Track days - best way to get started
Discussion
Hi folks,
I want next year to be the year that I finally get myself onto the track, but I'm wondering whether I should get a cheap track suitable bike (SV650) straight away, or whether I would be better off hiring a bike for several sessions next year and buying something better (ZX-6R) the year after? I will also have to buy all of the gear as my road kit is unsuitable.
Cheers
I want next year to be the year that I finally get myself onto the track, but I'm wondering whether I should get a cheap track suitable bike (SV650) straight away, or whether I would be better off hiring a bike for several sessions next year and buying something better (ZX-6R) the year after? I will also have to buy all of the gear as my road kit is unsuitable.
Cheers
Thanks for the suggestions, those Smallboy track rental prices are actually pretty reasonable at £199 for a full day on a CBR650F. It would still add up pretty quickly if I did a few of them though...
The only reason that I'm not automatically leaning towards rentals is that for me this is not a 'do a track day' bucket list kind of thing, but rather something that I have always wanted to do and will hopefully be just the first step to a garage full of bikes and a full on track day obsession. I also like the idea of having something a bit more exciting along side my current winter steed.
How did everyone else get started? Seems like quite a few people have friends who are already into it and can show them the ropes.
The only reason that I'm not automatically leaning towards rentals is that for me this is not a 'do a track day' bucket list kind of thing, but rather something that I have always wanted to do and will hopefully be just the first step to a garage full of bikes and a full on track day obsession. I also like the idea of having something a bit more exciting along side my current winter steed.
How did everyone else get started? Seems like quite a few people have friends who are already into it and can show them the ropes.
Thanks black-k1, I think I've read that before but I'll definitely give it another read.
So it seems like the general consensus is rent first, it would certainly be one less thing to worry about knowing that it has been properly prepared and setup. My next question would be whether it's better to book a generic track day and hire the bike separately, or should I be looking at one of those all in one packages where you get the bike and gear and tuition all included?
Then there is the question of circuits, I had a look and MSVT do novice only days but only at Snetterton and Brands. My local circuit is Cadwell but I've heard that can be a bit narrow?
robinh73, I'm intrigued, why do some bikes become more popular for track days or racing? Is it because they are more reliable or more tuneable, or is it due to parts availability?
So it seems like the general consensus is rent first, it would certainly be one less thing to worry about knowing that it has been properly prepared and setup. My next question would be whether it's better to book a generic track day and hire the bike separately, or should I be looking at one of those all in one packages where you get the bike and gear and tuition all included?
Then there is the question of circuits, I had a look and MSVT do novice only days but only at Snetterton and Brands. My local circuit is Cadwell but I've heard that can be a bit narrow?
robinh73, I'm intrigued, why do some bikes become more popular for track days or racing? Is it because they are more reliable or more tuneable, or is it due to parts availability?
Thanks for all of the suggestions.
When I originally posted I was definitely swaying towards buying a sportier bike to compliment my daily hack and using that, now I'm almost certainly going to rent, at least for the first year. I was thinking about this most of yesterday evening and I think I've come up with a pretty good plan:
1) Buy all of the gear I need over the next few winter months
2) Do one 'complete package' track day with training and bike hire such as California Superbike School or Ron Haslam, or possibly Hopp Rider Training on my own bike.
3) Do a couple more track days with hire bikes, probably from Smallboy or similar.
4) Next year buy a track bike and say goodbye to all of my money
Also, I didn't realise when you hired they took care of the fuel and everything - That's amazing!
When I originally posted I was definitely swaying towards buying a sportier bike to compliment my daily hack and using that, now I'm almost certainly going to rent, at least for the first year. I was thinking about this most of yesterday evening and I think I've come up with a pretty good plan:
1) Buy all of the gear I need over the next few winter months
2) Do one 'complete package' track day with training and bike hire such as California Superbike School or Ron Haslam, or possibly Hopp Rider Training on my own bike.
3) Do a couple more track days with hire bikes, probably from Smallboy or similar.
4) Next year buy a track bike and say goodbye to all of my money
Also, I didn't realise when you hired they took care of the fuel and everything - That's amazing!
Rick1.8t said:
I am in the same boat as you and want to get on track next year, I think I am going down the route of a cheap 600 though rather than hire as I already have a van with ramps and most of the gear so dont have the full expense.
I thought about hiring a bike but want to be able to take a few short blasts on the road, I am worried that getting on a new bike that has a completely different riding position & engine character to my road bike will mean half of the day spent just getting used to the basics. I cant see me losing too much either so long as I dont send it into the gravel.....
There seems to be absolutely loads of 600's out there in the £2k to sub £2k bracket to get started with, track bikes, road bikes, damaged newer stuff, no lack of choice.
That was pretty much my thinking too, and I'll defiantly be getting a track focused bike at some point. It's a bonus that you already have the ramps etc, I'd be riding back and forth which is another thing to consider. It's swings and roundabouts really, if you hire a bike it will be unfamiliar but you can also be fairly sure that it has been meticulously setup and checked over. Knowing my luck I'd turn up on my own bike and something would break or all of the oil would fall out of it... I thought about hiring a bike but want to be able to take a few short blasts on the road, I am worried that getting on a new bike that has a completely different riding position & engine character to my road bike will mean half of the day spent just getting used to the basics. I cant see me losing too much either so long as I dont send it into the gravel.....
There seems to be absolutely loads of 600's out there in the £2k to sub £2k bracket to get started with, track bikes, road bikes, damaged newer stuff, no lack of choice.
Graylag - I think the Ron Haslam one is closer to £300 but I might be wrong. I suppose the value to me as a beginner is for a certain amount of hand holding and proper instruction. Having never been on a race circuit before I can imagine that it can be quite daunting, having the whole day revolve around people literally telling you what to do and where to go seems a bit less scary than just turning up and figuring it out.
Rick1.8t - Defo, I build a Specialized downhill bike a few years ago and the front brake alone cost me a weeks wage!
Hmm yeah £300 is a lot for half a day, especially if some of you have been less than impressed.
Scratch number 2 off that list then. Although Hopp rider training still looks good and that's £250 for three and a half hours on track which seems good to me. I'd have to do it on my GPZ though...
Scratch number 2 off that list then. Although Hopp rider training still looks good and that's £250 for three and a half hours on track which seems good to me. I'd have to do it on my GPZ though...
robinh73 said:
I think that the main thing is to not overthink all this. Personally, I would book a track day, hire a bike with Smallboy and get out and see how you find it. If you feel you need instruction, then seek out an instructor on the day. If you want to hone your skills further, then look at one of the school days. Get yourself the right kit over the winter and then throw yourself in to it next year. Don't be worried about doing it on your own, it is the most friendly of things and you will be surrounded by people willing to help.
Sounds like good advice. I think I'm going to try and do the Hopp rider training for one day as its near to me and good value, and failing that I will be jumping straight in with a hire bike. In terms of kit, is there anything I should be looking out for? I will be going with full leathers and a back protector, and I will also need a better helmet, boots and gloves. I had a quick look on Sports Bike Shop and reckon I can get it all for just under a grand. Sound reasonable? Is RST Tractech stuff okay?
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