I've had only 1 bike ever, 2006 GSX-R600, for 12 years now. I used to ride it several times daily while in college, and now much less. I've never gotten the nerve to bring it to a track. What's the first step I should take? I'm eyeing the STT event at Autobahn in Joliet, IL, in May. Should I just sign up? What is involved in preparing in advance? I think I'll need to buy a race suit? Or for first time (since I have no idea if I'll like it or go again) should I rent? I can't trailer my bike, so is it okay if I ride it to the event? I don't completely understand all of the prep I'll need to do to the bike for the track - is there anyone that helps with that for Novice? Basically, is it realistically possible for me to get involved and try this out? Don't really know people personally that I can ask to show me around / guide me for first time.... Thanks in advance...
Yes it’s totally realistic for you to try it out! STT rents leathers and the bike prep for novice is fairly minimal (tape over lights, mirrors, good tires and bike in good mechanical shape). Where are you from?
I live in downtown Chicago right now, grew up in the north suburbs and went to school in Champaign. I saw with some other school that you had to even remove the kickstand from your bike. How could I ride to the track and remove the kickstand, and not have the bike fall over, etc? That’s why I passed up on this earlier. I think my tires are 2 years old right now, but with minimal miles on them. Do the novice sessions go fast? I’m pretty nervous about it right now, to be honest.
The kickstand thing is more for older or odd bikes where it would touch down in a turn. Most modern bikes like yours have it pretty well figured out and it would not be a concern. Two year old street tires are fine, so long as they are still in good condition and have plenty of tread left. Novice will start slow and ramp up as the day goes on, but it's still within reason. You'll be assigned a group based on your experience and coaches will work with you throughout the day if you want.
Thanks for the responses. It sounds pretty encouraging. I think I should give it a go..... Last question - do you think I should just rent leathers, or look into getting my own that fit comfortably? I realize this is pretty subjective, wondering your opinion.
I would consider renting them the first time to see how you like things. Chances are you'll enjoy yourself, but it's not for everyone.
I did reach out to Joe at Turn One Racing to at least get a once-over on my bike before bringing it to any track. I feel much better if someone qualified can at least agree that things look in order. Don't get me wrong, the bike is in good condition, I'm only hesitant because I don't ride it daily. Hoping this provides me the extra reassurance I need to give this a shot!
DO IT. At the drivers meeting they will pull the groups out. A, I, N. Typically they will ask, who has never done a track day in the novice group. Those riders tend to be in group 5, 6 or maybe 7 depending on the track. Riders who have done more track days are in lower numbers and those wanting to maybe be considered for Intermediate in group 1. If you stay in group 6 all day fine. If your bored and the coach agrees will bump you up a group until you get to 1. SO to answer the question you will never be asked to go faster than you feel comfortable. (safe) Build up your confidence and just have fun. Everyone wants you to be safe and go home in one piece along with the bike. Look me or E-Van up. I know he's a nice guy.
I’m convinced. I’m in. I will definitely sign up for an event early this summer. I need to get my handle grips swapped (owner I bought from put on chrome handles...) and basic check up done, then I’m signing up!! Thank you. You guys are pretty awesome already.
You won't regret it. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help at any point in your day either. As instructors we are at the track to help you make the most of your day. As well, you'll find most, if not all of the other riders willing to help if you need anything throughout the day. Feel free to ask questions on the forum if there's anything else you'd like to know beforehand and can't find it on the forum or from the Sportbiketracktime web page. Welcome to your new addiction!
My only outstanding question is about bike prep / tuning / maintenance work in the Chicagoland area. Do you guys have a shop that you can refer? I need some basic fluids changed, handle grips changed, etc, just to make sure I am safe for the track. Don't see many posts on this forum for specific shops. Thanks!
Dimitry, you are overthinking it. Most of us probably did, so don't let it worry you. Just slap some blue tape on your lights, silicone your oil fill and drain, and go have fun. I guarantee during your first session or two you will be saying you go faster to the grocery store. Before lunch is all about getting you comfortable, not getting you fast. The fun starts after lunch, but you will never be asked or pushed to go any faster than you want to go. And trust me, there will be someone there going a lot slower than you.
Really? So don't even swap out these silly thick chrome handle grips for normal stock / rubber ones??
What FZ1guy said, don't over think it. but everyone does at first blue tape and you are good to go for your first day. If you need a local mechanic once you get into things heavier, Joe at Turn One is your guy. He has been working on lots of our bikes for a long time and is a super resource. IMO the biggest thing you can do to prep is to spend a bit of time watching videos of ACC to learn the track some, dont worry about speed etc just look at the line folks follow. Also, maybe a quick read of a keith code book on some track riding concepts would be cool. Also, when you are at the track ask anyone for help if you need anything.
It’s best if you can trailer your bike so you can bring a canapy, chairs, extra gas, drinks, food, etc. But if you can’t and need to ride to the track just hop on the forum here and ask to hang out with someone who is trailering in.
Huh, interesting. Well, for my first time I definitely think I can not trailer my bike over. That's a big commitment to get a trailer, a car to tow said trailer, etc. I'll keep it in mind for future events though. Thanks!
If you make it up to Road America I’ve always got an extra chair and some shade you can help yourself to. Not sure if and/or which Autobahn events I’ll make it to this year.
Sound like you are already in, but for sure come out! If you need someone to pit with, almost all the people are welcoming. Just ask, I should be there for Memorial Weekend, and you would be more than welcome to pit with me, if i can make it. I have a very similar story to yours, I have an 07 gsxr600, my first only only track going bike. These bikes are great on track, and you'll love it. Just ride your ride. don't try to impress anyone. Everyone is happier and better off if everyone has a safe fun day. As far at getting to the track, you might be able to catch a trailer ride from someone else going that day, even if it means taking your bike to their house a few days before, and then you drive a car out to the track. Then grab your bike from them a few days later. Its a bit of a hassle, but you will be tired after a day on track, and may not want to ride home. Joe with turn one should be able to handle any of your maintenance or minor upgrade/repair needs. Track prepping the bike for Novice is pretty simple. Even if you showed up with your bike stock, we could find the items in the pits to get a bike prepared for that group, so don't fret over that too much. All the requirements are listed on the main site as far as track prep goes, read it over and do as much as you can. And always feel free to ask questions. People on the forums love to flex our knowledge and are more than happy to share it.
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and advice! I'm reaching out to Joe for my basic bike maintenance for this year, and will find some appropriate boots / gloves / maybe suit. I'm going to wait a couple more months for things to warm up and then sign up for a track day!