To early for track day?

[andrewvss]

Hey guys hows it going. I got a ninja 500 a few months ago and i have put a little over 1000 miles on it. Ill soon be puting alot more on it as I will be going home from college. I have always been intrested in track riding, and im never having as much fun on my bike as when I am acelerating out of a turn. My question is, is it to early for me to attempt a track day. They also have intro track days. I feel fairly confident on the bike, but I dont want to get in over my head. My second question is would riding my 500 be reasonable. I know I shouldn't treat a track day like a race, but I dont want to get in the way or get run over either. I guess my question is do people use bikes that arn't inline 4 at the track or is everyone just gonna look at me like im retarded.:D I appriciate any and all tips and opinions you guys have, thanks.

[rexmitchell]

Honestly Im not sure I have heard of someone bringing a 500 to the track but heck people run those hypermotards on a track so why not. Too early? I don't know that there is a safer place than a track to learn to control and master that speed. There are always beginner groups at a track, how else would anyone ever get on a track? The instructors typically give pretty good feedback so go for it if you want. Just know that most tracks require full leathers, a snell approved helmet, motorcycle gloves, bootes, safety wiring, taping headlights, tail lights, signals, mirrors off, frame sliders, bar ends and a full safety inspection before riding....

[mtk1210]

ex-500.com - lots of people take them to the track.

I've had those same reservations about signing up for a track day. I know I won't be the quickest, I just want to work on technique on clean roads (have some fun too), but at the same time not get in the way of those who know what they are doing and FML their days.

[primalmu]

rexmitchell, I think Schneiderman used to always talk about the instructor at a track day who rode, and lapped, people on super sports riding is Ninja 500.

[rexmitchell]

rexmitchell, I think Schneiderman used to always talk about the instructor at a track day who rode, and lapped, people on super sports riding is Ninja 500.

I don't doubt it. You can have the biggest bike in the world but the guy who knows how to ride the best will take anyone.

[badmonkey]

not too early at all. it's a great way to improve your skills in a safe place.

be sure to sign up for whatever instruction they offer to new riders, and a EX500 is fine for the track. keep your ego out of the way and make sure that you ride at the right pace for you.

being faster than guy X, or girl Y is a futile excercise, b/c it's not a race--the way i measure a successful trackday is by 1) how much fun i had, 2) how much my riding/laptimes have improved. for new track riders, don't worry about laptimes, or top speed achieved or any of that--just have fun and improve your riding. and the speed and all the rest comes later.

[badmonkey]

ex-500.com - lots of people take them to the track.

I've had those same reservations about signing up for a track day. I know I won't be the quickest, I just want to work on technique on clean roads (have some fun too), but at the same time not get in the way of those who know what they are doing and FML their days.

don't worry about FML'ing other people's trackdays. in the "C" group (slowest of the 3 groups they usually break down trackdays into) there are plenty of slow people, and the fast guys won't be in that group.

[nebraskarider]

tracks are the best place to hone your skills. its never never to early to get your butt to a track. If you have access to one by all means use it. I have seen people take 250s to the tracks and just have a blast.

[super32]

...There are always beginner groups at a track...
yup. In fact, I've heard that they start you off somewhat slow. They get you acquainted with the track layout (turns, speeds, straights, etc). Once you have a good handle, you start taking turns and straights just like you would as if on the streets... who cares of people pass you. They've been briefed to watch for other riders when passing, so don't worry about who's behind you.

Pretend as if you're on the track by yourself. Once you get really comfortable, then you can push a little more... then more, then more! You've got the entire track for near the whole day.

Like everyone's said, there are track instructors too... so take their advice, voice concerns; pause and reflect.

[superlink]

the best skills are learned a small bike. i started on a ex500.

sl