When should you hit the track??

[was92v]

When you feel like you are comfortable enough to control panic. Fight, flight or freeze will get you or someone else hurt. When you can put panic reaction into a compartment and your mind and body can ride through it you will be OK. Once you realize that every fiber in your being wanted to stand the bike up and nail the brake, but instead you made yourself bend it in and make the turn, in spite of yourself, you are ready to expand your capabilities. Until that light comes on, you may be just be setting yourself up for trouble.

[smileyman]

MSF first, good track school second, then track day it up. Beginners should get a chance to learn in a controlled environment how to operate that machine before they are forced into traffic and congested areas. Earlier the better to learn the bikes capabilities and build confidence in the riders abilities!

[zed]

it's at a race track but it doesn't mean that you have to race.

the instructors will help you by giving you advice and slowing down and letting you follow them around the track.

as with anytime you ride your bike. ride your own ride. don't let anyone push you past what you feel comfortable doing.

[the chi]

What Azoom said! I have heard from many instructors that they prefer riders that havent had a chance to learn many bad habits on the street. As long as you are comfortable on your bike, and you know what you are supposed to be doing to keep that bike up and moving, you are good to go. And I know Jeeps wouldnt put you in harms way. If he thinks you would like it and you want to do it, GO FOR IT!!

While I had ridden for abut a year before my first track day, I never had any clue until I got out there how much more I could learn and do with my bike, and after I did a track day I was 150% more confident in my skills and bike and so much a better rider for it. It taught me skills on my bike that I could carry onto the street to make me safer, wiser and more prepared to handle surprises. And I no longer feel a need to break my neck or push myself on the street, I save my need for pushing the limits to the track.

[Ducati Diva]

Thanks guys!!! I knew I would get good information from all of you. I am excited about learning a new aspect of riding. I by no means think that I am ready to jump out there with the "big boys" but would love to learn from an experienced instructor. Keep the comments comming!

It will be a bit before I am able to hit the track. Being laid off sucks!!!! I will keep you posted when it happens.

[azoomm]

FWIW, you don't ever want to *hit* the track

Check with your local trackday orgs - most offer a volunteer/ride program.

[OreoGaborio]

The track day organization itself has a lot to do with it, as does the rider themselves.

The org that I work for is VERY newbie friendly. We spend a lot of time "catering" to the first-timer, walking them through everything that they're going to do that day, making sure they understand all the rules etc, spending extra time with those that need it, etc.... As long as ALL basic controls (throttle, clutch, brakes, shifting and turning) are feeling "second nature" so that you don't have to conciously think "Okay... where are the front brakes again? Where's the clutch? Where's the shift lever?", and you are able to safely pilot a motorcycle under normal riding conditions, that's typically enough.

As far as MY personal experience, I started riding with that same organization 3 months after I started riding & I only had 5k miles of riding experience.... and that was PLENTY of experience for me. (I even scuffed a puck a few times that day )

[mightyduc998]

if you can get to the store and back without dropping or stalling he bike you should be fine.be aware, "once you go track you NEVER go back" Heh heh...

[OreoGaborio]

Originally Posted by mightyduc998

if you can get to the store and back without dropping or stalling he bike you should be fine.be aware, "once you go track you NEVER go back" Heh heh...

I dunno, duc.... My ex girlfriend was able to do that (though not comfortably) & there was no way in hell was she ready for the track.

But yeah, I get what you're sayin... don't need much other than having the basic riding motorskills down pat.

[r!der]

Asap!