Here are a few track day tips passed on from some regular track day drivers. Several 20 minute track sessions can soon take it out of you so its important to stay hydrated. If you go on a track riding course rather than an ordinary track day you can break down your riding under controlled conditions. Motorcycle track riding tips and advice life at lean. For more advice and to pick up your free track riding ebook, head her. It seems broadford track is about the only option for nonpro riders.
Again, were not talking about burning rubber and chasing lap times. The msf is sponsored by bmw, brp, harleydavidson, honda, kawasaki, ktm, piaggio, suzuki, triumph, victory, and yamaha. Resume ken condon is author of riding in the zone and motorcycling the right way. You have your eye on that county or state park, or private facility near your barn for trail riding. For those of you new to the concept, a track day is chance to spend a day at the race track with your motorcycle. Our staff is comprised of many clubracers and track day riders who are articulate and passionate about this sport. Your first track day, the definitive guide for the average street rider to get to the track for the first time. Suspension solutions are also a tyre life solution. Lunging also helps divide his past life and his new life. Bodysunroof closed and latched no popups, doors unlocked, glass. Drifting is not something to practice on public roads, ever. This book is more appropriate for track day riders than street. A set of waterproofs is a good idea if the forecasts looking pants.
I got together with a buddy of mine, josh gerardot, who is a ama pro racer. So, now well start playing with your head a little more by adding some complications to the simple process of getting. Please check back for more expert tips to help you get more out of your time on the track. Sources are motogp riders and their 2 cents on techniques such as accelerating, braking, cornering, starting, and many other areas of track riding. But for the uninitiated, starting in the novice class is key. Boots, gloves, leathers preferably onepiece back protector, helmet and spare visor. Other problems are more serious, like when a guy runs into the back of another rider because. Dont ever feel pressured to push the car too hard until your confidence builds up. At the start of the day, newbies get 2 or 3 orientation laps behind a staff rider so they can get a feel for the track and the proper riding lines. Getting the bike on the track gives you the chance to open the taps a little more and allow it to stretch its legs. That can be much more difficult to do on your own on a trackday. I am often asked about the benefits of track days for street riders. We recommend you go on a track day, drifting experience or arrange to hire a section of the circuit.
Your first track day guide to motorcycle track riding. Dont want to look like a total noob at your first track day. Use the time on the lunge to train your horse to your voice. About ken condon riding in the zone rider training. I dont have transport to move my bike to track day, which is an hour or two and a half hours away depending on which track i choose and i.
Track days the definitive guide with tips for beginners. We want you to enjoy your riding experience while also honing your skills and inspiring confidence in your riding ability. Ken is lead instructor for tonys track days and a 20year msf ridercoach, veteran roadracer and avid offroad rider. You love your home trail rides, but are ready to branch out. On our course, for example, we break down cornering and teach it in reverse order, so you learn how to exit a corner first, then how to find the. At 80% of tracks this is a simple case of joining the outside of the track on entry to the apex of. But, it can go all pearshaped if certain precautions arent taken upfront. You will typically have no insurance cover for trackday driving and a mistake can be rather costly. You will learn how to corner and brake with a lot more confidence and control.
From getting the right gear, setting up your bike, and booking your day to detailed tips, technique, and rider etiquette, your first track day not only explains the how behind the details of track riding. This page is fairly lengthy in content, however we hope that you take the time to read it as it is designed for the less experienced track day riders amongst you who might benefit from the experience of others. The motorcycle safety foundation is a national, notforprofit organization promoting the safety of motorcycles with programs in rider training, operator licensing and public information. When riding in town or fast country backroads, get into the habit of arming your brakes by riding with one finger constantly on the lever. What you need to know your first time at the motocross track. If youre currently riding on the street, you know there are a lot of stresses and dangers to deal with, including other cars, road hazards, traffic rules and wildlife. Tireswheelslug blotsnuts torqued, correct tire inflation. Sportbike riding technique instructional josh gerardot. If you want to learn about the easiest and safest way to get into my favorite sport, please keep reading. Pros include eddie lawson, scott russell, kevin shwantz, doug chandler, freddie spencer, doug. Learn top riding techniques from jason disalvo and his team. With some practice on the track, or on the autocross course, or preferably both, and some focused attention to your driving techniques while on the road, you should be getting a feeling for driving a highperformance automobile well. Learn the 4 beginner track rider mistakes that bring big early improvements when fixed.
A wise choice no doubt, as track riding offers something the street doesnt. Track days are held on a closed course racetrack, which means you learn in a safe environment and at realworld speeds. A track day can be one of the most exciting experiences on a bike and can improve your riding skills. Ask one of the club guys to show you the way round or get some tips and riding advise from them, they are always willing to help out. N2s purpose is to provide a safe and structured riding environment for sportbike riders of all levels. Family bike travel tips how ot prepare to ride with your. Simple commands such as walk, trot, canter, steady and whoa, will go a long way to helping him understand your new seat and leg aids when you do mount up on him. But all the things you love about bicycle travel the freedom, the relaxation, the exercise can be shared and enjoyed with your children. It doesnt matter if you happen to be one of the fast guys through your local canyon, fast on the track and fast on the street dont compare. The typical track day organizer will make an effort to welcome and train riders who are new to the track.
Many people believe that once children come along, their bike touring days are over, or at least seriously curtailed. A common goal among the vast majority of track day riders is to improve their riding in some way, and by taking the time to study and read up on the different aspects of motorcycle riding you will only serve to help yourself get closer to your goal. Please see the track day guide for more detailed information on different formats of the day. Taking on a track day will, without question, make you a better rider. Road america track day session tips dont forget, you have to drive your car home. Theres a lot to learnit can be a bit bewilderingand you may have some questions. The bottom line is that a day or two spent at a trainingoriented track day helps develop braking and cornering skills beyond what can be done in most other courses and certainly better than relying on experience alone. Track days are the most exciting, fun and effective way to improve your riding skillsperiod. Our tips for getting the most from your first time on track. How to lower lap times while reducing risk cycle world. It wasnt until i rolled up for my first and likely only track day that i noticed most if not all track day riders say they race when they havent been in a race ever.
Check all fluid levels, no leaks, belts tight, wires snug. No matter what type of rider you are or what type of bike you ride, its definitely worth having a run out on a race track. You dont plan to spend the night, just go for a day trail ride. Just using a healthier portion of a bike s potential will bring a smile to many a weekend corner carver. It is said that one track mile is equal to ten road miles, but it is generally accepted that for the brakes the ratio is much greater, and considering that one could chalk up over 200 track miles in a single day, you will be asking some serious questions of your car many of. Kens writing can also be seen in motorcyclist magazine and previously in motorcycle consumer news. These print easily one to a page click the fit to page option when printing or you could print them 2 or more to a page if you want to save paper. Motorcyclist magazine gives you 20 tips from the pros of roadracing to use at your next track day.
Here he shares some of his riding techniques, how the practices, braking, throttle control, foot positions, and the. We stay away from the club connotation i have been pushing the idea of a track day to our mixed band of riders. Whether its your first time behind the wheel, first day of high school, first day on the job or the first time at the motocross track things go better when you know what the heck youre doing. The definitive guide to track days so, youve decided to attend a track day, and youre excited to see what your car and you can do on the circuit. Whether youre a seasoned track rider or looking to start your track adventure, ride university has. I went to the streets of willow springs for a track day yesterday, a twisty 1. Seek out onboard videos, track guides and even computer games to give you a feeling for what to expect, but. Stuff the lot in a big holdall, so you can grab and go. With limited time on the race track and a lot to take into consideration, preparing for your trip is going to be as important as the skills you showcase through the turns themselves.
The worlds best motorcycle training curriculum online, at the track and on the street. It works as a transitioning tool from one to the other and allows. A few things to think about at your next track day. Track days have really allowed me to take my riding to the next level. You can still use the throttle and hold on to the bars, but should you have to brake hard and fast, just having your finger already on the brake will give you an advantage a potential life saver.
If this is your first time at the track there is no need to panic, you probably wont fall off if you take things at your own pace. Performance riding techniques the motogp manual of track. In this group you will begin to use more of the track and racelike lines, albeit still at a steady pace. On a cold day youll need layers when you finish each. Suspension solutions for road race, track day, road riders and touring riders seeking handling precision and ride comfort. Check out our top 10 tips to avoid some of the biggest mistakes newcomers to the track make. Beginners guide to cycling click here commuting by bike. Many tracks offer beginners track days to enable the novice to enjoy a track day without winding up the seasoned track day drivers. The rest of the gear is your riding gear, this keeps you safe if you fall off. I am also the treasurer of a riding group, bluegrass motorcycle riders. Two tips that will make you quicker and safer on the track. The pace might be slightly faster but the rules are the same.