How to do a Motorcycle Trackday - Preparation and Track Etiquette

We discuss what you need to do to get ready for a motorcycle trackday, including bike and motorcycle preparation, riding gear, what to pack and track etiquette so you can get the most out of your first track experience.
Check out this great reference on Sport Riding Techniques; amzn.to/2F0bbBY
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[@HillbillyonaYZ]

Great video! I was fortunate in that I knew several experienced track riders who got me totally prepared for my first one. One item that I noticed not mentioned here is the probable need for extra fuel. I can blow through a 4 gallon tank in 6 sessions, plus doing each session with only the required amount of fuel to finish will help with high setting weight reduction. Bring fuel in containers and add only enough for each session. Great fun, and yes, 7 twenty minute sessions will leave you exhausted. :D

[@silntstl]

Be prepared after that first track day to say goodbye to all future disposable income. Its very addictive.

[@RockyJayyy]

I have an addictive personality so there goes my money...

[@syedmohammed7338]

Lol. I was expecting that 😁

[@johnreynolds2055]

Kenneth and non disposable

[@darraghgoggins1734]

😂

[@jamesnorth7318]

I'm more worried about my fairings than myself. I guess I should by Chinese knockoffs for the track

[@auscurrymaster]

A really excellent video with genuinely high value tips.

[@jamesngina]

The month before every track day, I watch videos to prepare. I always end up on this excellent video. Thanks.

[@jadben]

Nailed it ! All the useful info in ONE video ! Awesome reference to keep.. thanks a lot !

[@bailey9r]

For real I didn't think about the antifreeze.

[@TumblrMonkey]

Thanks for the vid bro. I've never been to a track day so this vid gave some really good on-site into what to expect.

[@BucketWheat]

CAREFUL..!! Doing a Track Day on a good track with a good management org. can be ADDICTIVE! Like eating just one potato chip... HAVE to have some more!

[@MikeOnBike360]

That's actually 100% true! 👍

[@Yuduyubu]

Hey Dave! I'm getting my M class endorsement and starting on Harley-Davidson 1250 Pan America. And you were a part of it. Thank you so much!

[@CanyonChasers]

Best of luck!

[@Yuduyubu]

@@CanyonChasers Wow. The bike is both simply and emensely amazing! I hope we get to ride together sometime. One day I'll have to tell you my story. Until then, you do you boo.

[@mikejd5573]

I may have missed it if he said it, but also be sure to warm your tyres by taking it easy on the first lap or two if you aren't using tyre warmers. Cold tyres are slippery.

[@SirLoinofBeef235]

Yes, landing on your head after your back washes out and high siding with the resulting concussion and seizures is no picnic

[@Quickhandedpanda]

Going to my first track day tomorrow morning. A bit nervous, but excited to let it rip! I think my bike is all set!

[@harshabandreddi2632]

Nanderlizer Nanderlizer R.I.P. handepanda

[@thomasmatarazzo198]

@@harshabandreddi2632 🤣 lmao

[@RockyJayyy]

I know this is old but I would love to hear how it went.

[@bailey9r]

@@RockyJayyy You mean how he quickly handled his "panda"?

[@1sickkidd9]

Very informative! Explained a lot of questions I had.

[@nortondlcl]

Great intro to track day riding ,Thanks !

[@bbb11293]

In the UK, we don't have tech inspection, and no substitute coolant, on line briefing, and track briefing for novice group, noise test exhaust 102db max, gold spec crash hat, one piece leathers, two if zip all the way round, full length back protector. That's it.wet s on wheels if you can, obviously don't run out of petrol, I believe we have about 17 tracks over here that do track days. 😊😊

[@WST-x8q]

Great video . I feel a lot more comfortable going to my first track day, being armed with this useful information.

[@CAIDMASTEROFPYRO]

the track days I go to have 4 groups, beginner slow, intermediate slow, intermediate fast and fast. Also don't require any special bike prep, fold in mirrors and you're good to go, no coolant change or lockwire or even taped lights.

[@garymanning8920]

Thanks ..you verified my other vids and books on etiquette. How can i tell if i have correct anti freeze.? Or Tires scrubbed in correct. I will be on the track in about 3 weeks and hate being unprepared. Will I get feedback on suspension after a track day. I been memorizing Keith Codes Twist o d Wrist. It really opened my eyes on how I dirt and street ride a bit different. Especially it's seems correct blip gearing down for entry, speed, line, apex, body position, throttle control and trail braking or not to trail brake...and strong leg thighs gripping tank staying lite on the hand controls.. tank squeezing thighs, being in shape, focus , critical decision, run at 75 % of max... focus!! Any other 1st time tracksters tips. Best form usually wins. Given all else is equal. I will be on an factory 06 600 CBR 4Fi . 11000 miles 3900$ LAST OWNER LOOKS LIKE HE TOOK GREAT CARE DOES HAVE A TINY RASH ON HANDLE BAR END ..nothing else. Spent a grand on leather boots helmet SNELL rating /half price 400$/ tactical leather long cuff gloves 100bucks . ALL THE IMPACT GEAR UPGRADE BACK PLATE ESPECIALLY. Felt normal, comfortable on the ride home about 60 miles I'm 6 '2"butt I can tuck pretty easy and the shield really throws the wing over the top no buffeting at 100 mph. Well thanks for letting me ramble I will look for your vids in the future or subscribe. Gary in Colorado. A little rightbthigh cramp but shook it off. Can I adjust the clip on bars and pegs a shift and brake levers to suit a taller framed guy.? Thanks again....

[@CanyonChasers]

Thanks, but if we may. Kieth Code may have started the motorcycle education thing, but his methods are fairly outdated. If we may suggest this book instead; amzn.to/2F0bbBY

[@steveoglesby4120]

Inatach is a great rider and coach, but the book you recommended is 15 years old. I just went to Code's Superbike School last year and the curricula is totally different than when I attended in the 80's. This past year, I had a private coach riding along with me (and two others in his group). Very different and exceedingly helpful. You might want to look at what Code is teaching now.

[@jjadey1752]

In great Britain they only check the noise level of your exhaust and your gear but don't check your bike at all.

[@CanyonChasers]

Every track day provider and every track facility has different requirements. We opted to discuss some of the more rigorous requirements to people would have a better idea of what to expect. In America, checking noise level would probably disqualify most participants.

[@dsrtrcr77]

CanyonChasers Motorcycle Adventure, Sport and Touring - We have tracks in America with noise restrictions, such as Laguna Seca.

[@jeffreycamp9910]

Great video! Thanks for the info, can't wait to do a track day.

[@TrevorBodogh]

Very well said, great overall experience from a virtual standpoint... Feeling more prepared for my first track day 2019 season! Thanks for this!

[@norseman5041]

Thank you for making this, want to do track days but was not so sure how to prep my bike. Had some ideas but this was very helpful.

[@ChaseN194]

Yeah me and my buddy just rolled up on our bikes, track was 5 hours away from our house so we woke up and gassed it at 4am. Got there are 9 in a thunderstorm. No gas cans, or tools, just our leathers and bikes.

[@TheShutterfire]

Wow great vid thanks! My first track day in T-14days

[@tia1103]

very helpful and informative, I myself was looking to one day go on the track

[@frontrunnersperformance4829]

Awesome video, informative and well edited. Great job

[@raymadani270]

Quality and informative stuff. Thank you

[@muntee33]

A plastic water bottle with some tubing attached to spout is invaluable.... sounds funny but its true. Last thing you want when you get back to your pit/box is having to take gloves and helmet off to have a drink if your mouth and throat are so dry it’s threatening to stick closed if you have been breathing in through your mouth lol. This small thing can make a big difference to your presence of mind during a break between races. You want to stay calm and focused so you can debrief/reflect on session, not becoming flustered to the point of panic trying to get some water into ya.

[@keionchase2144]

Explained a ton. Great vid. A must watch

[@greenmarine5]

FANTASTIC video, thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@gorflunk]

Excellent video! I just wish every TD provider followed these rules...

[@esmiley3]

Great video, very useful and well explained.

[@CediBeMe]

Great info. I personally love that you did almost half the video while on track at a good lean with only fractional distraction. Somewhat comfy with this track? ;-) Thanks again.

[@EmanP223]

Good job on the video! Pretty much everything one would need to know.

[@DanSrr-iw4gs]

great vid!

[@najeecixxs]

Great info here

[@scottwebb9078]

Excellent! Well done.

[@ElevatedRider1]

Great video and tips! I plan on doing a track day this year @MMP

[@DarudeSandstormVEVO]

3:37 is VERY recognizable ^^

[@pittbulldutch]

Thank you for this excellent info....

[@64t120r]

I like open tracks. Riders usually don't stay out much more than 15-20 minutes at a time so there's a good rotation of riders and at certain points there's no one else on the track. Where I ride, open tracks are rare, but they are worth it if you get the chance.

[@CanyonChasers]

Open tracks are rare here too, so I always try to save some for the last two sessions of the day. Everyone who was going to crash, has and most everyone else has gotten tired and gone home, leaving all that empty track to me.

[@DannySpins]

Thank you!

[@tothgellert924]

I would've thought that brake lights are useful :)

[@RiderZer0]

Can be, but also if they come on and the person behind is going fast it could scare them and misjudge causing them to panic brake and crash.

[@silntstl]

It alarms other riders that are coming up from behind.

[@franco804]

Great video guys!

[@duelsporthonda9003]

Great video, thanks!

[@Black_Gold_Saw]

I actually never like a video. But this video is so damn good. Thumbs up!

[@SteveMidgleyPhotography]

Great job, Dave!

[@pR1mal.]

Driving a car is a bit different than riding a bike. With the exception of open wheeled cars, minor contact between cars usually isn't life threatening. Cars also typically have 4 wheels, so they are more stable when contact occurs. Contact between riders on a track often causes direct injury, or total loss of stability resulting in a rider down. All too often down riders are then run over by the riders on their tail who can't avoid the incident, and there is no "cage " to protect them unlike a car. The stakes are so much higher. The only way that everyone on the track stays safe is if everyone is predictable. That means running the racing line, and strictly following the passing rules. Passing inside before the Apex is called a "stuff", and it generally causes an off track or outright wreck. Run your line, be predictable, and the faster bike/car will find their spot to safely pass you.

[@Superschalk]

Why is this channel not more popular!? Awesome & high quality content all around :)

[@btopp613]

great video, very informative.

[@DJMotoVlogs]

Very useful information.

[@brianessex7102]

Great vid. Thanks!

[@scottgrateful6151]

Do they have track days for old guys on air cooled vintage cafe bikes specific ? Asking for a friend. On his bucketlist. Tia

[@minigmac1]

Great!

[@alienxyt]

Awesome video!!

[@BadDriverrr]

What kind of armor do you need under that one piece suit? Back, chest, both?

[@jordanammanshmesani]

Great video.

[@Beaver314]

very helpful, thanks!

[@Danielspacex]

I want a bike again.

[@yeyeydante]

My guy. Is that an M16 A1 on your wall? 😎😩

[@tteitei]

Great advice

[@j.harkins4068]

awesome , thanks ...

[@denisrailey777]

Excellant vid.

[@Guicci007]

Nice, Job......

[@Adrenalean767]

Are track day riders faster than street only riders?

[@bajamcguide]

well done Thank you.

[@learn2rideVIDEOS]

Good advice and thanks for sharing. :-)

[@PhejEjHmoobFresno]

For new track riders

[@freddiehawkins5319]

I'm 16 and I want to get into Track Day events. Any good starter bike suggestions?

[@WarrensAdventures]

+Freddie Hawkins Kawasaki Ninja 300 Or if riding a little 300 isnt your thing, consider this... its a long shot maybe, but they are great fun to race! www.450triple.com

[@freddiehawkins5319]

+WarrenReed587 Thank you

[@WarrensAdventures]

Freddie Hawkins Glad to help!

[@victorrodriguez8917]

Freddie Hawkins kawi 636 ... ship and light .. fast too

[@aapelikeilamaa9523]

If in europe, you might want to look out for 2 stroke 125s, like the mito or aprilia rs125

[@boredfast]

Just curious what kind of motorcycle lift you're using?

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Dan Aeurbach (The Black Keys) rides? Lol.

[@ryan_riffs]

I bought an older Arai helmet that had very little use. I can't find any info about the 5 year rule on apex track days site. I have a track day coming up, will this be an issue for certain? thank you.

[@BlindRamb0]

Wondered how passing worked with no mirrors

[@ronald-jr-metcalf8961]

You don't need to see behind you to pass. It is the responsibility of the rider behind you to pass safely and typically with a buffer of 2meters or greater. It is your responsibility to ride a predictable or consistent line and between those two, a safe pass is made.

[@tHeO14573]

I know they are sidi boots @ 3:10 but what model - can't find them anywhere. they look like ST's but i can't find the exact color

[@martinfloyd1259]

Wasn't he in a episode of Nutnfancy's channel??

[@saswatmishra2759]

Which is a better track bike among R1M,new S1000RR,new ZX 10R,new GSXR 1000R,new RSV4 RF and CBR Fireblade SP ? And why ?

[@victorrodriguez8917]

It make feel like I wanna cry...... went I started to do track KZbin was not around:((((..... this is just everything you need to know about track days.... this guy couldn't be more right... one think u need to keep in mind is.... don't try to do repair work in your bike at the track... work on your bike weeks before you get there .... just get there and enjoy it.... and don't try to be Valentino Rossi... he gets paid for that ... u don't .... nothin worse than crashing on u second sección... especially after driving to the track for hours .... have fun..

[@revvedout857]

so i need to replace my oil with ice water too?

[@CanyonChasers]

yeah, track rules aren't always totally logical. But coolant tends to get spilled more frequently if a bike overheats, or even in a minor tipover when the radiator hits the ground.

[@2cool0]

all these fucking rules man. no wonder people just speed on the streets

[@Marshall498]

2cool0 "fast" guys on the street generally can't hold a candle to seasoned track riders.

[@2cool0]

Justin Marshall maybe they can get better if they can get on the track without spending thousands of dollars and time prepping for it

[@Marshall498]

What kind of tape are you buying that costs you thousands of dollars? Tape your lights, rent a truck, swap your coolant for water...not difficult.

[@2cool0]

Justin Marshall lol not jus the tape....i'm talking about everything...maybe not thousdans (plural) but more than a thousand for gear, tires, transportation, and track day "tickets"....then you have to spend all that time prepping your bike for track which i'm talking about beyond just tapes.

[@phoxrides]

2cool0 Lets see, blue tape; $5.00. Decent tires; you [should] already have those. Changing the coolant: 30 minutes (not required by all track day providers BTW). Helmet: I hope you already have one. Gloves: I hope you have those too. Boots: If you don't have them you should. Leathers: My track day provider has them for new riders to borrow: $0. Transportation. You can ride your bike there: $20 gas. Track day: $100 - $150. Food: Buy a hamburger and a drink at the track: $10. Total $135. Thats about $865 less than a grand.

[@Marshall498]

And the most important thing....3:51. Always bring one.

[@bailey9r]

A honey in a tank top? ;

[@SirLoinofBeef235]

Dropped out of road riding and motocross at 40. Took a 20(?) year hiatus and am thinking of doing track days at 65 with my mto7, rather than getting another bike dedicated to the track-r6, gsxr etc. After going to the Dragon on my grandpa bagger, none of these Mich roads come close and most turns would only be challenging at death speeds anyway. Now that it's hitting October, there's always "next year. :(

[@dre2kule]

For those who ride the track regularly or semi-regularly, I was wondering if you can critique my body position. A good friend of mine recorded a cool mini video of me riding over here in Massachusetts in an area with a couple of VERY nice corners. It's my most recently uploaded video on my channel. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks!!!

[@CanyonChasers]

We have been teaching/coaching track days for years. We'd be happy to look at it if you'd like.

[@misterpooter]

Any rules or etiquette for action camera mounting? Like on bike or helmet position?

[@CanyonChasers]

misterpooter Depends on the provider. Some have rules where if the camera fall's off, they keep the camera. This is because cameras have been known to fall off bikes and impact other riders. I'm not in favor of putting them on my helmet because of the wind drag and the catch point in the event of a fall.

[@pR1mal.]

Some track day organizations go as far as requiring that cameras be tethered to two additional points in addition to the camera mount itself. For example, some accept safety wires wired from the camera housing to mirror block off plates.

[@llerradish]

So how much does a track day cost or did you already say that?

[@CanyonChasers]

It varies wildly depending on time of year, demand, etc. My local guys have first time rider events starting at $99 all the way up to $300+ for full track configurations.

[@turner8107]

hi my parents wont let me ride on the road so i was wondering if its a good idea to start on track with a 125cc track bike. im about to turn 15 and my only experience on bikes is ive ridden a dirtbike a couple of times and i had a pocket bike when i was like 9

[@mikecritchell]

If you don't have much experience a 125cc or 250cc is a perfect bike to start out on, and the tracks are generally much safer than the roads because everyone knows what they're doing, there's no traffic etc, it's a controlled environment.

[@YA-ee9zf]

the lights and mirrors are there for a reason and they are useful in a race or on the street and actually gives extra safety better than taking your hands off the bike to signal and then having to look at people with flags. a bit counter productive but its america where kids can buy guns from the super market but headlights are dangerous xD

[@CanyonChasers]

This is not a USA rule. Thats how virtually every track around the world does it.

[@Thiasus]

Lights, signals and mirrors take away your concentration is therefor forbidden on the Tracks and if you dont understand that, go to a track day :) //Thias (Sweden)

[@Arcrobes]

saw you on nutnfancy haha

[@simonandrews4453]

Close your eyes, its like listening to Steve Buscemi.

[@mattyice2446]

If I had a dollar for every time I herd track

[@1993whitenoise]

Matty Ice then I’d be able to afford more track days lol

[@matthewlang777]

is there an age limit on tracks

[@CanyonChasers]

+Matt Lang I think some tracks require you be at least 12 or 13. I'm not aware of any upper age limits, assuming one appropriately healthy.

[@matthewlang777]

+CanyonChasers Motorcycle Adventure, Sport and Touring oh wow I was thinking 18+ (I'm 16 now) thanks for the info and great video

[@steveoglesby4120]

I was second oldest at Code's School (66). He told me his oldest student was 84. There were no rules about upper age limits. Not sure about the lower age range.

[@chriskah6143]

3.34 what bike is that?

[@phoxrides]

chris kah Looks like a 600RR

[@chriskah6143]

+dp2WF Thanks bro..

[@ThunderWindz]

"skipping a session"???!!! WOHAAAA :O NO! Your track days are way to cheap.. here it cost 200$ for 2 hours riding (8 hourse with 4 teams)

[@flowerpot6444]

its way easier to get on a track in england

[@CanyonChasers]

adrian dickenson but way harder to get a road license... :)

[@2cool0]

why can't we use the mirrors?

[@pR1mal.]

1)They are glass and they shatter. 2)You don't need them. It's your responsibility to run a predictable line on the racing groove, it's the responsibility of faster riders to overtake a slower rider safely. One of the most dangerous things you can do on a track day is reacting to a rider who is behind you. Maintain a consistent line, if they are faster they will drop back a little, pick their spot, and get by you safely. Every time that the human brain shifts focus from one object to another you lose approximately 7 tenths of a second of visual perception. At 100mph you are covering roughly 147 feet in one second.

[@2cool0]

pR1mal well cars on track have mirrors? but i see what you're saying. how can the rider know if a another rider on a bike behind them is taking them over? What if they don't see them during the turn and that messes them up?

[@phoxrides]

+2cool0 You need to think like an Italian; What is behind you does not matter. Put your focus on where you're going, and being predictable. It's the passing riders responsibility to pass safely and for your comfort. All too often, trying to be polite and trying to get out of the way of a faster riders just makes you harder to pass. Just do your thing and be predictable - it's probably one of the most important rules of riding etiquette on a track.

[@2cool0]

dp2WF hmmmm ok maybe i have to actually do it in order to understand it

[@pR1mal.]

+2cool0 Just picture yourself closing in on a rider with a 10 - 15 mph speed advantage, do you really want the rider in front of you change his line? Are you confident that you can predict where he'll be in the next instant 100% of the time, or would you rather that the rider just stays in the racing line? I'm not willing to bet with my health or my life as the stakes, and I'm not willing to bet with the lives of other riders either.

[@HartyBiker]

Don't even know why I'm watching this, there are no tracks or track days near me

[@iannamico]

i smoke track!

[@CanyonChasers]

Too bad it's probably cheaper to smoke crack 😎

[@iannamico]

@@CanyonChasersain't that the truth!! Keep on racin!

[@juanborges8192]

the age of helmet means nothing!!! as long as its full face

[@AuH2O]

5:30 - 5:36 is my favorite part of the video. I'd skip going out on the track at all if girls like those would just tie me up out back and have their way with me when they come back all sweaty from their ride. Nothing sexier than biker girls. XD

[@Rob-pf6yl]

Hey man, everyone hates people like you

[@johnnyhun1]

what kind of stupidity is that to remove the mirrors not to use it ?!?!?!?!

[@animepabu5526]

I see a dog....

[@americanpride9733]

Cover the brake lights and take off your mirrors... gee thats smart

[@TutorialPanda]

American Pride unfortunately lights do cause distractions that can result in a serious accident, whether or not it's you or someone else. Mirrors can cause issues such as glare that can blind, let alone if you drop the bike there will be glass on the track that will cause the track to be shut down till it's cleaned.

[@509FUN]

Less than 5 seconds in the video and I’m hit with a mid roll add. Seriously that’s fucking dumb. Basically asking me to not watch your videos.

[@848evo4]

this should be required watching before your first, second, and third track day. Very well done!