Track Day / Road Riding confidence cross over

[Bubbs]

First time posting in track day. So here goes.

Just wondering how much doing a track day improves your road craft skills in the real world. I'm currently learning the techniques from twist of the wrist 2 DVD and trying to get myself smooth into corners rolling on and off the throttle. Also almost got rid of the chicken strips on both sides.

My problem is approach speed. I come up to a tight bend and I come in too slow. When I get there I keep thinking "shit I could have done that faster" but each time I brick it slightly. I think I worry that my abilities aren't there or that I come in too hot and freeze up. I know I just have to anchor myself and remain fluid and smooth but there seems to be a fear block there.

How beneficial is a track day? And would you recommend anything else to get confidence up along with skill levels.

Many thanks
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

[Gman360]

Hi Bubbs
I see your post is a few days old so you may have found answers else where.
I personally found track days a great help with my road riding and would recommend getting on track to the greenist biker. Mainly as it gives you a safe controlled environment to really get to know your bike and understand the mechanics of riding, remain realistic about your riding ability and you will have great day and definitely be more confident for it.its easy to catch the track day bug! They are dam addictive!

A technique I employed to improve my riding, which was suggested to me years ago is to slow down to speed up. Sounds odd I know but I will try and explain, head out on your bike and take a favorite stretch of road (twisting is best) then ride your road at a speed where braking will not be required (circumstances depending) use your gears to adjust speed for corners. The purpose is to become smoother and over time your pace will increase. Oh and im sure you know already but look where your going! Your be amazed by the am mount of people out there that don't!

Hope it dont sound like a lectureand not trying to teach you to suck eggs.
____________________
HONDA VFR400NC24, YAMAHA FZR600R, LAVERDA 750 FORMULAS, CB250 SUPERDREAM, SUZUKI GSXR750K1, YAMAHA R1 5PW, APRILLIA RSVR, SUZUKI GSXR100K5, SUZUKI GSXR100K5 TK2, SUZUKI GSXR750K7, HONDA CBR600RR, YAMAHA R1 5PW, KAWASAKI ZX6R C1H CURRENT

[G]

[Bubbs]

Hi Gman360,

Thanks for the reply. Will take those tips on board. Think I'll have to book a few track days to get used to my bike properly. How long would you say it took to get to a confident standard that had you going around corners at speed?
____________________
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

[Bubbs]

[G]

You don't have to use the Vanishing point by rote - but it's a good start to practising decent observation.

I'd try and work on using it more - no problem to brake a little more than you'd need maybe, but try and work up a bit to braking less and less.

[garth]

Track riding ruined my road riding.

[gray84]

From watching my mates who all now race on track. It's turned them into nutters. They don't see the dangers anymore.
____________________
Road bike - 2002 YAMAHA R6(SOLD) 2008 YAMAHA R1(SOLD) 2007 APRILIA SXV 550(SOLD) 2007 SUZUKI GSXR 600
Dirt bike - 1989 HONDA CR80sw(SOLD) 1996 YAMAHA YZ125(SOLD) 2006 yamaha yz250(SOLD)

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[garth]

[Gman360]

Im afraid its difficult to say how long it will take you to reach your desired level of riding, I've been at it on big bikes now since '99 and no matter how many miles I ride or track days I do I always think I could improve. I guess the more you do something the easier it becomes.

All this talk of riding really makes me want to get my bike finished and MOT'd its going to be a busy garage wkend I feel
____________________
HONDA VFR400NC24, YAMAHA FZR600R, LAVERDA 750 FORMULAS, CB250 SUPERDREAM, SUZUKI GSXR750K1, YAMAHA R1 5PW, APRILLIA RSVR, SUZUKI GSXR100K5, SUZUKI GSXR100K5 TK2, SUZUKI GSXR750K7, HONDA CBR600RR, YAMAHA R1 5PW, KAWASAKI ZX6R C1H CURRENT

[gray84]

[/quote]


This x100

Road riding sucks.[/quote]

Depends what you want out of riding though.

Not everyone wants too hoon around. Some enjoy the freedom and explore ect. I like the scenic routes and fun riding.
But yes if you like riding fast the track wins hands down. Such a buzz
____________________
Road bike - 2002 YAMAHA R6(SOLD) 2008 YAMAHA R1(SOLD) 2007 APRILIA SXV 550(SOLD) 2007 SUZUKI GSXR 600
Dirt bike - 1989 HONDA CR80sw(SOLD) 1996 YAMAHA YZ125(SOLD) 2006 yamaha yz250(SOLD)

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[gray84]

Why and how is a car better for that? Bikes piss over sitting in a car listening to the radio in traffic!
____________________
Road bike - 2002 YAMAHA R6(SOLD) 2008 YAMAHA R1(SOLD) 2007 APRILIA SXV 550(SOLD) 2007 SUZUKI GSXR 600
Dirt bike - 1989 HONDA CR80sw(SOLD) 1996 YAMAHA YZ125(SOLD) 2006 yamaha yz250(SOLD)

[G]

Because you don't get wet, you can listen to the radio more easily, you can have other stuff to hand, you don't have to bother with all the bike gear, cleaning insects off your helmet. You can easily transport stuff, have the flexibility to take others and many other things.

[gray84]

That's no fun though.
____________________
Road bike - 2002 YAMAHA R6(SOLD) 2008 YAMAHA R1(SOLD) 2007 APRILIA SXV 550(SOLD) 2007 SUZUKI GSXR 600
Dirt bike - 1989 HONDA CR80sw(SOLD) 1996 YAMAHA YZ125(SOLD) 2006 yamaha yz250(SOLD)

[biggeeman]

SIMON CRAFAR dvd t its all you need
Read up/practice vision techniques mate

The 2 above helped grow my confidence.
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lol your funny

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[gray84]

Yeh cus riding my r1 round around the peak districts winding open roads taking long fast bends and finding my limits out in the middle of nowhere is the same as doing it in my car
____________________
Road bike - 2002 YAMAHA R6(SOLD) 2008 YAMAHA R1(SOLD) 2007 APRILIA SXV 550(SOLD) 2007 SUZUKI GSXR 600
Dirt bike - 1989 HONDA CR80sw(SOLD) 1996 YAMAHA YZ125(SOLD) 2006 yamaha yz250(SOLD)

[G]

What I was replying too:

[gray84]

Yeh ok. Cars and bikes are the same.

You win. Well done
____________________
Road bike - 2002 YAMAHA R6(SOLD) 2008 YAMAHA R1(SOLD) 2007 APRILIA SXV 550(SOLD) 2007 SUZUKI GSXR 600
Dirt bike - 1989 HONDA CR80sw(SOLD) 1996 YAMAHA YZ125(SOLD) 2006 yamaha yz250(SOLD)