Newbie needs advice

[Cowchip500]

A couple years ago I got a cheep street bike (CB400) to save gas. For Christmas my wife got me a 89 Katana 750 that was my buddies bike. He's a Harley mechanic and lost interest in this bike. He said he changed the carbs, removed the CA stuff and added exhaust (maybe some other stuff). It is more bike than I've ever sat on. I'd like to learn how to handle this thing and maybe take it around a track. I enrolled in the Evergreen advanced riding course (in Feb) and ordered the book "Total Control". Is there anything else I can do or am I in over my head? I'd like to take the course @ "SIR" but I'm not sure I want to spend that much $$$ if I don't want to race. Thanks for any/all advice, Rob

[Ex Presidente]

Rob,
I'd suggest that you come out and try NESBA or Adrenaline Freaks for a track exprience. Both orgs have a core instructor base that are always available to you. These instructors are primarily racers or used to race and know how to get around the track. And both have Beginner groups so you won't be thrown head first into this thing!
I imagine you'll be surprised at how much you'll like it! Plus it'll better your street riding skills!

Luke
WMRRA & WERA #58
WMRRA President

[JayS]

+1 on what El Presidente said....plus one more option: 2Fast

[Cowchip500]

Ok, I'm interested. Tell me more: when, where, do I need leathers or can I wear textile? What do I need to do to my bike? I need a chain & sprockets so I don't want to push it but I'm dying to see what she'll do!

[timk]

The when & where can be found on the Trackday Calendar on this website (http://www.wmrra.com/calendar.html). That page shows all the motorcycle track days at Pacific Raceways and Spokane Raceway Park. Or it will as soon as the trackday organizations finalize their schedules -- keep checking back.

The exact details regarding cost & bike prep & riding gear differ from one organization to the next. Links to all of their web pages are at the top of that calendar page. Follow those links to find all the details for each group.

In general they will allow textile riding gear, provided it gives good coverage and you have appropriate boots/gloves/helmet.

Besides that chain & sprocket you need to make sure you have new or almost new tires, and that your bike is in good overall condition (check for loose hardware and plastic bits -- things that rattle around at freeway speed fly off at 140mph. :eek: )

Good luck and have fun,
-tim

[JayS]

Welcome to the Trackday Party!! (in advance :D )

I would encourage you to visit the websites for the trackday organizations already mentioned:

www.2-fast.org
www.adrenalinefreaks.com
www.nesba.com

All the information you need to get started is there. BTW, textile suits are fine, but leathers are highly recommended. I'd also recommend you deal with your chain/sprocket issues before you take your Katana to the track. It's a safety thing. I spent an inordinate amount of time last year cleaning up oil spills caused by motors holed by broken chains. :(

See you at the track!

[bikerscum]

Yay track days! I learned more at my first track day than I had in 35k street miles. Track days aren't always about going as fast as you can - the speed is merely a bi-product of knowing what the hell you're doing.

I took the 2Fast school ($249, not much more than their regular track day), and was taught new things, and reminded of things I'd read/heard before. The best part was being able to immediately apply techniques on the track! Even better is having an instructor or marshal to follow, and then have them follow for a couple laps. Getting feedback from people who know what they're talking about makes for monumental progress when learning to be smoother, smarter, safer ... and faster!

While leathers will save your bacon, they are not required. (2Fast Gear Requirements (http://2-fast.org/rc-faq.html#Gear%20Requirements)). Remember too, that you aren't required to go extra super fast just because you're on the track. You don't even necessarily have to go faster than you would on the street. When skill and confidence build, so will speed.

If you live near Redmond and would like to get your chain/sprocket thing sorted before the start of the season, let me know. My garage is open and I've got some bitchin' air tools. We prolly won't need them, I just like saying bitchin' air tools. :D (I've got stands and what not also)

Glad to see you're interested in the track - it's a hell of a lot better than learning how not to do it on the street!

//bikerscum