They\u2019re simply a day where you’re able to take your motorcycle out in a closed and controlled environment (a race track) and improve your riding skills. Without having to worry about other vehicles, poor road surfaces, or \u201cthe rules of the road,\u201d you\u2019ll be able to ride freely and concentrate on honing up your technique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to time on the track, you can also get advice on how to improve your skills from well-trained control riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the skills you\u2019ll learn or be able to master throughout the day at an official school:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Cornering precision<\/li>
- Cornering line selection<\/li>
- Body positioning<\/li>
- Braking techniques<\/li>
- Gear shifting timing and techniques<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"rider](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Jay-Giraud-Damon-CEO-Riding-Damon-HyperSport.jpg\")
Damon CEO, Jay Giraud, gets low testing the Damon HyperSport on the track.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n How to Find the Right Track Day for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tracks are typically held by private organizations. They rent out a racetrack for the day – or the weekend – and then rent that time to track day attendees. On the flip side, certain tracks will run their own events. These can usually be found directly on their website. How to find the right one for you? Your first step is to find a track day organization near you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re not too fussy, your best bet is to fire up Google and search for \u201cmotorcycle track days in my area.\u201d However, if there\u2019s a specific track you\u2019ve always envisioned tearing it up on, take a look at their website and try to find out what organizations hold events there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Track days are not underground. Therefore, the majority of tracks will have multiple organizations that run track days. Although, as a beginner, it\u2019s a good idea to delve into the ones that have the best resources to fit your unique needs. For example, if you\u2019re looking to improve your riding technique, look for events that include training and coaching options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lot of organizations will offer discounts and training for new riders. Even if it\u2019s not displayed on the event details, don\u2019t be afraid to ask!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"aerial](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Vancouver-Island-Motorsport-Circuit.jpg\")
Image from Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n What Kind of Motorcycle Do I Need For a Track Day?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether you ride a cruiser, sports bike, touring bike, dual-sport, or a scooter, you can bring it to a track day. Sure, a Damon HyperSport<\/a> will perform way better than a moped on the track. However, don\u2019t let the type of motorbike you ride prevent you from hitting the track. When all is said and done, the main goal is to improve your skills – no matter what kind of rider you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That being said, most people do ride a sports bike on track days – and this is the type of bike we would recommend to get the most out of your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t have a sports bike, feel comfortable using your bike, or don\u2019t think it can handle itself on a track day, you should contact the organization about renting a motorbike for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While track riding is a safe environment, it\u2019s still best to adhere to safe motorcycle practices<\/a> for yourself and others around you. And, if your own motorbike could be hazardous, please use a different one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"black](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Damon-Hypersports-On-The-Track.jpg\")
Damon CEO, Jay, and CSO, Broc, face off on the track on two Damon HyperSports<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n What Do I Need For a Track Day Motorcycle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While you can use any kind of motorcycle on the track, you\u2019ll still need to prep it for the day. Thankfully, if you\u2019re a beginner, you\u2019ll only have to make a few small adjustments. Advanced groups have to do a greater level of motorcycle prepping<\/a> – as you improve your skills, you\u2019ll want to tune your bike to further increase performance and push the limits of what you can achieve on your motorcycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before getting into the preparations, it\u2019s worth checking the rules and regulations of your selected organization (like this page for Silverstone bike track days<\/a>). However, the requirements are nearly the same across the board:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Taping off any lenses on your motorcycle –<\/strong> Your headlights, taillights, and turn signals should all be taped up. Painters masking tape or gaffer tape is your best bet here. And, to avoid nasty and difficult to remove residue, be sure to avoid duct tape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Remove unnecessary accessories –<\/strong> This main culprit here is cell phone mounts. Why do you need to avoid them? Well, they could possibly come loose or fly off from the vibrations caused by high speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Remove your license plate – <\/strong>Believe it or not, your license plate is also at risk of the above. So be sure to remove it, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Replace coolant with water –<\/strong> Coolant is rather slick and slippery. Therefore, any leaks could be a danger to you or others. This varies from organization to organization so check with your track day host to see if you need to do this beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Tire pressure and tread life –<\/strong> Optimal tire pressure can be hard to gauge (pun intended). It will depend on your motorcycle and tire selection. If you\u2019re unsure, ask for recommendations from one of the assigned coaches. On top of that, your tires will need at least 50% of their tread life left. That being said, you\u2019ll enjoy the day so much more with new or newer tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jay](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Damon-Hyperfighter-And-Hypersport-On-Track.jpg\")
Damon HyperFighter Colossus, Damon Gold HyperSport HS, and Quantum Black HyperSport HS (L-R)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n What Do Techs Look For During the Tech Inspection?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once your two-wheeled friend is all prepared, you\u2019ll have to run it through a tech inspection. During the inspection, the technician will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Check for any leaking fluids<\/li>
- Look for any missing screws<\/li>
- Check chain tension<\/li>
- Ensure your brakes and suspension work properly or even better – get your suspension set up for you <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you check all of these and prep as much as possible in advance. It would suck if you splashed out on a track day only for your motorcycle to not pass the tech inspection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
How to Get Your Motorcycle There<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now it\u2019s all prepped, you\u2019re going to have to get your motorcycle there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t own a truck, this will require a trailer. Trailers themselves are a bit of an expensive outlay for a beginner. Thankfully, you can hire one quite easily. U-Haul\u2019s solo motorcycle trailers<\/a> start at around $15 a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re on a tight budget, you could drive your motorcycle to and from the track day. However, we only recommend this if you live very close by and can pack everything you need to prep your bike in a backpack. Track days are draining. Therefore, adding a long return journey at the end of your day only increases your chances of an accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRO TIP:<\/strong> Track day fatigue is real! If your budget and work situation allows, book accommodation near the racing track, get there early to set up so you mentally and physically prepare, and take off work. You\u2019ll thank us the day after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"seven](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Damon-Team-Motorcycle-Collection.jpg\")
A collection of Damon employee’s bikes from a recent company track day<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n What You Need to Bring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are essentially a few different categories of things you should bring with you on a track day:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. The correct riding gear –<\/strong> While the rules for gear might slightly vary, most tracks require a full leather suit (or at least one that zips together) with back protectors – you\u2019ll want to be as protected as possible so the only thing you need to concentrate on is the ride! In addition, you\u2019ll need proper boots and helmets should be less than 5 years old with specific certifications. To check what\u2019s required for your track, visit the organization\u2019s rules and regulations page<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Tools for adjustments –<\/strong> Don\u2019t overwhelm yourself on your first track day. It\u2019s best to bring a few tools for minor adjustments and tweaks, such as: an air pressure gauge, wrenches for adjusting chain tension, and anything that can tighten or loosen the different components on your bike. It may also be worth bringing some extra gas if you\u2019re looking to do A LOT of riding. You\u2019ll also want to include spare tape and tools to remove your license plate in case you forget to prep your bike!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Water and food – <\/strong>Tracks are normally situated far, far away from civilized society. Therefore, it can be hard to get water and food easily. Furthermore, being in your leathers in the middle of summer will make you extremely dehydrated. So, bring more than enough water and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a track day, you\u2019ll be out and about all day. As a result, you want to protect and shade yourself from the sun. If you have space, pack a tent, some sunscreen, and a couple of foldable chairs to lounge on in between rides. To be really prepared, create your own full track-day packing list<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wondering what to wear on a track day? Check out our guides to <\/strong>men\u2019s motorcycle gear <\/strong><\/a>and the <\/strong>best motorcycle gear for women<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"amber](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Amber-Spencer-Riding-On-Track-Day.jpg\")
Photo by Todd Blumel<\/a> of VP of Marketing, Amber Spencer<\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n How Much Is a Motorcycle Track Day?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get down to brass tacks, how much is a motorcycle track day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will differ depending on a number of factors, including where you\u2019re based, what\u2019s included, and other additional costs you have to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"aerial](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Damon-Motorcycles-Team-At-Track-Day.jpg\")