[RobM]

In preparing myself for riding on the street, I’ve taken the BRC, read Proficient Motorcycling, and listened to all the good advice on this site. I’m getting my bike this weekend (Ninja 250) and looking forward to riding first in the neighborhood and then farther out to work, weekend jaunts to the mountains, etc. However, I feel that I still have a lot to learn, especially street survival skills. I’ve read a couple of places that track days are good for developing confidence on your bike and having this confidence, helps with your survival skills. I don’t think that I would really get into racing or anything like that, just a desire to improve my skills and good confidence. Has anyone here given this some thought? Do you think that track days or track schools would be helpful once I’ve ridden for 6 months or so?

Thanks…

[Candice]

Congratulations on getting your NINJA. That is exactly what I did when I got my bike Labor Day weekend. First I rode it up and down the street just practicing starts and stops, once I got those good then I went around the neighborhood, then I went to the gas station because I needed gas, then I went to a farther gas station and bought lotto tickets and so on and so forth, now I’m driving the 25-30 miles to work. I haven’t heard of track days but I would look into it for myself to see what it’s about. I already am planning on taking the experienced rider course that the MSF offers but you have to have your M class for a year first. I am also especially interested in street survival skills. There is a lot of good stuff on line, I just keep pulling up articles and use what I find helpful. Enjoy!

[megaspaz]

From everyone I’ve talked to, yes. Make sure you nab an instructor on track days though. Their advice on your riding will be really helpful.

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[eon]

I would say yes. Any extra skills you learn cannot hurt. One of the most common accidents is to lose it on a corner and they can certainly help you with that on a track. I have this penciled in on my to do list in the next 6 months.

[RobM]

Thanks for the replies. I will keep my eyes and ears open to what is available around the Southern California area. I agree that having the input from an instructor would be very good and would be one of the main reasons that I would do something like a track day.

[mike_s]

I too am interested in a track school. I’ve been reading up on “CLASS”, a school ran by Reg Pridmore. They run classes at Willow Springs which is the closest track to socal. I can’t find any negative comments regarding them and they seem to be the best out there.

[fotobits]

I’ve attended many track days as a photographer and as a participant. None beat CLASS for beginning riders. Reg runs the Streets of Willow springs, which is a fun track, especially when it is not crowded, and Reg does not allow overcrowding at his schools.

[Dagger]

You mean I’m not supposed to knee drag on my cruiser?

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[megaspaz]

You could probably knee drag on any bike. There’s a dude that knee drags on his gold wing up on youtube…

Elwood: while there are school’s like keith code’s and kevin schwant’s schools that provide bikes, most track days, you use your own bike. The emphasis on making you a better, more confident rider on your own bike.

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[RobM]

fotobits and mike_s

Thanks for the feedback on CLASS. In my internet searching, I stumbled upon the CLASS website and it all sounded good, but since I’d never heard of Reg Pridmore before, I wasn’t sure if the info was hype or not. Sometimes the internet can be a little miss leading. As my skills improve and I get comfortable at highway speeds, then I will look into attending a CLASS session. It might be interesting to go see a track day first. Fotobits, since you’ve gone as a photographer, is it possible for the general public to come out and watch for a day to see what it’s like?

[megaspaz]

if it makes you feel better, I know people that have done Reg’s class and they raved about it. I haven’t heard anything bad about Reg’s class.

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[RobM]

Cool….

[fotobits]

It all depends upon the track and the organizer. Every track day I’ve attended (hundreds) there have been family and friends hanging out. I don’t remember people just showing up out of curiosity, but I suppose it happens. I’d suggest calling Reg’s school and clearing it with them first. You won’t be able to see much at the Streets of Willows, though, as there is no way to get around without crossing the track, and no organizer is going to let a stranger wander around there unescorted. You may be able to hang out in the pits and see how much fun everyone is having, at which point you’ll regret not joining them.

Go ahead and sign up for next spring. You’ll be ready by then. As I mentioned above, Reg’s school is geared toward beginning riders, and Reg and his crew are excellent coaches. Reg emphasizes smoothness and safety, not seeing how fast you can go. Sign up for two consecutive days if you can afford it. You’ll be surprised how much more fun you’ll have the second day. Even if you only sign up for a single day you will be a better rider after attending the school, and you’ll have a lot of good techniques to practice.

As you may be able to tell, I’m a huge advocate of track days for improving your skills. Track days are also the most fun you’ll ever have on your motorcycle. Prepare to get addicted.

[Author]

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