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Track Day Riding - some top tips

Discussion in 'Licence - Rego - Insurance - Law - Rider Training' started by Mark, Apr 11, 2011.

  1. Mark

    Mark New Member

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    With the weather finally deciding to play the game there a few track days coming up, and honestly, anyone can go and ride on one of them as there are sessions to cater for all levels of rider and types of bike.

    Yes it can be a bit intimidating at first, but the buzz from riding at your and your bikes limit is well worth it.

    If you decide to take the plunge and head out for your first track day, or even if you have done a couple already, here are a few tips to keep you sunny side up........

    1.  Tyre pressures, you are going to be using your tyres much harder, let some air out, as an expample, 30psi front and rear on the Sprint, instead of 34F and 38R
    2.  Take time in the first session to orientate yourself, pick braking markers and learn the track - watch out for the bumps into turn 1 at Willowbank!
    3.  Warm the tyres and yourself each session, build pace progressively.
    4.  Use the final session to wind down, most offs happen in the first and last sessions, too eager or too tired, be aware of this and allow for it.
    5.  Whatever you ride, whichever session/group you ride in, remember there will always be somebody faster than you, try not to get involved in a race.

    Finally, check with  your insurance company to see if you are covered, Suncorp and Insure My Ride do cover you for track days and advanced riding courses - as long as you are not racing - see tip 5!

    So go out and give it a go, I will be up at Lakeside Tuesday 26th April, so if  you see me out there, come over and say HI!

    Ride Safe, stay sunny side up.
     
  2. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

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    Hey Mark

    When i frst got my license there was lots of talk about track days with my riding school, I wasnt interested as I planned on just commuting to work and the odd ride here and there, Now the more I think about it, the more I want to have a go,  what safety gear do I need ?  I have heard some places demand full leathers ?

    thanks

    Chris
     
  3. Mark

    Mark New Member

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    Hi Chris,

    For legaslitive reasons all track day providers that I have been to have insisted on leathers, they can be one or two piece, there are some variances as to whether a two piece suit has to zip together all the way round, but for your own piece of mind I would recommend that they do.

    There is also the option of hiring leathers at the venue, and if you are not going to do a trackday every month it is a viable option.

    Some providers, such as Philip Island Ride Days, also stipulate that gloves must be long enough to cover the cuffs of the jacket/suit, and have seprerate wrist and cuff fastening, but again, these are available for hire on the day.

    Boots should also be of at least calf length, tinted/clear visors depenant on wether conditions and ear plugs are recommended.

    In some cases, especially Lakeside, previous attendance at a providers event is required, and noise limits may also apply.

    If anyone has any other questions, just ask, if I can't answer from personal knowledge or experience I will find an answer direct from service providers for you.

    Happy track days are here again.........................(fade into insignificance as noone recoginses the tune...doh!!!)
     
  4. TheProDaniel

    TheProDaniel New Member

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    Thanks for the tips Mark.  ;)

    Will be attending my first track day this coming weekend which I cannot wait until! My closest track is Mallala (SA) and they demand full leathers (either one or two piece). I'll be sure to post some impressions and any other info I can contribute.
     
  5. Mark

    Mark New Member

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    Hey Daniel,

    I like Mallala, nice and technical but not much elevation change, hope all goes well and watch out for the kink in what they call the straight bit.
    Hope you enjoy it and that the bike works well, looking forward to hearing about it.
    Off to Lakeside on Monday as the event got moved back from last weekend - no air fence?
    looking forward to the Carosel but not so much the Eastern Loop, where I dropped the Thundercat, too much pressure in the front tyre I think, so will be letting some more out this time.
     
  6. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

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