| Author | Message | ||
     Buell_nm |
That is the question. As a newer rider, would a track days really help me to become a better rider? | ||
| Buellnuts |
Track days and instruction are by far the best performance modification (and Cheapest) one can make. Performance parts and HP are no replacement for Skill and knowledge period. Bob | ||
| Buellnuts |
Oh and the safest place to hone your skills. Bob | ||
| Crusty |
Track Days....Are they worth it? Yes. Try one. If you don't improve your skills, and don't have more fun than you thought possible, then it's worth the price just for the knowledge that you didn't enjoy it. I bet you a Pepsi that you'll love it and consider it money well spent. | ||
| Henrik |
Track day are a very good investment in yourself and your riding skills. Mostly because it gives you a (relatively) safe environment, in which to explore your limits on the bike, as well as - hopefully - move those limits a bit. However; I'd probably choose the organization carefully, depending on your current skill level and your purpose for doing a track day. Reg Pridmore's CLASS schools are a great way to get started on track riding. They run a very safe and very carefully organized school with it's main focus on improving your skills wrt. street riding. I'm not saying that other organizations aren't safe, they're just more focused on track/race type riding. I do track days with TPM and NESBA and have done a couple of STAR days. All great organizers as well. As long as you leave the testosterone overdose at home you'll have a couple of great days and learn an ton in the process. Henrik | ||
| Tank_bueller |
I hope it will be worth it. Gonna' try to attend Cornerspeed Riderschool at VIR sometime this spring/summer. Should be a blast. Anyone been to this one, or have any input?? | ||
| Daves |
Yes! | ||
| Buellish |
Check out these folks: https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/index.html | ||
| Buell_nm |
Ok, t the consensus is that they are good. So how do I go about finding a reputable organization as well as one that is closer to home? | ||
| Sflabuell |
Look at http://www.ccsracing.com and the schools are linked in the racing schedules. You may have to marry it up with a traveling vacation, but many of the schools offer cheap rentals with the schools, so you don't risk your daily ride, either. Penguin Racing School comes to Homestead, here in the Miami area, and Key Largo is right here, so it can be a vacation and excellent fun on the bike at the same time! I'm sure most anywhere in the country has similar setups. | ||
| Lastcyclone |
I felt the same way a year ago. Here is what go me going. <http://nesba.com/info/intro.aspx> Nothing to loose. 1/2 a day, no pressure, no charge. If you really don't like it (highly unlikely) you can leave whenever you want. I have done three full days since then, signed up for two more this season. I don't know if this is going on at other tracks this year, but Buell is sponsoring track days here. <http://www.buellchicago.com/Forum/files/buell-track-days_161.jpg> This looks to be big fun and a true bargain. Try it at least once. What everyone else has mentioned about improving your skills is very accurate. I have more confidence now than ever. See photo in profile. | ||
| Niceharleystuff |
Since you are a new rider, you may want to start out by taking a course with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or Rider's Edge. BRAG® members are eligible for tuition reimbursement in the form of a coupon for up to $50* for the successful completion of an accredited Motorcycle Safety Foundation** (MSF) rider training course, including Rider's Edge® courses. CLICK HERE for more details. For information relative to the class nearest to you, log on to www.ridersedge.com, call the MSF at 800-446-9227 (toll free within U.S.) or visit www.msf-usa.org. Once you are ready to take the next step, the links below will help you in your search for Riding Schools and Track Day Organizations. Riding Schools and Racing Organizations Track Day Organizations And here are a few links to some great articles. Riding Skills Series: 1 , 2 , 3 Ride safe and have fun!!! Jeff | ||
| Court |
Jeff: Well, and professionally, said. For a new rider, the MSF or Rider's Edge program is an absolute REQUIREMENT BEFORE any tracks days. Track days excel at improving skills, generally not teaching them. Do the MSF or Rider's Edge class. Then ride a while. Ride some more. Ride some more and think while you ride. Go to parking lots early on Sunday mornings and carefully learn what your bike and you can and can not do together. Your job is to know that bike as an expert. Practice. Then when it comes to track days, come back here and ask. Some events labeled as "track days" are little more than comparative ego fests and a chance for folks to bring long standing feuds from the hood to the track. That's okay if everyone there is of the same ilk. It's NOT okay when you are new and just learning to have someone blow by you on the inside of a turn. My personal favorite is Reg Pridmore. Reg, in addition to training you, will humble you. You'll come away a safe and better rider, armed with skills that will work as well in Manhattan and Manhattan Beach as they did for Reg as a world champ. He's the epitome of SMOOTH and CONTROL. Keep in close touch with your Buell dealer and don't hesitate to come here and ask. There are folks here who represent all levels of riding and you can gain from the collective knowledge. Most of all . . HAVE FUN! Court | ||
| Buell_nm |
Thanks for all the great input. I took a class with the Riders Edge Program, before I even went out to buy a bike. It was the best money and use of time, that I have done in a long time. (Other, then buying the bike. )  I have been looking at the MSF advanced rider classes, just haven't been able to find one around here yet. I figure by the end of the summer, I'll take a trip and do some track day class. Thanks Kim | ||
| Eeeeek |
Track days are for many people the best way to hone one's riding skills. They are not for everyone, though and you have to be careful to pick an organization that will closely align with your goals. Different track day prganizers tend to concentrate on different aspects of track riding. Some center around racing, others around street skills. A bad experience with one that leans towards a direction you are not interested in can turn you off the whole experince. Fro my first track day, I attended C.L.A.S.S. and walked away underwhlemed. They concentrated on basic street riding skills and I wanted a more agressive experience. I was not happy with the day; however, this is exactly the kind of day many people want/need. Ask as many questions as you can and find the one that's right for you. Then you need to simply turn over your chequebook to your chosen organizer. Vik | ||
| Buellrcr |
be careful track days are like drugs you could get hooked on your first track day and their the safest place to learn . no cars or dogs or cats to run out in front of you | ||
| Eeeeek |
No cats, but I have seen on the track: Jack-rabbits Coyote Deer Hunter (not kidding) Pheasants Snakes Ducks Airplane ...and yes, a dog. My wife actually took out a Coyote at Sears Point. Destroyed her bellypan and beheaded the Coyote. She did keep the bike up. Vik | ||
| Bomber |
Be aware that SOME Advance Rider Classes (MSF type) are great -- others are basically a repeat of the first class, but greatly condensed -- depends on the area and teaching organization -- I'd suggest you check it our, just to make sure your expecatations are aligned with what the teachers will address -- also, check out Stayinsafe.com -- they, and other organizations like em, have strett specific training (on the street) -- as some have said, track days are hugely beneficial for some, less so for others -- the biggest favor you can do yourself is ride, think about your riding, and ride some more -- classes are great for having more experienced folks check your skills, but there's nothing like practicew to hone any skill | ||
| Skyguy |
I was riding track days once a month five months in a row and was getting pretty damm fast. Then a couple of the instructors pased out of the apex of a turn one on the inside one on the outside, They both reached out and "spanked my ass". This is not a joke they literaly slapped my ass on the way by. Eventualy I was almost keeping up! All those track days (20 or so) taught me how to be a better and smarter street rider. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
It only took one to be "hooked"! I think it makes you a safer rider in the respect that you look at street riding differently once you've been on the track. Perspective if you will... (Message edited by charlieboy6649 on February 27, 2006) | ||
| Skully |
YES!  Keith | ||
| Lpowel02 |
oh yes...I was amazed at how much I learned about both my bike and myself in my first day at the track...DEFINITELY made me a better rider. and all that talk about track days being like drugs...it's true | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
I think some of you all will enjoy the SERC (Skills Enhancement Rider Course) that will be introduced sometime next year from MSF. It is meant to be the bridge between the BRC/ERC and a full-on trackday. It can also be used to put more skills in your pocket to make you safer on the street, even if you never go to the track. I've been to the track but learned a lot more at SERC. The course is very well put together and is still being developed. It is an AWESOME next step for riders who have had BRC/ERC and desire tracktime... | ||
| Buell_nm |
I am learning that there really isn't anything here in NM. So how about over there in AZ? It would be a nice long weekend or mini vac. Most of the programs I have found are not very close. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
The Az group is actually thinking about getting together and renting a track in NM. Arroyo Secco I think it's called??? Jump in on AZ Buellers and tell them you're in if you like. They're in the planning stages... | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Or you could check out aztrackday.com and come on out to Phoenix Firebird and ride with a great bunch of Buellers here!!!  My wife and her friend are going to do one. Maybe all you girls could get together and show us what for... |
