quote:
Fun to watch the video. I did a trackday there in the spring. I had more fun at Reno/Fernley versus thunderhill. I felt like TH was a series of long straights connected by turns, whereas RFR is a continuous series of turns with a few straights. I think people who just like to pin it on the straights and see triple digits would love TH. I felt the training sessions were more helpful and just the general vibe was friendlier at RFR (although at the time, it being my first trackday, I felt pretty overwhelmed). It's probably an hour or more farther from the bay area, but I highly recommend it. Dying to go back there but I'm busy and broke... |
|
|
March 2nd, 2014, 10:37 PM | #30 |
Your face
Name: Wes
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.
|
It took you 4 years to go to your first trackday? What on earth took so long????
__________________________________________________
"even a proper fitting helmet can 'get loose'" -csmith |
|
March 3rd, 2014, 12:08 AM | #31 | |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
Quote:
Your first track day is expensive, most insurance companies don't cover track days and the cost of proper track gear (as opposed to daily use street gear) is fairly high if you don't have a little luck. I managed to get my suit from adouglas which saved me hundreds of dollars to get a 1 piece leather suit pretty much anywhere else. Typical race suits that I see are at least $500 new. Race boots and gauntlet gloves are easily another $300 and there are quite a few other costs of track days that need to be factored in before you go, including the track day itself ($225/day for my shenandoah, wv) track days can be intimidating, financially as well as the entire atmosphere surrounding it just has this feeling of "this is the place that belongs to the truly fast riders, am I really good enough to bother going?" simply because you're on a racetrack despite the fact that it's not a race. |
|
|
March 3rd, 2014, 12:40 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
I didn't even ride twisties at all on my first bike and I had that for about 2 years. Hell I didn't even go on forums or know much of anything beyond commuting. I only started riding for fun when I got the 300 at the end of 2012. Didn't take that long from that point to get to the track though lol. I blame all you bastards. Horrible influences
|
|
March 3rd, 2014, 12:49 AM | #33 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
|
Come race with me rebecca!
__________________________________________________
If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
|
March 3rd, 2014, 12:56 AM | #34 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
|
|
March 3rd, 2014, 01:02 AM | #35 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
|
But its only $99 for the whole weekend!
__________________________________________________
If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
|
March 3rd, 2014, 01:05 AM | #36 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
Are you talking about after already having a racing license? Cuz I don't have one of those. My ass has only been to the track once so far lol.
If they do that amazing deal like last year including shitloads of freebies from other people supporting it, I might consider it... |
|
March 3rd, 2014, 01:23 AM | #37 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
|
The $99 gets you a trackday and two days of racing for as many races as you want and a 1 weekend race license.
If you've already taken the NRS then its $49 for the weekend
__________________________________________________
If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
|
March 3rd, 2014, 01:36 AM | #38 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
that is the cheapest track deal that I've ever heard of in the US, you cali folk are making me jealous since the lowest price around here for a track day is $200 flat.
|
|
March 3rd, 2014, 02:04 AM | #39 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
|
Quote:
I'll see how the year plays out. |
|
|
March 3rd, 2014, 02:06 AM | #40 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Trackday @ Buttonwillow 11/24-11/25/12 | Jiggles | Ninjettes At Speed | 39 | November 30th, 2012 05:49 PM |
H2R Trackday | austexjg | Ninjettes At Speed | 3 | October 3rd, 2011 08:32 AM |
Trackday in the AM | sowega | Ninjettes At Speed | 12 | April 15th, 2011 02:52 PM |
My First Trackday, 9-15-2009 | paterick4o8 | Ninjettes At Speed | 7 | September 22nd, 2009 12:53 AM |
|
|