Why street riders need a track day.

This week on MCrider we get off the street and out on a track. We look at why riding on a track can help improve your skills and why street riders need a track day.
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[@AntonioBarba_TheKaneB]

in my Area (Italy - Milan) there are many street riding courses in collaboration with the local Police. They teach you many basic and advanced techniques on the parking lot but also on the track. It's a great way to learn and also shows that the police cares for our safety on the road. I think I'll take my first course next spring or summer, so I will be much more safe for some summer trips among the twisties up in the Alps :)

[@andrewpeters7785]

I did a track day to learn cornering and emergency braking only 2 weeks after getting my learner's permit, on a new Suzuki DR650 I had only owned for a week. Most of the other riders were experienced riders with faster bikes. Getting to know the bike and test it out on a track was very valuable experience. I have my license test in a few weeks, but getting a license doesn't mean I stop practicing. I will be booking another track day soon I hope.

[@norsefalconer]

Always great content on this channel! Thanks.

[@thedevmachine]

As always great educational video Kevin.

[@motorradmike]

Kevin, your points are absolutely true!

[@Witty76]

Looks like a great time. Thanks for sharing. Knowledge is power!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very good! Thank you.

[@The333]

Awesome video. Thanks as usual!

[@garya3056]

Looked like a good session, Kevin. Good info shared about head and eyes, too. 🏍👍🏍

[@av8rbri473]

the look-ahead (the eyes) is probably one of the most important ones IMO that you touched on..... whether it be on the track or the street; it really does work if you practice those fundamentals.....

[@donflores5227]

Kevin Thanks for the track time video. On full screen it was an eye opener

[@richardm7026]

I have been watching for about 4 months now, one of many great video's. Riding about 20 yrs & the past 9 on a 09 Ducati Monster 1100s. I've been on 4 twisty mountain road trips & been thinking of a track day this winter (live in Florida). Thanks for the video, come on cooler weather!

[@djohnson3678]

awesome video !!

[@Imotopilot]

Excellent episode!

[@Cyanidebabe]

Yep, regular track days for better road control are a must and fun.

[@dimitarbukarev8333]

Hi, Kevin! Regards from Bulgaria! Absolutely agree with you. Only practice in parking lot is not enough. The track days are beautiful days! And i ride the same XSR 900 (grey) on track. But after change the fabric tyres. Bye and thanx for teaching!

[@jimtaucher791]

Fun and educational. Awesome

[@dennisheath4734]

Totally agree Kevin. Track days are a great way to improve your skills and gain more confidence in the capabilities of your bike. I'm a subscriber to your KZbin channel and a Patreon and enjoy your videos. When I lived in the UK I did many track days and attended bike racing schools. It improved my riding skills immensely to the point where I was knee sliding round track corners on my Kawasaki ZX7. However, having also attended a police safe riding course, I never attempted that knee down, high speed cornering technique on the road and always put safety first, using many of the skills and mindsets you teach. The key point you make in this video is that time on the track allows you to explore your limits and that of the bike in ways you cannot do on the street, which increases confidence and in turn skill level. I definitely support that view. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next video and more learning.

[@MCrider]

Thanks Dennis, I appreciate the comment and your support of the channel. 👍👍🏍️

[@bees6273]

This channel is so positive.

[@blueshere4u]

Good video. As a rider I appreciate you taking the time and helping riders like myself develop and improve our skills. I’ve learned a lot from you and your videos you post every week. If you ever get a chance, I would love to see a video where you discuss tires, comparing Radials to Bios-Ply and your thoughts on going to the Darkside (car tire). Are there Pros and Cons to doing this? Thanks Kevin. Keep the videos coming.

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

Inspirational Video Kevin. Been out thrice in last 2 years on the track since started serious riding. Always took away something of value after each track day. You are right.....the bike has so much more potential and more than I do. Only realise that during the track day. A word of caution though to other subscribers and riders out there.......steet conditions are far from ideal. There is always oncoming traffic to contend with and race track lines differ from street lines. Keep those great videos coming.

[@emfl4437]

I just did my first track day, and absolutely agree it is good practice.

[@DoodleOnAMotorcycle]

Can’t wait to get my first track day in!!

[@MCrider]

You will love it! It is a lot of fun.

[@beaugunn2632]

Excellent video Kevin. You have to take it to the limits ... carefully. Know the envelope in which you are performing, otherwise, you're going to fall out!

[@TJRohyans]

No track close by to attend. Barber is about 4 hours away at least. But I do believe there's value in it if given the opportunity. I took the MSF Riders Course when I first learned to ride a motorcycle... Never over 2nd gear and barely at that. The first time I was out in real traffic on a motorcycle I could tell I was tense. It took a few hundred miles of riding before I really got comfortable and put into practice what was only talked about in MSF because we never got fast enough to use the techniques practically.

[@als5864]

Kevin - Another great angle and advice on safety. Looks like you are enjoying that XSR900. Keep up the great videos - maybe you can ride the Road King down to Galveston for the Lone Star Rally and cover a topic there?

[@scottgorman7166]

Friday morning, Oatmeal and McRider what a way to start my day. Way cool video. I need to find out if there are tracks around my area. My street Glide is ITCHIN to do that ride. Thanks again!

[@houch7640]

Hi Kevin, good video as always. I have been riding for over 40 years and I still continue to learn from your videos. Have you ever covered how to best handle buffeting from 18 wheelers thundering past you? Also nearly ended up on my butt a few days ago because the had scrapped the top surface of the road on Hwy 59 just outside Lufkin. No warning or signs and it was wet so visibility was down. It was the change in colour that alerted me but by that time I was still doing around 55/60mph. got a right good tankslapper with the ridges on the road, scared me half to death!

[@stinkerdoodle1737]

Hot dam Kevins getin it.......your a natural! I've done several track days and have to say its the most comfortable I have ever been on my bike I raced a season club racing and can say I was never nervous the race track is therapy when you go it's pure Nirvana you will have the biggest smile on your face you've ever had for a whole day afterwards highly recommend to everyone.

[@ahmadabdulla2427]

I wish there was a button that let me like all of your videos. Definitely becoming a patron soon. You rule, keep it up!

[@MCrider]

Thanks Ahmad, I appreciate it. 👍🏻👍🏻🏍

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Morning Kevin, hope you have a great Friday and weekend !

[@MCrider]

Thanks David, I will and you as well.

[@pilotdane1]

Kevin, Very impressed with all that you do. Not sure if I saw correctly, but it looked like you never had to shift. Looked like you were in 3rd the whole time, from relatively slow speeds, to quite fast... Very nice indeed. Love your channel Amigo, I keep a very close watch on everything that comes through - With the "Bell" thingy :-) Cheers Mate

[@drayke6936]

I'm hoping to finally meeting you Kevin. I'm moving to the Desoto area in mid November

[@jblohm821]

Would love a chance to get out and do this on my GL 1500 Goldwing. Although it may cause negative learning because up here in Wisconsin the roads aren't just slippery in the winter time because of snow and ice but all summer long you have to still carefully negotiate every curve and every turn because they're still sand all over the road from last winter. Ugh, I wish they would take street sweepers to all the roads Every Spring.

[@danprice390]

And it supports your local track so more riders can have the chance to try it out. Our track provides both, street bike days and track days and the coaches ride with you, they talk before you get on the track "cold tires, cold track", lines, brakes, flags, position, feedback and encouragement. I'm ready to go back again to Sandia Speedway.

[@Miata822]

Wow, am I embarrassed. I saw you out there, heard you talking to subscribers, and didn't recognize you. That was about my 4th track day with Tony and the wonderful crew from Eurosport cycle, the Fort Worth Triumph and Ducati dealer. This was the session where it suddenly came all together for me. You didn't mention what I think is the key feature of Eurosport track days. That is the classroom lessons between 20 minute track sessions. Tony and the instructors break down much of the techniques needed to control a bike at speed but also the mental attitude or processes that will keep you from harm on the track and on the road. Being able to immediately put those lessons into practice on the bike is an invaluable way to learn. I thoroughly agree that days like this are a hughe advantage for street riders who will never be racers. Here is where you can learn the skills and habits that will keep you alive when you suddenly think you have entered a turn too fast or a sudden obstruction blocks your way. Tracks have no oncoming traffic, curbs, or random dogs to look out for. If you do overshoot a turn there are acres of smooth-ish grass ahead to bleed away your speed safely. It simply isn't safe to practice maximum turning ability or full emergency braking on the street. If you don't learn and practice those skills they won't magically appear when you life depends on using them. Post that whole session if you have time. I was on track (my trailer was empty as you rode out). That last session I was flying :) Didn't mount my GoPro though because I was told no helmet mounts were allowed.

[@jonnyg3672]

I wish we had more tracks doing this where I live.

[@kevo6987]

Might have to trade up my v star 950 to that xsr.. Sucker looks awesome!! I got the street glide for touring.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Hey Kevin an observation about that track you were on, it looks as bad as some of the surfaces on streets you'd find out in the normal driving areas. As for tracking day I totally agree with your assessment that it can improve Street skills. I was fortunate 15 years ago to be able to join a group of fellows who were going out to do it track day but it was actual track racing training. Even still what I was able to take away from that was easily translatable to my street riding and improve my ability and confidence. Well way up here in the North (Southern Ontario Canada) compared to where you are, my riding season has come to an end already. My next power sports equipment activity will be behind a snowblower for 4-5 months before I can't even think about the motorcycle again. I only get 5 months out of 12 on my bikes which is so sad because my life is so short. I was definitely born in the wrong part of the world as a motorcycle enthusiast.

[@Miata822]

Looks worse than it is. I like that track because they make good use of the terrain they have. Few straights and lots of turns give lots of braking and turning practice while limiting absolute velocity to the low triple digits at most, at least in the slower school group.

[@pelon8387]

Great video as always. I live in South Florida. How can I find out if they have a track day down here?

[@jeffjohnston3746]

Another great video. I have been having a discussion with some of my riding buddies about braking into and out of corners. I was taught to use my front brake going in/coming out of a curve.... Do you have any suggestions or videos that cover this topic? Thank you for your time and God bless you....

[@MCrider]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np2VmYWDpbx4sJo

[@kennydehenzel2739]

Hey Kevin! That looked like a blast. I will have to look into locating a track in Maryland. I like the paint scheme on the tank, Is that a new bike you are riding? Didn't look like the Yamaha Tenere.

[@MCrider]

The Tenere is gone... replaced with a Yamaha XSR900.

[@markgman4157]

Thanks Kevin, I'm in Frisco, TX. That looked really interesting and fun. Is this something that can be done on a cruiser (2018 HD Sport Glide)? I've been riding only a year. What sort of experience level does one nave be at to do this? I'd worry about being in the way of better and faster riders. Maybe they will have another one in March or so.

[@terryschieble6248]

I'm the chief driving instructor, ret. for our local Porsche club. We teach paying attention to traffic by using your mirrors. I see yours are taped over. What is the reason for this? As every week, another great video.

[@philspaces7213]

great video, as per the usual. how much $ was the days ride?

[@wescobts]

I would love a track day

[@robbo4858]

Those cracks in the pavement scare the hell out of me watching the video.. maybe they are smoother than they appear? also curious if you were doing any trail braking on the track ? good training video.

[@junkiejonesandthepicogang6598]

This channel is my friday morning ritual lol

[@toddnks]

@mcrider We don't have a track that I have ever found anywhere near here, and the majority of the bikes are Harleys who I have noticed, the majority of riders don't "practice" much, but around here ride a huge amount. What do you think of riding dual sports on dirt tracks? Would that be of help? We would have whoops and curves, it wouldn't be the exact same, but it is something that we can do. I learned off road and on gravel roads, but the streets are someplace I only venture to get to the back roads once again, even though it may be a few hundred miles on rural hiways until I get there.

[@dabike]

Thanks, Kevin. Looks like fun. Just curious. Why do you have to cover your mirrors and lights?

[@MCrider]

It is in case there is an incident there are not shards of glass covering the track.

[@michaelmiranda8821]

Is that the track in Cresson, TX? If so when do they have their next track day for street motorcycles and how much does it cost?

[@1stcarver]

Kevin, I live about two hundred miles form you, so a track day in the DFW area is doable. Can you tell us about how much it costs to get to ride on the track?

[@roberthickman4092]

Interesting perspective, why are your mirrors covered on the track day?

[@gsrae1199]

Thanks for a great video. I noticed that once you were on the track you never shifted gears, at least from the view we had , and were not on the brakes too often. My dealer is having a track day later this month. I never even thought of going, now I will. Which track were you riding on? Was that in Cresson?

[@MCrider]

Yes, that was Cresson. What dealer is having the track day?

[@gsrae1199]

MCrider Eurosport and it looks like they had last weekend. Was that the event you were at? I’ll go to the next one. Were there any adventure type bikes on the track like a Triumph Tiger?

[@gsfinatic]

Two questions: What's the organization that puts on the track day? What type of suit do you wear?

[@ladytao6370]

Hi Kevin, thank you for the video. I have a question, why it seems that you are not using the clutch while riding on the track? Do you just keep at certain gear and slow down and accelerate, while doing some trail breaking on the corners and then speed up?

[@ladytao6370]

@Charles Mills, thank you for the answer. I was asking, because I was riding some twisties around the Smokies and I noticed I could basically ride in 3rd gear at 30 mph without shifting gears. On the most curvy parts I have to use the friction zone on 2nd gear doing maybe 15 mph, otherwise my '15 F700GS seem to chug and in 1st the throttle seem twitchy, but maybe it's just me and the technique.

[@owloped405]

Are you doing trail breaking on the front or just using front and back before entering? Speeds seem a little scary for trail-breaking though I know that's exactly what racers do. The reason I ask is because I picked a book up by David Hough and he talks a lot about using the front break when entering a turn while accelerating. Goes into all the physics as to why as you develop, it's safer because you actually have better control. This is a light touch technique and will send you down as you know if you do it wrong so it's scary to practice and difficult because you have to use the accelerator and break on the front wheel at the same time. Also it's a book and for this kind of learning showing is better. So I practiced it going straight, light touch on the break while accelerating a tiny bit in the parking lot but I didn't understand it enough conceptually to really practice on a turn. I wasn't sure if I should be using the rear too. (In your trail breaking video I was also unsure if you were using both breaks.) Or, is tracking for less skilled riders better just for head and eyes and understanding your bike's limits on the lean?

[@mseifried5]

How do I find a local track Kevin? I m at zips 53181 and 34105.

[@rosskelly6441]

Kevin I wish you would have shown the Road King on the track. Sport bikes can do great, but it would have been more informative to see the Harley get pushed on cornering.

[@MCrider]

I took my Tenere last time. I would like to do one on the Road King too, the XSR is just much more fun to ride in these circumstances.

[@rosskelly6441]

MCrider Thanks Kevin, I always look forward to your videos. Up in Ohio the cold is keeping us of the bikes but we still steal a warm afternoon when we can.

[@MCrider]

Thanks, I appreciate it. If I get the Road King out there you want to join me on your Ultra? We can have the battle of the Hogs out there. :)

[@rosskelly6441]

Absolutely nothing on my channel Did you see Kevin’s video about riding on wet pavement? I was surprised at his stats on how well the bikes will do. Drag that monster out and let’er rip!

[@nonaubiz8939]

Ross Kelly; pushing a Harley around the corner, yep, did that way too often when it kept breaking down. That is why I sold my Harley 40 years ago and never bought another one. It's been Honda and Kawasaki ever since and they have never failed me.

[@johnwalker7592]

I get the whole trust your motorcycle deal that's easy when your on a new motorcycle. Lots of us cannot afford NEW motorcycles. Even getting a bike from the early 2000s, the suspension isn't the greatest.. Often times the rear end will "skip" or bounce due to the rear suspension being weak. This during a corner causes a wobble that feels like you're gonna high side and causes lots of people to panic break.

[@Miata822]

Make sure your gear is in good condition, tires, rear shock. OEM shocks do go bad on many old bikes and replacements aren't that much. As for riding older bikes, look up a KZbinr named Schaaf and watch him ride the wheels off a 1994 CB500 in the mountains of southern Germany, and even ripping down Stelvio pass. Worn suspension bushings, bad brakes, old fork oil and hard 10 year old tires will make any bike unsafe at speed. Use the best replacement components you can afford, especially tires. Have a pro check it out but you can do much of the work yourself if you are patient and do the research.

[@stinkerdoodle1737]

I have a 1988 Suzuki Katana with modified suspension but I ride the wheels off that thing if you want to know about suspension setup check out Dave Moss tuning on KZbin he has a wealth of information for free

[@dickflinghammer7643]

Never bail on a turn. My stepdad drilled that into my head. That and the gun is always loaded and work your safety till it becomes automatic.

[@jonpayne5387]

Maybe a daft question but why did you cover your mirrors? Cool video too 😊

[@MCrider]

It is in case there is an incident there are not shards of glass covering the track.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Great work as usual, thank you. As an aside, that’s a pretty bad looking track surface. I’m surprised.

[@hrbestalkinme3690]

Kinda like an actual road.. lol

[@entropede]

Nice track except for those scary tar snakes. Did you notice them or were they flushed out?

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Hey Kevin any particular reason why your mirrors were taped off while riding on the course?

[@MCrider]

It is in case there is an incident there are not shards of glass covering the track.

[@gordonbobby1]

Why are the mirrors and lights covered up?

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

How do you find track days

[@CVarden]

Wait, when did you get an XSR?

[@ralphwarom2514]

XD get your inner Rossi out on track so on the streets you can ride miss Daisy XD

[@jered2177]

plan on doing patron, to get field guide.what did you mean through patreon or through you tube?

[@MCrider]

You can do either way. If you go through KZbin you will get an email address when you sign up. Just send me an email and I will approve the access to the forums and Field Guide.

[@jered2177]

MCrider I'll get wife to try to patreon tonight

[@geneshaw1234]

Any idea on when the next one of these will be held? Also is it recommended to trailer the bike out or can you ride to it?

[@MCrider]

He does 2 a year, not sure of the date for the next one. I ride to it.

[@geneshaw1234]

Good the hear that you can ride to it. About an hour ride for me from Richardson will try and make the next one.

[@observingrogue7652]

...How much did this track day cost, to participate?

[@ddawson591]

Why did you have your mirrors taped? 11:33

[@cbjgdicad1]

What make are the gloves?

[@MCrider]

Lee Parks Design, I just ordered a winter pair as well. Good gloves! leeparksdesign.com/gloves/

[@cbjgdicad1]

@@MCrider thanks,MCrider

[@yaronilan2317]

why were your mirrors covered?

[@agplay2290]

That is why I ride like I'm in a race every time I ride.

[@jeffvanderhoeven3408]

Interesting, he stays in third gear the entire time. Guess that's the way to do it. On my most recent ride this caused to me shift less, knowing that I'd have to go back down a gear for a corner ahead.

[@luckyluc03]

You never touch the clutch. Is all that engine braking (I know you'll use rear brake too) much on the engine? I've never done a track day. And my city is small, so the the speed limit is pretty much 35mph everywhere.

[@Miata822]

First lesson at this track day: Never use the back brake at speed. Actually he just said "never."

[@luckyluc03]

@@Miata822 good to know. Thanks

[@Miata822]

Looked on your channel. Saw an older bike, single disk, single piston caliper. I've got a '70s Honda CB and the front brake is effectively just an ornament. both brakes must be used to stop anything like rapidly. Using the rear you must be absolutely upright and moderate the rear to prevent skids and high-siding. Heavy cruisers w/o antilock brakes are similarly challenged and should be ridden modestly.

[@luckyluc03]

@@Miata822 oh yeah, I've had nothing but bikes older than me. Just to work on, get running and rode worthy, and moved on. 1974 Yamaha 650, 1983 and 84 Kawasaki kz550. Loved the Kawasaki. Thinking of getting a new Triumph now that I don't have so much free time. ABS will be totally new to me!

[@EnsignSuder]

Why were your mirrors taped up?

[@MCrider]

It is in case there is an incident there are not shards of glass covering the track.

[@NinjaGranny001]

I did a track day back in 1980 on a Honda CB750F. They took the mirrors off completely so that you would focus on your riding and also in case you dropped the bike. No lights either. I did it at Brands Hatch (I live in Kent in the UK and that is still my nearest racetrack) and have to say, I think ALL motorcycle riders should do a track day at least once. VERY valuable experience!

[@billbauman7813]

I can’t say I agree with that. I’ve done car track days but none on a bike. Never taped the mirrors on the car. Granted - the car won’t fall over. I don’t know the passing protocol for bikes on the track - but that would prove to be a big problem in car driving schools.

[@h4xi0rek]

@@MCrider couldnt't you just unscrew them from the handlebars? You wouldn't at least have risked damaging them 😊

[@NinjaGranny001]

The track day I did was governed by a pace car up front. You could overtake each other only on the straights but nobody was allowed within 50 metres of the pace car and of course you were not permitted to overtake the pace car. After three laps of the GP circuit, only the fastest riders were up with the pace car anyway.

[@cosmyfication]

I see you trailbraking :)

[@603Rydes]

Why were your mirrors covered?

[@MCrider]

It is in case there is an incident there are not shards of glass covering the track.