Wanted - a beginner's guide to trackdays

[Dusty]

[bennyb24]

[Bendy]

I just take my mirrors off and go.

[craigT19]

[Ste]

No different or special work needs doing to your bike before using it on track. All the stuff which Robin mentioned is stuff you should check and do before using your bike any where really, the track is no different. So just check all the basic stuff like chain tension and that you've got some petrol in the tank, and as Bendy say you don't need to do anything really, just take your mirrors off (only if you want to) and go.

Lights and stuff do sometimes needs to be taped over with just a cross to show that it's not broken etc I believe, but this is a requirement of whatever circuit it being used, so they'll tell you if you need to do this. Mirrors are good to remove, as it is the problem of whoever is behind you can wanting to overtake to do so safely etc, so it is just a distraction having your mirrors on, as anyone and everyone could be behind you, but that they're problem not your problem at all, it is their responsibility to overtake safely it's not at all your responsibility, so no need to even know they're there. People do sometimes tape their speedo up, as again your actual speed in MPH isn't an issue as there are no speed limits. You can if you want to tape it up, but lots of people don't so it's really upto you, but don't tape the rev counter up as that is still useful to have if needed etc.

[jay12329]

The morning of my first track day i jsut did all the checks that they told me to do on my CBT. The BLOTS checklist. I folded my mirrors in when i got to the track, like ste said you concentrate on what you are doing, if there is someone behind you it doesnt matter.
The only thing i can sugest is dont do your first track day alone. Go with someone who has done it before and knows the ropes. I went with my boss and met up with the other bcf'ers during the day.
As for tracks i did my first 3 days at cadwell, noted as being one of the most technacal tracks in the country. I dont think there is a track thats jsut for first timers, but i have also read that silverstone novices are quite slow cus lots of people go there for there first track day.
J

[R1stu]

Download this Video

https://jayadair.com/video/silverstone-gp-july-04.wmv

Its 120mb its of a mate of mine at silverstone last week!
____________________
Carbon closet tart! https://www.bikepics.com/members/r6stuk/02r6/
Stolen bike. 2000 R1: https://www.bikepics.com/members/r6stuk/00r1/
Current bike 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European, 1986 Honda cb350sg (Finished)

[robin1000]

So, everything I mentioned IS basic, but forgotten by most before they do a track day.
Suspension. I'm a great believer in brakes and suspension. Anyone can go fast, but if the settings are wrong it can all turn to shit. This is the time to learn, how many road riders understand their suspension, come on ,be honest??!
If you get into trouble in a corner the suspension can help you out. If it's on road settings it'll wallow around, so DO consider it!
I've seen the "turn up and ride" brigade, and a good many of them end up in the kitty litter. do it and LEARN!
I'll sit back and wait for the flack now

Robin
____________________
I wasn't crashing, I was getting off with style!

[tgabber]

Thanks for all the contributions so far. I'll try and distill this into an faq
____________________
"It's all about dislocating expectation"
Kawasaki KMX125 -> Aprilia RS125 -> Kawasaki ZZR600

[Ste]

[robin1000]

Well said Ste.
____________________
I wasn't crashing, I was getting off with style!