TIPS: Motorcycle Track Day on a Budget
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ค. 2024
- It doesn’t always have to be racing bikes, tyre warmers and gazebos. In this video, BikeSocial's Michael Mann takes a look at some more cost-effective options with the help of five BikeSocial members on the 2021 Bennetts Track Days at Donington Park and Cadwell Park.
Road bikes, hire bikes, cheap track bikes - there are options for everyone and there's no limit on how much you can enjoy them!
#motorcycle #trackday #cheap
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Let me explain how a track day on a budget really works:
Set yourself a budget
Start looking for bikes
Find a bike you like
Forget all about your budget
Remortgage your house
Get a divorce
Modify your bike
Buy slick tyres
Live happily ever after.
pretty solid plan actually!
My plan
Yep, sounds right
I'm single so maybe I'll just skip the divorce and get right into the track bike 😂 have a 1997 yzf600r project dying for some attention. Runs strong. Can't wait to fix the damn front forks..not sure about the extra $360 for new uppers but I'd hate for the pits to gouge new fork seals. Only Shallow pits and yes I've researched filling them and no I'm not super confident some macgyver repair is worth the trouble lol
No it is not true. You buy a bike. You ride. You crash. You rebuild your bike. You crash. You rebuild and all over again. I know regular guy at last track day who Said that he have 5 broken helmets on his shelve. It is soo pricy. Also even If you do not crash bikes brakes all the time as they are pushed to the limit. Even If You are very good You will crash too - look at pros. Everybody crash on track. Road bike on track is NO NO if you crash it will be much more pricy. Also tires, courses, bike maintnece it cost a lot.
If anyone has confidence issues riding a motorcycle on road, taking bends and positioning on the bike, a day on the track will 100% fix all of that. I feel like a new rider now
I flagged corners for track day credits when I was doing full track days several years ago. I rode my bike to the track and taped it up there and bought a rashed up suit for $50 on E Bay. Now (at 70 years old) I work for a track day company as Chaplain, blessing bikes and praying with riders and families and relieving corner workers for lunch and ride one session in the afternoon. I still ride the same bike to the track, a 2008 1200 Sportster with 277,000 miles and lots of upgrades and I ride mid-pack in the intermediate group.
277,000 miles on the bike? That's really impressive, did you have any engine issues in that time?
Wait your bless motorcycles?
@@laprepper the power of christ compels you.. the power of christ compels you.. the power of christ compels you
You’ve basically described my dream retirement
Did my first trackday in 2017 at age 62. Actually a four day event at Jerez. Used my elderly road bike (BMW K75 from 1988) which I rode to and from the track. Nervous to start with, but really enjoyed it. I now have a 1998 Honda VTR 1000 (named VicToR) for track days. Having an older bike of low value takes the pressure off. Last trackday I did (also at Jerez) I think I was the oldest rider with the oldest bike. Managed to overtake a few other riders. Had an amazing day.
Good for you Neale, and what a track to break your track day virginity on!
Very inspiring Neale! I'm 62 and just passed the MSF basic rider course here in the USA. I got myself a 2012 Suzuki TU250x to get better. I definitely want to try a track day to dip my toes, but not sure if I'm allowed to use the TU250x because its a regular street bike. Waiting to hear back from a local track to see if it's allowed. Can't wait to take that beginner track day class! Thank you for sharing. Stay safe.
When I was riding track days with a Z750S, I couldn't hold a candle to an estonian guy on his BMW R1200GS. He would pack all his stuff, take the boat ride to Finland, leave the aluboxes in the paddock and blast around the track for the day. There was also someone on an old modified SV650 who used almost everyone else in the slow group as slalom sticks :D I've also seen, for example, a lady on a stock Triumph Bonneville, a kid on a minisupermoto, and many many other things out there. So don't be scared of taking whatever you have out there!
Also: If you've only ever been a street rider, make no mistake, you'll be in the slow group. Doesn't matter if you have an RSV4 and the nicest gear and you're able to break any speed limit around your sleepy countryside road (like an irresponsible dick, mind you), on your first track days you'll still be in the slow group. So don't worry about it ;)
I used to do 4 or 5 track days a year with no limits, not for a while now though because life got in the way, my track bike was a 95 CBR600F and to be honest for the 1200 quid I paid for it, it was a very capable bike. I consider myself a decent rider, 56 now and been riding since I was 8 and every track day I did there were guys a lot quicker than me, some were on brand new fully prepped superbikes and some were on bikes similar to mine. I was also a lot quicker than some guys who were on very expensive 1000cc superbikes. Just my opinion but on most uk tracks unless you're a seriously talented rider a 600 is plenty quick enough to have as much fun as can have with your trousers on!
i spent $1000 on my first track day, that was leathers, gloves, boots and the cost of the day itself, i rode there on my road bike and had a blast, after that I bought a $500 1989 cbr250r and spent another $500 getting it sorted most of that being good tyres, I also bought a Ute to haul it to the track and a ramp total spend at that point was about $4000 including the ute. I then sold the ute for $4500 effectively making my trackdays cost $-500, I gave the cbr to a mate along with the cheap leathers, I bought a 2005 r6 that had been setup for club racing back in 2007 and sat in some guys garage for 13years I paid $2500 for that It needed nothing for the first track day but then the clutch exploded so a $300 clutch job. I also bought track only tyres and tyre warmers, I bought a trailer and some wheel chocks for the trailer, a nicer set of leathers and gloves etc.. probably got about $5000 in trackday gear, bike, leathers, trailer, warmers etc but obviously I didn't spend it all at once and I'm going out on a bike that while fairly old is very close to being as capable as the guys dropping 20-30k setting up a brand new 600.
Good on you, and I'll bet you're still enjoying as much as everyone else out there.
I raced in the 80's on a budget, used to ride an LC350 to the races, buy second hand tyres and leathers. Im thinking I might like to try it all again :)
Me and a pal share a a fireblade paid £4K and spent £1k to get track ready, I normally go out first in intermediate then he’s straight out after in lower group works great, half the cost on tyres, fuel, van hire brake pads etc , great fun get involved 🏁
Great way of doing it, what happens when he moves up to the inters?!
you need at least 3 wins in novice before you move up lol 😂
He won’t coz he’s to slow lol but he’s enjoying it that’s all that matters 👍
I rock up on my Fazer8 and mince most bikes under 1000cc. Then ride home. Cadwell was my first and still my favorite UK track.
My first track day was a great learning experience.
I brought my own stock Bonneville, rented leathers for $50, payed 180 for the track day itself, rented a trailer for 90 and I was good to go.
Enjoyable video, will certainly be booking a Bennetts’s track day next year
Great video guys with some interesting insight. Lara Moto gave some great advice and it was nice to see Bex who actually gave me advice and helped me before and during my Bennetts track day. I’m not just saying it but I would highly recommend a Bennetts track day to anyone who has never been on track before, especially as there are instructors available to help and advise you! 😁👍
Cheers Phil - hope you get a few more signed up for 2022.
Great content!! I love Track Days!
A track day is a track day - not race. Ride at at your level of competence and enjoy it
Awesome video. I was just shopping for leathers last night.
Sounds so nice :D......Great guys...
This is super cool wish I had a track like this nearby
Very helpful - I was just thinking about/ researching to go on my first track day.
You're welcome! In the meantime, you might want to watch this, our Track Day Tips for Beginners: th-cam.com/video/6UZzqxgKqo4/w-d-xo.html
Any questions, just yell.
Cheers, Michael
I love British Super Bikes and the TT, but I couldn't do a track day personally. I enjoy the calmer side of motorcycling. Sat on my RE Meteor 350 cruising down the b roads. Watching these videos really tempts me though
Old CBR600 steelie, cheap as chips loads of cheap spares and cheap upgrades available. Easy to work on after you throw it at the scenery 👍
Classic interviews & the value of information is totally appreciate 👌 Phillip Island is the track day that I'm planning for 😃 My initial plan is to absorb all the available information from the staff & other riders 👍 I'm only committed to returning my bike after riding sessions in its original condition 🤔
Phillip Island must be the dream track day for pretty much every rider. Or Mugello. Hope you get on alright and glad you liked the content. This might help too: th-cam.com/video/6UZzqxgKqo4/w-d-xo.html
Cheers, Michael
I was always under the impression that a track day would be way more than what I could afford and I'm pretty sure a lot of riders out there had the same opinion therefore this videos was truly awesome to watch and learn more about the different affordable possibilities for track days. Well done Michael & Team, thank you for sharing!! 👍👍
Great vid, been pondering this ever since I passed my test - you might have just tipped me over the edge!
Off to ebay for a set of leathers..... 🤔
Awesome.
I think my first track day will be a set of SM wheels on my 250KTM EXC 2-Stroke - won't be fast on the straight but corners will be fun with some ContiAttacks, maybe Q3's or something sticky - and it'll sound nice :-)
Nice video. I would add that I first took a track day course over one day before going on track day by myself. just to have the position, braking etc… right. The investment is worthwhile IMO to build your confidence. Used my SV650 for a couple of years and now have a STT which is also my street bike. Can’t justify a dedicated bike for the track, my idea is to have fun with what I have.
Going on your road bike is great for a taste once or twice but once the bug bites you really need a cheap track bike. Keep going on your pride and joy and the inevitable will happen, and it might not even be your fault when it does.
Good tip, Charles.
In Europe there seems to be tracks around every corner and they seem cheap to do. In Canada I know of two tracks and they are 2 to 4 hours away and cost an arm and a leg if they even do public track days. The other thing is everyone see.s to have a focus on dirt riding here.
Good video Michael, one word came through - addictive (very)!
That can't have been our September day at Donny because we were dry all day?
Will you do a video about the electric bike you were riding that day?
Cheers.
Cheers Andy. We did two Donny dates this year with the first one being a real grim one weather-wise. The video from that is due within the next 7 - 10 days, sorry about the delay.
@@bennettsbikesocial - No problem at all, will look forward to it.
An excellent positive feature, very helpful.
Now scanning for a low budget candidate…………
Ha! Wonder if BikeTrader or eBay has seen an increase in second-hand bike searches since this video went live! Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Cheers, Michael
Hi guys great insight to track days. I live about 30 miles from Brands and would love to get on track. However being on a A2 license that’s just not possible for another year. What’s your thoughts on A2 riders not being allowed on track?
I can tell you what my thoughts are: its bollocks. I would have taken my R125 to a trackday if it was allowed. I think its absolutely ridiculous that kids are allowed to RACE mini and motorbikes with no license and yet the ONLY track experience you can gain under an A license is on the Freetech 125cc endurance championship. And then they wonder why the quality of racers there are so low. Basically if you weren't lucky enough to be born into a rich family that was into racing, you're shit outta luck until you get your A license.
@@CheapskateMotorsports bollocks! Just get your ACU licence for£200 - you can then ride any track in the uk at 18. If not 18 just go to a Bemsee or similar meet- you can ride a restricted bike at 12 at any track
@@stevenkawask8915 they do now unfortunately mate - changed in 2022. You need acu or full licence
my mate bought a GSXR 750y k1 2001 , needs a lot of work before its track ready , i'm preparing it now , currently servicing the brakes, stva (secondary throttle vale actuator) problems, new fork seals etc , it's great fun preparing it, he said he's going to be riding it to the track and back , if he does, he wont take the bike round the track to its full potential for fear of dropping it, so i'm going to remove that fear along with the lights/indicators, ive taken pictures at every stage and building him a porfolio until its finished, it's first track day will be a Niall Mackenzie track day Knockhill 2022, absolutely cannot wait.
Sounds like a fascinating project Amano. Do drop us a email to enquiries@bikesocial.co.uk with the portfolio and an idea on costs to complete the project. Hopefully we'll see you and your mate on a Bennetts Track Day next year too.
@@bennettsbikesocial he bought the bike for £2k and has a £500 spend budget on it , i'm halfway into that budget but think there's more than enough there to cover other upcoming costs. £2.5k total spend and he will have a great track bike. and of course he gets mates rates (free labour)
It's going to be a real bun fight for places on the 2022 track days I reckon! Any news on when these might be announced?
I think you're right! No news yet and I doubt it'll be until after Xmas.
Great incite, really enjoyed that, as a lot of people something I’ve wanted to do!
Great point! You can get a very capable bike for 3-4k EUR and just enjoy track days. Maybe get some racing front brake pads and maybe some semi slick tires. DONE. I personally ride 2009 Triumph Daytona 675 and it's more capable than I am able to push it. I think too many beginner track riders spend too much on expensive unnecessary mods. You don't need full Ohlins suspension as a beginner rider. It's amazing how much cheaper motorcycle track days are compared to car racing.
Bet the 675 is perfect for every track but Silverstone! There are definite differences with tyres but there's a lot of obsessing with slicks and tyre warmers for those in the intermediate group who heat them to a particular temperature but don't ride hard enough to keep them there.
Does my bike need to be MOT’d if I bring it on a trailer or in a van?
do you ever do trak days up at knock hill since I'm scotland based
We haven't but that's not to say we won't. Let's see what 2022 brings...
Bought sv650 k5 for a £1000 and a trailer for £200. That's my track day set up
The problem with hiring one of those Yamaha's is the price. 3 or 4 track days like that will set you back the same amount as Lara payed for her R6. Personally I decided to risk it a few times with the bike I use for commuting. Now that I know track days are something I want to do much more often I'm looking at a dedicated track bike of around 5k.
Can anyone please tell me what is the bike that Beck (the lady at the end) was rocking? Would love to learn more.
Sv650 👍
The best way to do trackdays on a budget is to ride minis on kart tracks. You’ll learn the exact same riding principles as riding the standard sized bikes for a fraction of the costs. It’s a tried a true method for real track seat time with a tremendous amount of fun for the budget minded.
Check out my video on the top reasons why you should be riding minis: th-cam.com/video/ycf4nxeC8Vg/w-d-xo.html. Cheers!
Funny thing, I’m going to buy a cb 500 for my first bike, and I will try a track day on it
@lara the handroid is a terrible choice for road racing, they will fly off very easy because of the bad strap securety underneath
Thanks laramoto
So the ME website says trackday place not included in the cost. I'm confused
Must be the Yamaha track experience
I love how it's still "Valentino for the day" 10 years after his glory days
A question to each rider about how they transported the bike to track wouldve been useful...
Good point - the race bikes would have arrived on a fairly budget trailer or van, though I did see someone had converted a caravan into a bike trailer. It didn't belong to either of these guys' but it was still worthy of a stop and a look. Neil split a van hire cost with his dad and they brought two bikes whereas Gary rode to Cadwell on his Honda.
what about the kettle! ha ha
Ah man, I knew there was a vital element I missed. Oh, and BBQ too.
Would you recommend a track day for someone who’s just past there full bike test and doesn’t really have that much experience?
All depends if you can live with yourself when you take someone out on their posh bike knowing they have have to cover the costs themselves. Personally I'd get riding experience first 👊
Got to agree with Gareth, it's better to get some real world experience first and there's no harm in looking at on-road rider training to help. And once you're comfortable with the bike then look at a track day school or we even offer a cornering confidence class.
@@garethtrevor122 thanks for the advice mate
@@bennettsbikesocial much appreciated on the advice… I’ll take that into account thank you
There are companies who do “track training days”, some are road oriented, some a little more track oriented. I can recommend Hopp Rider Training, the people who helped me as a trackday novice.
A Honda cross tourer will "keep up with anything on the straights". I would have breathalysed him after that comment.
Cool video, but it wasn't terribly helpful. Sorry. The bike is the easy part. What about gear? I'm 6'4", 230 pounds (193cm/104kg). Finding a track suit that isn't outrageously priced has been nearly impossible.
I was looking forward to my track day at Oulton Park, cost me £150 and it was just full of wanna be Valentino Rossi's, nearly got taken out by a right nobber, the more advanced riders were even in the slow group just to get a ride in, selfish bastards, never ever again and I would definitely advise people against one, and yeah I can ride a bike fast enough, I just don't wanna be took out by a pillock... £150 next time I'm going to use it towards a foreign holiday..
It can make a big difference who's running the track day, but we're certainly looking to do some far more beginner-friendly days in 2022. Keep an eye out at www.bikesocial.co.uk/join. Cheers, John
@John Mac. if you can, please fire me an email at enquiries@bikesocial.co.uk as it'd be really helpful to get some more details to help shape what we want to do. Cheers, John
She put me off from the start,??
"LETS GO BRANDON"
Interesting and informative. But you don’t need such a long intro. 3 minutes wasted.
MANNさん、タトゥー似合わないよー。しない方がよかった。