script, what you say makes sense. I've often thought of hitting the track because even w/o going to the track as of yet, I already know that it is the purest, ***** out riding I or anyone else will ever experience. In a way I'm afraid to go. As you say, I may never ride on the street again! This would be the perfect bike for me, for that, as I doubt it would ever become boring. I'll be 50 in April and my reflexes etc. aren't what they used to be. 140ish is plenty fast for an old fat man!!

 

Wrang - I would make a point to get there. Like you said it IS the purest riding found. There are instructors who will basically hold your hand around the track and know just about everything that deals with riding. If you go there use the instructors, and be willing to learn, aka bring a tape recorder. like keith code says: "trackdays are like toilet paper, the more you have the more you use" I went my to the track 5 or so times, and I wanted to learn, but as soon as I was given the opportunity to practice a skill that the instructors have taught me, i would go ***** out and ride how i had been, and completely forget to slow it down to get comfortable with my new technique. Then after a while, I wasnt getting faster, my lines were as good as they could have been, I couldnt enter or exit a turn any better and I sat down with a coach, and let them know of my issues.

They told me to follow them around the track for a few laps. After following them for 4 laps, every one of my lap times while following was 2-4 seconds faster than i had been moving solo. You would be amazed at how much following a guy who you know is good, will boost your confidence and make you a better rider. Im not trying to scare you out of street riding, but its like crack. I really needed my fix, so i put my street ride in the garage, covered her up, and saved cash to get to the track.

The beauty of the track vs the street in my mind, outside of cars cops and gravel, is I have been trackday riding for 6 seasons now approx 20 td, moved my way up to the advance, and I can say i STILL only can ride 50-60% of what my bike offers. That blows my mind. Everyone loved riding, the shape of the machine, the power, the unlimited opportunities, but when i ride on the street i think "unless i ride like an idiot who wants to die, I can only milk this bike for 5-10% of what she can do" So i gave it up, every now and again if my wife wants a ride ill get back on it, but its payed off so I dont mind letting her sit.

As far as being scared, ill let you know that i was 21 when i got into trackday riding, and for my first td, i got my dad to go (at the age of 50). He has ridden since he was 15, and has owned nothing but harleys, kawi, hondas, all cruisers. Until his first trackday he hadnt been on a street ride for more than 2 minutes around the block. He is now 56, and still ripping around the track. It amazes me. Sure he doesnt push it like the young bucks who have something to prove, but he was within 10 seconds of my lap times on an f2, and i was on a 07 gsxr 600 on a 4mile+ track. There is still time to get out there.


I dont know where your from, but many td orgs have a free morning with them to test the waters and see if its for you. And for a seasoned man like yourself, when you join, you will be a novice, there are specific rules in the novice class to allow everyone to be safe, aka no passing, and you will only be on the track with guys your still level. Also, every hour you will be in the classroom "learning" how to ride at the track for 20 mins , and then go out on the track for 20 mins, then get 20 mins to drink 4947727 gatorades and sit down in your chair.

Here are some links, give them a read. and if you havent buy some books (regardless if you want to go to the track or not)

Keith Code- Twist the wrist I & II

Sportbiketracktime.com
Nesba.org