Track days?

[Timberwolf]

I have heard many people say (including Rod) that track days improved their riding more then anything else out there. I have read on forums that the best mod for your bike is track day seat time as most people can't ride their bikes to the limits anyways.

My question is this... has anyone been to a track day on a bike? Do they offer classes? I am finally getiing a little more comfortable laying this thing down, but I still worry about every tat stripe and piece of loose dust on the road.

I want to enjoy this thing but am still too timid to push it at all.

[ws6transam]

Don't push it, just ride it at the track day at the limit at which you are comfortable. Push it when you are ready and willing to replace big stuff like fairings and gas tanks.

Track day rocks--

[Becca_007]

I think about it a lot actually, but I have a feelign it's out of my price range for this year. I did find an MSF class that is only $25 though that takes place in Paw Paw (through Grand Rapids Community College). Think they also have them in Caledonia. It migth be pretty basic, but I'm sure there would be something I could pick up. Classes are on Tuesady and Thursday evening then Saturday and Sunday (afternoon or morning). I just came across it yesterday when searchign for MSF Kalamazoo.

[Timberwolf]

I guess there is a really good class in Lansing Becca. It has different levels of training for different riders. let me see if I can find the info again

EDIT: here you go... a review and a link (http://wmriders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1366) to the course

[Becca_007]

Yikes. $195 for their Basic Riders Course. I guess the half-day Experienced Rider Course at $55 and the full day at $95 aren't too bad but you have to add $50 to use their bike (which I just may want to do; why take the chance of dropping mine?).

Here (https://learning.grcc.edu/rider/RiderCoaches.asp) is the one I found for $25.
The course fee is $25.00 and includes all materials needed for the class. You will receive a course workbook, up to twenty hours of instruction, a loaner motorcycle, fuel and competent, caring coaches to make your experience a good one.

I'm a little concerned that it might be boring, but even if I come away with one tip that helps... the time and $25 would be worth it, right?

[Timberwolf]

my guess is that $25 course it more for new riders, kinda like the one I took to get my endorsement back in 1989

[cutlass454]

I have heard many people say (including Rod) that track days improved their riding more then anything else out there. I have read on forums that the best mod for your bike is track day seat time as most people can't ride their bikes to the limits anyways.

My question is this... has anyone been to a track day on a bike? Do they offer classes? I am finally getiing a little more comfortable laying this thing down, but I still worry about every tat stripe and piece of loose dust on the road.

I want to enjoy this thing but am still too timid to push it at all.

Mike,

Back a couple years ago, when I had my R6, I did 3 track days in one summer. Like you, I was a little timid riding on the street, always afraid of someone turning left in front of me, pulling out in front of me, etc. I got hooked up with 3 different groups that rented Grattan on 3 different occasions and had an absolute blast during all 3.

It was, by far, the best experience I've ever had on a bike. By the time I was doing the 3rd track day, I was getting in some pretty good lap times and actually draggin a knee in some of the corners. I wasn't using my bike to its full potential, but I didn't feel comfortable going any faster, as the capabilities of the bike were far greater than my abilities.

For me, it was knowing that I was in a controlled environment and everyone out there was doing the same thing as me - trying to improve riding abilities and approach your own personal limits. If I still had my bike, I would try to schedule at least 2-4 track days per year.

If you have the opportunity, I highly suggest anyone with a sport bike to go to at least one and try it out.

[rod442]

look at sportbike track time, or track aholics. or do a search for them. they have lower level classes with more instructors on the track and a whole bunch of people that are your speed. I went with my buddy and watched how it was put together, and it was awesome. bad part is the bike prep, and gear.

you must have safety wired stuff, blacked out brake lights and speedo, possibly water/ water wetter only in the coolant, and FULL gear. leathers in 1 piece, or 2 piece with FULL circumfrence zippers and armor. over the ankle approved boots, gauntlet style gloves, obviously a helmet etc.

some of the low end classes had people that were afraid to even lean their bike over a little to steer it. I mean they almost shouldn't even be riding. just be honest with the instructors, and they can move you around if the group your in is too slow/fast. they dont have passing, except in the higher level groups.

when I went with my friend, they did 3 sessions. and I can tell you that you will NOT want to ride to the trackday and then ride all day, then ride home. you WILL be too tired. granted it was 80+ the day we went, but still. PLUS, you will need a way to get a bike home if you dump it.

On the plus side, it is considered an instructor class, so if you wreck; at least with state farm they will cover you.

plan for 7-800 in gear, if you had to buy everything new to go to the class. and they do rent textile suits there, not sure of the cost. and the track days are around 150 for the fee's too.

link: http://www.sportbiketracktime.com/

or http://www.speedmadness.com/trackoholics/trackoholics_tour.htm

[HoogiesNgrinderz]

I have the Grattan schedule so I can post the events if anyone would like. Mike, if you want to ride one of these events let me know. You can stay at my sisters house which is right across the street, the same for anyone that wants to head out there as well.