7 Tips for Your First Day on the Race Track
Riding on the race track with a sport bike or other motorcycle can be one of most thrilling activities as a biker and, while it can be intimidating at first, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the experience. This is your chance to push your bike to its limits and get more out of riding, while putting safety first, of course. Cycle Trader is sharing seven tips for your first day on the race track.
1. Purchase Track Gear
Make yourself familiar with the essential gear, supplies, and resources every new biker needs before you hit the track. Do your research and compare prices online, while looking for sales or deals so you can save money. However, resist the temptation to spend your cash on off-brand budget gear. Spending a little more on a quality pair of gloves or a helmet that fits well could make a difference when riding, all while prioritizing safety. Start with reputable brands and set your budget.
2. Know Your Bike
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of your own motorcycle is just as important as knowing how skilled you are while driving. Knowing how your bike handles is crucial to on-track performance, as it will give you a better idea of how it brakes while cornering with your motorcycle, and how the front and rear suspension handles. For example, you should know whether your bike will dive into the corner and possibly bottom out with less braking capacity. Or, your bike may reach speeds over 100 mph in a straight line, but it may not have the cornering capabilities to hold its line without the right tires designed for circuit racing.
3. Do a Bike Maintenance Check-Over
Put motorcycle racing safety first and keep up with maintenance to ensure you do your best on your first track day. Here’s a quick maintenance checklist to look over before you ride:
- Check your tire pressure.
- Make sure all axle nuts are tight.
- Check all of your bike’s bolts to make sure they’re tightened to the appropriate torque/tension setting. Do this for your handlebars, brake and clutch levers, footpads, headers, triple clamps, and sprocket nuts.
- Check over the front and rear brakes to make sure both are clean of debris and are in smooth, working order.
- Ensure your bike has sufficient demineralized water/coolant in the radiator.
- Check that your engine oil is at the correct level.
4. Get Professional Coaching
Even if you’re a seasoned road warrior, a road circuit is completely different riding. Opt in for coaching to learn the basics for riding on your first track day, helping you stay on time while competing and ensure you’re safe on your bike. Coaching will teach you the fundamentals like body positioning, brake markers, tip in points, learning the apex, and smooth acceleration. Having someone give you insight for the track and pointers for improvement will also help you develop your confidence as you continue to ride.
5. Research and Know the Track
Whether it’s your first track day or your hundredth, it’s important to do your research before riding a new track. Every course is different, and knowing what to expect before heading out for your first session will ensure a smooth transition in circuit riding. Look up videos online and watch bike track footage to get familiar with the layout. Look for blind corners, tight turns, and any irregularities so you can prepare and make notes before you get out to ride. This will also help you make adjustments when you ride for an improved track time.
6. Learn From the Community
A first track day can be intimidating, but keep in mind that you have to start somewhere, and even if you make minor mistakes, you know you will only improve with more practice. Know that the experienced rider that’s pitted next to you was once in the same position on the track before they got better. Many riders out there are open to helping you and giving you pointers for riding on a circuit. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice; remember it’s about competition and camaraderie.
7. Don’t Ride to Impress
Maybe you just bought a Kawasaki or another top brand that you’re taking out for the first time. Don’t be a show-off on the rack track; instead, ride to your own ability. And don’t try to pull off any stunts or dangerous moves to make an impression. Safety is most important while you’re out there and, most of all, you want to make sure you’re having an enjoyable experience while you ride—that’s the whole point. It won’t take you long before you’re improving and doing your best on the course.
Pick out the right gear, research the track, get coaching, do a maintenance checklist, and know your abilities on your bike for your first track day. With practice and safety first, you’ll become a better rider in no time. If you’re ready to purchase your next new or used motorcycle, be sure to see all the listings online at CycleTrader.com.
Important Disclaimer: Motorcycle and dirt bike racing and related activities involve numerous and significant risks to you and your property, including personal injury, property damage and potentially death. CycleTrader is not a professional expert with regard to any motorcycle or dirt bike racing, and these materials contain only suggested steps and activities associated with racing and not expert advice of any kind whatsoever. You should only undertake racing with or after you have received proper instruction from certified professionals who are trained in preserving the safety of your property and person and who have obtained all licenses, permits, and other certifications required by applicable business and/or government authorities or agencies to undertake any such activities.
Ryan Miller
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