Hi All, I’m going on my first ever track day tomorrow at Brands Hatch. I’m nervous but really looking forward to it. I’m slightly concerned I’ll look out of place on my Bandit 1200sa as its more of a touring bike than track day beast. It is a novice day and all bikes are welcome but I expect most people to be riding sports bikes designed for the job. Any advice on how to make the most of it would be appreciated.
I just got back from my first track at the weekend and im still smiling today :D:D:D
Dont be put off by the guys with all the gear because… Mate they have no feeecking idea :D:D:D:D:D
I was shittin myself when I saw all these super tracked bikes and guys with full pit set ups inclusive of awnings on caravans Stuff em its all about having fun and that exactly what you have
Just dont push harder than you feel comfortable if the novice is anything like it was at cadwell last weekend its not overly quick and theres some real learners out there so chances are there will definately be someone slower and more nervous than you
Find an instructor and follow him on your first outing, usually track day companies have a couple of guys that take out a few riders to show them the right line.Don’t get too spooked by people overtaking you very quickly and often very close, they have seen you and calculated their overtake to be done as fast as possible, as long as you don’t wobble around and move unexpected to either side of you it’ll be alright, pick a line and stick to it.
It’ll all be explained on the talk that you have to attend and listen to before you are allowed out.
You’ll love it, sticky tarmac with no speed limit, no cars, no side roads and no manhole covers.
Watch out in the morning if its cold and your tyres are cold too you won’t have as much grip as you think on the first lap, but thats the sighting lap anyway.
If you are doing the Indy circuit the only difficoult corner is Graham Hill left corner which you’ll see after the U-bend “Druids” because its slighly off-camber, enough to “WTF!” newbies Don’t be too scared of it and slow down too much, follow someone who looks like he knows what he is doing there and try to learn it, off camber bends are where people tend to “pucker up” and get scared/stiff making the bike corner badly aswell.
Just seen on the brands site that you book online and you either 1 or 2 peice leathers.
I only live up the road from there so Im gonna try & pop down and see if can get on a session - dont wanna commit up front incase I dont make it down as Im taking my car to bits tomorrow
i’m going by what happned at one of the LB trackdays, places were there and a couple of people joined in the halfway through the day, not 100% you can but will ask;)
Thanks for all the feedback. I’m planning to take it easy to begin with and then thrash the hell out of the bike as I build confidence. I only booked online today so there should still be places. You do need 1 or 2 piece leathers that zip all the way round. I’m on a black bandit 1200SA, see you other LB’ers there. Can’t wait!
Drink plenty of water, eat little & often, bananas, crisps…
If your feeling tired, dont be a hero just come in for a rest, relax and enjoy yourself…!
Welcome to the world of constantly looking at the calender to book another, not enough days holiday from work, constantly buying tyres, quicker bike, better suspension, brakes, warmers, spare wheels, stands, van, no money left… you get the picture