Getting into track riding

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oracle462

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Mar 2, 2016
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Hey gents, I'm getting into track riding next season and looking for some advice on what things I should be investing in between personal protection and bike prep.

I've done a few days in the past but planning on going to California Superbike school and looking for some insight on what I should be spending my money on.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!


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Last edited:
oracle462 said:
Hey gents, I'm getting into track riding next season and looking for some advice on what things I should be investing in between person Malika protection and bike prep.

I've done a few days in the past but planning on going to California Superbike school and looking for some insight on what I should be spending my money on.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!


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Click to expand...

full leathers, protection and some rider coaching.

Take your time enjoy it speed will come with seat time and nobody wins a track day.

Breath and enjoy.
 
Not sure what bike you have but it goes without saying, good tyres, a well serviced and carefully looked over bike. Have the bike transported to and from the track rather than riding if you can it makes for a much more relaxed session.

Good supply of tools for you and others around you and plenty of refreshments with a good alcohol free sleep the night before.
 
Gear: Don't break the bank. Expensive gear is more comfortable but offers similar protection to middle-tier gear (unless it's airbag vs non-airbag). However, invest in a good helmet that fits well. Also invest in an airbag system such as Hit-Air. Nearly all the coaches in my org wear it. Don't forget a back protector.

Bike protection: Crashing happens, and sliders help. R&G makes good products. You should also view tires as protection. Never run a cheap touring tire, or a tire that's old, even if it has tread left.

Trackdays/Coaching: The money you save on gear can be spent on the track and coaching.

A quick word about laptimers. Chasing lap times when you're a beginner can be dangerous imo. Work on the fundamentals first and then chase lap times when you become a proficient intermediate or advanced rider.

Push your limits but never ride beyond them, and enjoy yourself.
 
I used to help corner work for the Keith Code SBK school back when they were on Kawasaki's at Streets of Willow at Willow Springs.

Some of the drills were throttle, engine braking, proper apex and specific lines around the track, not just the race line. For example, you'll do 3 or 4th gear without any brakes one session, 1 or 2nd gear on the right side of the track. Our job as corner workers were to call in the students who were sketchy or didn't follow the drill. Going around the track w/out using your brakes and depending only on engine braking and confidence can be scary.

Some of these drills you might be able to practice during a C group track day.

The schools will definitely help you advance your track riding experience. My advice, since you've done a few track days already, is get more seat time. Stay in the novice group and if even if you feel that you've progressed, don't try to bump up to intermediate/B group. Have an instructor tow you around.
 
able duc said:
Not sure what bike you have but it goes without saying, good tyres, a well serviced and carefully looked over bike. Have the bike transported to and from the track rather than riding if you can it makes for a much more relaxed session.

Good supply of tools for you and others around you and plenty of refreshments with a good alcohol free sleep the night before.
Click to expand...



I have an 899 and wondering about getting track fairings/sliders and such for bike prep.


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RRnold said:
I used to help corner work for the Keith Code SBK school back when they were on Kawasaki's at Streets of Willow at Willow Springs.

Some of the drills were throttle, engine braking, proper apex and specific lines around the track, not just the race line. For example, you'll do 3 or 4th gear without any brakes one session, 1 or 2nd gear on the right side of the track. Our job as corner workers were to call in the students who were sketchy or didn't follow the drill. Going around the track w/out using your brakes and depending only on engine braking and confidence can be scary.

Some of these drills you might be able to practice during a C group track day.

The schools will definitely help you advance your track riding experience. My advice, since you've done a few track days already, is get more seat time. Stay in the novice group and if even if you feel that you've progressed, don't try to bump up to intermediate/B group. Have an instructor tow you around.
Click to expand...



I was planning on doing the California superbike school for a single day event to get some training/seat time. I'm an educator myself so I know how to be patient in learning to stay safe and enjoy!

I'm really interested in knowing where to invest money and what's a waste for a beginner track rider. I'm not rich so I won't be going every weekend during the summer, but I don't want to trash my bike either.


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Since you're planning on doing the school, I would suggest doing a weekend event. 1 day will get your feet wet absorbing everything in. On day 2, you will be more relaxed and focused which can help you apply more of those drills.

Aside from that, a good set of tires, a proper suspension setup at the track and quality gear would be a great starting point.

With new gear, factor in time of breaking it in, hence seat time. Since it's new and stiff, it can fatigue you; you hand web from the gloves, your arches from new boots, wearing the armor in the suit etc. Full gear adds about 10-15 extra lbs and when it's new, it's tough to move around on the track.
 
oracle462 said:
I was planning on doing the California superbike school for a single day event to get some training/seat time. I’m an educator myself so I know how to be patient in learning to stay safe and enjoy!

I’m really interested in knowing where to invest money and what’s a waste for a beginner track rider. I’m not rich so I won’t be going every weekend during the summer, but I don’t want to trash my bike either.


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Click to expand...

Since you already said instruction and seat time...

Spend the necessary time/money to get your bike's ergonomics set up in a way that makes you comfortable. Everything is easier and makes much more sense if your bike's ergos allow you to interact with it comfortably.

After you have a reasonable grasp of the basics pay to have a suspension tuner spend some time with you to get a baseline setup for your bike. I highlight the fact that it's a baseline setup because it will need to change as your pace improves but at least you'll have a reference for how the bike should feel.
 
Last edited:
RRnold said:
Since you're planning on doing the school, I would suggest doing a weekend event. 1 day will get your feet wet absorbing everything in. On day 2, you will be more relaxed and focused which can help you apply more of those drills.



Aside from that, a good set of tires, a proper suspension setup at the track and quality gear would be a great starting point.



With new gear, factor in time of breaking it in, hence seat time. Since it's new and stiff, it can fatigue you; you hand web from the gloves, your arches from new boots, wearing the armor in the suit etc. Full gear adds about 10-15 extra lbs and when it's new, it's tough to move around on the track.
Click to expand...



Interesting you say that about the two day event as I was thinking the same thing about it. The cost quadruples, but every information outlet I've ever read puts the best investment in training. I just feel that cost will set me back on my timeline of riding my own bike on track. Still probably worth it though right?


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BTrain5489 said:
Since you already said instruction and seat time...

Spend the necessary time/money to get your bike's ergonomics set up in a way that makes you comfortable. Everything is easier and makes much more sense if your bike's ergos allow you to interact with it comfortably.

After you have a reasonable grasp of the basics pay to have a suspension tuner spend some time with you to get a baseline setup for your bike. I highlight the fact that it's a baseline setup because it will need to change as your pace improves but at least you'll have a reference for how the bike should feel.
Click to expand...



Thanks for this input, I never spent too much time thinking about ergonomics as a place to invest. I never ridden with rearsets so I feel like I perhaps don't know what I'm missing or what an improvement would feel like. I'm pretty comfortable in the Panigale as it is.


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oracle462 said:
Interesting you say that about the two day event as I was thinking the same thing about it. The cost quadruples, but every information outlet I've ever read puts the best investment in training. I just feel that cost will set me back on my timeline of riding my own bike on track. Still probably worth it though right?
Click to expand...

There are multiple ways of looking at it but it really depends on the person/type of rider. The students that I have seen at the schools vary from new riders (less than a year with an M1), those who have been riding on the street and are looking to take it to the next level by riding on the track and those who have adequate track experience and are looking for coaching tips and techniques to help improve.

This was only one approach but if you're on a budget, I would focus on seat time first. Then when you're starting to feel more comfortable with your bike on the track, take the 1 day course to help hone your skills.
 
1. Tire pressures
2. Tire warmers- go out and be up to pace
3. Study tracks and hit your personal brake markers and apexes consistently
4. Rider coaching
 
able duc said:
Not at this stage, just concentrate on your track coaching and don't overthink it the tutors will guide you in what's best.
Click to expand...



Thank you! Your wording articulates better what information I'm hoping to find.

I know there's not just one way of acquiring all the necessary gear/items but I'm curious as to order of importance or stages as you put it. From what I've gathered so far from everyone's input:

1. Mid-tier protective riding gear/ back-protector
2. Seat-time/patience learning the fundamentals
3. Ergonomics and suspension set up
4. Rider coaching

What else should I add to this list/preferably in order of financial investment priority?



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I suggest a real race school and if you can get a dedicated track bike. That way it's better run event and if you crash no big deal as it's a track bike. Lots of them come up for sale as things change and people get out of racing.
 
My list:

1. Full suit/gear & back protector (doesn't have to be expensive)

2. Tires, preferably slicks w/warmers. (best insurance honestly) Be very particular about tire pressures. Ask the tire vendor at the track, they are pretty knowledgeable and can get you lined out. Different tires from diff manf. have vastly different pressure setups.

3. Take your time. Don't rush. Do as much as you can ahead of time so you can just focus on the day. I like to have my tires mounted before I even head out there. Saves having to rush in the morning or stress waiting on the tire vendor to get through everyone.

4. Just get out there and get seat time. The more relaxed you are, the better it will be. First time out, don't ride over your head or go into the red mist zone.. Also, I wouldn't necessarily say coaching is a requirement the first time out. You're so busy with just trying to keep everything straight, it can be overload on your first day. Too much too soon = bad combo imo.

5. Have fun! Stop to smell the rubber.. enjoy yourself.
 
DCPanni said:
I suggest a real race school and if you can get a dedicated track bike. That way it's better run event and if you crash no big deal as it's a track bike. Lots of them come up for sale as things change and people get out of racing.
Click to expand...



Great ideas, do you recommend any particular schools?


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Nick Ienatsch of Cycle World fame runs a fantastic school, based on Freddy Spencer's championship-winning riding techniques:

https://ridelikeachampion.com/

My track and street riding skills improved using what I learned, and I have been riding for a couple of decades.

Thanks
 

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