Track Day's Q & A

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Bullet

Track Day's Q & A

Post by Bullet »

Around 18 months ago I did my first track day after years of refusing. Various reasons but mainly 2 stand out, lack of confidence and lack of information
I did my first European jaunt last month and have recently seen a lot of questions and remarks made, some valid some not so valid. So that in mind thought I would start a Q & A thread for Track days where those who haven't been can ask questions of those who have. It's not a right or wrong discussion, just a thread where we can share our experiences to try and help those wanting to try this exciting time avoid any pitfalls we have made. Please keep this on topic. Any posts not relevant could be removed by the forum God in the sky


I will start

Are European track days really as good as they say


I'm my opinion yes most certainly. If you have done UK track days then this is the next step in the fun factor especially if with a group!
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Re: European Track Day's Q & A

Post by billinom8s »

Excellent thread Sean.

Is it expensive ?

how long is a piece of string? If you want to go all out, buying new tyres by the bucket load and doing everything on your own then yes it will add up.
if you team up, go with a group, talk about it and plan what's ahead then figures can come down quite a bit.
They can be more expensive than English days but the chances of rain are reduced, the track facilities are from what i have seen better plus you get a trip to a nice warm country thrown in.
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Re: European Track Day's Q & A

Post by deej »

Sounds about right with what you guys have said so far

you forgot to add that the banter is better beside a spanish pool in 30 degree heat than what you get over a flat coke at michaelwood services
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by billinom8s »

what are the essentials i need to do a trackday, other than a bike?

do i need a special bike or can i use my road bike ?

do i need to have a racing/sport style bike to go on track ?
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don't forget we are onX and Instagrambelieve it or not !!!
southwestbikers@southwestbikers (original, I know.)
KTM 990 superduke R,
Zx10r trackbike, ktm 350 excf muddy
Suspension and bike work undertaken.
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by deej »

Do I have to wear leathers is always a good one.
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by billinom8s »

deej wrote:Do I have to wear leathers is always a good one.

Yep you do. One piece suit or two piece with a full zip all the way round (about 270°)
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don't forget we are onX and Instagrambelieve it or not !!!
southwestbikers@southwestbikers (original, I know.)
KTM 990 superduke R,
Zx10r trackbike, ktm 350 excf muddy
Suspension and bike work undertaken.
Bullet

Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by Bullet »

billinom8s wrote:what are the essentials i need to do a trackday, other than a bike?

do i need a special bike or can i use my road bike ?

do i need to have a racing/sport style bike to go on track ?

A pretty good question! I personally feel a bike more suited to track days would be the more sports oriented models as they are much better suited for the bends than a cruiser. I don't necessarily think the speed is the issue as to the handling of the machine.

A road bike can most certainly be used as long as you make a few minor tweaks once at the track. My bike was once a simple road machine

Would be good to hear opionon a on this one!
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by Dingle »

My first ever track day (that was actually an ARD) a guy with one arm consistently rode around me on most the corners on a BMW GS type thingy .... I was on my 05 R1 road bike.

Iv also seen a guy on a CB500 lap people on a wet ARD on various sports bikes.

It's not what you ride at all it's how you ride it IMHO
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by Funky »

Is there a limit to how many times you can fall off?
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by billinom8s »

so long as you, your leathers and your bike are in one piece and safe to continue.
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don't forget we are onX and Instagrambelieve it or not !!!
southwestbikers@southwestbikers (original, I know.)
KTM 990 superduke R,
Zx10r trackbike, ktm 350 excf muddy
Suspension and bike work undertaken.
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by layne »

Funky wrote:Is there a limit to how many times you can fall off?
Funky, it's only limited by your stupidity and budget.
#152 Straights are for fast bikes. Corners are for fast riders
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by deej »

Funky wrote:Is there a limit to how many times you can fall off?
Surely that depends on the Pembrey Marshalls and how far fellow swb'ers go to help you out.
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Bullet

Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by Bullet »

As money is tight for most people what's the first thing I should do on my machine if I intend to more than 1 track day
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billinom8s
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by billinom8s »

basic suspension setup.

this will allow you to brake and corner with a more stable vehicle.
07977507395
Image
don't forget we are onX and Instagrambelieve it or not !!!
southwestbikers@southwestbikers (original, I know.)
KTM 990 superduke R,
Zx10r trackbike, ktm 350 excf muddy
Suspension and bike work undertaken.
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Re: Track Day's Q & A

Post by menzies3032 »

How much does an average track day cost?

Motor bike trailer hire = £21
Bike petrol for the day = £25
Car petrol / diesel = £80
Track day ticket = £100
Hotel = £50
Food and drink = £30 - 50

Extras you might want to consider
Suspension setup = £130
Track day training = £250 - £400
Track day insurance = £200 (£700 excess)
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