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Please advise... track day survival 101

Redzx6r

Redzx6r

Stay alive to ride
Joined
May 26, 2011
Location
San Jose
Moto(s)
2010 zx6r
2007 R6 Track
2009 Aprilia SXV 550
2015 RSV4
Name
Dylan
Going to my first track day, I've read up on most of the do's and don't but just want to hear some advice from the avid and expert track day attendees. How can I still have fun and come home in one piece. Thank you! This include tires, preps, suspension, etc.
 
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Tires in good to new condition.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Get a good night's sleep.
Remember it's a trackday not a race.
 
Take it easy and progressively increase your speed. When you get passed, don't try to keep up, just continue at your pace and smoothly pick up the pace. Talk to the tire guy about the pressures you should run before you go out for your first session. Every model of tire is different.
 
My tires right now are the M3s about 1500 miles on them, what would you guys suggest I should do?
 
Redzx6r said:
My tires right now are the M3s about 1500 miles on them, what would you guys suggest I should do?
Click to expand...

Bassem said:
http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254883

Monday's gonna be my first trackday as well
Click to expand...

Listen to what the trackday organizers tell you, they've been at this business for quite some time now.

Lower the tire pressure, look through your turns, take things easy and steadily progress from there, no front brake in the dirt, and have fun.
 
Unless the tires are flat spotted they will work fine. Check with the tire guys but you will want to be in the ball park of 30psi front 28psi rear cold with sport tires.

I'd also get the suspension adjusted after a session or two; worth the $20-$40. If its far off it can make the bike much more uneasy to ride.

Don't worry about other faster riders, just stay predictable and let them pass you.

And most importantly. Have fun. If you aren't having a good time by the last session, cut the day short. Things get risky when the body and the mind start to wear out.
 
Thanks guys, all I need now is decide between the bt003 and q2s . I will try to be safe and have fun !
 
At a first time pace it won't matter but there is no doubt in my mind the Q2 is a better track tire than the BT-003RS (street version) and for a first timer is still better than the DOT race version of the 003.
 
Look over your bike longer than you think you need too. Make sure everything is properly fastened, taped, etc. Better to do this before you arrive at the track.

At the track have your suspension properly set up. Worth the money. Ask about the proper cold air pressure setting and adjust if needed.

Listen to the trackday provider during morning briefing. Show up ready to ride and be there for the instructor slow lap around the track. Good time to see the track at a slow pace and get you mind, body and bike ready.

Check your ego at the door. Ride at your own pace. It takes time to increase speed and many people find their way to floor by pushing too far too fast.

When on the track be predictable; dont dart from one side of the track to the other. Dont wory about people passing you (there will always be someone faster than you) and dont move to make it easier for them to pass (again, unpredictable). If they are faster than you are they will find a safe way to pass.

Have fun and be prepared to be hooked.
 
All good advice. Remember there is always someone faster and slower, and the best way to crash is to forget that.
 
I remember being overwhelmed by a lot of information my first track day with so much to do (register, tire pressures and general check, tech inspection, riders meeting etc etc).

Please do pay attention to riders meeting and do not miss any part of it. Helps to read up on flags a little earlier if you can. It seemed to be a lot to remember (lotsa colored flags, how to enter and exit the track safely, what to do when an incident happens)........and when it does get overwhelming remind yourself......."you are there to have a blast" and it will all be fun again :).

Good luck and have fun.
 
Biggest impact variable and most difficult to predict and control is.....the rider.

Smooth is absolute king, especially on the brakes and the throttle. Beyond that, you will always go where you're looking, so get your eyes up track and looking through corners on your very first lap.

Basics, I know but shocking to me how few people seem proficient at these basics.
 
Aside from what's been said:
-Wear ear plugs.
-Don't worry about dragging your knee.
-Take the time to learn the line around the track, paying attention to your reference points for braking, gear changes, turn in, etc.
-Don't be afraid to ask the instructors questions. No question is a silly/stupid question.
-Take a notebook. Write down what you learned, what the line is, what your reference points are, what changes you made to the bike.
-If at any time you feel uncomfortable, rushed, startled, or just feel something isn't right, pull in and pit. "XX minute sessions" doesn't mean you have to be out there for the full session, it's just a limit.

Before you break for lunch:
-Ask if there will be a track walk with an instructor. This is where an instructor takes you around the track, explaining details about difficult (or all) corners.

In the afternoon:
-As people get faster, there may be an increase in the number of riders clumped together. If you have trouble passing someone, or if someone won't pass you, pull in and do a ride-through of pit lane (observe pit lane speed limits). This will put you in a different spot on the track, away from whatever rider was bugging you.
-Remember to give the appropriate hand signal before leaving the track.
- If you feel comfortable with what you are already doing, start saying aloud what gear you are in as you shift. You'd be surprised how many seasoned track riders don't know what gear they are in. Why is this important? If you ask an instructor how to improve something you are doing on the track, they will ask you - especially if your question is about getting through a corner.
 
kiltwearinfool said:
Aside from what's been said:
-Wear ear plugs.
-Don't worry about dragging your knee.
-Take the time to learn the line around the track, paying attention to your reference points for braking, gear changes, turn in, etc.
-Don't be afraid to ask the instructors questions. No question is a silly/stupid question.
-Take a notebook. Write down what you learned, what the line is, what your reference points are, what changes you made to the bike.
-If at any time you feel uncomfortable, rushed, startled, or just feel something isn't right, pull in and pit. "XX minute sessions" doesn't mean you have to be out there for the full session, it's just a limit.

Before you break for lunch:
-Ask if there will be a track walk with an instructor. This is where an instructor takes you around the track, explaining details about difficult (or all) corners.

In the afternoon:
-As people get faster, there may be an increase in the number of riders clumped together. If you have trouble passing someone, or if someone won't pass you, pull in and do a ride-through of pit lane (observe pit lane speed limits). This will put you in a different spot on the track, away from whatever rider was bugging you.
-Remember to give the appropriate hand signal before leaving the track.
- If you feel comfortable with what you are already doing, start saying aloud what gear you are in as you shift. You'd be surprised how many seasoned track riders don't know what gear they are in. Why is this important? If you ask an instructor how to improve something you are doing on the track, they will ask you - especially if your question is about getting through a corner.
Click to expand...

great points :thumbup
 
MotoDave565 said:
When on the track be predictable; dont dart from one side of the track to the other. Dont wory about people passing you (there will always be someone faster than you) and dont move to make it easier for them to pass (again, unpredictable). If they are faster than you are they will find a safe way to pass.
Click to expand...

That, don't worry about what's going on behind you. I still have the bad habit of looking over my shoulder.

Tape up your speedo, there's no reason for you to be looking at it.

Jello_Biafra said:
This checklist is helpful for newer folks: http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4497027&postcount=513
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:laughing Great list, I've almost forgotten my bike key before and I have had to turn back for my helmet after an hour of driving in traffic. I've also forgotten my gloves :rolleyes

In the excitement you tend to forget the small stuff. :nerd

Oh, do wear sunscreen but careful of your forehead, sweat/sunscreen and your eyes don't mix.
 
All great advice, beside looking at the at cost rising up , Im totally stoked. I've wrote down most of the key points from you guys and will ask the instructor more question when arrived. I'm also thankful to be going with one of the barfer (2slow). One last question is that, I've always been a clear shield guy for my helmet, do I need a smoke visor? Will it gets too bright ?
 
Redzx6r said:
One last question is that, I've always been a clear shield guy for my helmet, do I need a smoke visor? Will it gets too bright ?
Click to expand...

My first few years of riding I was a clear shield with sunglasses guy. I ended up buying a new helmet and the glasses didn't fit well between my temples and helmet liner, so I was kind of forced into getting a smoked visor. Wow! I will never ride with glasses and a clear visor again. I can't believe I rode as long as I did like that. Get the smoked/tinted visor, you'll never look back.
 
Damn BARF is Slipping!

RIDE FAST TAKE CHANCES



(not really it just needed to be said- I miss those kind of posts)
 
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