1st time track ?
 

how long were you riding before you decided "yea, im ready to step it up and hit the track?"
where did you go and did you use your own bike or did you rent one??

about 2 weeks between MSF class and ART Basic class with TPM
was on Pocono East, rode my own out there

I wish I hit the track years ago, it's a huge confidence builder.

was that the 2001 GSXR600 or the 1998 VTR1000 Super"chicken
??

Started riding on 01. First track day was in 03. Used my 01/02 gix 6/750 frankinbike I had for the street. Wish I would of done it sooner rather than wait 2 years.

yamaha YZF600

why do you say that? its not necessary to develop riding skills on the street first??

Not at all, in fact IMO it should be the other way around. As long as one has basic know how on shifting, braking, and steering a motorcycle, they're good to go. Especialy with TPM having their ART Basic class which is a mandatory thing for all first time track riders. Learn the skills in a controled environment like the track will make one a much better street rider. Alot of people think they're not ready to do a track day or feel its not worth it to do one...but its amazing how much ya learn...I know I did.

Went in to look at possibly getting a new bike,after a year of street riding, met Omar, end of story.
At first I was hesitant to go to the track, but I took my Katana out there and had the best time of my life, no bullshit. I then bought a track bike. Blew a clutch, and then wrecked. Still, the most fun anyone can have!
We'll be back out there soon:ride:

ART basic - (if you dont mind sharing) what can one realistically expect to come out of there knowing? i mean, after the class are you all of a sudden able to rip around a track at 100+mph draggin a knee around turns??

There are certain steps that should be taken to be a better rider from day one. First take the MSF-BRC. After one's comfortable on the bike then sign up for TPM's ART-BC and move up from there.

But if one plans on also riding on the street full time as well, the one thing the track can't teach them is street smarts regarding survival. Track days are great for teaching the rider how to use thier bike to it's abilities regarding speed and advanced handling in a relatively safe environment, but the only way one can learn street skills is from extensive experience on the street. The MSF will get one started in making them aware of the dangers, but it's up to the rider to get out there and deal with them in order to learn, hopefully in a safe manner.

It would be interesting if there was some type of MSF in the form of a more advanced higher speed closed street course that can instruct new riders on how to deal with everyday hazardous traffic senarios at real time speeds.

It all depends on your comfort and skill level. This is my 3rd year riding the track and I have yet to put my knee down. Riding the track isn't about "draggin" a knee. It's about being smooth and predictable and using common sense....

Enter CBRBob...he's a TPM Coach and can give you all the info you need.

This is my 8th season riding. I waited until '04 to start riding the track. I'm glad I got out there. Being on the track and riding with TPM has made me a better and more confident rider all around.

In 2004 I did almost 11k on the street. Last year I barely did 4k! I have more fun being on the track these days then riding the street.

As the name implies, its a basic track riders course meant to give you the necessary instruction to ride within the novice {White} riders group. You won't be taught to drag your knee in the turns, just to learn how to best use the track and ride a race line.
There are more advanced shcools and personal training offered but that comes later when you gain some skill.


I wish I knew about track riding much earlier, been riding since 1990, only discovered track clubs three years ago, now I am a confirmed track day junkie.:vtwin:
Ken

You'll be able to push your bike further than you ever thought possible on the street, and by the last session of the day, if your natural ability permits it, you'll be hitting 100+ on the straights and touching a knee on the turns.

i read all the necessary things that are for the track. Is it really necessary to do all those things like tie wires to the fairings n such??? I don't know if i wanna do all that stuff.....