New to track days

Garvey2003 · Post by **Garvey2003** » Jan 23rd, '06, 10:23

Hi,

Im hitting the Big 30 next month and good wife is booking me up to do a track day. I think Its going to be castle combe as its closer.

I have to use my own bike CBR900 RRX and was wondering what kind of cost apart from the cost of the day I would be looking at. as in would I need to replace my tyres, brakes and how much fuel and if I should get track day insurance and the cost of that?

Just wondering if its worth me doing it or not.

Braai Boy · Post by **Braai Boy** » Jan 23rd, '06, 10:37

First of are you going to ride your bike there or transport it some other way? To be honest if you want to keep costs down you might as well ride it there, but remember Castle Combe have very strict noise limits so anything other than your stock can won't be allowed. To prep the bike for your first TD all you need to do it make sure your tyres are in good nick (they don't have to be new) same goes for brake pads and do an oil and filter change. Then just tape up your lights and speedo and remove your mirrors.

Braai Boy · Post by **Braai Boy** » Jan 23rd, '06, 10:44

Also remember to take it slow and build your speed up gradually. The biggest mistakes TD virgins make is as soon as they get on a race track they think they can go a lot faster than they do on road and the next thing they know they're in the kitty litter. Just take your time and get to know the track and don't get sucked into racing someone who has just come past you on a smaller slower bike. Do your own thing and you will be signing up for the next TD as soon as you get home

andrew · Post by **andrew** » Jan 23rd, '06, 12:49

Here my tips:

Tyres - they don't have to be new but you don't want ones that are totally shot either. Also a sportier tyre would be better (but not essential)

Servicing - if your bike is due a service soon then do it before rather than after the track day. If its not due then i wouldn't worry to much but give everything a check (e.g. all fluid levels, brake pad wear, all levers adjusted correctly)

Bike prep - remove the number plate and indicators if they are easy to remove otherwise just tape up all your lights, disconnect your brake light.

Transport - i would recommend using a van or trailor as very few people ride to TDs and it means you can have your bike already prepped. Don't worry about using your own bike just be sensible.

Riding - don't be too scared everyones nervous but take it easy for the first few laps build up steady and you'll soon find the nerves disappear. As already said the most important thing is to not get drawn into trying to race / keep up with someone.

Must importantly of all have fun they are brilliant and once you've done one you'll want to do more.

deej · Post by **deej** » Jan 23rd, '06, 22:22

as above really, just get out there and enjoy the day, it will change the way you ride for ever

Garvey2003 · Post by **Garvey2003** » Jan 24th, '06, 00:30

Well Im going to give it shot. Got to wait until April for CC. It seems a long time away! thanks for you imput guys

Scottishpasty · Post by **Scottishpasty** » Jan 24th, '06, 10:05

Garvey2003 wrote:Well Im going to give it shot. Got to wait until April for CC. It seems a long time away! thanks for you imput guys

Thats not a bad thing really, as you haven't done any TD 's before April "should " be slightly warmer and offer a little bit more grip.

All the above advice is spot on by the way as well

Braai Boy · Post by **Braai Boy** » Jan 24th, '06, 10:22

Give me a shout near the time and I'll come down and help you prep the bike if you like.

speedy(delboy) · Post by **speedy(delboy)** » Jan 24th, '06, 11:16

andrew wrote:Here my tips:

Tyres - they don't have to be new but you don't want ones that are totally shot either. Also a sportier tyre would be better (but not essential)

Want to know what I use, I go to my local bike shop/garage and steal from their tyre pile. (obviously making sure there is nothing wrong with them as well). I managed to get 2 good 010's for the track last time and so didn't pay a penny for tyres.

All bike shops are willing to let you take them otherwise they have to pay from £1 - £1.50 per tyre to get ride of.

Just make sure if you do this option, that the tyre is ok.

Garvey2003 · Post by **Garvey2003** » Jan 24th, '06, 12:48

Braai Boy thats would be great. I am really looking forward to it now