Quote:
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.
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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
