[SailorJack]

I'm thinking about doing my first trackday later this summer with my Ninja 1000. Probably the MTD or ART level 1 class through Team Pro-Motion at NCBIKE.

Sad to say I've owned 14 motorcycles and usually put a minimum of 10000 miles a year on my bikes but have never taken a track day. This is the year (assuming I have the funds and time).

Just curious if anyone here is a track day regular.

I'd like to know what to expect and what to prepare for.

 

[cowasockee]

I know I'm late but I'm a trackday enthusiast. I do have a zx6 for a dedicated track bike but I've used my Hypermotard several times.

First off you'll be hooked. I don't do as many as I used to, marriage and mortgages get in the way, but I still schedule vacation time around trackday schedules. Seriously.

As far as preparation most organizations will want you to tape your headlights, tail lights and turn signals. Remove the mirrors as well since it's pretty easy to do on the Ninja 1000.

Make sure you have shade. Pop up canopies are almost a requirement. It's miserable in the sun all day. Some tracks have garages. If so pay the extra for one. It's well worth it.

Bring food and PLENTY to drink. Drink luke cold water. You can drink more of it than ice cold water.

Most org have novice class instruction. Take full advantage of it. Ask plenty of questions.

Relax and don't forget to breath when you are on the track. 20 minutes is a long time to go without oxygen!

 

[SailorJack]

Thanks for the info. Very good stuff and much of what many have told me on other forums. I was a day away from scheduling my first track day and instructional class for middle June but the lovely US Navy I work for nominated me for a "special" transfer to DC a few months earlier than planned. Something I can't pass up and while this will make my last 3 years before retirement awesome for civilian job prospects when I retire it doesn't help me with getting on the track.

Still, sometime this year is my goal. Just need to figure out the work and house situation first.

 

[Shmoo]

I'm up here in the DC area, we have Summit Point where Team Promo, Roger Lyle, NESBA, MARRC, all run on Main and Shenandoah circuits.

I would definitely trailer the bike in...I've seen guys ride in, do a track day, and ride out. I don't know how they do it.

Team Promo has leathers to lend out, I believe.

I'm assuming you've got your suspension set up already, with your riding experience. Quick but important part of your set up - try to have a 5psi variance from cold to hot. I usually run 29f/22r cold.

 

[SailorJack]

Thanks for the tips. Yeah, looks like I'll definintely be ending up in the DC area so I'm starting to house hunt in the Stafford, VA area since the commute is "do-able" and the good roads are just to the west.

Hopefully I'll be able to make a track day out of this fall. I have a truck whose sole purpose is for hauling motocycles so getting to the track and back home isn't a problem.

My suspension is set up alright. Not perfect though. I could use a pro to assist with settings but for my riding on the street it's fine. I don't think it's going to get much better with stock springs carrying my 240lb 6'3" *** around.

In a year or so I plan to send the forks and shock to Traxxion or Race Tech for a "proper" set-up.