Top 5 misconceptions about Track Days
May 14th, 2010 by Leo
I’m not much of a track aficionado…because it’s hard to find the time and most tracks are far from NYC…but a couple of years ago NJMP opened up with two tracks: the fast and simple Lightning track, and the more technical Thunderbolt. It’s still pretty far, but close enough that you can ride or (preferably) drive there from the city early in the morning to make it in time for 7am sign in… This year I definitely want to take advantage of the track a little more, so in case some of you non-track riders want to join me – now is a great time to sign up for dates before they’re all booked up! Here are some top 5 misconceptions I hear concerning track days:
Misconception #1 – You need a fast bike to ride on the track…
If you can ride it on the road, you can pretty much ride it on the track. I’ve seen Goldwing Cruisers, little EX250’s, Triumph Bonnevilles – in Europe people even take scooters (like the larger Gileras and T-Max) on the track alongside sportbikes. So basically if it’s fast enough to ride on the highway, it’s fast enough to ride on the track.
Misconception #2 – Track days are hard on your motorcycle…
If you ride regularly on the street, a track day is not really harder on your engine or suspension than a regular day of riding. Even the speeds you are likely to reach are comparable to speeds you have reached on the highway. Hopefully a day at the track will work your tires a bit more as you learn to increase your corner speed, but that’s a good kind of wear.
Misconception #3 – Track days are dangerous…
Yes they are. Don’t ever forget that motorcycling involves real risks and dangers, so it’s up to you to use good judgment and hone your skills without putting yourself in unneeded danger. But… the track is actually SAFER than riding on the streets around NYC. If you are a safe and controlled rider on the street, there’s no reason why you can’t be even safer and even more controlled on a track without cars and trucks or potholes or intersections and stop lights.
Misconception #4 – Faster riders will run you off the road…
Any respectable track day organization will have safety riders to deal with aggressive or dangerous riding. Also, all of the track day organizations divide riders into groups of novices, intermediates, and the faster riders. That means you’re on the track with people who want to ride at a similar pace as you. This is a million times safer and better than any street ride you could have.
Misconception # 5 – Track days are expensive…
They’re not cheap! But once you own your bike, a season of track days can be comparable to a season of skiing. The experience is actually similar to going skiing (get up early to drive to the track, or motel it the nigh before). The main difference is, getting better on a snowboard may be fun but has no real world value. But becoming a better rider and understanding your bike better can possibly save your life.
So how do I get started?
First, find a good track day organization and look for dates and locations you can make it to. Finding good dates and locations are the hardest part of a track day – many of the weekend dates fill up fast so sign up early… If you’re a first timer and have questions or doubts, email them and let them know – that’s the first test to see if it’s a good track day organization for you. They should be friendly and helpful and make it easy for you to get signed up. They should also give you help and advice on how to prep your bike for the track (usually: safety wire the oil filter so it can’t get loose, and tape over the headlights and plastic lights).
Here are a few to start with…so call in some sick days and join me for a few laps!
- Tony’s Track Days
- NESBA
- Team Pro Motion
- [Know of any others you'd recommend? Let us know in the comments section.]
Got any more common misconceptions about track days? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Related posts:
I heartily recommend Sportbike Track Time, especially their Novice class. They run a full track school for beginners with classroom sessions between track sessions, small groups in a highly controlled track environment, and lots of personalized instruction, all the way to individual instruction at your own pace if you need it. It is as good or better than the Schwantz Superbike School I attended last spring, and they don’t charge anything over the regular cost of the track day.
-abe