I'm interested in track days

[Furyos J]

Ive had a bit of a search on here for info about track days, but cant really find what im looking for.
Excuse the total noob questions, as i have no idea about track days at all.
Can anyone please put up a couple of links to info, ie, saftey gear requirements, do i need a special licence?, is my streetbike ok?
sorry if this has already been covered, im pretty crap at using the search fuction :no:
also maybe info about rider training days at tracks

[rapid van cleef]

hi, im not an expert but i started doing track days around 18 months ago.

you need leathers that zip together or a 1 piece

back protector

proper gloves and boots and a good fitting helmet

other than that, youre all good to go.

usual license is fine, as long as its not a learners. im sure your bike, whatever it is, will be fine. the first day i did at puke had 2 guys on step through scooters in a group and they appeared to be having fun.

i recommend you take basic tool kit with ya, cable ties, gaffa tape, or some people call it race tape, electrical tape. you should tape up your headlights, indicators and remove your mirrors. dont wanna ride home without mirrors in case you do happen to come off, they will probably get munted..maybe a spare set of levers too.....

i usually take a tank bag and put all my shit in there, along with water and a notebook just in case you wanna write stuff down re the laps.

its way more physically demanding that you think it is.doing 6 x20 minutes sessions that is, so a good nights sleep the night before is easier said than done. i always find it hard to sleep the night before. i once rode to a track on the day, which was a 2 1/2 hour ride, then rode home in the evening..........not recommended, i was exhausted when i got home and will not do that again. def get a motel near the track .

im no expert, i just did a lot of reading and trolling forums like this etc

most people i have encountered at tracks have been very helpful, offered use of their tools etc. so overall a great way to spend the day. much more fun that a night in the pub and the benefits last much longer!

[kiwifruit]

http://www.motott.co.nz/faq.html

[crazzed]

also there HDRD they run a first timers group and have a coach available at most days from california superbike school.
linky link http://www.hamptondownsridedays.co.nz/

[Furyos J]

Cool, thanks heaps for the info guys, ill be looking forward to giving it a go this summer :Punk:

[Quasievil]

if you are going to tape up your lghts (dont need to) take the bulbs out otherwise you may cook your headlight lenses

[MD]

You don't need a one piece suit or zip together gear or a race licence. Just good leathers or textile m/c gear top and bottom.

Just a couple of strips of electrical sellotape across your lights will do the trick. On some of my bikes I haven't even bothered removing the mirrors, although they are a distraction.

Good value for Manfeild track are the Central Districts M/c Touring Club days (CDMTCI) - they have their own section on here, scroll down on the 'Forums' page.

Taupo is far more fun but a long 4 hour hike from Welly. I did a full day there once and rode home in the evening- never again! Exhausting.

Manfeild track has it's own website with upcoming events;
http://manfield.co.nz/cms/Events/tabid/56/Default.aspx

[Devil]

Contrary to what MD just said, hampton downs is leather only and they must zip together if a two piece.

[Furyos J]

Thanks again for the links and info, im in the process of getting leathers (deposit on a qmoto jacket and get some matching pants soon too), and just got a decent helmet aswell. Im wanting to try manfield first, looks like less corners to memorise. Ive also been reading that twist of the throttle book, not wanting to go out and be a racer, but will be fun to go fast(for me) in a safe (well safer then the road) environment.
hoprfully it is not addictive

[rapid van cleef]

Thanks again for the links and info, im in the process of getting leathers (deposit on a qmoto jacket and get some matching pants soon too), and just got a decent helmet aswell. Im wanting to try manfield first, looks like less corners to memorise. Ive also been reading that twist of the throttle book, not wanting to go out and be a racer, but will be fun to go fast(for me) in a safe (well safer then the road) environment.
hoprfully it is not addictive

the book you seek is twist of the wrist I and II

[gwigs]

if you are going to tape up your lghts (dont need to) take the bulbs out otherwise you may cook your headlight lenses

You could just turn the lights off..:)

[Ntoxcated]

hopefully it is not addictive

Shit out of luck there I'm afraid.

Auckland might be quite a hike for you, but if you can organise some mates to stay with the A.R.T Days run by AMCC (http://www.amcc.co.nz/advanced-art) are very good. The instructors will provide as much or as little help as you ask for and really know their stuff.

Have fun wherever you go and remember, it's not a race track - oh wait :facepalm:

[shonofear]

since someone brought this up and its pretty relevant to my interests though id chime in to get some info for track days around Auckland area.
i have a 2 piece Teknic leather setup (zip together) everything except boots, do you need just any type of boot that will stay on? cause i was thinkin of buying some Shift Streetrider type high tops moto shoes.

Any 1 around Auckland just learning track riding? would love to get involved.
oh yea, im only on a Suzuki Bandit 250 that should be sweet yea for learning on the track?

cheers

[shonofear]

oh wait, those links were Auckland based, sweet, ill check em out

[Devil]

i have a 2 piece Teknic leather setup (zip together) everything except boots, do you need just any type of boot that will stay on? cause i was thinkin of buying some Shift Streetrider type high tops moto shoes.

You'll need proper ones if you want to ride at Hampton Downs, plus you're better off anyway with decent boots regardless of where you're riding.

[Quasievil]

You could just turn the lights off..:)

on a modern sports bike ??????

[gwigs]

on a modern sports bike ??????

I dont have a modern sports bike,I can turn mine off...Oh well, you learn something new everyday. :laugh:

[shonofear]

also there HDRD they run a first timers group and have a coach available at most days from california superbike school.
linky link http://www.hamptondownsridedays.co.nz/

heres there checklist...


Riding Gear Checklist

Minimum riding gear for The California Superbike School is the following. Gear will be checked at the scrutineering area, so please bring it with you as you are having your motorcycle scrutineered.

* Leather Jacket & Pants (the pants and jacket must zip securely together. The pants should also overlap the boots).

* No textile clothing allowed.

* Leather motorcycle boots (the boots must overlap the pants, so no skin or other clothing can be seen).

* Leather motorcycle gloves (protective materials such as carbon fibre or Kevlar knuckles or palms are strongly recommended).

* Full face helmet that meets Australian AS1698 standards. Visors must be correctly secured and in use.

* Although back protectors are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended.

* A full range of motorcycle riding gear is available for hire if required but is subject to availability and is strongly recommended that it is pre-booked

Aus standards helmet ??? thought that was weird.

[Shaun]

www.motott.co.nz the best in the buisness in New Zealand.

get in touch direct with them and ask away mate, get your info from the horses mouth

[Devil]

heres there checklist...



Aus standards helmet ??? thought that was weird.

Thanks for identifying that. I'll get it changed.
From the Hampton Downs Ride Days website: http://www.hamptondownsridedays.co.nz/common.php?common_id=18&scommon_id=20
This one should list the correct NZ standard.

[KiwiNinja]

oh wait, those links were Auckland based, sweet, ill check em out

We have a Hampton Downs Ride Day scheduled for this Sunday 28th. Come down and come see how it's all done...you don't have to pay anything to watch from the sidelines. Or better yet get yourself the gear and come have a ride!!

[slowpoke]

If you've got the option trailer your bike to the track. It means you can well and truly prep your bike the night before, cruise there in comfort with a few tools and tucker etc, and if the worst happens still cruise home albeit with a few more rattles coming from the back.

After a full day of intense concentration you'll be absolutely rooted anyway, and all round it just makes for a much less stressful day. Your mates might call ya soft but they'll be looking at your car with envy at the end of the day..... especially when ya drag out a coupla cold beers to celebrate your Rossi-ness.

[shonofear]

We have a Hampton Downs Ride Day scheduled for this Sunday 28th. Come down and come see how it's all done...you don't have to pay anything to watch from the sidelines. Or better yet get yourself the gear and come have a ride!!

true that, well i just may come down for at least half day.
if i can find some boots before hand i'll come down with all the gear on for just in case.
is it more of a race day or general riding for all classes?
do you need any experience at all to ride the track?
only ask cause they do that California Riding School separately and thought may need to do that before hitting the tracks...

cheers, may see ya there

actually they do hire gear out... all i need is boots so may just hire a pair
OK
answered all the questions above by actually reading from the website.
sweet, sounds like its perfect for me as a beginner.

[Devil]

answered all the questions above by actually reading from the website.
sweet, sounds like its perfect for me as a beginner.

Was just about to reply when you edited!

I'll be there running course control (Matt).
You'll be in for a great day.
Although we do run 6 sessions per group, if you get tired there's absolutely no shame in quitting early. Tired = Mistakes.
We'd rather you left with a nice shiny bike so you can come back next time!

[shonofear]

ok, last questions...
looking at the ride classes from slow-fast, how slow would slow be?
i've only got a Bandit 250 so im guessing my class would be slow being first timer and slower bike ?
and if i wanted to just hire boots, cant select that from the online booking, only can select gear that would be everything. maybe i can just pay for boots on the day separately or is that not possible?
looking at trade me now though for some boots my size.
cheers

[racefactory]

Highly recommend Pukekohe Open Testing days.

Every week, Friday or saturday. $90 for at least 7 sessions, so it's great value. No rules, no fuss and hassle, just go hard and have fun.

[Quasievil]

ok, last questions...
looking at the ride classes from slow-fast, how slow would slow be?
i've only got a Bandit 250 so im guessing my class would be slow being first timer and slower bike ?


go in the slow group, learn the track, then go in a faster group later in the day if needed
dont ruch, learn brake points lines etc first

Motott has some good instructors (for free) that will show you around

get to hamilton i will trailer your bike down and you can come in the car with me if you like

[rapid van cleef]

Highly recommend Pukekohe Open Testing days.

Every week, Friday or saturday. $90 for at least 7 sessions, so it's great value. No rules, no fuss and hassle, just go hard and have fun.

Is this every week? through summer hols too?

[racefactory]

Yes every week these track days are on which is great because you can pick a convenient time for yourself. Cars and bikes. Always lots of cool cars and bikes up there having fun. A very good day out :)

[shonofear]

get to hamilton i will trailer your bike down and you can come in the car with me if you like

are you in Auckland or something?

i think i'll go to Hampton downs ride day this Sunday as its only 26km from my house and seem to have a good thing going for learners.
but that Pukekohe track seems like a good option after I get some skill and confidence going, and the bonus of it opened a lot more.

cheers

update.....

once again, my reading skills are bad. its about 70kms to the track from my house South, must of searched there postal address.
still do-able.

[Quasievil]

are you in Auckland or something?

i think i'll go to Hampton downs ride day this Sunday as its only 26km from my house and seem to have a good thing going for learners.
but that Pukekohe track seems like a good option after I get some skill and confidence going, and the bonus of it opened a lot more.

cheers

update.....

once again, my reading skills are bad. its about 70kms to the track from my house South, must of searched there postal address.
still do-able.

No in Hamilton mate.

I wouldnt bother going to Pukekohe on a 250 mate, 7 corners isnt exactly awesome .
Go to hampton or even better Taupo, more corners and better skills to be learnt as a consequence.
If you get to Hamilton for a Motott day I can trailer your bike down no probs, I can hook you up with one of the rider trainers as well.

cheers

[shonofear]

thanks 4 the advice.
Hampton seems the best choice at this stage, but will def get down to MotoTT in time.
Recommend any boots for us?
Daily communter (happy with me sneakers though, or might get sum Shift Street type shoes), weekend rider and possibly occasional track day rider, something that will be a good all rounder maybe, but i do like the looks of the full pro coloured racing boots. Cycletreads seems to have a few on special.
Will do some searching on these forums now though

[Quasievil]

thanks 4 the advice.
Hampton seems the best choice at this stage, but will def get down to MotoTT in time.
Recommend any boots for us?
Daily communter (happy with me sneakers though, or might get sum Shift Street type shoes), weekend rider and possibly occasional track day rider, something that will be a good all rounder maybe, but i do like the looks of the full pro coloured racing boots. Cycletreads seems to have a few on special.
Will do some searching on these forums now though


Heaps of choices on Boots mate, best advice is Ankle protection so its well supported (side to side) and make sure it has a Zip, not just velcro.
other than that foot sliders, gear change pads, shin protection, waterproofness, stitching quality, you dont want a chunky sole on a sportsbike all these things are features look out for.
You can spend moon beams on them thats for sure, but its not really needed.
Go see someone at a bike shop and get them to sell you a boot ;-)

[aprilia_RS250]

anyone know if you can have cars and motorcycles on the track at the same time? Like off hours for just 2 laps? I need to prove to my mate his skyline is a piece of shit and my rs250 will eat it for breakfast

[Devil]

anyone know if you can have cars and motorcycles on the track at the same time? Like off hours for just 2 laps? I need to prove to my mate his skyline is a piece of shit and my rs250 will eat it for breakfast
You'd have to hire the track.

[Devil]

i think i'll go to Hampton downs ride day this Sunday as its only 26km from my house and seem to have a good thing going for learners.
but that Pukekohe track seems like a good option after I get some skill and confidence going, and the bonus of it opened a lot more.

Be aware that your insurance is likely to cover you when doing a Hampton Downs Ride Day, or a MotoTT day. You just need to let them know you're doing it.
Depends on your insurer though.

They will not cover the Pukekohe test days.

The second issue is with speed groups - the Puke test days are run with all bikes together and at a track like Puke there will be a massive speed differential between your bandit, and a 1000cc sprots biek on the back straight. Potentially a 140km/h difference. You'll shit your pants when they come past.
Thats where having the different speed groups at a proper motorcycle track day is good - no surprises, no massive speed differentials.

[crazzed]

The second issue is with speed groups - the Puke test days are run with all bikes together and at a track like Puke there will be a massive speed differential between your bandit, and a 1000cc sprots biek on the back straight. Potentially a 140km/h difference. You'll shit your pants when they come past.
Thats where having the different speed groups at a proper motorcycle track day is good - no surprises, no massive speed differentials.

Have to agree with you here Matt Puke is not for a learner or first time track rider. Hampton will have one of the coaches there this weekend so you can chew his ear off about things to get your confidence up. Come say high to me ill be in the shed doing tyres and any small mechanical issues people have.

[shonofear]

Be aware that your insurance is likely to cover you when doing a Hampton Downs Ride Day, or a MotoTT day. You just need to let them know you're doing it.
Depends on your insurer though.

They will not cover the Pukekohe test days.

Hey, im with NAC and they clearly state not covered on racetrack :(
wondering if I can pay extra for that day or upgrade (already on full compre) to something even more pro ?
or are there other separate insurers that i can go to or just have none and ride like a Boss.

[Devil]

Kiwibike and John Baker (both brokers) can provide you with full comp insurance that can include track day cover, often underwritten by Star Insurance. The conditions are that you still need to contact them before the day, and they'll only cover days run by certain companies.

You can try calling up NAC and asking them. You need to remind them that it is not a timed or competitive event, that is normally the catch as far as insurance goes.

It's always a bit of a nerve wracking event, going to the track for the first time but you'll be fine. We (HDRD) run a first timers group to help put you at ease out there.

One of the most important things to keep in your mind is that you do have all day. Take your time, make your speed increases gradual and concentrate on being smooth rather than fast.

[racefactory]

anyone know if you can have cars and motorcycles on the track at the same time? Like off hours for just 2 laps? I need to prove to my mate his skyline is a piece of shit and my rs250 will eat it for breakfast

Garry the manager let me through on a 600 with the cars when it was quiet- was fun flying past a holden on the brakes into the hairpin. Have a chat with him nicely, he's pretty cool like that. If you're going to do that you'll have to do it at the end of the day though when it's quiet and most people have gone home.

[racefactory]

Have to agree with you here Matt Puke is not for a learner or first time track rider. Hampton will have one of the coaches there this weekend so you can chew his ear off about things to get your confidence up. Come say high to me ill be in the shed doing tyres and any small mechanical issues people have.

Pukekohe is fine for a learner or first time track rider. There are always good people to talk to down there. ART is also run down there. Sure it's got no run off but I think you're far more likely to crash after gaining confidence and pushing hard than when you are learning and overly cautious. I found the barriers and speed of the track just made me analyse my progress and push more gradually and carefully. I can't imagine coming off at Pukekohe but on the kart track on a supermoto or at the kawasaki sandpit I can't imagine ever not coming off- net result is probably more hurt and damage too!

[slowpoke]

The second issue is with speed groups - the Puke test days are run with all bikes together and at a track like Puke there will be a massive speed differential between your bandit, and a 1000cc sprots biek on the back straight. Potentially a 140km/h difference. You'll shit your pants when they come past.
Thats where having the different speed groups at a proper motorcycle track day is good - no surprises, no massive speed differentials.

Agreed, test days are definitely not for first timers or the inexperienced. Go to a structured track day where you'll feel a lot more comfortable, won't have to worry about getting in anyones way and there are often people specifically tasked with helping you get comfortable, learn and improve. It might be a tad more expensive but it's money well spent.

[racefactory]

I don't see the problem. If anything there's less to worry about at the open days. There are far less bikes for a start and it's honestly not hard to keep on your own course and let other bikes pass you. It won't happen that often either, you'll just be marveling at the site when it does :) .Just don't look back and concentrate on yourself.

You'll end up meeting whoever's down there and have a chat to find they'll be more than happy to help you out and just assure you of certain things if need be. Thanks to a few guys there and on this forum, on my second time I was doing 64 second laps on my 600 road bike in hiking boots with mirrors, plate etc- never been on a track prior. No need to worry about being 'n00b', you'll be fine.

It doesn't need to be so complicated, the main thing is that people just get down and have fun.

[Quasievil]

I don't see the problem. If anything there's less to worry about at the open days. There are far less bikes for a start and it's honestly not hard to keep on your own course and let other bikes pass you. It won't happen that often either, you'll just be marveling at the site when it does :) .Just don't look back and concentrate on yourself.

You'll end up meeting whoever's down there and have a chat to find they'll be more than happy to help you out and just assure you of certain things if need be. Thanks to a few guys there and on this forum, on my second time I was doing 64 second laps on my 600 road bike in hiking boots with mirrors, plate etc- never been on a track prior. No need to worry about being 'n00b', you'll be fine.

It doesn't need to be so complicated, the main thing is that people just get down and have fun.

Racefactory are you on drugs ?

the guy is on a 250cc bike, as an ex racer I dont want to be TESTING a race bike to see some NOB on a 250 in the fucking way learning how to ride a bike.
Trackdays are for this, NOT test days

[shonofear]

agreed an id hate to be that guy :P

[racefactory]

Racefactory are you on drugs ?

the guy is on a 250cc bike, as an ex racer I dont want to be TESTING a race bike to see some NOB on a 250 in the fucking way learning how to ride a bike.
Trackdays are for this, NOT test days

In fact I'm not on drugs.

When I was there last time some dude was having great fun on his Ninja 250r, not minding at all us lot hooning by at 250kph, and there was no problem from anyone. It's really not as crazy as it sounds. A Bandit 250 would be just perfect. There are also guys who've had only positive things to say doing it on MC22's/ZXR's as well.

I know what it's like to be in this guy's position- there is fuck all easily accessible info out there regarding how to get on track and I just wish to encourage him to enjoy what is a very good opportunity to do so. There needs to be more people getting on the track on bikes and I wish to see as many as possible join in the fun and help the overall scene in NZ.

[sinfull]

Have to agree !

Test days are not the place for learners !

And that as many riders as possible need to do as many track days as they can !

[slowpoke]

In fact I'm not on drugs.

When I was there last time some dude was having great fun on his Ninja 250r, not minding at all us lot hooning by at 250kph, and there was no problem from anyone. It's really not as crazy as it sounds. A Bandit 250 would be just perfect. There are also guys who've had only positive things to say doing it on MC22's/ZXR's as well.

I know what it's like to be in this guy's position- there is fuck all easily accessible info out there regarding how to get on track and I just wish to encourage him to enjoy what is a very good opportunity to do so. There needs to be more people getting on the track on bikes and I wish to see as many as possible join in the fun and help the overall scene in NZ.

"Fuck all easily accessible information"? I just plugged "motorcycle track day New Zealand" into Mr Google and there's MotoTT and HD Ride Days on the first page, both of whom have good info how to get started, bike prep, gear and what to expect. How hard is that?

It's not about whether anybody minds being on track with much faster bikes, it's just not smart. I've been on my superbike passing a slow (in a straight line) motard at Manfeild when he decided to sneak a peek over his shoulder and drifted right across the track, sucking up the tarmac I'd planned on using. With a closing speed of 100kph it's not good enough to say "she'll be right". Shit happens, and with big closing speeds it happens in a big way....like coronial inquest kinda big. And it's not just you or the other folks you're on track with, if it all goes pear shaped you ruin it for all of us: riders, insurance company's, track day business's, and track operators, health professional's etc etc.

So just be smart and use the better options that are available.

[Quasievil]

Good Post Spud, To many people on this site seem to think they know it all and happily advise people, when infact they dont know shit and should shut up.
There isnt a rule that newbies musy post on every fucking thread generated as far as I know.

[racefactory]

With a closing speed of 100kph it's not good enough to say "she'll be right".

Oh come on it's our Kiwi way of doing things.

Anyway- I was a learner, I had a bloody amazing time and highly recommend it!

[B17DUF]

Well i recently did a "Ride Day" @ Hampton Downs and I had a fantastic time. I am a competent Rider but far far from a racer, this was my first Track Day in NZ (Been off a bike for a few yrs) so booked myself into the Slow group and also signed up for the first timers programme. This instantly put me at ease, knowing that other guys in my group were at a similar level / speed to me meant that i could concentrate on my skills and not worry about guys coming by me and scaring the sh*t out of me. Having a CSS coach on hand to take you round the lap, show you recommended braking / turning points was also very helpful. The day was very structured and there was plenty of friendly staff about to help out, give advice. HDRD have strict rules in place to make sure that everyone has fun and stays safe, meaning that if guys are riding like Di*ks and putting people at risk they will be black flagged and removed from the track. :Police:
I really can't recommend HDRD enough, perfect for anyone wanting to experience the thrill of the race track. Will be looking at doing another day early in september.
Hope this helps (Remember this is just my opinion )

Duff

[SPP]

All are better than CoroGP, however…

Puke’ Testing
Mixing a seasoned rider on a race bike and a noob on a 250 is risky. The speed differential will be greater than walking your bike on the motorway. I'm not saying Puke’ testing is out of the question but it really depends on who and how many show up on the day.
Seriously, do ART and HRD and Taupo before Testing. You’ll enjoy it more.

Racefactory
Is actually a competent rider on a supersport with Dukie attention and upgraded brakes. I’d eat his shorts if a 250 hornet laps puke in 64s

Oooo look…
http://www.hamptondownsridedays.co.nz/
http://www.amcc.org.nz/advanced-art
http://www.motott.co.nz/bookings.html

[shonofear]

hey,
cant find what time the track day starts ???
i couldn't book online cause credit card not working, but now the website is saying no spots available, maybe cause its actually the track day today.
either way i'll be riding down to check out the place with cash to potentially get on the track.

is it 10am start
4pm finish

?

Cheers, i'd have to leave i the next hr so would greatly appreciate a response if anyones awake out there...

[slowpoke]

On ya bike son, prolly starts at 9am


hey,
cant find what time the track day starts ???
i couldn't book online cause credit card not working, but now the website is saying no spots available, maybe cause its actually the track day today.
either way i'll be riding down to check out the place with cash to potentially get on the track.

is it 10am start
4pm finish

?

Cheers, i'd have to leave i the next hr so would greatly appreciate a response if anyones awake out there...

[shonofear]

yea, all good.
had a flippin blast hey. totally recommend to all.
gonna hit the Cali superbike school for sure now.
yew

[Autech]

My first track day was an ART at Puke, was fun but on a 250 it's not ideal, the speed difference down the back straight, while not scary, often meant that in the slow group, heading back up over the hill on the front section the riders which had shot past you on the straight with all their horse powers, were less inclined to pin it up over the crest. Yet you on the 250, with your smile widening, you have no power to throw you wide (you'd have to deliberately try to fuck this corner up), so love that section, yet get held up. Basically ending up pissed off.
That said the instructors did get me straight out of some learner habits and put me on the right track and overall I had a good time. So give it a crack.
Never got to ride Hampton but did Taupo (Open day with speed groups) next, fanstatic track! Now I'm in Christchurch so look out Ruapuna!

As for gear, get the best stuff your budget can afford.

[tbs]

I did my first track day at HD this weekend. I had an absolute blast! I started out in the slow group for the first two laps and had the same issue. I was getting blasted on the straights on my little Ninja but getting held up in the corners. A quick chat with Ash from Superbike School assured me I should go up a group. After that I was still getting blasted by the bigger bikes, but could hit the corners a lot harder. It did mean I got carved up a few times by other riders entering the tighter turns. I was hanging out side and trying to hit the apex right to get maximum exit speed, while others would be closing so rapidly that they would shoot the inside line just as I was turning in. Some apologized... some didn't. It was all good though. I just tried to focus on riding optimum lines and speed will come later.

Next stop Taupo and MotoTT.

[Devil]

tbs and shonofear: Well done guys, you were getting along well out there. Not doing anything that would result in the marshals calling you in was a bonus too ;)

See you again soon I hope!

Cheers,

Matt
Course Control.

[tbs]

tbs and shonofear: Well done guys, you were getting along well out there. Not doing anything that would result in the marshals calling you in was a bonus too ;)

See you again soon I hope!

Cheers,

Matt
Course Control.

Thanks Matt.
Hey I saw a few photographers around the track. Any word on where we can see photos? Looked like they had a good angle at turn 4.

b.

[Devil]

Actually trying to find out if they've got a website. I have a business card from them, but it doesn't have a website listed!

[KiwiNinja]

I did my first track day at HD this weekend. I had an absolute blast! I started out in the slow group for the first two laps and had the same issue. I was getting blasted on the straights on my little Ninja but getting held up in the corners. A quick chat with Ash from Superbike School assured me I should go up a group. After that I was still getting blasted by the bigger bikes, but could hit the corners a lot harder. It did mean I got carved up a few times by other riders entering the tighter turns. I was hanging out side and trying to hit the apex right to get maximum exit speed, while others would be closing so rapidly that they would shoot the inside line just as I was turning in. Some apologized... some didn't. It was all good though. I just tried to focus on riding optimum lines and speed will come later.

Next stop Taupo and MotoTT.

Mate. What you said is what it's all about! The speed will naturally come as your technique (i.e. body position, visuals, throttle control etc...) improves. As you get better you'll have these ah-ha moments where something clicks into place and you'll be suddenly keeping up with guys who used to jet passed. All it takes is practice so hopefully we'll see you down there as a regular.

[shonofear]

would also love to get a look at any of the shots taken Matt.
what are they called on the business card ?
do tell us on progress...
and thanks for a great day,

[Rayray401]

hmm, i've been to ART a few times with http://motomail.co.nz/estore/style/rjbotouring.aspx

They're counted as leather right? in other words, would HD not let me in for wearing these?

[KiwiNinja]

hmm, i've been to ART a few times with http://motomail.co.nz/estore/style/rjbotouring.aspx

They're counted as leather right? in other words, would HD not let me in for wearing these?

Mate. They are fine for participating in a Hampton Ride Day.

[Devil]

They're counted as leather right?

They are leather.

[Autech]

I did my first track day at HD this weekend. I had an absolute blast! I started out in the slow group for the first two laps and had the same issue. I was getting blasted on the straights on my little Ninja but getting held up in the corners. A quick chat with Ash from Superbike School assured me I should go up a group. After that I was still getting blasted by the bigger bikes, but could hit the corners a lot harder. It did mean I got carved up a few times by other riders entering the tighter turns. I was hanging out side and trying to hit the apex right to get maximum exit speed, while others would be closing so rapidly that they would shoot the inside line just as I was turning in. Some apologized... some didn't. It was all good though. I just tried to focus on riding optimum lines and speed will come later.

Next stop Taupo and MotoTT.

I found Taupo track 1 rather good as if any bigger bike nipped past you down the front straight, you could then tail them through the mid field and learn a few things. When I went to Taupo it was a open day prior to a club round so majority of the bikers were racers with some experience at that track, so all though I never got a guided lap and black board lesson on the best way to go round, I still found I developed over the day with free tips

[tbs]

I found Taupo track 1 rather good as if any bigger bike nipped past you down the front straight, you could then tail them through the mid field and learn a few things. When I went to Taupo it was a open day prior to a club round so majority of the bikers were racers with some experience at that track, so all though I never got a guided lap and black board lesson on the best way to go round, I still found I developed over the day with free tips

I'm booked for Taupo track 4 on September 23. Should be a good option for the 250. Not quite as good as track 5 for the small bike, as they have left the full straight in, but I might hold my own a bit more on the rest of it. That is also the day my 3 months on my restricted is up and I can book my full test. Hooray! I'll be glad to get two good track days under my belt before getting on a 600.

b.

[kiwifruit]

I'm booked for Taupo track 4 on September 23. Should be a good option for the 250. Not quite as good as track 5 for the small bike, as they have left the full straight in, but I might hold my own a bit more on the rest of it. That is also the day my 3 months on my restricted is up and I can book my full test. Hooray! I'll be glad to get two good track days under my belt before getting on a 600.

b.

Look forward to meeting you :-)

[jam mad]

I just posted a video from my first trackday at Hampton Downs... useful if you want to check out the track before you go. If in doubt, do it ! It was my second bike trackday and I'm already a total addict.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcwroGdbP-0

[FROSTY]

I'm booked for Taupo track 4 on September 23. Should be a good option for the 250. Not quite as good as track 5 for the small bike, as they have left the full straight in, but I might hold my own a bit more on the rest of it. That is also the day my 3 months on my restricted is up and I can book my full test. Hooray! I'll be glad to get two good track days under my belt before getting on a 600.

b.
You will find the full track is actually really good for you. On the smaller track you'll find the "big boys" want to muscle past more on the short straights and corners. Knowing theres a great long straight to blow past you on means they tend to be a bit more patient.
Taupo I feel really suits a smaller more flickable bike so you should have a ball

[shonofear]

im now booked into the Cali super bike school 8th Oct at Hampton Downs, looking fwd to it.
any 1 else going?

[shonofear]

just a heads up that NAC Insurance DOES cover track days :P
was gonna have to change insurer but all goodly now.

[Padmei]

I just posted a video from my first trackday at Hampton Downs... useful if you want to check out the track before you go. If in doubt, do it ! It was my second bike trackday and I'm already a total addict.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcwroGdbP-0

That was an awesome clip. You could see how you really increased your speeds in & out of the corners. I bet you had a smile on your face taking that guy on the inside:yes:

I'm thinking of taking my KLX on a track. If I wanted to kinda motard it would normal raod tyres be ok? It is adventurised at the mo but if all I needed was some road tyres that would be a cheap option to have a play.
I'll ask over in the tards section as well.
Also I have an old slow BMW that I'd like to punt around - top speed wouldn't be more than 130km tho - reckon that'd be a problem?

[kiwifruit]

That was an awesome clip. You could see how you really increased your speeds in & out of the corners. I bet you had a smile on your face taking that guy on the inside:yes:

I'm thinking of taking my KLX on a track. If I wanted to kinda motard it would normal raod tyres be ok? It is adventurised at the mo but if all I needed was some road tyres that would be a cheap option to have a play.
I'll ask over in the tards section as well.
Also I have an old slow BMW that I'd like to punt around - top speed wouldn't be more than 130km tho - reckon that'd be a problem?

Dual purpose tyres on adventure bikes are fine as long as you ride accordingly. We get a few each trackday.
Nothing wrong with old beemers either.

Couple of examples from the last trackday, a k75 and a ttr250:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wZG01D84XJv19zBmwGuFZg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q2MzhUa1jzo/TnxOJavPyGI/AAAAAAAA3aU/O5_fD5Vomok/s144/G3%252520%252528162%252529.JPG" height="96" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104697625337482700303/G3_23Sept?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">G3_23Sept</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HcU4jCqJ-P1gVDIE43X4nQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1tKK_LfiDno/TnwvmldT5BI/AAAAAAAA3P8/MBpqJ33qaFw/s144/G4%252520%252528227%252529.JPG" height="96" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104697625337482700303/G4_Sept23?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">G4_Sept23</a></td></tr></table>
Check out the albums, we get all kinds of machines. It's all good.
https://picasaweb.google.com/allanmail

[Devil]

Dual purpose tyres on adventure bikes are fine as long as you ride accordingly. We get a few each trackday.
Nothing wrong with old beemers either.


Yeah what he said. All good at Hampton Downs too. Had everything from old GS's to DR's (650, 400, 250), TTR's, Sherpa's (;))