Safely added a new experience to my riding live

[turbodave_98]

I must say I should have done this sooner!! I made a decision recently to add another facet to my riding experiences and decided to get into track riding. I was fortunate enough to be able to add a 2005 YZF-R1 to my stable. Then, lucky to have the California Speedway right near me and the opportunity of attending the Fast Track Riders school to prepare me to safely ride the 21 turn AMA bike track.

The course started at 0800 and ended at 1700. It involved classroom instruction and riding on the track instruction with one instructor to 3 novice track riders. We attended class sessions for 40 minutes followed by 20 minutes of practice on the previous class subject on the track. After the 20 minute ride, the AMA certified instructor would critique techniqe and offer suggested improvement to make the riding safer and quciker around the 2.3 mile course. There are 8 total 20 minutes riding sessions during the entire day.

It was a blast and I met my primary objectives to do it safely, without incidents and to learn in a safe riding environment the R1 motorcycle. I must say that the R 1 is definitely an upgrade to performance capabilities than our beloved FJRs. IMHO, the R1 is a very different bike than the FJR in that it is made for extreme speeds and without comfort and LD riding capabilities.

Primary principals that the instructors stressed was ride your own ride, that most novice riders tend to enter turns going to fast, and that the way to improve your time is to accelerate the bike at the apex of the turn and never use your REAR BRAKE unless the front system fails and there is sandy, wet or rocky debris on the track.

In the past, 30 years back, been a motorcross racer but never had been riding a sport bike on a closed race course. I plan on doing it often and keep the R1 as a track only bike.

To those folks on this forum that have the DESIRE to experience track riding, I give it a big THUMBS up. At the California Speedway, you can rent all the necessary safety gear and even sport bikes to complete the course. :yahoo:

 

[03HiYoSilver]

TurboDave,

Congratulations! You look good on that R1. What a nice writeup.

May I ask how fast you were able to get to on the track?

One of these days, I'll do a track day.

 

[madmike2]

Uncle Dave....You are my hero! :clapping: :yahoo:

It sounds like you had a wonderful time. The R-1 is the perfect addition to your "stable" of worthy mounts.

Oh yeah...[SIZE=12pt]Congratulations[/SIZE] on the new purchase!

Blessings on you, sir.

<><

 

[kaitsdad]

What a RUSH !!

Senor Turbo, I am in awe of you -

One of these days I hope to NOT grow up, and be just like you.

 

[vectervp1]

Awesome Dave! Track riding is just as addictive as LD riding, so look out!

 

[madmike2]

You know, Dav'e getting every mile and minute he can out of that repaired heart. I'm glad he got a "good one" and one large enough to share with the rest of us.

And I thought that "I" was the biggest "kid" I knew.....

 

[GunMD]

Holy crap Dave! You're an animal. Border to Border Insanity, several rallies, various other IBA rides and now you're a superbike track dude. Very cool.

Enjoy.

 

[Wolfhound]

Good lookin' bike & track time too ? You're sure living good ! :dribble: :good:

 

[03silverbullet]

Good job Dave! I knew you would enjoy it.

 

[Fencer]

The track hooked me a few months back :yahoo:

But Dave, there is narry a mark on your pucks. The photo must'ave been early in the day

 

[Bearly Flying]

God Damn Kid's, when are you going to grow up and act responsibly......... :clapping: :clapping:

Way to go Dave, Oldest teenager I've ever met....

 

[turbodave_98]

Thanks much for the comments guys. I have lots more to learn on the track and I intend to try my best to capture the instructions from those that know.

BF, good to hear from you, still summer time up there?<LOL> Take care each of you.

 

[turbodave_98]

TurboDave,Congratulations! You look good on that R1. What a nice writeup.

May I ask how fast you were able to get to on the track? max I hit was 140 mph, bike had lots more speed but I need more track time to go faster. Plus, I need to get a "double bubble windscreen to help with the helmet head buffet at high speeds.

One of these days, I'll do a track day.

 

[vectervp1]

TurboDave,Congratulations! You look good on that R1. What a nice writeup.

May I ask how fast you were able to get to on the track? max I hit was 140 mph, bike had lots more speed but I need more track time to go faster. Plus, I need to get a "double bubble windscreen to help with the helmet head buffet at high speeds.

One of these days, I'll do a track day.

Tisk tisk Dave... you shouldn't be looking at your speedometer on the track. You'll find that you'll probably ride faster and smoother if your not looking at your speedo, but at your tach. Next time you head out to the track, tape over your speedometer that way you won't be tempted to look at it.

 

[turbodave_98]

[

Tisk tisk Dave... you shouldn't be looking at your speedometer on the track. You'll find that you'll probably ride faster and smoother if your not looking at your speedo, but at your tach. Next time you head out to the track, tape over your speedometer that way you won't be tempted to look at it.

I only glanced at it on my last session on the last lap. but, you have good advice, I will do it.

 

[FJRocha]

[SIZE=18pt]Awesome Dave!!![/SIZE]

When I grow up, I wanna be like you!!!!

 

[fjrchik]

wow Dave! congrats on accomplishing your goal! very cool dude

 

[Barabus]

Dave,

Way to look thru that corner. Very nice form. You are the man!! Go ahead and post the picture of that Motogp type wheelie you did on the last lap.

Barry

 

[rogdeb]

Bowing my head now in awe & respect -------------

and now :clapping: ----------- Good on ya Turbo.