Do what I did racing the first time read the manual/rules. A few times LOL https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=11 Also at both races and track days a LOT of your neighbors will be happy to help you. Most have tape, tools, etc. I am not saying do nothing yourself but a minor issue in tech can be fixed fast with help by pit neighbors and/or staff. The occasional person who is to grumpy or fixated can be passed by for the next person who will be happy to help. As for your nervous that is better than the person who cannot figure why they should be in novice ever (those people tend to self eliminate). Even if you do advance quick have concerns at first is healthy. Good luck from the south. PS never been to Gingerman but Grattan is a fun track.
I can't be the only one who read this as "the cocky people will crap themselves." Seriously, though, this is great advice. Just show up as prepared as you can be and be ready to learn. It's an awesome community.
I've been sent back for inadequate chain slack when I first started trackdays. Light peeking through painter's tape. Forgot to tape up a wheel weight once. If you don't have something, odds are VERY VERY good someone there will be willing to lend what you need. (most likely the first person you ask) Everyone was a novice at some point. A Ducati monster is plenty sporty for Novice. You will have no problems. Put a dab of RTV on the oil fill and oil drain plugs, run engine ice even in novice and it'l show the tech guy you're taking it seriously. Don't forget to get a good set of tires!!! No 5 year old OEM's that have hardened sitting outside in our northern winters.
Yup, you're probably right. It just helps to sort through any potential issues ahead of time so that I just do it. I'm awesome at making excuses, so hearing from people's experiences makes it a lot easier to just go with the flow.
Actually worse the person not listening and riding well beyond their ability as Rossi said the he ran out of ability... meaning they crashed. The slower persons biggest enemy is target fixation which can be avoided even after it starts. Go have fun and listen to the coaches and you will prosper
The "capable of lean angle" thing is mainly just for big baggers/cruisers that drop a peg on the ground when leaning more than .0246 degrees. lol Your Monster is 100% fine i'd think. Ive seen Diavels out there so....
if you have a vehicle with a hitch you can get a u haul motorcycle trailer for 20 bucks a day. Bike is fine I had a girl on a scrambler last summer. just tape weights on the wheels and the lights you will be good to go. if your mechanical in plug the tail light or the fuse fore the brake light. if not use masking tape with a layer of duct over top
Neither of our vehicles can tow, but I may be able to borrow my dad's truck with a hitch. Worst case is that I rent a pickup for a couple of days.
Cool, what track and what date? Also take advantage of the ride share section of this forum. If you can it’s better to go to the track with someone just in case you have an oops. http://www.sttforum.com/index.php?forums/ride-share-to-stt-events.30/
Grattan, May 14th with Ducati Detroit. It's been changing a bit since I signed up (now capped at 40 instead of 50...customers only), so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but we'll see what happens.
I'll let you know if I make that event, as the WERA round is a week prior, so I may not do both. If I do, I can help with transport. Lots of people in that area though, so I'm sure you'll be able to find someone in the Ride Share section.
Thanks for the offer. I'm probably going to reserve the uhaul as a backup, but I'll post in the Ride Share section too.
you will enjoy the Ducati day there a little more laid back normally smaller groups in novice. Pretty sure I am signed up to coach that day. Last year Ducati Detroit offered transport for a fee. I would still recommend a trip over to take in a day before hand. If you like craft beer there plenty off places to reward the girlfriend or wife for hanging at the track for a day in grand rapids
Ducati Detroit is actually unsure if they're offering transport this time. I think that between the Ride Share board, a uhaul trailer, and a rental pickup, I've got enough options that I'll make something work.
I live in Troy, I putt around on a F650GS if you want to meet up on Sunday morning for a quick ride. Back to topic: This is all good advice, be prepared for the addiction.