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track riding ---> better rider

M

MAIDO

newbie
Joined
Jul 29, 2003
Location
SF
Moto(s)
R1
I assume people who are track riders are the best riders overall, because they have experience with both environments. So now I'd like to further improve my riding skills and feel this is the best way to go.

I'm thinking of going to the track for the first time, and was wondering if those who have gone to the track a couple of times feel it has improved their riding ability? I'm sure it'll help in cornering, but is there anything else that makes it worthwhile to attend that I can learn to use in day-to-day riding.

I doubt I'll be addicted to riding a track, so I'm just wondering if those who have attended a trackday found it worth the money.
 
MAIDO said:
I doubt I'll be addicted to riding a track, so I'm just wondering if those who have attended a trackday found it worth the money.
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Haha, you'll be a track ho in no time. I just wish I had money to go to the track soon!

I think that going to the track a few times has made an improvement in my street riding. I'm certainly more comfortable on the bike.

Before I got the 10R I was thinking that it would be a while before I took it to the track. Sunday afternoon I was telling Chris that I really need to get the bike to the track to get used to it...
 
You will get addicted.

You will get better (at the track anyhow) for the two simple reasons. Repetition and focus.

Since you are making the same group of turns time after time, you learn them and get better at them.

Since you don't have to worry about debris, on-coming traffic, critters etc... and just focus on riding.. you will get better.

Oddly, if you do alot of track riding you may find that your street skills suffer since you revert back to that paranoid street riding mental state.
 
selong said:
You will get addicted.

You will get better (at the track anyhow) for the two simple reasons. Repetition and focus.

Since you are making the same group of turns time after time, you learn them and get better at them.

Since you don't have to worry about debris, on-coming traffic, critters etc... and just focus on riding.. you will get better.

Oddly, if you do alot of track riding you may find that your street skills suffer since you revert back to that paranoid street riding mental state.
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I was hoping that track riding would build on my street riding skills, but I guess they are two completely different environments which require separate riding skills. That sucks:cry
 
selong said:
Oddly, if you do alot of track riding you may find that your street skills suffer since you revert back to that paranoid street riding mental state.
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What he said! I'm happy to rip it up at the track, but I'm now a total pussy on the street... In fact, I rarely ride on the street anymore.
 
Track riding will build your street riding skills.
All the barstool racing in the world doesn't replace experience, and seat time.
A short list of things improved: comfort at hight speed, looking through corners, comfort with low traction situations, better reaction skills, and overall familarity with the machine.
At the track you constanly push and increase your skills.
When you take that to the street what once was a spirited ride becomes a leisurely ride.
 
fubar929 said:
What he said! I'm happy to rip it up at the track, but I'm now a total pussy on the street... In fact, I rarely ride on the street anymore.
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Interesting, cause I thought track riding would totally make your street riding 10 times better :confused
 
MAIDO said:
Interesting, cause I thought track riding would totally make your street riding 10 times better :confused
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I think it just makes you more confident.
 
fr0ng said:
Bout $800 total..

One of them is a $520 2 day trackschool though. :D
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thanks for the info.

for that amount of $, and from what I've read, it would be worth my while to wait because I don't think I would learn a great deal to make my street riding skills greatly improve. I really thought I would be able to learn something new for the street.

I think I'd rather put that money towards some new gear.
 
You will need good gear at the track so if you do not have that now, spend your money there first.

If you look at the track list link below or the BARF Trackdays database you will find quite a few good deals out there. Buttonwillow days are especially cheap but it is in BFE.

Weekends are not 'cheap' anywhere. That is prime time.

I think Thunderhill is the best deal going. Great track, close to home.

In a conversation with Chris Siglin recently, he commented that when he rides the street with his friends, he is the slowest one out there. Put him on the track and, well, we all the know the results there.
 
$520 for one 2-day event? Holy shit... I hope that's at Laguna. You should've hit up a Zoom Zoom day at got free instruction.

Track - is far more than "making you more confident."


After your first trackday, you'll be hooked. You'll come home that night, sign onto BARF, and look for another one.

IMO, it's worth every penny.
 
fubar929 said:
What he said! I'm happy to rip it up at the track, but I'm now a total pussy on the street... In fact, I rarely ride on the street anymore.
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+ 1.

If anything I am more paranoid on the street now.
 
the $520- is for keigwins school. For 520 that's not too shabby and worthwhile.

MAIDO - I've done 3 trackdays since the beginning of the year, and i think i'm scheduled for 4 more (so far of course). Needless to say i'm hooked as you can ask anyone that knows me.

I've actually pretty much given up street riding. I think if you ask most racers, they'll say that riding on the street scares the hell out of them.

Track riding helps your cornering ability and makes you more comfortable. Say before you hit this corner on the street at 40mph and it made you uneasy. After the t-day, you'll be comfortable at 40mph.

As for things you can carry over to the street, i'd say the way I look when i ride has changed. I was never totally a ride the front wheel type of person, but now i'm training myself to look far far ahead (as well as think ahead). On the track, looking right over the front wheel makes you a slow rider (ala me).
 
If a person don't have a clue, they can be a shit rider both street and the track......
 
I became a *much* better rider when I started track riding.

Of course, I do a LOT of track riding :laughing
 
Go to a Z'2 event or speedyard event, get a lot of free instruction from some of the best riders in the bay area...have a nice day.
 
I've done three trackdays so far. I found myself to be fairly comfortable on the track, fairly smooth, but not real fast. I think I have probably ingrained some bad habits though. I've read several books about technique and am looking forward to several upcoming trackdays to put some of the teaching into place. I've also signed up for K@TT's novice school (Guess I'll meet the infamous Frong in person) and am hoping to develop some new "good habits."

In answer to the posted question, I think my few times on the track have made me better on the street for a couple reasons. The main reason is that I have slowed down on the street. I used to ride pretty fast in the twisties, but now I have found a new outlet (the track) where I can explore my abilities in a more controlled environment. After attending trackdays, I have made a concerted effort to improve my skills. I focus more on the technique now and not just getting through the corners. I've also met some great folks at the track who have offered advice and tips to improve my riding.

Try a track day. I'm betting you'll love it.
 
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