Noob Track Questions

[Lucky_Devil]

I really, REALLY want to do a track day, but have a couple of concerns I would like to address. Hopefully some of you track veterans can help me out.

Concern 1: Gear. I have leather pants but they don't attach to my jacket. I know there are gear requirements. Do the pants HAVE to attach to the jacket for my gear to qualify? My pants don't have knee sliders, but I really don't think I'm going to be knee dragging on my first few track days.

Concern 2: My bike. My bike is my daily commuter. If I crash at a track day I lose my way to get around. I know when I purchased my insurance policy for my bike, I mentioned to my insurance salesman that I wanted to do track days and he stated that track events are explicitly excluded on my policy and if anything happened at the track nothing would be covered. Not my bike, not my gear... nothing. Of course this is a concern for me. He suggested that maybe I buy a high risk one day policy somewhere, but was of no help as to where I could acquire such a policy. Is there such a thing? My only other thought was to maybe buy a cheap, used little Ninja 250 and take that to the track instead of my FZ6. But of course this is potentially cost prohibitive... and then I have another bike to store year round... and it's not like I'm going to be at the track all the time (as much as I would like to be anyway :) ).

These are my two major concerns... any thoughts and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

[Vivace]

Concern 1: Gear. I have leather pants but they don't attach to my jacket. I know there are gear requirements. Do the pants HAVE to attach to the jacket for my gear to qualify? My pants don't have knee sliders, but I really don't think I'm going to be knee dragging on my first few track days.

Some track day providers require zip together, some don't. The requirements are usually posted on their websites. I would highly recommend it though - I'd suggest either borrowing a suit from a friend or rent a suit. I don't know where your home base is but here in the Bay Area there is at least one shop that rents out one piece leathers.

Concern 2: My bike. My bike is my daily commuter. If I crash at a track day I lose my way to get around. I know when I purchased my insurance policy for my bike, I mentioned to my insurance salesman that I wanted to do track days and he stated that track events are explicitly excluded on my policy and if anything happened at the track nothing would be covered. Not my bike, not my gear... nothing. Of course this is a concern for me. He suggested that maybe I buy a high risk one day policy somewhere, but was of no help as to where I could acquire such a policy. Is there such a thing? My only other thought was to maybe buy a cheap, used little Ninja 250 and take that to the track instead of my FZ6. But of course this is potentially cost prohibitive... and then I have another bike to store year round... and it's not like I'm going to be at the track all the time (as much as I would like to be anyway :) ).

You should read your policy carefully. Some of them say they don't cover racing, some just have a blanket statement about track activities. Most of them will cover you if you are at a track school since this is about improving your riding skills. I'm guessing that if you haven't ever been on the track before you'll be starting with some sort of school?

I would suggest shopping around for a better insurance provider if they don't cover track schools, it'll be far cheaper than buying another bike or going for the one day insurance coverage. Even if you do go down, the odds are that you'll be able to put the bike back together for not too much money unless you want it to look pristine again... :)

[racercutie]

Since it wasn't my fault, State Farm covered my bike when I crashed on the track. Check with them. Their rates are great too. They even called up the track organizer to confirm what had happened. But they do have restrictions so read the policy carefully, ask questions, and get everything in writing.

[ersigh]

Concern 1: Gear. I have leather pants but they don't attach to my jacket. I know there are gear requirements. Do the pants HAVE to attach to the jacket for my gear to qualify? My pants don't have knee sliders, but I really don't think I'm going to be knee dragging on my first few track days.



You have a choice as far as dragging knee anyhow, so that's really not an issue unless you *want* to get your knee down.

While not all trackday organizers have the same rules for gear, it's my own opinion that you should have gear that is either a one piece or zips together. Not only do one piece suits support you better while you are on the bike which helps with riding posture and all that, but the protection is much better. You could probably have a zipper added to your jacket and pants. I know that Zooni in San Jose does alterations like that.


Concern 2: My bike. My bike is my daily commuter. If I crash at a track day I lose my way to get around. My only other thought was to maybe buy a cheap, used little Ninja 250 and take that to the track instead of my FZ6. But of course this is potentially cost prohibitive... and then I have another bike to store year round... and it's not like I'm going to be at the track all the time (as much as I would like to be anyway :) ).


I don't have full insurance on my bike. I can't afford it so I ride everyday knowing that if something happens, I'll be pocketing the bill. You can take some comfort in knowing parts are usually pretty easy to get, although I can't vouch for your bike since it's relatively new. I like the idea of having a track bike but it's probably better to make sure you are going to like riding at the track enough to have a second bike, even if you do a couple track days a year, in the long run, if you like it enough, it's probably worth it. I can't afford a second bike so I just have a second set of rims to make the whole tire ordeal easier. :)

[Lucky_Devil]

Wow, thanks for the advice guys. I didn't even know you could rent leathers! One problem solved. Now I guess I have to research the insurance stuff. yay....:boring:

[Minky]

Lucky_Devil asked two of the track questions I had, but I also have some more. I've decided that I need to go to a track school, but I know nothing about them. I've done some research, but they all seem so different and I have no idea which one would be the best for my level. Even though I've been riding for a couple of years, my cornering technique needs a lot of improvement and I would want a fairly beginning level course. I've had all the MSF classes and read a lot of books, but I need real practice with someone telling me what I'm doing wrong.

So, for those of you who have been to track school, how did you decide which one to go to? I have more questions, but I'll start with that one.

[scuseme]

So, for those of you who have been to track school, how did you decide which one to go to? I have more questions, but I'll start with that one.

Minky, come ride with us at Zoom Zoom. Our "C" group is our Novice School and we provide a lot more intensive instruction than many trackday providers. We really pride ourselves on delivering the best track day experience possible for beginners. We have on track instruction and thorough classroom instruction after each session. We have an actual curriculum that flows with what you practice on track and what you discuss in the classroom sessions. The instructor to student ratio is really low, too. It's usually two students per instructor, but if you want one-on-one instruction, you can get it.

Plus, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to do our novice school than it is to do one of the two or three day race schools. ;)

Send me an email if you have any specific questions or concerns. I'd be happy to help you get started! scuseme@gmail.com

[ersigh]

Lucky_Devil asked two of the track questions I had, but I also have some more. I've decided that I need to go to a track school, but I know nothing about them. I've done some research, but they all seem so different and I have no idea which one would be the best for my level. Even though I've been riding for a couple of years, my cornering technique needs a lot of improvement and I would want a fairly beginning level course. I've had all the MSF classes and read a lot of books, but I need real practice with someone telling me what I'm doing wrong.

So, for those of you who have been to track school, how did you decide which one to go to? I have more questions, but I'll start with that one.

I have been to the Pridmore Star School several times. I haven't been to any others but read a lot about various ones and talked to friends. I really like Jason Pridmore's mentality on riding, he tells people not be concerned with speed, to focus on being smooth, that speed comes with time. I've heard of schools that tell people if they aren't lifting the rear when braking they aren't going fast enough. If you can have someone ride with you at a track day that you trust ... that might serve just as well. I'm very pro school but it is an expensive choice. I started at track days and went to a school when I felt stuck. :)

[ersigh]

Minky, come ride with us at Zoom Zoom. Our "C" group is our Novice School and we provide a lot more intensive instruction than many trackday providers. We really pride ourselves on delivering the best track day experience possible for beginners. We have on track instruction and thorough classroom instruction after each session. We have an actual curriculum that flows with what you practice on track and what you discuss in the classroom sessions. The instructor to student ratio is really low, too. It's usually two students per instructor, but if you want one-on-one instruction, you can get it.

Plus, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to do our novice school than it is to do one of the two or three day race schools. ;)

Send me an email if you have any specific questions or concerns. I'd be happy to help you get started! scuseme@gmail.com

One of these days I'll get to ride w/Zoom Zoom. Matt kept trying to get me out there the year before last but I never got the chance. :)

[Minky]

Thank's so much for info. I just finished reading everything I could about Zoom Zoom and Pridmore, and they both sound great! Now I guess I just need to pick a date and track and figure out how to get there. Do you ride or trailer your bikes to the track? The idea taking a chance on rain is a little disturbing, but both schools talked about it being okay. Do you agree?

Scuseme, I will probably drop you a line soon with more questions. Thanks!!

[ersigh]

Thank's so much for info. I just finished reading everything I could about Zoom Zoom and Pridmore, and they both sound great! Now I guess I just need to pick a date and track and figure out how to get there. Do you ride or trailer your bikes to the track? The idea taking a chance on rain is a little disturbing, but both schools talked about it being okay. Do you agree?

Scuseme, I will probably drop you a line soon with more questions. Thanks!!

If you can get a truck or trailer, do that. You'll need the energy.

Track riding in the rain is fine, it's a great way to practice being smooth.

[Nikki]

If the bike is your only transportation wait until you can either A. get a trackbike or B. have a car/truck. Also riding to the track isn't a good idea cause it is already a full and tiring day. Also there is prep work that needs to be done which varies from class to class ( Novice to Expert). A trackday takes a lot more out of you than just riding on the street all day.

As for leather get a 1pc or two piece suit. Most organizations I have dealt with require a full 360 zipper 2pc or a one piece suit. This is your skin and safety. You need to have good boots and I highly recommend a back protector. Yes, it costs money to get all the stuff but if you ever have to use it you'll be thankful you spent the cash on it. One of the best things you can do is hook up with a group or at least one other rider who has experience and the pit equipment you need. An Ezup, fan, tool box, spare parts, fan, chairs, cooler with plenty of liquid and food, and various other odds and ends are a must for trackdays.

As for schools one of the best things for a new trackday rider is to hook up with either an organization like www.sportbiketracktime.com (http://www.sportbiketracktime.com) or with some organization that offers a real novice class. Novice doesn't mean slow it should offer a classroom session and help build the foundation you will need if/when you do become a trackday junkie and move up to intermediate or Expert/Advanced.