Track Days for Complete Noobs

[magicmonkey]

Basically, I want to do a track day; I think I'd learn a lot. The problem is that I'm a complete noob on a GN!

It seems that a lot of experienced riders believe that track days are a good thing; and I'm inclined to think they're probably right, however, is it possible to turn up at a track day on a GN and have a fun and educational day without getting in everyone's way and generally making a tit of yourself?

I'm guessing the answer is 'no' as I'm bound to be going around at half speed and pissing off people who came there to avoid traffic (a perfectly understandable annoyance in my book!) So, what exists for today's common or garden noob wanting to stretch his legs a bit whilst not wasting a track day for a large number of people?

[huff3r]

Basically, I want to do a track day; I think I'd learn a lot. The problem is that I'm a complete noob on a GN!

It seems that a lot of experienced riders believe that track days are a good thing; and I'm inclined to think they're probably right, however, is it possible to turn up at a track day on a GN and have a fun and educational day without getting in everyone's way and generally making a tit of yourself?

I'm guessing the answer is 'no' as I'm bound to be going around at half speed and pissing off people who came there to avoid traffic (a perfectly understandable annoyance in my book!) So, what exists for today's common or garden noob wanting to stretch his legs a bit whilst not wasting a track day for a large number of people?

Some track-days do allow you to hire bikes, so you could get on something more designed for a track...

Personally i'm not inclined to ever take my GN on a track, it seems a rather pointless excercise... but the next bike will see some track time :D

[The Stranger]

Basically, I want to do a track day; I think I'd learn a lot. The problem is that I'm a complete noob on a GN!

It seems that a lot of experienced riders believe that track days are a good thing; and I'm inclined to think they're probably right, however, is it possible to turn up at a track day on a GN and have a fun and educational day without getting in everyone's way and generally making a tit of yourself?

I'm guessing the answer is 'no' as I'm bound to be going around at half speed and pissing off people who came there to avoid traffic (a perfectly understandable annoyance in my book!) So, what exists for today's common or garden noob wanting to stretch his legs a bit whilst not wasting a track day for a large number of people?

Last open day at Puke there was a noob on a ninja 250. He didn't bother anyone. There was a guy on a CBR 600 escorting him around. With a bit of thought and the right day (ie no nobs on the track) it's not a problem.

That said, I think it was cruelty (and could well have been dangerous) to not have his mirrors taped as he spent half the time focusing on mirrors and screwing up lines to get out of the way of others.

[Quasievil]

Dude, just go in the lowest speed group and dont worry about it, its not as serious as alot of trackday junkies make out, anyone can ride in circles even on a GN
:msn-wink:

[magicmonkey]

Dude, just go in the lowest speed group and dont worry about it, its not as serious as alot of trackday junkies make out, anyone can ride in circles even on a GN
:msn-wink:

heh, I get the feeling it's pretty serious to some of them!

[magicmonkey]

Some track-days do allow you to hire bikes, so you could get on something more designed for a track...

Do you happen to know which ones?


Personally i'm not inclined to ever take my GN on a track, it seems a rather pointless excercise... but the next bike will see some track time :D

I'd prefer to learn stuff on my bike, just because that's what I'll be riding. Having said that, I'm sure I could still have some fun on a different bike and transfer the skills; I'm not anywhere near pushing the traction limits of the bike yet so it shouldn't bee too big a leap to make...

[Devil]

Hampton Downs Ride Days will let you hire a GSXR600 but only if you're licenced for it on the road.

There's no problem with having you in the slow group. Thats what its there for. Bite the bullet and do it. You'll be fine on the GN.

[The Stranger]

Hampton Downs Ride Days will let you hire a GSXR600 but only if you're licenced for it on the road.


Any idea what the story is with insurance, or not, on the hire bikes?

[Devil]

Basic package gives you a $4.5k excess. Pay more drops that to $1k.
Sorry, dont have costs on me.

[magicmonkey]

Basic package gives you a $4.5k excess. Pay more drops that to $1k.
Sorry, dont have costs on me.

wow, sounds like it'd be cheaper for me to crash my own bike than ride theirs!

Looks like I might just have to take one on the head and pop down to the next track day I can afford :)

[Devil]

wow, sounds like it'd be cheaper for me to crash my own bike than ride theirs!

Looks like I might just have to take one on the head and pop down to the next track day I can afford :)

hah, thats right!

[ckai]

Do you happen to know which ones?



I'd prefer to learn stuff on my bike, just because that's what I'll be riding. Having said that, I'm sure I could still have some fun on a different bike and transfer the skills; I'm not anywhere near pushing the traction limits of the bike yet so it shouldn't bee too big a leap to make...

I agree with you, take the ginny and learn on that. You'll learn how far it can actually lean and all sorts. Gixxer will make you wanna go nuts meaning you may step out of that 80% of you ability zone that you wanna stay within to learn.

So far there is only one track day that I have heard/ridden/seen which will make you learn for both yourself and your bike and that the Hamilton Motorcycle Club one that's just been. There maybe others but I'm yet to see.

The problem is you'll have to wait another year until the next one although it is well worth it. Personally if you really wanna learn this is the only way to go. Of course if you can get on a normal track day with an actual teacher then it'll be the just as good if not better. You definitely need someone giving you the pointers to really improve. You improve just by being on a track in most cases but tuition is invaluable. And if you're by yourself you have to refrain from going above your 75-80% ability mark and entering survival mode.

[kiwifruit]

You'll be fine and you won't be the only one on a small capacity machine. See you at a trackday soon!

[magicmonkey]

You'll be fine and you won't be the only one on a small capacity machine. See you at a trackday soon!

ah, and a motott link in your sig :) Just had a peek through their site, looks a lot less intimidating than some of the other ones I've seen!

[The Stranger]

So far there is only one track day that I have heard/ridden/seen which will make you learn for both yourself and your bike and that the Hamilton Motorcycle Club one that's just been. There maybe others but I'm yet to see.

The problem is you'll have to wait another year until the next one although it is well worth it.

So, just for the sake of clarification, how many different trackdays have you attended?
What did you think of the AMCC run ART day at Puke?

[ckai]

So, just for the sake of clarification, how many different trackdays have you attended?
What did you think of the AMCC run ART day at Puke?

not enough to compare advanced training :) i've looked at the AMCC one(s) and i haven't heard much about them to be honest. On face value and the very little I've heard it's for the upper end riders. I could be completely wrong.

Just thinking of the little GN and the best way to learn and get track day action for it. Hell, if the OP wants to do some really advanced training Calfornia Superbike School would be where I'd go first and definitely hire a GSXR (based on limited experience of course ;))

[YAMASAKI]

Track days are by far the safest way to learn the limits of your bike (or you :) ) Central districts are running one on the 9th Jan, http://www.cdmtc.org.nz/track.htm. They normally run three or four speed groups, you will be absolutely fine riding a GN in the slow/novice group. You will probably slow a few riders down but people are pretty well behaved and give you plenty of room.
...and its a shit load of fun for $50 :yeah:

[The Stranger]

not enough to compare advanced training :) i've looked at the AMCC one(s) and i haven't heard much about them to be honest. On face value and the very little I've heard it's for the upper end riders. I could be completely wrong.

Just thinking of the little GN and the best way to learn and get track day action for it. Hell, if the OP wants to do some really advanced training Calfornia Superbike School would be where I'd go first and definitely hire a GSXR (based on limited experience of course ;))

That's the story if you can't dazzle with brilliance attempt to baffle with bullshit.
raj has taught you well.

[Rob Taylor]

This is the guy you need to be talking to.http://blog.dobsyracing.com/ .One hell of a nice guy ,specialises in training......

[jellywrestler]

Some track-days do allow you to hire bikes, so you could get on something more designed for a track...

Personally i'm not inclined to ever take my GN on a track, it seems a rather pointless excercise... but the next bike will see some track time :D

firstly don't hire a bike, if you're new you're doing the right thing to get on your bike and learn it better.
pointless on a GN, my partner took hers around and as nothing changes lap after lap in terms of the road layout etc like on the real road she learn't a lot about trying differnt things to see how they felt.
Get into it, they have slow classes and don't be scared to wear a dayglo vest, even better make sure you wear one then people on the track will be extra aware and off the track they're more likely to come up and chat about it

[magicmonkey]

Track days are by far the safest way to learn the limits of your bike (or you :) ) Central districts are running one on the 9th Jan, http://www.cdmtc.org.nz/track.htm. They normally run three or four speed groups, you will be absolutely fine riding a GN in the slow/novice group. You will probably slow a few riders down but people are pretty well behaved and give you plenty of room.
...and its a shit load of fun for $50 :yeah:

That looks awesome, and for $50 I can't go wrong :D

[Devil]

Just to dispell any myths here. You'd also be fine at the California Superbike School at Hampton Downs, and yes, you'd be fine doing it on the GN too.

[magicmonkey]

Just to dispell any myths here. You'd also be fine at the California Superbike School at Hampton Downs, and yes, you'd be fine doing it on the GN too.

lol, that's almost be worth it for the chuckle factor! And I'd love a go on the 'no-bullshit' bike :)

[DarkLord]

Just watch the slowbies group out at Taupo. You often see n00bs on Ninja 250s and even Hyosungs out there. They just kinda wobble along, do their own thing, don't really bother anyone.

I'm sure you'd be fine.

[MaxCannon]

A friend did a Track day on a CBR125 - top speed 120kph
she had a good time , didn't get in the way.

I'd suggest using your own bike as learning a new bike (especially something with 5 times the power) on a track is just going to confuse you.

Pukekohe would be pretty boring on a GN250, Hampton Downs or Taupo would be better options.

Last time I was at Taupo there were dudes on Scooters going around the track.

[FROSTY]

Basically, I want to do a track day; I think I'd learn a lot. The problem is that I'm a complete noob on a GN!

It seems that a lot of experienced riders believe that track days are a good thing; and I'm inclined to think they're probably right, however, is it possible to turn up at a track day on a GN and have a fun and educational day without getting in everyone's way and generally making a tit of yourself?
Short version dude --JUST DO IT

Long version. when I started running trackdays YOU were my target audience.
Quite frankly if you are getting in someones way then either THEY are in the wrong speed group or THEY are being impatient.
You go ride you GN.. When ya aint riding Hydrate and ask lots of questions. Theres No dumb bike related questions
You'll find that moto TT etc run their trackdays same as I did.

[crazyhorse]

Just get out there and do it. You will have lots of fun and thoroughly enjoy yourself.

Do not worry about anyone else, just concentrate on what you are doing. Everyone else will be doing the same. Have fun :woohoo:

[magicmonkey]

well, I suppose this all leads on to the next question, is there a particular track day that would be better suited for a noob or should I just grab the first thing I can afford?

[Devil]

Any of the following:
Hampton Downs Ride Days
MotoTT
KiwiTrackdays
Redline

[wbks]

Last time I was at Taupo there were dudes on Scooters going around the track.Some of those scooters were giving dudes on r6's trouble around the corners in group 4 last time I was there:crazy:

[Kiwi Graham]

well, I suppose this all leads on to the next question, is there a particular track day that would be better suited for a noob or should I just grab the first thing I can afford?

AMCC's ART days are aimed at riders just like you. Check out the AMCC web site http://www.amcc.org.nz/ and see if its the sort of training you are after. The next day is the 17th Jan. I would suggest group 1 would be for you. Any questions I'll be happy to try and answer.

[jetboy]

Yeah man like what everyone else has said...just do it! I did my first trackday with MotoTT after having my CBR for about a month and I thoroughly enjoyed it, learning heaps along the way.

Just sign up to a slow group, go out and have some fun!

Oh, and insurance can be organised - flick me a PM if you want more info.

[White trash]

Basically, I want to do a track day; I think I'd learn a lot. The problem is that I'm a complete noob on a GN!

It seems that a lot of experienced riders believe that track days are a good thing; and I'm inclined to think they're probably right, however, is it possible to turn up at a track day on a GN and have a fun and educational day without getting in everyone's way and generally making a tit of yourself?

I'm guessing the answer is 'no' as I'm bound to be going around at half speed and pissing off people who came there to avoid traffic (a perfectly understandable annoyance in my book!) So, what exists for today's common or garden noob wanting to stretch his legs a bit whilst not wasting a track day for a large number of people?
Excellent idea. There is no better place to practice them wheelies than at a track.

In seriousness, The Poeples Hero (Johann Bruns) started his track career on a GN250. I still remember him hooning 'round the outside of a CBR750 Hurricane in the sweeper at Manfeild on a GN. Fucken funniest thing I've ever seen coz old Jo' certainly aint the smallest chap.

[magicmonkey]

In seriousness, The Poeples Hero (Johann Bruns) started his track career on a GN250. I still remember him hooning 'round the outside of a CBR750 Hurricane in the sweeper at Manfeild on a GN. Fucken funniest thing I've ever seen coz old Jo' certainly aint the smallest chap.

Awesome, now I even have a goal for the day to help focus my attention!

[Scotty595]

AMCC's ART days are aimed at riders just like you. Check out the AMCC web site http://www.amcc.org.nz/ and see if its the sort of training you are after. The next day is the 17th Jan. I would suggest group 1 would be for you. Any questions I'll be happy to try and answer.

Looks good, What kind of training happens at the ART?

Might head along.

Question though, do you need a road license to get on the track? Have a mate who might be keen (knows how to ride) but doesn't have a road license atm.

[marine0089]

Looks good, What kind of training happens at the ART?

Might head along.

Question though, do you need a road license to get on the track? Have a mate who might be keen (knows how to ride) but doesn't have a road license atm.

Or even what type if license? Do you need full or is learners/restricted enough?

[Kiwi Graham]

Looks good, What kind of training happens at the ART?

Might head along.

Question though, do you need a road license to get on the track? Have a mate who might be keen (knows how to ride) but doesn't have a road license atm.


Or even what type if license? Do you need full or is learners/restricted enough?

You need a full license for the motorcycle you are riding.

The training is both practical and theory based. In the frst two groups the theory content has a higher president (carried out between sessions) which is put into practise on the circuit. As you develop, indervidual theory and subsequent practise is the focus. The type and amount is determind by the indervidual, although you start off being instructed as a small group everybody learns at a different rate and the aim is to allow every one to develop at a pace comfortable to them.

[jasonzc]

hahah i was planning to do a track day one day on a Suzy VL250. Maybe we could go and look like fools together :P :cool::banana:

[jeffs]

AMCC's ART days are aimed at riders just like you. Check out the AMCC web site http://www.amcc.org.nz/ and see if its the sort of training you are after. The next day is the 17th Jan. I would suggest group 1 would be for you. Any questions I'll be happy to try and answer.
Hi Where in the link does it show what the advanced training covers ?

[Kiwi Graham]

The syllabus is carried by the instructors, on booking you get a pack of information regarding personel and motorcycle preperation, information on the circuit and timings etc. The day is individualised as much as possible, you will be assessed, your requirments considered and you will be given theory and practical instruction based on those points raised. Everybody is different, not only in their current standard of riding but there potential to learn and we am to maximise that potential. further information on the day can be seen on the Wiki - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/wiki/AMCC_Advanced_Rider_Training

[Flip]

You will be fine on your GN. You wont hold anybody up.

I have done track days on many bikes from a Tiger100, to a Harley Road King.

Do it and get some track time. Have fun.