I'm interested in track days

**Furyos J** · 21st August 2011, 12:03

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

also maybe info about rider training days at tracks

**rapid van cleef** · 21st August 2011, 12:20

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** · 21st August 2011, 12:49

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

**crazzed** · 21st August 2011, 14:42

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** · 21st August 2011, 15:03

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

**Quasievil** · 21st August 2011, 15:05

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

MD · 21st August 2011, 15:22

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** · 21st August 2011, 18:37

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

**Furyos J** · 21st August 2011, 21:25

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** · 21st August 2011, 22:04

Originally Posted by 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

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

**gwigs** · 22nd August 2011, 06:57

Originally Posted by Quasievil

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** · 22nd August 2011, 07:57

Originally Posted by Furyos J

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 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

**shonofear** · 22nd August 2011, 08:01

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** · 22nd August 2011, 08:06

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

**Devil** · 22nd August 2011, 08:18

Originally Posted by shonofear

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.