I've never been to one! Had my 600RR for a few weeks, took the MSF Course, started in a parking lot, then neighborhood, and now I'm doing *gasp* 55mph down the main streets!!

My friend wants to take me to a track day next month - by then I'll have been riding around a lot more and I'll be ready to head out to it, but I don't know what to expect! What are track days all about? I'm sure he could tell me, but I will get a lot more variety in opinion around here.

He says I'll learn a whole lot. I say great! What other advice/info can ya'll give me? And finally - am I going to be the ONLY girl there? (besides the ubiquitous "sport bike guy's girlfriend there to watch")

 

there's almost always 2 or 3 girls at track days... and i've seen some that will put a lot of guys to shame if you have a chance to do one... DO IT. there are people of all levels out there.

btw, welcome to the forum! post pics when you get a chance

 

Start with this.......
https://cbrforum.com/m_100965/tm.htm

But other wise.....basically dont ride over your head. I can only assume this is your first bike? Like the column says.......be prepared to get passed and often and by WAY smaller, "slower" bikes. Otherwise you will crash trying to keep up with someone you THINK has inferior equipment. The last track day I went to it was stupid how many newbies were crashing EVERY session one went down, and stayed down.......so think about that. Your insurance wont cover your probably on loan bike if you wad it up at a track day. Just some things to remember when you're diving for the apex chasing an SV-650. But you WILL learn a ton about how your bike reacts to different inputs, body english, etc. Make sure your tires are good and at the right pressure. Start with 32F 30R for a base and see how it goes. Track days are about learning to ride better, smoother, and as a by product, quicker. They are NOT a race. Nobody gets a trophy at the end of the day. As far as being the only girl.........I doubt it. I have yet to be at a track day that didnt have at least one. Most important......have fun. I have never left the track in a foul mood. Do be prepared as it is VERY addictive. Enjoy. Let us know how it goes.

 

normally I would suggest a little more experience before a trackday but as long as you take it easy and line up at the back of the pack you should be fine. Also make sure to ride predictably. Always be aware that no matter how fast or slow you are there is somebody probably about to pass you FAST and you don't want to suddenly move into their way when they think its safe to pass you, that can turn out really messy (painful and expensive too)

what track are you going to?
roadracing world magazine put out a special issue called "Get On The Track: Track Day Directory and Riding Guide" it gives you all the info you could ever need on what goes on at a trackday, how you should ride, what to bring, etc You can order it for like $6 at roadracingworld.com or get it at local bookstores (some of them at least).

anyway the most important thing is to have a good time

good luck!

 

I teach high performance & road racing in cages...on the DRIVING side at Road Atlanta, Talladega, etc. I haven't been on my bike to a track day yet (got it in April and by the way NICE BIKE & GOOD COLOR CHOICE --> Same as mine!!!)

Let me just say, that if the school is a good one, then there will be excellent safety & restraint taught along with tons of skill building & lessons that will apply directly to safer street riding. You will become much more proficient at dealing with situations that could turn into an emergency on the street. It's all about where you LOOK with your eyes, how you feel the bike, how smooth you are in all input movements with your hands, feet & body english. All this will be better after a track day.

So I'd say, pick a good school. Interview the folks ahead of time to make sure it isn't just a psuedo racing school with tons of testosterone & adrenalin for sale - but rather good advice, restraint, safety oriented.

You'll advance much quicker in your riding skills by attending such a school.

Don't ya just LOVE these RRs????[sm=gears.gif]

 

The organization I use (sportbiketracktime.com) has pre-ride and post ride classroom instruction for novice riders and they assign you to groups based on your comfort and experience level. Your first sessions are exercises, so they won't just throw you to the wolves and laugh when you crash. They won't let you get in over your head unless you make it happen and in the novice groups, passing is not permitted unless you absolutely have to to get around a slower rider, because there are no winners on track day events, but you sure can be a looser if you wad up your bike trying to ride above your skill level and pass like Rossi on the track.

I'd say the best thing you can do (not just for the track either) is to educate yourself...get Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist II, Lee Park's Total Control and Nick Ienatsch's Sport Riding Techniques and make them your riding Bibles...talk to people, who's riding style you admire and milk them for tips and techniques.

If and when you get to the track be focused on being safe and having fun...then lock your wallet, because you'll officially be a track junkie and you can kiss all your spare money goodbye!

 

Fret has given you some of the best advice you could receive on this question. I agree with everything he's said here about what to read & the type of school to look for. Sounds like sportbiketracktime is doing it right.