I want to track... Where do I even start?

[YuJinha]

I was around last year on the forums as dakillabee8. Anyways, just got back from Ft. Benning so I've been out of the loop for awhile. What's up everyone.

Anyways, now onto the questions. The main thing is I would like (no wait, who am I kidding, I would love) to track but I don't know even where to start. I'm talking about one of those schools where they supply the bikes (I don't want to track my brand new bike as of yet) and they teach you the basics and stuff. I've heard of schools in the past but I don't know what's a good school for beginners and what not. Also, what are the prices like for schools and just track days in general?

Also, on that note... I've got the money for a 1 pc. leather but I've never been sure of the investment seeing as I'm still on a college student budget and well, I don't currently have a bike that I'm willing to track. Know of any arguements and places that sell Ku****ani leathers (besides their expensive ass website) (I'm short and skinny 5'4, 110lbs so most brands don't fit me) so that I could stop giving myself lame excuses not to take the next step and hit the track?

Thanks for any help in advance and I hope one day before I graduate that I'll be able to hit up a track day with you guys.

I guess next post is how to prep my own bike for a track day but that is a question reserved for another day.

[Bryant]

Hi YuJinha,

Welcome back! :) Hope you had an awesome New Years!

As for "track schools"... I would recommend any of the following:

1) Keith Code's California Superbike school: http://www.superbikeschool.com/us/index.shtml

2) Star Racing School with Jason Pridmore:
http://www.starmotorcycle.com/

Both are great schools.. each school is unique in their methods of teaching and you can learn a great deal from both.

Both schools rent out bikes too... CSS rents out their Kawasaki ZX6R's.. and Star I believe has SV650's for rent.

Both schools are also a bit more affordable than other schools which I have seen and both host classes on tracks fairly close to Southern Cali residents compared to others.

Thanks for your questions and congratulations on your Ducati 748!! :)

[Bryant]

Some more detail....

One Day School is anywhere from $325 to $395
Two Day School is anywhere from $625 to $770


STAR offers a limited number of
Suzukis for RENT
Please contact our office at (805) 658-6333
for more information or to make your reservation today.
All bike rentals must be paid in full
at the time the bike is reserved.
Available bikes: SV 650 (quantity 9)
1 day = $350.00
2 days = $650.00

Our current rental fleet consists of 9 Suzuki SV 650's.
The SV is a great sports bike and a joy to ride. Try one at your next STAR School.
A $1000. Damage Deposit is required at the time of your bike rental reservation to be held by STAR. Deposits may be made by keeping your credit card on file or you may write a check for the total amount of the deposit which will be held until the return of the bike. When the bike is returned damage free, we will then return your check to you or refrain from billing your credit card for the amount of the deposit.

Any damage done to the bike by the renter, must be paid for by the renter. Renter agrees to pay STAR any balance exceeding the Damage Deposit within 30 days.

Please contact our office directly to check motorcycle availability for the schools of your choice, to confirm your rental reservation or with any questions at 805-658-6333.

There will be a $25. fee charged for the cancellation of any rental reservation.

[Bryant]

One Day Schools: $345-$450
Two Day Schools: $595-$650

Pricing & Details
School Pricing
Riding Your Own Bike

All Levels, I through IV, all tracks $395.00
The New Streets of Willow Springs $345.00
Laguna Seca July 12 and Barber Motorsports $450.00
Using Our Kawasaki ZX 6R

All Levels, all tracks $595.00
Laguna Seca July 12 and Barber Motorsports $650.00
Two Day Camps

Two Day Camps $1,950.00
Barber Motorsports Two Day Camps $2,150.00
Using Our Leathers / Gear

Complete gear rental $65.00
Free with Two Day Camps
Lap Times

Complete printed lap times $20.00
Free with Two Day Camps & CodeRACE Schools
Deposits
School Deposits

Paying the School Deposit is required to locking in your spot.

The deposit is 50% of the enrollment fee.
Equipment Damage Deposits

Equipment Damage Deposits may be posted at track with check or Credit Card.

Using our leathers and riding gear $200.00
Riding any of our bikes $750.00 - Includes steering drill bike, Lean Machine, Slide Machine, Brake Rig and on-board video bike.
What Do You Do Now?
Choose a track and date from our schedule.
Check the school cost/deposit and equipment damage amounts. [This page]
Call, fax or E-mail us for availability on your date, schools fill up - DO THIS NOW!
Call: 818 841-7661
Fax: 818 841-7019
E-mail: registration@superbikeschool.com
Register on-line now. Cough up your deposit or pay in full by phone, fax, E-mail, or mail.
Note: Schools fill, no joke, sometimes months in advance. Get your deposit down and lock in your spot. If full we will put you on the wait-list, but an early deposit guarantees your spot. Do it now.

Refund, Reschedule And Cancellation Policy
Your school deposit reserves your spot.
If you cancel or reschedule 14 days or more before your scheduled date(s), you get a full refund.
If you cancel or reschedule between 8 and 14 days before your scheduled date(s) you will lose your deposit.
If you cancel between 0 and 7 days before your scheduled date(s) you will lose the entire school fee.
What Happens After I Sign Up?
We send you a letter, after your deposit is in, with directions, local info, some forms and more about your school day.
Your balance payment is due four weeks prior to your date. But, if you are a late sign-up we'll figure it out.
We automatically charge your card for the balance two weeks before your date unless you cancel or reschedule.
Paying by check? Your check must be in two weeks prior to date or call for special arrangements
What You Need At The Track
Show up and be on time, 7:00 am (late students can lose their spot to a standby and will be considered a no show. Level 1 students must be on time and attend the entire first briefing which includes all of our safety procedures or they do not ride and will be considered a no show)
Riding your own bike?

If you are riding your own bike, show up with good tires that have plenty of tread, a full tank of gas.
We'll inspect your bike, set your tire pressure and tape the lights at the track.
You must have full coverage leathers (two piece is OK, or a good touring suit. If not, we rent leathers and safety gear. Call if you have any questions on safety gear.
We have snacks but food and beverages are not available at all tracks. Your confirmation letter will let you know.
Riding our bike, using our gear?

Show up on time, well rested, bring your favorite food for lunch.
Suggestion: Get one of the riding books (or all three) or video to prepare yourself for the school day. Call us to order or for a recommendation on which book or video to get.

The Rules
We expect and enforce on-track courtesy towards the other riders
You must improve
No racing between students
Crashing ends your day (there are rare exceptions)

[Bryant]

BTW: THe bike rental costs aren't too bad if you consider that you will get to use their tires, gas, and put miles on their bike's motor too during the school. Sorta pays for itself. ;p

[Bryant]

I forgot to add one more class.. called CLASS by Reg Pridmore. I have no personal experience with this school but I did find that many of my friends who took this class was very pleased with what they learned and gained from it.

You can check out more information on this school at http://www.classrides.com/calander/calendar.html

Hope this helps!

bk

[GPTECHMAN]

WOW great info Bryant, might want to make this one a sticky!!!

[dre_2k2_f4i]

Hi, YuJinha! Bryant's (bodmaster) information is spot on. To supplement: CLASS rides is a great place to bring your "not ready for the track" motorcycle. When I went I saw everything from sports to sport-tourers to cruisers.

What do you want to get out of the track day? How confident are you in your riding abilities? CLASS rides appeases to the newer or more laid back riders. Reg Pridmore teaches tried and true techniques to make you a better rider on the streets. The instructors are sparse, so you need to hunt one down and tell them exactly what you want to work on. It is very unstructured. I would recommend it if your confidence is low, or if your riding style is to cruise. I give you these warnings because of its cost. My circumstances for taking the class: walked away from a second crash that totalled my previous motorcycle and had little confidence in my riding abilities. This one track day did not magically restore my confidence... that took many months (and miles). But it was a major step.

I do not mean to poo-poo on Reg Pridmore's CLASS school -- it is definitely great for what it is. But it is important to realize what it is. You can read about my experience here: http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=200

[YuJinha]

Interesting points you bring up Dre. As for what I want to get out of a track school... Techniques that you could practice in the canyons but with so many variables and less than optimal conditions, I would rather not. Not to mention the fact that learning it the right way from trained professionals is always a plus. I'm not referring to something as basic as the MSF course (although that was an outsanding course and would recommend it to anyone, both new and old riders as you always get something out of it), but something more towards track techniques. However, what you learn you could still apply outside of the track. Something to include but not limited to all the fine intricacies of braking like when to do it, how much brake to apply, for how long, ect. ect. I hope I'm not just babbling and someone is somewhat tracking on what I'm looking for in a school.

I guess overall, I'm looking to learn to race and as a byproduct, become a better street rider.

[TreAdidas]

Just out of curiosity... why do you not want to use your own bike?

[Bryant]

Originally posted by YuJinha

I guess overall, I'm looking to learn to race and as a byproduct, become a better street rider.

This is most commonly achieved by getting lots of seat time.. experience, etc.

You can gain everything you are asking for in any of the schools mentioned above. But the main thing is seat time and riding experience... there is no magic course that can teach you everything you need to know in one day. You need to practice practice practice. This is something you can do by coming out to trackday events with us and taking classes in between... or you can learn from fellow riders/racers who have a lot of experience with racing or just riding as well. We would not recommend "experimenting" on techniques such as "trail braking" on the streets but applying practical techniques (looking through turns, not target fixatng, taking a "safer" line around blind corners, etc) on the streets would be encouraged.

Why don't you get yourself a copy of Keith Code's "Twist of the Wrist II" as soon as you can. Read any page in that book and you will come away with more insight to your own riding than you might believe. It's definately worth having as a reference for sure.

As with most things, everyone has an opinion on certain techniques and methods on riding/racing. For every rider, something will work better for one than they would for another. Take advice with a grain of salt and use/apply what you feel works best for you. To find what works best for you, again, will take lots of seat time on your bike... but that's what it's all about anyway. :) Max Biaggi and Valentino Rossi are a good example.. or Larry Pegram and say Aaron Yates... both have very different riding styles but all are very talented and successful racers. Granted Valentino is in a level all to himself....


Learning to race is simply a matter of learning to do things like "passing", "drafting", "getting good race starts", "how to manage race pace", "learning racing lines around a track", etc. A racing school is not a place to "learn how to ride on the street" though... for instance you don't want to be taking a "racing line" on the street going from extreme edge of the road to the other extreme cuz you could very well get your head lopped off if there is an oncoming truck barreling down the opposite direction and the truck has it's wheels over the double yellows right where you are at, etc. But skills acquired from your race experience can make you a better rider in the sense that you will have a closer understanding of the limits of your bike so that you can respond better to things like if your rear wheel gets loose mid-corner you know not to chop the throttle else experience a fantastic highside, etc... or run off into the dirt and u know u should use your rear brake to slow down (not your front), etc... Your racing skills should not be used to try to be the "fastest" rider up Palomar Mt. or through Angeles Crest or through the Gap though... doing this can cause your riding career to be cut short really quick. That would be bad! We want our members to have LOOONG and Happy riding careers. :)

[TreAdidas]

Originally posted by Bodmaster
We would not recommend "experimenting" on techniques such as "trail braking" on the streets

Yeah... ya hear that... no trailbraking on the streets!... Not to point fingers GPTECHMAN

[dre_2k2_f4i]

Originally posted by YuJinha
I guess overall, I'm looking to learn to race and as a byproduct, become a better street rider.
Bodmaster hit it right on the head. One of the first things Reg Pridmore encouraged in his CLASS was to not limit yourself to only his school (and plugged his son's school, as well as the numerous track day opportunities put on by many clubs and organizations such as http://www.trackdaz.com).

Regarding lessons from racing: I have had huge debates with people (racers and non-racers, newbies and old farts with 100,000 miles on their Superhawks). There is no agreement whether racers are better street riders. But I say the instructions can't hurt. Knowing the limits of your machine, and having those tools, combined with the nuggets you take away from personal experiences (your own or a friend's) -- basically, putting on those miles are what make the difference. There is no perfect way to ride a motorcycle (as bodmaster demonstrated by comparing racers), you just need to find what works for you... and that comes through experimenting, experience and practice.

*steps off his soap box*

So are you going to the Streets of Willow track day on May 24? http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/calendar.php?s=&action=getinfo&eventid=10

[YuJinha]

Thanks for all the info. I know that a lot of those track techniques aren't for the street but you hit it right on the spot bodmaster when you mentioned that when on the track, you can really discover your limits and the limits of you bike and how to respond to different input from the outside world.

To respond to TreAdidas

Just out of curiosity... why do you not want to use your own bike?

I just bought a 2002 748 and so I'm still getting to know the bike. I'd also rather not track a Ducati as my first track bike.

[GPTECHMAN]

Originally posted by YuJinha
Thanks for all the info. I know that a lot of those track techniques aren't for the street but you hit it right on the spot bodmaster when you mentioned that when on the track, you can really discover your limits and the limits of you bike and how to respond to different input from the outside world.

To respond to TreAdidas



I just bought a 2002 748 and so I'm still getting to know the bike. I'd also rather not track a Ducati as my first track bike.
sounds like the best way to get in tune with your bike...you dont have to go balls out, if you have that mentality then maybe you hsould buy a track bike or consider why you are riding on the track?

[TreAdidas]

I agree with GPTech.

I am not trying to convince you that you should track your bike. One of the great things about this sport is the ability of each rider to make his or her own decisions because those decisions really matter.

My goals for the track:
When I went to the SoCal SV Riders track day (note that this was my maiden journey to the race track) this past December, I had a goal. I wanted to increase my familiarity with my bike. I wanted to strengthen our relationship. I wanted to do this by arranging our interaction in such a way that I had a level of comfort.

Bikes to a certain extent are like women. It is stupid to think you can treat two of them the same way and get the same response.

That being said. IF IT WERE ME, which is obviously is not, but if it were.... I would want to take a bike that I was both intrinsically familiar with as well as a bike that I was going to be riding again, out on the track. The main thing for me is confidence in the machine. At Streets I was on my Yamaha R6, which I am familiar with. In fact she is all I know. I know how she responds to certain situations (those nuggets that Dre was talking about). I feel that my day there has strengthened my understanding of my abilities as a rider as well as strengthened my bond with that bike and thus increased my comfort level. If I had access to say an Aprillia on the track I probably would not ride it. (Well I probably would just because I would be in bed the next day kicking myself going... IDIOT YOU COUDL HAVE RODE AN APRILLIA ON THE TRACK BUT DIDN'T YOU MORON!!... I mean come on it is an Aprillia). At any rate, I would not have the slightest clue how the bike would respond to certain inputs. Most of my time on the track would be spent figuring out the bike. Furthermore, I would not try to treat someone else's Aprillia the same as I would my Yamaha. I would be going easy on the other bike and not really learn as much as I could abuot myself, and I wouldn't learn anythign about my bike. For me it just would not work.

I say this not to say not tracking your bike is a stupid idea. In fact I understand comepletely your desire to keep your Ducati in as pristine shape as possible. I mean hell THOSE BIKES ARE FLIPPIN' SICK.

Then on the other side of the coin. THOSE BIKES ARE FLIPPIN' SICK... why not try it out on the track?

Either way I hope to ride with you soon. And congrats on your purchase of that Duc... again THOSE BIKES ARE FLIPPIN SWEET!... One day .... one day :rockon:

[YuJinha]

I totally see what both of you guys are saying and in the future, I will track the 748. However, like it said, it's brand new and I've only put 600 miles on it. So while yes, I agree that the best way to learn about you and your bike is on the track, with so little miles on it and it being my first v-twin, everything is so much different than the R6 that I was used to. Nontheless, I realize the street isn't all that much safer to get to know your bike. However, for me personally, if I were to take my bike on the track at this point in time, I would probably be tempted to push my bike harder than I do on the street (temptation is such a ***** and hard to overcome) seeing as you don't have to worry about as many outside variables like big rigs and what not. And as a result, I might end up pushing myself beyond my limits and crash the bike.

So in the end, I guess I'm just trying to take the safest and most economically feasible route possible to gaining track and street experience. And they way I see it (input on this opinion), if I'm using someone elses bike, I won't be as tempted to go "balls out". However, I'll still gain the knowledge that the class has to offer and in the end, will open the doorway for me to track the 748.

[Bryant]

Sounds like you're ready to sign up for a class soon now YuJinha. ;p~ Let us know which one you plan on going to!

[GPTECHMAN]

Originally posted by YuJinha
I totally see what both of you guys are saying and in the future, I will track the 748. However, like it said, it's brand new and I've only put 600 miles on it. So while yes, I agree that the best way to learn about you and your bike is on the track, with so little miles on it and it being my first v-twin, everything is so much different than the R6 that I was used to. Nontheless, I realize the street isn't all that much safer to get to know your bike. However, for me personally, if I were to take my bike on the track at this point in time, I would probably be tempted to push my bike harder than I do on the street (temptation is such a ***** and hard to overcome) seeing as you don't have to worry about as many outside variables like big rigs and what not. And as a result, I might end up pushing myself beyond my limits and crash the bike.

So in the end, I guess I'm just trying to take the safest and most economically feasible route possible to gaining track and street experience. And they way I see it (input on this opinion), if I'm using someone elses bike, I won't be as tempted to go "balls out". However, I'll still gain the knowledge that the class has to offer and in the end, will open the doorway for me to track the 748.

You can give me the bike, and I'll loan it out to you...;)

[TreAdidas]

I agree with the opinion that you would not go balls out on another's ride. Isay that with a grain of salt because a reasonable guy would not... an unresaonable guy would go more balls out because of the "it isn't my problem" atitude. At any rate, you do not seem like an unreasonable fellow, your mere concern for the safety of you and your ride proves that.

I guess I am just of the persuasion that going balls out on my bike is way to much fun to pass up. Personally I would be hella scurred to be pushing another owner's bike. I don't think the word timid would even apply to my riding when on another owners bike. I just could not do it. But then you have guys like GPTech who can do it too easily. Thank goodness that kid is gone for the week (I'm playin he he he)

I was literally glowing at the track when my bike held on in situations I honestly thought it would/could/should not have. Again it is a matter of preference and I totally understand your position.

Yeah man. Try the rent a bike thing. I have heard of places where you can rent sick bikes and "try 'em out." It honestly would be great fun I am sure. Maybe you can try out one of those Aprillias. Ok... I need to stop looking at Duc and Aprillia's web sites and weather.com directly there after... I can't wait to get back out there.

[TreAdidas]

Geeze what's the deal I am being long winded today.

[dre_2k2_f4i]

Originally posted by TreAdidas
Geeze what's the deal I am being long winded today.
Must have nothing better to do!

I was scared ****less to bring my brand-new R6 to the track with CLASS rides. I will admit that towards the end of the day I was pushing my bike harder than I normally would. But I was concious of this fact and rolled off the throttle. Oh yeah, and it started to drizzle.

But on the 12/12/03 trackday, I found myself still within my limits, but going faster. It was great to have that measurable difference on the same track, and knowing where the differences were on the same bike.

I am not sure I could ride another motorcycle. The F4i I had before just did not inspire confidence in myself. The Gixxer 750 is very aggressive for a small body like myself (5'6" 140lbs). The RC-51 is a beast that I cannot seem to tame for over 30 minutes. I guess it totally depends on what your relationship is with your machine. The R6 is perfect for me. Of course, I've never rode a Ducati or an Aprilia...

[GPTECHMAN]

OK in all honestly I think that it would be a pretty pointless day at the track to run on someone elses bike, unless you are like me and have the huge itch to ride a "real" bike. I have an F3...

But even at the track, I was offered by people like allan, arnold, or stroble who were willing to lend me there bike out for a sesh. I never took them up, cause I just don't feel comfortable going around the track when Im not familiar with there bike yet.....:)but my own bike I know just how the throttle will respond when I get on the gas and when I need to brake I know how badly my front will dive and how my suspension will act if it gets upset.

This familiarity only comes from using it and using it in all conditions especially the track. I think that people who ride bikes need to have self-control at all times and need to not go out on the track and feel like they have to frickin rail around each turn or feel the need to be the fastest. I would go out each session and take the first few laps slowly just so my tires would warm up....while others are lapping me or buzzing by. I didn't care cause I saw others who binn'd their bike on the third turn.

I guess I just don't understand why you would have such a bike and not want to use it. It is a bike DESIGNED for the track...it doesn't have the HP that the modern 600s have and it doesn't have the ergonomics for a commuter...But it is the ultimate track weapon with usuable power on tap, sweet chassis with 'air-ride ' suspension, and an exhaust note just screaming to be punished. I just feel as though you would be missing out on a great opportunity to get comfortable on YOUR bike.

On another note...you CAN go balls out, but just on places you are comfortable with...you do not have to go balls out on each turn, session, or straight.

I didn't know SOW in December and at the end of the day I was barely getting the hang of it, but at least Im familiar with the track and I know what I felt comfortable ding in each turns, but I feel that since you are a new track rider as am I and hopefully are planning to have this bike for a significant amount of time, you should use your bike.


But the next time I go on this track I will be more and more comfortable and will be able to be smoother and smoother hopefully every time I go.

Would you feel more comfotable WADDING up a schools bike that belongs to THEM or your own bike whether it be a "ducati" all in all its just a bike. I know a few people who have R6s that have way more trick bits in it than a ducati...and probably cost more...

The point is to have fun not go fast...you could do the same CLASS on their bike and still be in square ne even if you did a fantastic job on their bike during the school, but when you hop onto your bike its gonna be a different ball game, just as you said that going from an R6 to the duc is a huge change.....

This is just my meager opinion and I may feel jealous that someone with such a beautifully crafted piece of machinery is not willing to let it stretch out its legs....

DAmn you and your bomb azz bike...;)

[YuJinha]

It's not so much I'm not willing to track my bike. Hell, the 916 series bike and it's offspring sure as hell wern't meant to be ridden on the street that's for sure. It's a most uncomfortable ride. Even if I still had my R6, I would have still taken this same position. It's just that I would rather not take it out for my first time. I obvisously can't seem to come up with a good reason as to why I would feel more comfortable on a school bike as opposed to mine but for some reason, I just feel that way. What I'm getting out of what you're saying is the only thing I'll get out of a track day is getting to know the limits of myself and the bike I'm riding and thus it would only make sense to use my bike. However, isn't it possible that the schools are there to teach the rider how to become a better rider overall; how to trail brake, how to take the turn properly, how to exit a turn ect.? Not simply one who can simply specialize on his/her own bike but one who can take the lessons learned from the class and apply it to all bikes, be it sport or even cruisers on the street? Sure Rossi rides the RC211V5 but it's fairly safe to say he would still be a damn good rider on YZR-M1 because of the skills that apply to racing, not simply knowing his bike.

The way I see it is in taking a class (not simply a trackday), I'll gain the necessary basic skills so that when I track my bike, I can divert full attention to the input that my bike is making rather than worrying so much about speed into the turn, how to exit, ect. ect.

[blong]

Good info, but a question from somebody with another perspective. I've got an SV650 I dig, but I'm cheap (slightly different than broke). I was thinking about buying a cheap GS500 for taking to the track so I wouldn't worry about crashing it. So, what's the cheapest/closest/most fun tracks and how do you sign up?

-Brian

[speedster1219]

Good info, but a question from somebody with another perspective. I've got an SV650 I dig, but I'm cheap (slightly different than broke). I was thinking about buying a cheap GS500 for taking to the track so I wouldn't worry about crashing it. So, what's the cheapest/closest/most fun tracks and how do you sign up?

-Brian
I would stick with the SV..take the money you would use for the other bike and buy some good tires..suit and acc....and then some trackdays.

DIAL-IT-IN (http://www.dialitintracktime.com/) we just experienced and had an awesome time...From the reviews we received that their NEO (Beginners to track) sessions were excellent with more emphasis on instructing.

TRACKDAZ (http://www.trackdaz.com) we usually go to alot of their events. They are very down to earth and if you want a good time thats the place to go.
SO JUST CLICK ON ME (http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3771) to see the scheduled trackdays. You can register on the hosts websites for that particular event.

[deno]

yup, I'd take the SV to the track Blong. That's probably one of the funnest bikes to ride on the track. Pretty cheap to fix too if you do wad it. Not necessary but, you could buy some race plastics ~600 and a dented tank off of ebay ~50 and your good to go! The GS500 will take bit more work to be ready for hard riding and still won't be as competent as the SV.

Tight tracks such as Streets of Willow can actually favor bikes with less hp. plus the torquey lil motor in the sv make a great combo.

oh yeah, like Speedster said. Good tires are a must!

[blong]

Thanx for the info. Ya, I thought about just runn'n the SV. But they I'd be worried about crashing. My thinking was that I could start off on the track with a beater bike I could push to really learn how to turn.

Plus, I commute every day on the SV and I don't want to deal with swapping tires and other track prep.

[speedster1219]

Thanx for the info. Ya, I thought about just runn'n the SV. But they I'd be worried about crashing. My thinking was that I could start off on the track with a beater bike I could push to really learn how to turn.

Plus, I commute every day on the SV and I don't want to deal with swapping tires and other track prep.
you can always buy an extra set of rims, one for track and one for commuting. I conteplated that before but now the mistress(II) pretty much just does track days.

[GPTECHMAN]

Thanx for the info. Ya, I thought about just runn'n the SV. But they I'd be worried about crashing. My thinking was that I could start off on the track with a beater bike I could push to really learn how to turn.

Plus, I commute every day on the SV and I don't want to deal with swapping tires and other track prep.
THere is always gonna be a worry about crashing. Why not take the SV. Its a much more capable machine than a GS. HOnestly I would be worried about crashing the whole day on that thing cause the suspension is such sh!t. I would not want to push it out there. For the amount of money you will be dumping into the GS would that be the same as getting some track plastics or beat up ones on ebay? I commute everyday on my bike and I can attest that prepping is almost all the fun :whistle:

[gixxerx8]

Very interesting thread. Mike (hypersport) and I are having similar discussions. Good input all around.

[blong]

Ya, it does make sense to just run the SV. Thing is though, a co-worker has a '94 GS500 that already has had the forks/shock replaced with GSXR stuff and wants $800 for it. All I would need is some soft tires and I could go chrage it. Just seems like a good excuse to have a track bike.

[GPTECHMAN]

Remember, If anything goes wrong with that bike it is equally going to be a headache, and equally as expensive. Do you honestly think if you crash the track bike you arent going to try and fix it if the damages are somewhat minimal (no frame damage) what happens if the whole from end needs replacing, are you seriously gonna cut your losses and say, "well that was fun....good thing it only cost me 800 bucks and 250 for the tires"

Two bikes is twice as expensive no matter what you think.

It is a good deal, but in the long run I think the SV with race glass would be fine.

Richard, as far as your bike goes, well Ima go under the crazy ass-u-mption that you might be able to swing a trackbike and that in the long run it would help if your insurace goes up from a crash.

I also suggest maybe a race SV

Gotta rep those twins :rockon:

[Bryant]

Ya, it does make sense to just run the SV. Thing is though, a co-worker has a '94 GS500 that already has had the forks/shock replaced with GSXR stuff and wants $800 for it. All I would need is some soft tires and I could go chrage it. Just seems like a good excuse to have a track bike.

That GS sounds like your ticket to intro into roadracing! Sounds like the major suspension work has already been done! $800 is a pretty good deal for that bike if it runs without any major issues. You can run in the 500 Superstock and Mod Prod classes and be moderately competitive at the very least. I know a guy out there running the same bike and was able to podium on more than a few occasions against other FZR400's. ;)
Plus, if the GS500 gets crashed out there somehow... at least you'll have another bike sitting in the garage without all the sucky downtime. :headbang: I always liked having a 2nd bike when possible.. one for track and one for street.

Maybe when you get more comfortable with racing.. sell the GS and prep that SV up... or if you saved enough dough by then, pick up a 600 and race with the rest of the Hypercycles crew in the "Axe Murderer" class. ;p

[cbrsmurf]

Another thing about the GS is that you don't have to worry about bodywork!

[blong]

Another thing about the GS is that you don't have to worry about bodywork!

explain

[GPTECHMAN]

explain
GS typically is a naked bike (no fairings) there are face fairing for it though, look at billy's bike.

[GixxerDemon55]

I just did my first track day up at Calif Speedway in Fontana with Fastrackriders.com. It ran about $375 which includes a Novice school and Level 1 track session in the afternoon. Its worth every penny and the instructors work with you. Its about 3 students to 1 instructor. I'm planning on doing more with them down the road. It was a lot of fun riding the actual road course the AMA pro racers do. Check them out. www.fastrackriders.com

[phooNAMI]

GixxerDemon,How is Fontana anyhoos? I am set to sign up for the 23th of September,the only thing that is stopping me is how to haul the bike down there?I haven't done a trackday before so as far as strapping the bike on a pickup or whatever I've never done before.I can use any help....

[GixxerDemon55]

Fontana is a lot of fun, You get the run the actual AMA course. Its a trip topping out on the front straight then dipping down into turn one. Try to sign up for the Novice class too. They teach you a lot more than you know and they show you the actual race lines to take on the track. You're broken down into several groups of 3. They first lead to show what your body positions should be and where the apex is. Then they follow you and critique you. You'll have a great time out there

[IHAVETWONIPPLES]

you should go as fast as your bike can possibly go, just to see what it feels like.... I would but my mom won't let me leave the block....ahhhh shuks.

[R6ravenrider]

Hey guys, my twin brother and I are looking into signing up for a track day in November,we have never gone to a track before but we are really excited to get started riding track, and be safe of course. We both ride a 2006 r6, can you guys recommend the best school for us, or maybe the time too. Like I said we would like to go in November or whenever it is available, we are both pretty free and live in SD. So, do you just call the school and say I would like to sign up for so and so day with hypercycles, and then tell them the hypercyclesbro coupon or something. Please let me know, thanx

[Decepticon]

I've taken Reg Pridmore's CLASS, I really enjoyed it! It was my first time at track and pretty informative. The best part about it, at least in my opinion, was that we could have an instructor with us the whole time, either him trailing me and giving me pointers or I could just ask him to "tow" me around the track to get used to the lines and eventually increase my speed. As to tracking you "Duc", Do it!, sh@t if u drop the rental bike u still got to pay for all damages. Yeah the "Duc" is expensive but that's what insurance is for!hehehehehhehehe. I still take my R1 with chrome and all to the track, managed to dump it last time at Willow, but overall still happy with the experience!!!:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[wanderer]

Hey guys, my twin brother and I are looking into signing up for a track day in November,we have never gone to a track before but we are really excited to get started riding track, and be safe of course. We both ride a 2006 r6, can you guys recommend the best school for us, or maybe the time too. Like I said we would like to go in November or whenever it is available, we are both pretty free and live in SD. So, do you just call the school and say I would like to sign up for so and so day with hypercycles, and then tell them the hypercyclesbro coupon or something. Please let me know, thanx


http://www.starmotorcycle.com/

http://www.classrides.com/

http://trackxperience.com

[Termin8r]

I've taken Reg Pridmore's CLASS, I really enjoyed it! It was my first time at track and pretty informative. The best part about it, at least in my opinion, was that we could have an instructor with us the whole time, either him trailing me and giving me pointers or I could just ask him to "tow" me around the track to get used to the lines and eventually increase my speed. As to tracking you "Duc", Do it!, sh@t if u drop the rental bike u still got to pay for all damages. Yeah the "Duc" is expensive but that's what insurance is for!hehehehehhehehe. I still take my R1 with chrome and all to the track, managed to dump it last time at Willow, but overall still happy with the experience!!!:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Steve, you must be smoking some of that marijuana from Bengt's thread. I didn't see anyone recently talking about tracking a Duc. :ha: Young guys, I tell ya.

Here's one more link for a good school:

http://www.superbikeschool.com :thumbsup:

[Decepticon]

That's right! I should have mentioned that the OG Termin8r "Rich" rolls his "Duc" at track, even though it won't shift! hehehehehehhehe j/k No for reals, there are plenty of people who ride nice bikes at track! you can Do it!

[Termin8r]

That's right! I should have mentioned that the OG Termin8r "Rich" rolls his "Duc" at track, even though it won't shift! hehehehehehhehe j/k No for reals, there are plenty of people who ride nice bikes at track! you can Do it!

That was from me getting my rear set part the night before, and rushing to get them on for the track day. Lesson learned...don't spill threadlock where it doesn't belong. Had to clarify so that Ducs aren't always getting a bad rap.

And you're the one who's OG, Steve with the chromed out R1. I just have to make sure I don't ride behind you on the track as I don't want to get blinded by all that bling bling.