motorcycle track days?

[jhynesrockmtn]

Anyone have experience with motorcycle track days? I've done several in my 911 and have a vintage race license and race a formula vee with our local vintage club.

I recently purchased a 75 Honda CB400f and have been getting the mechanicals up to snuff. Last project is to deglaze the front rotor and put in new pads to improve the braking. It's got new tires, rear brakes and has had a full tune up, etc.

I originally purchased it for summertime commuting but have gotten bit by the bug and ride whenever I can. I've taken the MSF course and gotten my endorsement.

Now thinking about a beginner track day to continue to learn and improve. I know how much the track has helped my awareness and technique in my car.

Who's done it and can relate their experiences?

[rattlsnak]

You do not want to take that bike on the track!

But, California Superbike School has some really cool track days using their bikes. Complete blast. http://www.superbikeschool.com/

Ive done a few of their schools, although several years ago. Very happy with them.

[MMARSH]

I also race(more like used to) a 911 and have a racing license. I've done several track schools and track days. I think you'll find that alot of things translate over to riding a bike well on the track. I highly recomend a track school before just a track day or at the very least go to a track day with some instruction.

I would suggest california suberbike school. There are several others as well that are supposed to be very good, but I'm speaking from personal experiance when I say the the Suberbike school is good. I've gone to several different levels and although it's alittle more expensive I have always used their bikes. You can also rent leather gear from them as well if you don't have any.

Regardless, enjoy your new scoot

[motion]

If any of you are really serious about getting on the track, come out and ride one of my Ninja 250Rs. They are a blast!

www.RaceBikeRentals.com

[nostatic]

agreed with the sentiment to not track that bike - too clean and not nearly up to the performance of a "modern" bike.

I'm in the same boat - raced the 911 for a couple of years, and I did one track day with my own bike and minimal instruction, but my next one will be at a proper school. I remember that I really didn't "get it" with the track car until I did the skidpad exercise at the POC school. For a bike I think it is even more important to get some help on doing it right. When you spin in a car it is no big deal. Spin on a bike? Could be a very ugly deal...

[LakeCleElum]

Jerry: I've done track days and back in the 1980's, I road-raced bikes for 6 years.

From your earlier posts, I recall that you are a fairly new rider. I think motorcycling is like basketball or golf: Anyone can do it, but their is a huge difference between a beginner and a true expert. I think I recall you took a MSF riding course and applaud you for that. You next step should be the "experienced rider course" and gain experience before heading for the track.

Further, that bike was good for the track back int the '70's and early '80's, but you'll quickly be in over your head it you try to keep up with modern machines with superior brakes, suspension, tires and power.

I've talked to those running track days in the area you (we) live. They get a fair amount of "squids" and not a day goes by w/o ambulance runs. Airlifts to Harborview are not uncommon. You can be prudent and within your limitations, only to have someone else take you out.

In other words, I'd wait a year or two......G'luck...

[jhynesrockmtn]

I'm a little surprised at the advice so far but I understand the points. I realize the bike is older technology but isn't the point of instruction and track experience to learn on the bike you ride? After all, I race a 1968 Vee and track an 83 911. Not exactly current technology.

I'm in Seattle by the way. This is the same home track I race on. This is likely an 09 thing at this point. I've got two race weekends and some car track days already on the schedule before things shut down for the rainy season.

The school here is very structured and starts with a full day of instruction I would do before a track day. Here is their schedule.:

7:40am Complimentary Track Ride Around
8:15am Mandatory Rider Meeting (for all customers and staff)
8:45am Performance School Orientation for Students
9:00am Session One: Body Positioning Utilizing the Lean Machine
10:00am Session Two: The Turn 9 Experience
11:00am Session Three: Welcome to the Lean Machine
12:00pm Session Four: Mid-Day Break (No Classroom Session)
1:00pm Session Five: Braking Techniques
2:00pm Session Six: Throttle & Acceleration Techniques
3:00pm Session Seven: Panic Control and What to Do When Things Go Wrong
4:00pm End of day

Then a track day would happen. This is the description for the beginner group:

Relaxed Group 100 (Strictly Enforced): 2Fast provides first-timers, beginner level riders, and riders not on sportbikes (Cruisers, Supermoto, Touring, etc) with a more comfortable track day environment. We don't want anyone feeling intimidated or afraid of what they may experience on the track, and thus have created a session catering specifically to the beginner/intermediate level street rider... the Relaxed Session. Speeds in this group are materially slower than in our other two sessions, and riders are free to go their own pace. Passing is allowed in straight-aways and the outside of corners only.

My bike is mechanically sound, new tires and I've got decent safety gear, helmet, gloves, boots, armored jacket and pants which is what they require. Still sound crazy?

Thanks for the advice BTW. I've spent quite a bit of time on this board reading older posts with beginner motorcycle rider advice and you guys are a great sounding board and voices of experience.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by motion

If any of you are really serious about getting on the track, come out and ride one of my Ninja 250Rs. They are a blast!

www.RaceBikeRentals.com

So what DON'T you have your hands in?

[BeyGon]

I never thought those models handled well, I used to race against them with my Triumph and it out handled them. The early turbos were fast but not so good in the corners. A good Triumph three cylinder would still be a fun period track bike.
Mine came factory stock with front and rear disk brakes.

[Izze]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

I'm a little surprised at the advice so far but I understand the points. I realize the bike is older technology but isn't the point of instruction and track experience to learn on the bike you ride? After all, I race a 1968 Vee and track an 83 911. Not exactly current technology.

I'm in Seattle by the way. This is the same home track I race on. This is likely an 09 thing at this point. I've got two race weekends and some car track days already on the schedule before things shut down for the rainy season.

The school here is very structured and starts with a full day of instruction I would do before a track day. Here is their schedule.:

7:40am Complimentary Track Ride Around
8:15am Mandatory Rider Meeting (for all customers and staff)
8:45am Performance School Orientation for Students
9:00am Session One: Body Positioning Utilizing the Lean Machine
10:00am Session Two: The Turn 9 Experience
11:00am Session Three: Welcome to the Lean Machine
12:00pm Session Four: Mid-Day Break (No Classroom Session)
1:00pm Session Five: Braking Techniques
2:00pm Session Six: Throttle & Acceleration Techniques
3:00pm Session Seven: Panic Control and What to Do When Things Go Wrong
4:00pm End of day

Then a track day would happen. This is the description for the beginner group:

Relaxed Group 100 (Strictly Enforced): 2Fast provides first-timers, beginner level riders, and riders not on sportbikes (Cruisers, Supermoto, Touring, etc) with a more comfortable track day environment. We don't want anyone feeling intimidated or afraid of what they may experience on the track, and thus have created a session catering specifically to the beginner/intermediate level street rider... the Relaxed Session. Speeds in this group are materially slower than in our other two sessions, and riders are free to go their own pace. Passing is allowed in straight-aways and the outside of corners only.

My bike is mechanically sound, new tires and I've got decent safety gear, helmet, gloves, boots, armored jacket and pants which is what they require. Still sound crazy?

Thanks for the advice BTW. I've spent quite a bit of time on this board reading older posts with beginner motorcycle rider advice and you guys are a great sounding board and voices of experience.

Go for it!
The race track is the best place to learn how to drive your bike under controlled low risk environment, i.e. work on counterstearing, position on bike, gas handling, breaking etc, etc.
The experience from track day(s) can definitely save your life one day when you get into a tricky situation on the road and you know how your bike and yourself work.

The type of bike on the racetrack doesn't matter that much if your main goal is to improve your own driving, i.e. not racing. You could even use a custom bike on track and have (somewhat) fun, however then use a slight different technique.

It is of course much more fun to drive a more racing inclined bike....but that is something you might change over time.

I would also recommend you to use back protection as well.

Drive safely and have fun

[motion]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

Anyone have experience with motorcycle track days? I've done several in my 911 and have a vintage race license and race a formula vee with our local vintage club.

I recently purchased a 75 Honda CB400f and have been getting the mechanicals up to snuff. Last project is to deglaze the front rotor and put in new pads to improve the braking. It's got new tires, rear brakes and has had a full tune up, etc.

I originally purchased it for summertime commuting but have gotten bit by the bug and ride whenever I can. I've taken the MSF course and gotten my endorsement.

Now thinking about a beginner track day to continue to learn and improve. I know how much the track has helped my awareness and technique in my car.

Who's done it and can relate their experiences?

Sounds like a great idea on the surface, and a bit romantic, but you'll be putting yourself in a very dangerous situation. Even in the slowest group, you'll find that that your bike will be a moving chicane on the track. Not the best way to experience a track day for the first time. I would strongly recommend getting something more modern!

[motion]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

So what DON'T you have your hands in?

Ummmmm, uhhhh.... ah forget it

[Noah930]

When I lived in Portland, there was a vintage motorcycle racing group at PIR. They had an entry level class mainly populated by Honda 350s, I believe. Take a look at PIR's website and see if you can find any links to them. They could very well do dates at Pacific Raceway, too.

edit: By the way, there's a BIG difference in cosmetics between a street bike (even a repliracer) and a true track bike. Go to an amateur race weekend and take a look at the bikes close-up. Don't take anything to the track you can't afford to financially or emotionally write off.

[rattlsnak]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

I'm a little surprised at the advice so far but I understand the points. I realize the bike is older technology but isn't the point of instruction and track experience to learn on the bike you ride? After all, I race a 1968 Vee and track an 83 911. Not exactly current technology.

My bike is mechanically sound, new tires and I've got decent safety gear, helmet, gloves, boots, armored jacket and pants which is what they require. Still sound crazy?

.

Does your 68 VEE, or SC have ANY track upgrades at all? Like sticky tires, bigger springs/T-bars, etc? If so, than that rules out not having 'modern technology'.

If you want to learn how to ride the bike, thats one thing, if you want to go to the track on it, thats completely different. Even back in '75 that bike would be unsafe at track speeds/conditions without adding upgrades like stickier tires, springs, etc.
Will it make it around the track?, Of course.. But someone who already has track exp, you will undoubtly try to start pushing it and go faster and faster. Not a good idea on that bike.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I've researched this more. I should have described this as a school and not a track day. I posted their curriculum up earlier and talked to the guys who run the school yesterday. I did a track day, actually evening, in my 911 and the motorcycle guys had the track up until 4pm so I got to watch while I got ready.

Doing it on the CB is a moot point. I sold it (I think, still don't have the $'s in hand) and replaced it with a 93 VFR. The school would have been fine on the CB, definately not a track day as several of you had said.

Right now their only 2008 date left is a no go for work reasons. I'll definately do this in the spring.

The track days are hairy. They said they had 12 accidents yesterday. He told me they get too many people out there that think they are racing.

[stuartj]

My brother, a very experienced road rider, did several on Triumph TT. He has a lovely series on photos of himself sliding down the road, the TT cartwheeling away in the background . Destroyed all the plastic on the bike, so it was close to a w/o, and tore the arse out of his leathers, but otherwise unharmed.

While an invalaubale learning experience- and a blast- on the saftey of the of the track-when you chuck the 911 off the track you generally laugh about it and vacuum out the grass from the cabin.

[ramonesfreak]

thats a beautiful classic bike. but, i wouldnt dare take that on a track unless i was alone and could go at my own pace without worrying about other idiots

i understand you wouldnt be taking that bike, or any bike, to 200mph, but i suggest you rent or buy the film "Faster" and examine the crashes very carefully, keeping in mind that it could be you flying through the air

http://www.amazon.com/Faster-Ewan-McGregor/dp/B0003JAO5Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1218766810&sr=1-1

if you really love riding and want the track experience, you should consider buying a second hand 600cc sportbike. it will be a much safer and more satisfying experience

good luck

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

The track days are hairy. They said they had 12 accidents yesterday. He told me they get too many people out there that think they are racing.

Find a different group to run with. I did a track day that was run by the local MSF school. There were no accidents (though I did go off into the dirt, but not down). While there will always be some yo-yo, a well-run school/day will be able to control the environment so there isn't such mayhem.

[deanp]

Richard - not to get off subject, but I was just reading the article in Road Racing World magazine about the Ninja 250's and was curious if you were the guy behind that based on the name and location they published. Hope it works out. Are you still doing the off-road / fire road stuff with the BMW's in Montana at all?

[Jeff Higgins]

Geez Jerry, sounds pretty crazy to me. I've been to several of those evening lapping sessions as well (with the Alfa club), where the motorcycles have it for the morning and afternoon. I show up a couple of hours early to miss afternoon rush hour traffic, so I watch them run for awhile when I get there. I have never failed to see some one leave in an ambulance. Once even in a medivac chopper.

We have both been around Pacific enough to know that we are not blessed with the runoff (around most of the track) to even toss our 911's, like stuart says, and laugh about it later. It would be great to have such a local track, but you know we don't. Miss it by much and you're in the tire walls most places. I just couldn't imagine doing that on a bike.