Track day advice

oldgreybeard · Post by **oldgreybeard** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 12:40 am

After months in the garage avoiding the torrential rain, and putting in the last 3000 miles on a pushbike over the winter, I've booked the EXUP in for service, tune-up and general bit of TLC.

Has anyone got any advice for the aging and bewildered rider whose family bought him a track day at Silverstone for Christmas?

Tyre pressures? suspension tuning or simply the best make of rubber pants?

I have never done one before, and I fear being humiliated by an 18 year old lapping me on a honda C90 stepthrough!

simonb · Post by **simonb** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 3:24 am

Start off steady and get the tyres warm for 3 laps or so and build up from there.
Go at your own pace and don't worry about getting passed,there is alwsys someone faster but if it is run well the faster lads will get moved up into a quicker group.
Dont fall for the "suspension should be rock hard" rubbish but you will want to lower the tyre pressures depending on make and your ability,there should be a tyre bloke there to ask and the instructors should be able to give you some advice.
Depending on who the organisers are thet may give you a couple of laps tuition if you ask.
Drink lots of water and eat small snacks as well to keep your energy levels up.
Enjoy it,it's for fun and not a race.
Tenas for men if all else fails.

undeadhairy · Post by **undeadhairy** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 7:41 am

I do believe you can hire 400cc bikes off them so you dont trash your own bike by accident. But you might have to ring to double check

Teego · Post by **Teego** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 10:15 am

In my experience (not that I've done it) most track day crashes happen when people enter corners too fast, hit the brakes, the bike stands up and they go straight on into the gravel. Easy in and fast out is a good rule for corners. And stay in your comfort zone - you can't see through red mist.

CMSMJ1 · Post by **CMSMJ1** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 2:12 pm

Just chill out - ride your bike like you know how to. Leave the ego at the garage and revel in the buzz...

There are horror stories all the time about TDs - if you ride with concentration and focus and take off your mirrors, tape up the speedo and relax you will be fine.

It is addictive though...so prepare to need another go...and perhaps just one more..then maybe to have to try another track....and maybe you need a track bike after all?

banner001 · Post by **banner001** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 3:05 pm

im lucky now that mallory has opened as i now have 3 top-class tracks (mallory, rockingham, silverstone) within a 45-minute drive of here...excellent!

oldskoolexup · Post by **oldskoolexup** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 4:10 pm

SimonB is spot on in my view and yes, totally addictive!