Who is doing track days and who is not?

[k03gsxr750]

I did my first track day a month ago, for me it was all the reason I needed to part ways with the street. Even if you plan on continuing riding on the street having at least one day where all the conditions are perfect and you are a much lower risk environment is worth its weight in gold. If you like riding motorcycles you will love riding on the track.

 

[raydog]

What a great thread! Really interesting stuff, especially the application of a Busa on the track. I guess I would only add.....my Busa has become a wonderful track bike, I love the comments I get, the unusualness and uniqueness of it "cruisin with the big dawgs" out there. I could buy a dedicated track bike but like the Cap says....when you ride the SAME bike on the track as on the street....for me for sure.....I believe it takes your street skills to another level.
I know one's skills increase no matter what, my point is that it's just a little extra for me when it's the same equipment in both environments. I am SO USED to what my Busa does, I just think it results in a few more ounces of safety and competence...for me, others may feel different about the interchangeability of bikes issue.
I believe there is no right answer, you gotta please yourself! Doyle

 

[skydivr]

Doyle, I wish you'd or Charlesbusa would slip out here to Barber once; I get strange looks every time I pull out with mine, I'm just not good enough to represent. I wish you'd get out there in advanced and whoop some tail around here...

 

[09BusaDrvr]

I just did my first track day on my busa with no issues. Although not the fastest (rider head space and timing) it was still a blast just to take my bone stock, fresh out of the box busa and see what its like deep in a corner. I feel pretty good about my first day out there...would love to have a dedicated track bike...but I think I will keep doing them on the bike I ride on the street for the reasons everyone else talked about.

I will say that I saw more than one comment about not wanting to wreck the busa and I agree with you there....crashing is bad...so here's a thought...DON'T DO IT!!! Ride YOUR limits and YOUR bike...not the dude on a black duc passing you like your sitting still.

Like flying...you get NO points for bringing your airplane home full of holes...only if the bad guys are full of holes. No one out there is going to be impressed with you going 150 down the straight when you dump it in the corner but they will be when you just have a good time and ride your race.

 

[captain]

A funny story.......

At Hallett you have to take an all day class to ride the track... fair enough, you learn the rules of the track, you learn the flags, courtesy's and all that general track etiquette. There was a WIDE range of skill level in this class, like I said before everyone has to take this class to go to the riding group they want to be in the next time. A couple of young guys on 600's that had been told the age old line about the busa that it was too big to turn and that it was a boat and that a 600 was more flickable, I heard it all in the classroom.... We hit the track and I had a blast just pulling them in on the straights, there is no doubt about it that a seasoned rider on a 600 is going to blast by a busa on the track I have no problems with that either... What was funny was to see Steve and I hanging in the corners with the smaller bikes, then powering on in the straights and passing them... After the first track session we went back to the classroom and the attitudes had changed a little, a little more respect and not so many jabs at the boat anymore.... As the day went on their frustration kept getting higher and my abilities and confidence grew I got faster.... There is no doubt that the next time I go to Hallett and ride the next level up I will get lapped and passed by a lot of smaller bikes, but make no mistake having the busa on the track is total fun....

Cap

 

[StromBusa]

Guys just want to have fun....I figure I can not wreck the bike because I'm not out to "win the race". Dont want to trash my brakes either. My leather overpants that I use don't allow good freedom of movement, I'm curious for suggestions for something comfortable within reason that I should add to my prep list.

 

[captain]

To just try it, just use your stock bike.. The track you go to will have the gear requirements... Hallett as an example requires spine protection...

 

[Mr Bogus]

Guys just want to have fun....I figure I can not wreck the bike because I'm not out to "win the race". Dont want to trash my brakes either. My leather overpants that I use don't allow good freedom of movement, I'm curious for suggestions for something comfortable within reason that I should add to my prep list.

To just try it, just use your stock bike.. The track you go to will have the gear requirements... Hallett as an example requires spine protection...

You can usually rent leathers for the day if you plan far enough ahead.. (usually around $75) otherwise.. you need at the minimum a 2 piece full circumference zipper setup..(I have Teknic myself)..

Freedom of movement does not matter.. a decent fit while sitting on bike is.. loose leathers will in fact get you hurt (Thanks SteveO for that tidbit).. Back protectors are as cheap as $50 but really can save you a lot of grief.. buy one...

NESBA does have a "free" program for guys to try out the program.. This is only good for about 40 minutes of track time but is a nice primer.. you get 2 twenty minute sessions with the "B" group in the morning.. FREE.. (you know any good dealer gives you the first hit free)

 

[LA Busa]

There is no doubt that the next time I go to Hallett and ride the next level up I will get lapped and passed by a lot of smaller bikes, but make no mistake having the busa on the track is total fun....

Cap

I ride with two other dudes pretty regularly. This outing, they both changed bikes, one to an R6 the other to a Gixx 750. I of course bought a track bike and took the Busa this time as a back up.

We are all at about the same skill level and as chances would have it, I had to take the Busa out for two sessions.

Those guys slaughtered me on those light bikes; braking later, rolling into the gas earlier. Made me mad and I rode the wheels off of Mr. Busa trying to catch them.

Your right, those little bikes can be frustrating but go give heck anyway!!!

 

[StromBusa]

I'm wondering if this set-up qualifies as a "spine protector" or just a back guard. I think I can zip this to my cortech. Else I'll be looking for the Matt Miladin pants (he just gave me the jacet for helping himm with his corners )

 

[captain]

I think that will meet the needs...

 

[StromBusa]

Thanks, It don't have the external " big aero hump" that I see all the racers run these days so I was concerned.

 

[IG.]

There is a good chance a hard shell protector is required, as opposed to a soft shell built-into the suite. Check with the track day org.

Example:

You put it on under the jacket and partly inside your pants (if you have a two-piece suite).

 

[BusaWhipped]

I'm wondering if this set-up qualifies as a "spine protector" or just a back guard. I think I can zip this to my cortech. Else I'll be looking for the Matt Miladin pants (he just gave me the jacet for helping himm with his corners )

STT specifically states back protectors built into the jacket is not acceptable.

 

[IG.]

I like the sentiment that it's all about fun, and not who wins or loses. I also ride my 'Busa on the street and on the track. I am one of the slowest, but so what.

HAVING FUN AND GETTING HOME SAFE is the motto I live by.

 

[BA BUSA]

STT specifically states back protectors built into the jacket is not acceptable.

+1

A foam pad in a jacket is NOT a 'back protector'

 

[StromBusa]

From Mid Ohio:

Rider Gear Requirements


•All riders must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license.
•Damage free DOT or SNELL full-face helmet with face shield.
•Riding boots that fully cover the ankle.
•Gauntlet style gloves with full wrist coverage.
•One or two piece leathers. Two piece leather suits must zip together for intermediate or advanced groups. Ballistic nylon suits such as Joe Rocket, AeroStitch etc. are acceptable in the Novice and Intermediate Group only provided they are either one piece or zip together with at least 50% zipper contact with reinforced and padded shoulders, elbows, hips, and knee areas. No chaps.
•Advanced and Intermediate group riders MUST WEAR A BACK PROTECTOR. Soft back pads sewn into suits are not enough. No back protector = no track time!

I will double check but I think I'll be ok @ "Novice"

Thanks all, I'm getting excited about this.

 

[Mr Bogus]

Looks like they kept the STT rules in place.. no back protector needed for Novice... I would think about purchasing one all the same if you can afford it..


dang is it spring yet? an ready to go... I will have to drop coolant and safety wire my bike if the rest of the rulebook is in line with STT..

 

[StromBusa]

Groundhog is still down

Looks like Novice class gets to slide on the water, a little vague though... From Mid Ohio:


Bike Preparation


•All bikes MUST pass technical inspection prior to admittance to the track. If your bike DOES NOT pass tech inspection, you will NOT receive a refund.
•Tires and brakes must be in good condition. Tires should be at least 75 percent of new condition. Any tires that are bluing from excessive wear will be disallowed. Slicks are allowed in 85 percent plus condition. We will have on site tire service at each track day, so if your tires don't pass, you will have the opportunity to purchase replacement tires to pass tech.
•All glass, headlight, turn signals, and plastic lenses must be taped over or removed. Side mirrors must be removed for the advanced group and at least taped over for all other groups.
•We recommend, but do not require removal of center stands. No bikes with center stands will be allowed in the Advanced/Racer Group due to the ground clearance issue.
•All machines must have an operational handlebar mounted kill switch/button and self-closing throttle in good working condition.
•Advanced and Intermediate group riders MUST use water or water wetter or a non-ethyl glycol based anti-freeze/coolant. Approved Poly Glycol brands are: Evans, 7th Gear, Liquid Performance, and Engine Ice. NO AUTOMOTIVE ETHYL GLYCOL BASED COOLANTS ARE ALLOWED.
•Advanced and Intermediate riders must safety wire drain plugs and oil fill caps. Minimum requirement is RTV silicone on both. We highly suggest securing the oil filter as well.
•All valve stems must have caps.
•Wheel balance weights must be well-secured.
•License plates must have bolts taped or be removed


Can't jack a poll right

 

[rubber2burn]

Well I have done a couple of Trackdays