What is the track able to teach us about riding that we can't, or don't learn on the street?

 

On the street we can get away with poor habits that will bite on the track. I'm talking about the habits of what to do with the 6 controls (clutch, front and rear brake, steering, throttle and shifter) and when and how much to do what. It's not the track itself that teaches us these lessons, but the pace and continuous nature at the track that reveals these things.

On the track, you're always moving. On the street you can stop at the next light and gather your thoughts. You can however slow down on the track - we often forget that and it's the fear of being rear ended sans mirrors that encourages us to forget.

 

I will add to "Jaybirds" spot on reply...........for example, how many people crash on the street because they just dont know how far they can actually lean a bike over and ride straight off the road in to a ditch or guard rail etc. Or they cant slow down enough because they dont use the front brakes at all. Or target fixate....you go where you look. You'll learn at the track what not to do & what to do. So then when on the street and in an emergency situation you'll be trained properly that will probably save your life and your motorcycle etc, so on and so forth.

 

The track is the only place to learn the limits of you and your bike in a safe controlled environment without risking innocent bystandards. Not to mention if you do "F" up, there is EMS on site.

 

Absolutely. It's the training portion that is so important. The track is a safe and controlled place to learn the proper techniques that could save your life on the street. It's amazing how many mistakes people can make riding on the street and can be lucky in the outcome...but for some it's not so lucky. So, like you said, learning the limits of your bike can literally save your life when riding on the street.


Absolutely. So true. People often comment that they think my job (and my racing) is so dangerous but then I tell them that it's done on a closed circuit, with highly trained riders and there is always and EMS right on site and we are all wearing the proper gear.... so as you said, the track is THE place to learn the limits!

 

I honestly believe its safer on the track literally going as fast as you can along with a bunch of other crazy phuckers going as fast as they can than riding on the street, not having a clue what people in automobiles are thinking and going to do. Especially since track days and racing, you are wearing all the proper gear, following all the rules (or they'll kick you out forever) and EMS on site.

 

Hahaha YUP!