Used Bike Reviews - What Are Motorcycle Track Days Like?

Have you always wanted to do a motorcycle track day? Life keeps getting in the way, right? We get it, we were in the same boat. All of that changed when we finally bit the bullet and signed up.
Host: Peter Monshizadeh
Videography: Nathaniel Spencer
Music: Ian Glanzman

Way to go! You are producing a lot better content than big motorcycle magazines! Keep on good work! I enjoy used bike reviews too!

[@seventysevencats]

I enjoyed watching this. Not only because I'll have a track day next spring, but also because it was interesting, well edited, and definitely from an enthusiast biker and not someone full of his ego. I'll go watch the other videos.

[@what2a8guy]

Did you end up having a track day the next summer?

[@FredricF]

I trust you have been to more track days but I have a few comments that may be helpful to other beginners on their first day on track: -- Forget racing line and breaking the first day. Concentrate on one or two things. I would say that the most important is where you look and throttle control. Curbs are nice but if you find yourself focusing on them as you go by (very easy to do) you are focusing on the wrong things. Where you look is where you go, look at the next corner. For beginners you should go on the throttle when entering the corner and have a smooth increase of speed all through the corner. That will keep the bike stable. Later you will trail brake but that is NOT for beginners. -- Loosing the chicken strips on the first track day show that your riding position is bad. But don't worry about that on your first day. Correct riding position is difficult for most riders, especially for experienced motorcyclists that have had years on the road to "learn" the wrong position. -- Find a good, certified, instructor to listen to. May not come for free. You can listen to other more experienced riders but be aware that they are probably not trained instructors and there are myths out there. Avoid racers, they are on a totally different level and have no idea what kind of input a beginner need. -- Getting you knee down is not important. Unless of course the whole point of your track day is to boast about your scratched knee pads to your friends, ignore this. -- Beware that most internet sites that give you advice cram stuff that you need 10 to 20 track days to learn and some are downright wrong. Search for "twist of the wrist", I hear this is good stuff. -- Don't bring anything to the track that you cannot afford to loose. You may never crash, but on the other hand, you may. -- Have fun. Above all, have fun. Forget everything above and have fun Just be aware that track days are a powerful and addictive drug that will get you hooked faster than you think.

[@scottishyakr]

disagree totally about *forget about the racing line*...FIRST thing is-get someone to lead you a few laps SHOWING you the racing line..stay on that line..and quicker guys can know when and where to pass you safely....wander all over the track and you're just a mobile chicane,unpredictable,and therefore just a danger to quicker riders.

[@omlett.1]

good advice from both of you. there will be markings around each corner (buoys, or pales) to guide you. if you "touch" thouse, you cannot go too wrong. and NEVER look behind you except for a little peek when exiting the pit lane to avoid getting hit by someone going full speed :)

[@timd567]

Thanx dude - my first track day is next year so I am doing my research. I appreciate your honesty and showing any and all possible mishaps.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Have a great time! I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@SuxToBU1213]

"even if you do it once"... I don't know anyone who's only done just one; it's addictive. I did 4 on my old clapped-out 600 with 110,000 kms on it & have just recently bought a newer track bike & done the first on it; with another already booked. I go in the slower group, but my grin at the end of every session is as large as anyone's. Nice vid. Very real.

[@tonykartracer8032]

Too expensive.

[@sarahdell4042]

This is helpful for anyone who has any interest in a first track day. I remember my first few times, it's intimidating. You will generally find lots of helpful people, don't be afraid to ask around!

[@marcelhollis3137]

An good tip I saw in another video about "first track day' was, if you can, remove the fuse for your headlight so the tape doesn't get hot and leave a sticky film all over your headlight.

[@axs7689]

I watch your videos on repeat over years. Love your content thank you.

[@7rslender]

thanks for that video! It's still bloody cold here in Switzerland and I can't wait the season to start again. You made my day!

[@one-of-us9939]

Very well done! I couldn't have done a better 1st day video. I like to arrive the day before and camp out for a riding weekend if possible. I hate driving a cage for hours then track... I like a clear head at 150+

[@SJhikes]

This is THE most helpful video for someone considering their first track day

[@EnjoyTheRideMC]

Excellent Video. I've done track days for so many years, but I remember my first one. Lots and lots of fun. Thanks for sharing this experience. The local track that I frequent the most is New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but we do have a brand new track(Club Motorsports) that opened up last year, and we got to ride the very first motorcycle track day event at that facility. Talk about a baby smooth road surface and beautiful flowing turns on the side of a mountain. In the morning the upper elevations were in the clouds and the lower portions were clear. Oh, I'm also a huge fan of yellow motorcycles, and when I started riding them, I notice I got cut off a lot less frequently in traffic. Anyway, take care and keep taking baby steps, nobody ever "arrives" as riding motorcycle is a life of learning. Have fun and Enjoy The Ride!

[@The-Randomest-Guy]

Haha. Agreed. My loud and bright bike definitely should save me in certain occasions

[@troymcconnell5832]

great to see you keeping it real... never tried track day but i am sure it will be a humbling experience... thanks again for another great vid!

[@lefunghi6151]

About do to my bike license next year in Germany. Hope to have a 996 once I get the all out license in a few years. Dream bike since I was a kid and watching these videos makes waiting for it easier.

[@cnealmartin]

Refreshing to watch this. I am now starting to slowly moving into the intermediate level. Your so right, lots of information then you can have a run off. Happen to me too... With practice confidence goes up and i am such a track day lover !! I have my Ducati 1299 tuned so well at the moment. Everything is so easy to do, break, turn etc.

[@Chronix74]

Great video! glad you enjoyed yourself! can't wait for my first track day

[@motaku_th]

Great vid man! Very informative. I really needed this, I'm sloooooowly working my way towards my first track day myself. Cannot freaking wait.

[@royfinnel]

MrFriday00 just did my first this pass Monday AMAZING!!!

[@smellyhippi]

This is awsome man, loads of information! I look forward to my first track day next weekend!

[@one-of-us9939]

Tires ARE the most important thing on track! A tent is second.👍 A chair is nice and a set of fans to cool you and dry helmet is nice Bring a clock... Don't be late to class or hot pit. If it isn't your groups' first on track lesson to what is the race line, it probably should be. Because once you learn the line, you become predictable, and consistent (which is good for everyone on track, especially those riders who wish to pass). When I am on line, I don't fight the track, I ride it... Speed will come.

[@apriliarider6072]

What an awesome 1st track day video! Preparing for my first one now...cannot wait!

[@mcmattjm]

Great video...thanks for putting this together! I kept putting off my first track day, but your video helped me realize it was something I could do and I did it. Keep up with the great channel!

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Matt McCuen that's awesome! So glad to hear this video helped you out. Thanks for watching!

[@lateapex9420]

Well done mate. Kudos to sharing an honest view of a first track day.

[@NotAMotoVlog]

Fantastic video! I'm about to have my first track day at Putnam Park on April 15 and couldn't be more excited. I'm also from KC!

[@surg23]

Becoming a "baked prune" is literally one of my worst fears. Jokes aside, that was a really nice video. I like your positive and humble attitude. I've never done a track day myself and I think it's because I don't have any confidence in myself, even though I've been riding for a long time. I have a feeling that I'd either be really good or really shit. At any rate videos like this inspire me to give it a try one day. Cheers!

[@fhhfgj]

Thanks I'm looking forward to doing the California Superbike school then out onto Circuit of the Americas!

[@FootageFactory]

Great save man. I got to that point where I was so exhausted I had to take a break!!

[@mickeystoned420]

Awesome video! Keep up the great work and ride safe.

[@HIGHDEFMOTO]

Nice dude, a great insight and we could see that it was fun for you!! ✌️

[@Isaac.Rochester]

I live in Sioux City, IA so this is the track I would go to as well. Seeing your first experience on the track really makes me want to try it!

[@Arvinis1]

I'm getting ready for my first track day and your video helped a lot. Thanks

[@toniminoldo8304]

Very nice video, very professional. A couple of things surprised me (I've never been in a trackway in the USA, thus I doin't know if the rules are the same). Here in Italy the boots should have the extra protection in the outside of the sole, and the internal back protector he shows is compulsory. But most surprisingly to me, regarding safety, is all that grass surrounding the track rather than gravel.

[@hythesailor]

That was a really frank and insightful video. Thanks so much for sharing all your experiences with us! It looks like you had a super day.

[@Themachinegun]

What a great vid! Real world experience. Love this!

[@spsimmonsdesign]

Dude I didn't know you had a channel! I enjoyed watching - hope all is well my man!

[@denatieanhenton9231]

Very good video. I've been wanting to attend a track day and your video is very insightful. I'm more comfortable about what to expect now.

[@astramorikes224]

Thank you for sharing your experience, very interesting!

[@motopurple7846]

You’re video is super awesome man. Having first track day this October. Thanks for the video!

[@leejohnson7697]

Dude that is a great video. I have done one track day and just bought a bike to make a street track bike out.. good to see someones else doing this ans showing the experience.

[@efreund1]

Wow. What a great video. Just what I was looking for.

[@ivanvillarreal8804]

Thanks for this video, very informative and honest. You could have easily edited out the part where you rode off the track... but you didn’t. So people like myself who have yet to have a track day know that it’s OK to fail, just regroup and try again!

[@jcarvalho1500]

A video I was looking for! As a new rider I got a little pocket rocket vfr400 NC30 and I can't wait to visit the track and learn how to take more advantage from its potential as a race bike! Always humble and with respect for safety! Thanks a lot for the video and greetings from Portugal!

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I'm jealous of your VFR400 - what an awesome bike. I think you'll have a great time on the track with that one!

[@jcarvalho1500]

+Practical Enthusiast I'll try it in the Estoril Racing track one of these days. Although it is a track with a very long straight for a 400 and infamous for its strong cross winds. The other thing is my concern to damage an almost classic bike in its original condition...

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Your concerns are valid and I had the same worries with the Ducati. It's easy to focus on the fear of crashing at a track day instead of seeing the reality that you are going out there to hone your skills and have fun in a reasonably safe and controlled environment. It's a mental hurdle you have to overcome, especially with a machine in great condition such as yours. I think you will find that the fun you have at the track will outweigh the perceived risk.

[@geryfung]

Very informative, well shot video! keep up the good work!

[@drienkm]

Such a well done video! Great picture of what a first track day is like. It was very much like my first too:) I've been lucky enough to do seven so far, and all at different tracks! I actually look forward to when I can get to know just one a bit better.

[@RiderZer0]

I dont think it was mentioned but some tracks don’t allow antifreeze in your bikes. Reason is if you have a leak or if you crash and it spills it’s super slick and hard to clean up. Instead drain your radiator and either put in distilled water or a race coolant which cools your bike better than antifreeze but freezes in the winter time.

[@satmansatman418]

Thanks for the content ,it's nice to see another duc lover .l got an 899 panilgale myself but l analysts loved the 916and 996 the sound so good

[@ninjabortion]

Great vid, thanks for sharing. Rad tow rig too, don't those old trucks that clean much anymore...

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thanks! We plan on keeping that Toyota for a while. :)

[@DogGuy19]

Enjoyed this very much, thanks!

[@aznryd3r]

I love your videos man. Keep up the great work!

[@erick1670]

I like that black box to put the gear on... I’ll take it 😉👍

[@stevericci3308]

this was a fantastic video. so informating and honest experience.

[@dzl8596]

Awesome video. Very informative. I would love to do a track day.

[@Ryan-eu3kp]

I am going to Phillip island (Australia) next month. Can't wait

[@fjones1914]

I recommend a 1 or 2 piece like under armour or some other brand undersuit instead of a t-shirt. It helps with sweat wicking to keep you cool and also makes it easier to don and doff your suit.

[@TofuProductionCinema]

Severely underrated channel, great video. I remember my first track day experience and it was very much like yours. Keep up the great work, subscribed.

[@sohanbaskey5911]

very nice video i enjoyed it alot but when i joined my first racing school my instructer told me to use new tyers but not with fresh rubber . make sure it is scrubed by riding it about 50 to 75 miles. it will give u more grip when u r accelerating out of a corner. please use tyre warmer it will make u feel like u r at whole another level. by the way u remind me my first day on track thanking you.

[@speedingtickets8600]

Great video man! I have a track 2 minutes from me. Can not wait. I needed this season to get used to my R1. I never rode a supersport before. I just have to squeeze my fat, old ass into that suit. lol.

[@lucascoli5455]

Great job with this video mate!!

[@wavewaker2]

Well presented, I’m planning next year.

[@hollywoodboggie]

Thanks for sharing........... good detail

[@johnnyboyzZ]

Great video thanks for the info

[@kevintunaley5079]

I really want to do a track day but I see so many video's of people crashing at the track and i don't want to risk ruining my bike i have ridden since 2000 but only recently got a super sport bike and feel like i am starting from scratch. really loved your video so thank you for sharing your track day with us

[@The1mybuddy1]

Kevin Tunaley Don't have any worries about crashing. When you go to a trackday, they ask all the riders what their experience levels are both off and on the track. They will then place you in a group that is controlled for the riders skill level. The CR'S (Control riders) will progress slowly and are constantly looking behind them to see how you are doing. They will not do anything that is above the groups riding abilities. After a session or two, they will go over what they see in your riding and give everyone pointers and instruction. The focus will be on one or two things at a time. Like he says in the video if you start thinking about too many things at once you will wind up in a bad situation. More than likely the first 2 sessions are going to feel like you are going at a leisurely pace for the street getting you used to the track and using all of it. That is a great thing about a trackday is that you have the entire track at your disposal. The pace will pick up gradually and as it picks up you start to utilize the fundamentals the CR'S are telling you and it becomes easier. Before you know it, the day is over , you and your bike are both unscathed, and you just found yourself looking forward to the next time you can get to the track and realized that all your worries were for not. You will meet a lot of great people at the track and everyone is willing to lend a hand and or advice. Be prepared to start looking for more overtime at work and or side jobs to pay for your new addiction. Fun it is, cheap it is not. But, it is a lot safer and less expensive than getting into a accident on the street and paying for hospital bills and tickets.

[@kevintunaley5079]

Thank you so much for your response, I found a track that is close to where I work. They do one track day a month for motorcycles so I am going to look into it a bit more. the track is Arizona Motorsports Park, it seems very small but I am really just wanting to improve my riding skills so should be fine for that. thanks again =+}

[@MrMe1280]

Kevin Tunaley you substantially higher chances of a crash from a spirited street ride that you do at the track. there's really nothing to fear. its very a slow pace in the beginning and you only go as fast as you choose to go..

[@CDKB27]

I'd suggest some tyre warmers. Tyres won't cold tear and have grip straight away.

[@motorcyclemicah6309]

You did a great job putting this together. I have watched this many times to get acclimated as to what to expect, so THANK YOU for documenting your experience! My first track day will be at Hallett in Oklahoma next week. I'm very excited! Quick question - I have an 01 996, did you change the fan sensor to come on at a lower temperature? I was keeping an eye out on your temp gauge every time it became visible in the video.

[@theguycalledgerald]

Really pragmatic and informative

[@Ragnmark]

Your vidz are awesome! Need more more more! Both track and used bike tests. At 7:48 did the racing instructor have the new tirestickers still left on? (I know they will fall of but that is some extra debri on the track + slippery?)

[@Xion-Rotti]

Dude that's the closest raceway to me! That's awesome. Only 1 1/2 hrs for me though. Didn't know they did bike track days.

[@bobmason83]

Probably a slightly different sketch for here in the UK but for someone looking to go do the first track day a definate interesting good watch . nice bike too man 👍

[@bikerbobcat]

What a useful video, thank you!

[@sethglenn9022]

wow that track looks like the roads in the midwest too

[@shafiaahmad4061]

Great video. Did you have to purchase insurance for your track day? I have heard some people talk about it. Thanks.

[@owenthomas9793]

I have New Jersey Morotsports Park (NJMP) 25 mins from me and a bad ass GSXR in my garage. Im going bro

[@DarudeSandstormVEVO]

I laughed so hard with the baked prune... because it's so true :) I mean... I have been on sick bay not because I crashed but because of a dehydration problem ^^

[@dilsher12]

Awesome video , like the honest approach . How did the bike perform ? I am pretty sure you didn't get near the limits of the bike but being a Vtwin with nice linear power delivery that is evenly spread out probably inspires more confidence than say a late model liter class bike putting out gobs of power and more fun than a 600cc with no mid range at all

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

The bike did great, the weak link was between the handlebars and seat!

[@iancree4188]

@@PracticalEnthusiast do you have to have your endorsement to do a track day? Thanks

[@firstclasscarpetcleaning8729]

Well done👊🏽

[@ДмитрийШепетуха-т7ь]

4:25 Where did you get that big black box? I would like to have one like these, but cant find.

[@Luke86Flyer]

great video!!!

[@silvsiri3478]

This was a great vid

[@jessehall7654]

Good job perfect video .

[@anon1m00s]

Great content!

[@Justwanthavefun_100]

Great Video 👍🏻

[@lifeinchina7758]

great video, very honest.

[@freshconnekt]

Nice bike dude!!!

[@spiritbuu]

Good effort!

[@briandodson8188]

The Toyota pickup is rad!

[@minigmac1]

Great vid thx!

[@theturkishrider]

that road quality is paintul to see for a track...

[@gummybear41283]

thanks for the video, you shouldn't wear cotton, it doesn't wick moisture well, they have some underwear by dainese, rs taichi and alpinestars that helps you stay cooler and dry

[@justaguy4real]

I'm "waiting for" track day to be free. Can't afford that shit

[@signwithconner]

Very helpful thanks

[@2002MX5]

Do tracks still require safety wiring critical bolts? They used to years ago.

[@mholeshot6783]

The tracks I have ridden require safety wire in the Advance group, some in Intermediate but not in Novice.

[@dariodipaola8445]

The perfect analogy: Imagine buying a 250. If you ride like a little pansy you'll be fine but once you upgrade you'll be like "why the hell did I ever waste my time/money on that thing". Learn to ride hard and take risks at the track, that's why it's there. It's the perfect opportunity to take your bike further than you ever will on the streets. Don't go to the track, even for your first time, to play it safe. Go there to play hard. The track is no place for soccer mom riders... it's called a RACE track for a reason.

[@flexmarchetti]

Good info

[@mattcurtin3185]

Where did you get that trailer??!!!

[@garymanning8920]

Great job...how long did you street ride before tracking...8 years? What was a top speed or the comfort zone?... you said you got a rhythm which I have done in many different sports. I live 3 miles from my track and have been wanting to do this since I was a kid. I learned in dirt, motox Dual sport, street, never a Sportbike Just put a deposit on Super low mile Honda 600F4i. Looks a bit like your yellow bike hope to keep it that way.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thanks Gary. I'd been riding for about 8 years when I did my first track day. This track was fairly compact for a bike like my 996, but I did see about 110 MPH a few times. If you get a chance, take that CBR out to the track! There will be some nerves at first, but by the end of the day you will get comfortable with it.

[@drienkm]

I have found that I usually don't know or care what my top speed was for each session. It doesn't really correlate well to how hard you're pushing, because your limits are found in the corners, not on the straights. Focus on smoothness and consistency... it pays off with speed everywhere:)

[@datreja9573]

Am seriously thinking of getting a cheap bike for going to tracks. Just have one question... Obviously i know how much the bike would cost together with storage and the trailer to get the bike to the track. Question i have is how would the maintanance change compared to that of a road bike. How much money would the tires, brakes, pads etc. be more or less without any mayor breakdowns? I would be using the bike maybe one day or two days per month on a proper track. I really don´t have a clue, so any help or tips would be highly appreciated. Great video btw. Am also looking for a bike for tall riders since i am 6 feet and 5 inches.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Tires and brake pads last quite a long time, even with track use. That's what's nice about doing track days on motorcycles compared to cars. If you get a Japanese sportbike, maintenance is fairly minimal. Oil/filter changes is about the only thing you'll really need to consider changing each track day. Everything else is just inspect and replace as needed. So, actual maintenance each track day? Less than $100.

[@nortondlcl]

I was told no action cams on helmet

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

Have you practiced figure 8? That's help a lot,

[@DeffectiveMirrors]

That was scary to see you go off the track

[@krayzieegg7294]

its an honest video i like it

[@beholderlt]

how would little tires explode at the speed limit? Bikes have small tires.

Not all tires are designed to go at the same speed. Tires have a velocity index. Also I think what he meant is that the size of the rim is really small so the tire has to make more revolutions for the same speed which will increase the overall tire temperature which might lead to a burst. :)