Thinking About Trying A Track Day

[boogahboogah]

Since I've gotten the Feejer on May 7 we've gone 10600 miles, mostly on slab. Now I'm getting to the point where I think I'd like to do some runs on a race track, with lots of coaching, in an uncrowded environment, on someone else's bike. I'm smart enough to know what I don't know, which is a heckofa lot.

Has anyone on the forum done a track day ? Are there folks that cater to us ex-cruiser types that are still learning how to dip a shoulder & slide the butt to the inside corner ? I'd like to become lots more proficient, but would rather do it in a professional teaching environment instead of being self taught. Is insurance included in the fees? How about a rental bike ? I'd sure not want to screw the pooch on the Feejer, rather it be someone else's problem, even if I have to pay extra for the privilege.

If you guys have had a good experience with someone I'd like to hear about it. Also if you have a web address that'd be nice.

Thanks in advance !

 

[opt8low]

Try this and you won't be disappointed Superbike School .

I did a class last year and had the time of my life. I rented one of there bikes and riding gear. Learned a lot too. If you want to ride the FJR you can do that with them also.

If you just want a track day try these guys NESBA .

You will get addicted... Don't say I didn't worn you..

Dana

 

[sparky3008]

Dam, why is all the good stuff out West?

Anything like that on the East Coast?

 

[SpeedyR]

there's plenty of tracks on the east coast... In the southeast I ride with a group called the Floribama riders. We have barber rented this weekend so looking forward to being out on the track and enjoying some two up tracck time..

but if you are in the SE let me know and I can get you in contact with a few schools or track days..

Jeff

 

[sparky3008]

there's plenty of tracks on the east coast... In the southeast I ride with a group called the Floribama riders. We have barber rented this weekend so looking forward to being out on the track and enjoying some two up tracck time..
but if you are in the SE let me know and I can get you in contact with a few schools or track days..

Jeff

I am in Maryland but don't know much about that scene.

Two up, do you do the track with someone on the back?

 

[RJCgixnfjr]

One thing I will advize you on...if you plan to do a track day with the FJR...make sure the organization will allow bikes with center stands. Some DO NOT!! so just make sure you ask.

 

[sparky3008]

No chance of that. That is why I wanted to go to one of these schools that had bikes. Even with liability and such I don't want to chance doing damage to my personal bike. If I then liked doing track I might then invest in a used sport bike to just take to the track.

 

[Randy]

There are 2 different types of events - track days and schools.

Track days usually don't have rental bikes available, but, don't offer as much education. Schools usually have a bit less actual track time, but, they provide more guidance and teaching.

The following are the schools that I could find that are in the east and can provide bikes

Penguin Racing School - https://www.penguinracing.com/pages/27_motorcycles.cfm

California Superbike School - https://www.superbikeschool.com/schedule/

Kevin Schwantz School - https://www.schwantzschool.com/

I'm not aware of any strictly track day events on the east where you can rent a bike.

 

[gypsy]

I was just looking at the Penguin Racing site. I hate it when they try to deceive with things like this about insurance coverage.

From the site:

"Option 2: You may buy damage insurance for $150. This covers you 100% for any accidental damage to the motorcycle during a single crash, minus a $100 deductible."

The coverage either:

1) covers you 100%

OR

2) has a $100 deductible

...it can't be both.

Now this isn't a very good deception but they are still playing with the phrasing to the detriment of their potential clients.

gypsy

 

[panthercity]

Take a look at Roadracing World's School List Page.

 

[DucatiSS]

Hope your wallet has some coin in it...gonna need it! Once you get a taste of track riding, you'll be hooked for 2-3 years at least. I went the cheap route and bought a track prepped '93 cbr900rr with fox rear and lindemans front and sharkskinz body work, brakelines etc. $3000.00 Put another 750.00 in it to freshen it up since it had been sitting for years. Vanson Leathers 1200.00 Boots 125.00 track fees 100.00-150.00 Sliding your pucks around the track and shaving a second or two off your lap times.....PRICELESS

This was back in '98 and does not include $$ for transportation, lodging, tires(good for 2-3 weekends) or general maint.

Was it worth it? HELL YES!

On the negative side, you will see some snapped limbs and totaled bikes. Still feel sorry for the guy who had to look down after a wreck and see the sole of his boot :dribble: not pretty.

Cheers,

Bryce

 

[DucatiSS]

As for the where and when, contact your local shop. They will know or know who to direct you to. There's at least one racer in every shop. Also look into joining a sportbike club which usually will throw a open track day a couple times a year.

Cheers,

Bryce

 

[Coyote]

I enrolled for my first day at a track. California Superbike School on October 17. I'll be using their bike and gear. I'll make a post when I complete it.

A friend from Washington sent me an email about his NESBA track day. It sounded terrible. He road with the 3rd group (no rules) and quit after after two twenty minute sessions. There were a couple of squids on 1K sport bikes who almost took him out :fie: and a fifty year old male with "something to prove" who was just as bad as the squids. I would be interested in hearing what it's like riding with the two monitored groups (gots rules :rtfm: ).

 

[Bike Effects]

I enrolled for my first day at a track. California Superbike School on October 17. I'll be using their bike and gear. I'll make a post when I complete it.
A friend from Washington sent me an email about his NESBA track day. It sounded terrible. He road with the 3rd group (no rules) and quit after after two twenty minute sessions. There were a couple of squids on 1K sport bikes who almost took him out :fie: and a fifty year old male with "something to prove" who was just as bad as the squids. I would be interested in hearing what it's like riding with the two monitored groups (gots rules :rtfm: ).

Good on 'ya! Where is it going to be held?

 

[HIGHLANDER]

10-17 is Sears Point per the schedule. Realy close to you BE !

 

[madmike2]

And not too far from the Highlander estate!

Is this the place where one learns to be smooth ?

 

[Coyote]

Smooth and more I hope.

@BE - It may be too late now, but Doc Wong had a couple of open spots. He books a bunch early and releases them if his riding buddies don't fill them. There is another one December 6.

Also too. I try to make the Doc's monthly riding clinic (mostly for the ride). So far, mine is the only FJR to show up. Makes me special, but it would be nice to see some of youse there too. :clap:

 

[DucatiSS]

A friend from Washington sent me an email about his NESBA track day. It sounded terrible. He road with the 3rd group (no rules) and quit after after two twenty minute sessions. There were a couple of squids on 1K sport bikes who almost took him out :fie: and a fifty year old male with "something to prove" who was just as bad as the squids. I would be interested in hearing what it's like riding with the two monitored groups (gots rules  :rtfm:   ).

Was probably some of those damn crazy canadians who don't get enough riding in year round up there. Of course it's usually the Canucks who we were picking up off the track and loading into the aid-unit

 

[Bike Effects]

Smooth and more I hope.
@BE - It may be too late now, but Doc Wong had a couple of open spots. He books a bunch early and releases them if his riding buddies don't fill them. There is another one December 6.

I may just show up there and show moral support!