How to get into track riding?

[Cache Wraith]

A couple of posts in the 'Accident - Cause and effect' thread have got me thinking about doing some track riding. I've been biking now for about 6 years since the middle age crisis set in. I've never considered getting on the track. It would be cool to be enlightened as to

a) what's involved generally in track riding
b) people's experiences
c) bikes and gear required
d) where are the tracks
e) insurance issues
f) costs

and I'm particularly interested - in light of the aforementioned thread - to hear if people ride less or more on the road as a result of track riding. If this has been canvassed in detail in another thread then someone point me in the right direction.

[Swoop]

Have a look at FROSTY's thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=3032).

[boomer]

A couple of posts in the 'Accident - Cause and effect' thread have got me thinking about doing some track riding. I've been biking now for about 6 years since the middle age crisis set in. I've never considered getting on the track. It would be cool to be enlightened as to

a) what's involved generally in track riding
b) people's experiences
c) bikes and gear required
d) where are the tracks
e) insurance issues
f) costs

and I'm particularly interested - in light of the aforementioned thread - to hear if people ride less or more on the road as a result of track riding. If this has been canvassed in detail in another thread then someone point me in the right direction.


theres a whole forum and section(s) devoted to the stuff. Surely you're not too daft, blind, ignorant, stoopid to see them?

do a fookin search you lazy moron, then ask ya questions

[Leong]

Have a look at FROSTY's thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=3032).

Sorry, but I disagree. Frosty's thread's mainly about racing. Unfortunately makes it look very difficult to get into, and may put some off.

FWIW I think "don't spend money on your bike" - providing its in good order for the road - take the plunge and actually register for a track day - go in the slowest group and plan to be the slowest. If you enjoy it then do some more, get a track bike or whatever. Just try it first!!

I thinks it's fair to say that most who ride at the track ride less or at push the envelope less on the road

[McJim]

. A bit of a look at me sort.


Yas mean like a Norfern Munkee on a Gixxer Thou K7 doin' wheelies and shite? :rofl:

[The Pastor]

just man up and do some track days.


One day i'll take my own advice.

[MGST]

If I could red rep you I would - but I can't so I'll risk the infraction by saying it here....... What a wanker.

+1


theres a whole forum and section(s) devoted to the stuff. Surely you're not too daft, blind, ignorant, stoopid to see them?

I believe your just a show pony and like to yap on about things. A bit of a look at me sort.

do a fookin search you lazy moron, then ask ya questions

FFS the guy is asking for help / advice. The dumbest question is the one not asked. Pull your head out of your arse.

[madbikeboy]

A couple of posts in the 'Accident - Cause and effect' thread have got me thinking about doing some track riding. I've been biking now for about 6 years since the middle age crisis set in. I've never considered getting on the track. It would be cool to be enlightened as to

a) what's involved generally in track riding
b) people's experiences
c) bikes and gear required
d) where are the tracks
e) insurance issues
f) costs

and I'm particularly interested - in light of the aforementioned thread - to hear if people ride less or more on the road as a result of track riding. If this has been canvassed in detail in another thread then someone point me in the right direction.


Ignore the grumpy old troll, he's clearly got his period. I've been trying to decide the same, been doing track days and I'm hooked. My problem is that I've got a really mint gixxer, and I'm not happy at the idea of it being smeared down a race track. Race fairings are cheap ($950), but then the resale plummets... So I've been looking actively at trademe for a GSXR6 or even 750, either damaged or already a race bike.

I've figured a budget:
$6000 on the raw bike, minus whatever I can get for parts
$1000 for fairings and crash bungs
$100 for track time (per event) and $100 in gas and tires per event.

I also need a decent trailer. It adds up quickly. On top of the existing 2 bikes insurance and rego/wof, plus a race bike... See the dilemma.

The track is really addictive - I have a MANZ licence from racing cars (and a UK track licence too), but bikes on the track are WAY better.

[Luckylegs]

theres a whole forum and section(s) devoted to the stuff. Surely you're not too daft, blind, ignorant, stoopid to see them?

I believe your just a show pony and like to yap on about things. A bit of a look at me sort.

do a fookin search you lazy moron, then ask ya questions

Ya Grumpy batard, Her indoors wasnt at work today but Im sending her back tomorrow to get you back in line... :bleh:

oh, and speaking of trackdays... well done that man, Ive got approval to attend myself.... now what do i need to do to get into.... oh wait, sorry........... :msn-wink:

[R6_kid]

You'll need full gear - jacket and pants, gloves, helmet, and boots. All up to scratch of course. Then you need your bike (in trackworth condition), gas, decent tyres, a place to stay if its out of town, and a whole lot of enthusiasm.

Then head over to www.motott.co.nz and sign up for the next trackday. At a cost of around $100 it's a pretty fair deal - it's a well run day and loads of fun too.

[ArcherWC]

Yas mean like a Norfern Munkee on a Gixxer Thou K7 doin' wheelies and shite? :rofl:

Bwahahahaha...... dont look too closely though, bits of his bike might hit ya as it falls to pieces :rofl::rofl:

[boomer]

Ya Grumpy batard, Her indoors wasnt at work today but Im sending her back tomorrow to get you back in line... :bleh:

oh, and speaking of trackdays... well done that man, Ive got approval to attend myself.... now what do i need to do to get into.... oh wait, sorry........... :msn-wink:

You're sending her back..?? i do enjoy 'overhearing' you two on the phone. I get the distinct impression you're in charge :lol:



Ps... I only sleep with gixxer riders with lots of cubic inches. That way i don't have to worry about being caught unawares by the honduh types.

Looking forward to seeing you pop your track cherry. Now go read up about it in the already numerous threads and posts....!!!

[Doogle]

If you want the lowdown on a trackday have a read of.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=59921
Or call Frosty on 8322557. He will give you all the information you will need.

[Luckylegs]

Bwahahahaha...... dont look too closely though, bits of his bike might hit ya as it falls to pieces :rofl::rofl:

Thats OK, Mcjim has a Ducati... he's not unfamiliar with bits falling off bikes...
:laugh:

[Brett]

As a guestimate on costs for trackday, fuel there and back towing bike on trailer and fuel for the day itself plus odds and ends but NOT including accomodation for a night if you choose to go down and stay the night before hand - $300 ish. depends on what bike your riding, how hard you are on the thing AND whether or not you destroy tyres quikly or crash.

[R6_kid]

Good ideas from DMNTD...

Others will usually post a thread up in the week(s) leading up to the day, so just post in there if you need a hand and people will usually come forward to help you out (assuming you havent been a c00nt)

[Chrislost]

A couple of posts in the 'Accident - Cause and effect' thread have got me thinking about doing some track riding. I've been biking now for about 6 years since the middle age crisis set in. I've never considered getting on the track. It would be cool to be enlightened as to

a) what's involved generally in track riding
b) people's experiences
c) bikes and gear required
d) where are the tracks
e) insurance issues
f) costs

and I'm particularly interested - in light of the aforementioned thread - to hear if people ride less or more on the road as a result of track riding. If this has been canvassed in detail in another thread then someone point me in the right direction.

http://www.motott.co.nz/bookings.html
taupo is much more forgiving then pukekohe.

[DMNTD]

taupo is much more forgiving then pukekohe.
+98746890760576095409870!!!

Oh...and you'll learn far more about riding/your motorcycle at Taupo in my humble opinion than Pukekohe.

[madbikeboy]

+98746890760576095409870!!!

Oh...and you'll learn far more about riding/your motorcycle at Taupo in my humble opinion than Pukekohe.

Taupo is a much more involving track - I've driven a GT3 round Taupo and thought it was cooler than a good kart track - but on a bike it's even better. You're on your side pretty much all the way aside from the back straight, and front straight. Puke is less fun, but faster - if you make a mistake at Puke, the damage is often worse (higher speeds, less run off). The facilities at Taupo are pretty good too, meaning you stay dry on rainy days...

[Cache Wraith]

theres a whole forum and section(s) devoted to the stuff. Surely you're not too daft, blind, ignorant, stoopid to see them?

do a fookin search you lazy moron, then ask ya questions

Hey man, thanks very much for your friendly words and help. Your the sort of guy who doesn't need to be red repped or anything, your words speak for themselves and are plain for everyone to see what sort of guy you are. You have a great day buddy.

To everyone else, thanks people for the advice, I'm going to give track riding a go.

[Swoop]

Good on ya!

Enjoy!:woohoo:

[koba]

Hey man, thanks very much for your friendly words and help. Your the sort of guy who doesn't need to be red repped or anything, your words speak for themselves and are plain for everyone to see what sort of guy you are. You have a great day buddy.

To everyone else, thanks people for the advice, I'm going to give track riding a go.
If you actually want to RACE.
Also check out the vic club website they have a bit on starting out.
Just goodle victoria motorcycle club
Your hyosung (if you want to risk it) can be race in streetstock class and not be totally outclassed.
Streetstock and clubmans are the place to go as a beginner, streetsock being cheap aswell as a good starter class.
A streetstock bike would be under $2000 with much lower running costs than the bigger bikes.

Before commiting to that sorta stuff definatley give track days a go, there was a $40 one at mainfiled a few weeks ago and I think there is another coming up. not the closest to you but have a good read around the site in the racing forum and you should pick up some idea of what your looking at.

[Hoon]

Just try the track out commitment free first. Roll up to any controlled testing day at Pukekohe at 10:30am with your $90.

http://www.pukekohepark.co.nz/motor-racing/13/

You can approach any other biker there and tell them its your first time and they'll gladly help you out. Otherwise there's tonnes of advice here on the forum.

[Cache Wraith]

Just try the track out commitment free first. Roll up to any controlled testing day at Pukekohe at 10:30am with your $90.

http://www.pukekohepark.co.nz/motor-racing/13/

You can approach any other biker there and tell them its your first time and they'll gladly help you out. Otherwise there's tonnes of advice here on the forum.

Thanks Hoon. Will do that...I just better make sure the biker I approach ain't Boomer :rofl:

[FROSTY]

I disagree with ya hoon. Pukiehole in my opinion aint the place for a new trackdayer. -
My opinion only mind you

[Brett]

Thanks Hoon. Will do that...I just better make sure the biker I approach ain't Boomer :rofl:

Take grumpy ol' Boomer with a grain of salt, he is actually really a top bloke. Seems he has his girly time at the moment...what can one say...he did start on a Honduh...:doh: Boomer is good for a laugh and a regular Track dayer himself.

[boomer]

Hey man, thanks very much for your friendly words and help. Your the sort of guy who doesn't need to be red repped or anything, your words speak for themselves and are plain for everyone to see what sort of guy you are. You have a great day buddy.

To everyone else, thanks people for the advice, I'm going to give track riding a go.

so you can read and obviously have some intelligence. It must be the 'too lazy to look' category for you then!

[Leong]

Just try the track out commitment free first. Roll up to any controlled testing day at Pukekohe at 10:30am with your $90.

http://www.pukekohepark.co.nz/motor-racing/13/

You can approach any other biker there and tell them its your first time and they'll gladly help you out. Otherwise there's tonnes of advice here on the forum.

Agree with trying the track out committment free first, but disagree with Pukekohe Open Days. Don't think Puke track is a good first track, you need to go too quick to enjoy it, and the risks are high. Taupo would be much better and you will enjoy the atmosphere better at a bike only track day like MotoTT, Kiwitrackdays, Frosty's KB, SUzuki or Honda days.... there is so much to choose from. FWIW, I'd advise a HRC rider development day with Aaron Slight - these days are much more tuition oriented than any other trackday on offer in NZ.


Thanks Hoon. Will do that...I just better make sure the biker I approach ain't Boomer :rofl:

I believe Boomer frequents these days quite often so your chance are high, and you'll find that he's a much better bloke than you thought!


I disagree with ya hoon. Pukiehole in my opinion aint the place for a new trackdayer. -
My opinion only mind you
+1


Take grumpy ol' Boomer with a grain of salt, he is actually really a top bloke. Seems he has his girly time at the moment...what can one say...he did start on a Honduh...:doh: Boomer is good for a laugh and a regular Track dayer himself.
+1

[NinjaBoy]

Agree with trying the track out committment free first, but disagree with Pukekohe Open Days. Don't think Puke track is a good first track, you need to go too quick to enjoy it, and the risks are high. Taupo would be much better and you will enjoy the atmosphere better at a bike only track day like MotoTT, Kiwitrackdays, Frosty's KB, SUzuki or Honda days.... there is so much to choose from. FWIW, I'd advise a HRC rider development day with Aaron Slight - these days are much more tuition oriented than any other trackday on offer in NZ.



The difference being that the Pukekohe Open days are Track run test days aimed at people wanting to test their race/track machine. Bikes and Cars are however separated. Organisation is loose and there is no ambulance on site.

Trackdays are privately organised days for bikes only with at least 3-4 speed groups, so you are riding with people of similar ability. Tuition is offered but its patchy and as Leong says HRC (honda riders club) days are the best esp. if Aaron is there. Leong neglects to mention you either need to own Honda to be a member or know someone who is a member who may be able to get you an entry.

However, be warned, once you start they can be addictive. All spare cash, annual leave and every waking moment will be spent hanging out for the next one !

[Leong]

Tuition is offered but its patchy and as Leong says HRC (honda riders club) days are the best esp. if Aaron is there. Leong neglects to mention you either need to own Honda to be a member or know someone who is a member who may be able to get you an entry.

However, be warned, once you start they can be addictive. All spare cash, annual leave and every waking moment will be spent hanging out for the next one !

Most HRC days are open to everyone - No motards and race bikes though which makes it even better for newbies.

Addictive?? :rolleyes:

[sweetp]

Hey well done! I gave my first track day a go a couple of weeks ago and loved it. Did go with a group of KB'ers which was great and really made it easier. Didn't do anything special - rode my bike up, signed up, and then tootled around the track and had a blast.

Didn't care that I got lapped my the speed marshal twice (and seen as I was in the novice class that meant I was going slow). Keen to do them again as my riding improved so much. One person in our group even droped down from the medium class to novice because they wanted to follow the persons lines through the corner and learn from them. That is what makes track days so good - the ability to learn in a controled and no pressure environment.

Anyway go for it, have a ball and if you ever head down to mainsfield send me a pm and I will tell you were the KB'ers hang out (we bring baking).

[boomer]

The difference being that the Pukekohe Open days are Track run test days aimed at people wanting to test their race/track machine. Bikes and Cars are however separated. Organisation is loose and there is no ambulance on site.

The Ambulance is on site mate.

[Cache Wraith]

so you can read and obviously have some intelligence. It must be the 'too lazy to look' category for you then!

I've been known to read the odd manuscript or two........seems things are beginning to lighten up around here. I can see where going to get along just fine from hereon. Phew :apint: