Hi there, I'm new here just registered. Haven't gone to a track day at all. But i'm very interested in giving this a go. Not real sure on what I need to participate at the novice level. I know I need to join STT, but from there I don't know. Do i need track tires, etc?? I live in IL, been riding a Kaw Ninja 250 for awhile and just bought a 600 (keeping the 250). Thought i'd say hi and make some friends while i sort out the details...
Welcome! I'm sure it won't be long before you'll have a lot of comments posted about what you need to know, etc. But the main thing is to just have fun. Don't stress over anything, just take it easy and learn. Most people think that when you get on a racetrack you HAVE to go faster than everyone else, and that you need to be setting new track records every session. But really, just take it easy, listen to the instructors and other riders, and you'll do great. Speed and laptimes will come later, without even worrying about them. Things just get better as you work on the basics - which actually is true with a lot of things. Again - welcome to the addiction!
For a novice track day tape up any lights. Disconnect the lights too if you can. If you can't I am sure one of the instructors can help ya. Tape up or remove your mirrors. If you have passenger pegs remove them or zip tie them up. Street tires are fine. Make sure your chain has a little slack in it. It is better if you remove your tag and bracket. I think that is about it. I may have forgot something but I dont think so Good luck
Hello, If you'd like to do a track day I suggest Autobahn North course to begin with. Easy to learn, fun and flowing. For a first track day bring lots of water, a pop up tent (if you are trailering the bike), some food to snack on, a cooler with ice, a change of comfortable clothes is nice to have, and a chair. We'll help you with the rest. :wink: PS please read over the STT policies, FAQ, etc so you know how things work and what's required
Hi Camo! I'm sorta new to STT..been lurking a while and finally grew a pair to pull the trigger on a track day. Nice to meet you make sure you post up after your 1st day. I was aiming for Tally on Sept 11-12 but I'm about to have a conniption fit if novice is full now that I finally have all my ducks in a row. I couldn't find a ride so my hubby bought me a trailer and got a hitch installed. Got my race plastics & gas tank/fuel pump. Got my leathers. And I'll be damned if novice is now full!!!!!!! I hope that's not the case and I'm just having technical difficulties. :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:
Welcome to the party (it's fun so it HAS to be a party), I'm with Nick on this one, Autobahn North is a good first track - one other suggestion, bring the bike you are most comfortable on, like jig said it's not about speed and there's nothing wrong with a ninja 250 in Novice so don't get hung up on the 600 as the track bike. Mostly just plan on your cheeks being a little sore from the ear to ear grin destined to be plastered on the face for the entire day hehe
You'll find that the midwest group has a great group of females riding and instructing that come out to most track days. Don't be afraid to say hi to any of them and ask them questions or even ask them to ride with you on track for some pointers. That 250 will do just fine for the novice group. No need for track tires either. You'll need some decent gear like they mention in the faqs. Just do as much of the prep that Jimbo stated above but feel free to get there a bit early and ask for some help if you need it at sign up or tech inspection. My wife goes to a lot of track days by herself when I'm working so don't be scared off by having to go alone either. Lots of friendly, helpfull people there and everybody is there to have fun.
Hi there a little late; I'm bad not to get on the forum except around track days. I've used my street tires so far (Battleax BT016,) which seem to be fine in novice, but for that blasted turn 5 at Barber. I would strongly suggest transporting the bike rather than riding it (in case of breakdown or accident, or just because you will be TIRED when track is over.) Last Saturday night I slept on the ground and better than I have in 10 years. Good full face helmet, gauntlet style gloves, race boots, full leathers (either 1-piece or zip-together.) Stuff you should wear riding on the street anyway, right? :wink: Print out the lists and go over them about 20 times to make sure you don't forget anything. Memorize the flags. Everyone at STT has been very supportive and positive in spite of some of the goofy mistakes I've made repeatedly. Hope you get to do it soon.