XB12Scg First Track Day...Any Advice?

[BuellRonin]

I'm going to my first track day on my XB12Scg at the end of the month. I am going so that I can get a better understanding of my machine and to get more comfortable with my leaning on a controlled environment.

If any of the more experienced riders on the forum can give me any "what to watch out for/Do's and Don'ts" advice I would gladly appreciate it. Heading out to "Big Willow", while it's a fast track, it is not as technical as "Streets" or other tracks....which is why I'm going to this track first.

Cheers!

 

[Raisingicarus]

I've taken mine to several track days so far and have had a blast. Rule number 1 is to have fun. Rule number 2 is to relax! If the track day has instructors, make sure you avail yourself of their knowledge. Stay hydrated on the track: you'll get dehydrated real fast out there. You might not be able to catch the 600ccs or liter bikes on the straights, but in the corners you'll catch up fast. Feel free to message me if you have any other questions. Good luck!

 

[raven]

Don,t get in a big hurry to go fast just someone passes you.Take your time.People tend to get into race mode and forget everything they know.As Raisingicarus said relax and have fun use any instruction you can get.A lot of tracks make you take a course before you can go no the track.I guess what I am trying to say is be carfull and have fun.

 

[BuellRonin]

Thanks Gents, I will definitely take your advice and will keep my cool out on the track and realize I'm there to improve, not to win a race.

As a side note, I wanted a little piece of mind in case I went down, and called my insurance company (Geico) and they don't insure bikes on the track...for any reason. I called around and (State Farm) actually covers you on the track, as long as it is not a timed event, not for money, and it's a structured event. I made sure the agent confirmed this, and she did. So, now I'm not worried about not being covered and it's one less thing to think about when on the track.

My tires are pretty new...will they be worthless for street use afterwards? I know I've been told that once you have a set of tires are the track, do not use those same tires for another track day, but they will still be good for street/canyon easy riding? Any input? Cheers! again!

 

[Raisingicarus]

Unless you ate doing speeds in excess of 150, dragging a knee in each corner, or racing in high temp areas, you should be fine using you tired on the street after. Just keep am eye on them for wear. If they look like an eraser afterwards; little balls of rubber all over it, just wipe them with a leather glove. Most of it should rub off.

 

[Raisingicarus]

Oh, and do NOT run at the same pressure you use on the street. A good range for our bike is 30psi front and back. Track officials can tell you better when they inspect your bike.

 

[BuellRonin]

I had a great time at the track, even though I had a small spill into the dirt. I came into a turn through a line and speed (not fast, but faster than I had done the sessions before). A little dirt, and little sore, but all good. I think as the sessions went on I strayed from my plan and got comfortable and didn't keep myself in check. I had a "fix it" moment, and I should have leaned the bike more, but I went for the brake, making the bike stand up and had me in the dirt. If I had let go of the brake, I probably could have just came to a slow stop. But inexperience had me choosing the wrong solution. I know better now, and glad I gently learned that lesson on a track and not on the road/canyons.

Cheers!

 

[Pingu]

Glad to hear you had a good time. I just did my first TD not too long ago, definitely learned a lot. Pictures taught me even more.

 

[stamen]

just relax have fun and listen to the instructors they are awesome [up] especially the STT ones