If you ride a motorcycle on the road it’s very unlikely that you’ve ridden your bike to its limit and reached its true performance. Take Yamaha’s MT-07 for example, which isn’t classed as a performance motorcycle, yet its 689cc engine produces 74bhp and can reach speeds of up to 130mph, which is impossible to reach legally on public roads. And when you consider traffic hazards and changing road conditions, it’s also unrealistic to expect to put the brakes and suspension through its paces on public roads either.
The only way to do this legally and in a much safer environment is to book yourself onto a motorcycle track day. There are several companies you can book one with, who hire UK or even European circuits, provide free instruction and divide participants into three categories based on track riding experience – Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. You’ll get to ride on track in groups of up to 40 others who are all of a similar capability.
Track days are starting to resume following the Covid-19 shutdown, meaning both experienced trackday veterans and newbies looking to kick start their 2020 riding season will be keen to get out on track. If you fall into that latter category, this article is for you…
As with most things, good preparation is vital. Before you book your first track day, you need to spend some time preparing to make sure you get the most out of the day.
Protection
To be allowed on track during a track day, you must have a one-piece leather suit (or a two-piece suit that zips up all the way around), leather gloves, proper motorcycle boots and a helmet that’s approved by Auto-Cycle Union (ACU). A gold sticker usually placed on the back of the crash helmet will show that it’s ACU-approved, which most modern full-face helmets are.
While taking part in a track day, you will be reaching speeds you wouldn’t reach on public roads. This of course means that you will experience increased engine and exhaust noise from your own bike, as well as the other bikes you’ll be sharing the track with. You will also experience much louder wind noise.
A study by ISVR Consulting at the University of Southampton found that at speeds above 40mph, wind noise can exceed the noise of the motorcycle itself and become damaging to your hearing. Riders are exposed to anything from around 85dB at 40mph to 106dB at 70mph. At 125mph, noise levels reached 115dB.
Because of regularly reaching damaging levels, it’s imperative that you wear ear plugs while riding on a track day to prevent hearing damage.
Preparation
If you have an aftermarket exhaust system on your bike, it’s a good idea to check how loud it is before you turn up for your track day. In the UK, motorcycle track days have a noise limit of around 102 decibels and if your bike exceeds that you won’t be able to ride. If you have a standard exhaust system, you should be fine. Many aftermarket exhausts have removable baffles in them, so if you’ve modified your bike with an aftermarket system ensure that you’ve fitted the baffles before taking to the track.
Have a good look around your bike too, are the chain and sprockets in good condition? Also check that your brake pads and discs have plenty of life left in them. It’s great going fast, but it’s important that you’re able to stop again! It’s also advisable to top the tank up with fuel before you get to the circuit and bring spare fuel in a jerry can too. Fuel is usually available at the circuit (but not always) and fuel prices are usually high at the on-site pumps.
If you’re riding your bike to and from the circuit, it won’t be possible to bring a spare jerry can of fuel unless you bring a friend or family member along for support. Track days can be daunting if you’re new to them, so it’s always a good idea to have someone else there to help you out. It is permitted under current coronavirus guidelines that you are allowed to bring one other person for support on the day, but it’s advisable to double check with the track day operator. Additional spectators are generally not allowed at present.
Track days are very physical and tiring, so one of the most important things to remember, and that a lot of people overlook, is food and water. Most circuits have cafes that will be open, but it’s a good idea to bring your own so you can eat and drink when you need to – especially as the social distancing guidelines currently in place may lead to delays and/or reduced service at the circuit. Finally, to ride on any track day, you will need to have a full motorcycle licence which you will need to show while signing on at the circuit. If you don’t have this, you won’t be allowed out on track. Again, there are some changes under the current regulations, so you may have to submit this to the organisers ahead of the day.
So, you’re all set for your track day. Remember to make the most of it and enjoy!
