First Track Day on an Aprilia Tuono

[pashnit]

Webmaster Note: Jeff sent me these pics and message about his first track day on his Aprilia Tuono...


Had a blast, can't describe the exhileration of finally getting my knee down! The day was perfect, mid 70's, and we were riding Buttonwillow's "big" track. Huge turnoout, which actually was one of the downsides of the day. I rode C group, seeing as it was my first time out, and some of the most frustrating, hairy experiences came from trying to work my way through traffic. (Move over backmarkers!! hahaha) Sucks when the rider ahead is flying along, then with no warning (brake light taped over) just DYNAMITES his brakes to go tip toeing through a corner!

[pashnit]

Locked up both wheels a few times to avoid riding up the ass of the guy in front of me. Some bad juju going on that day overall as well... We set a record for crashed riders. Last count I heard, 14 riders had gone down.

[pashnit]

A group, B group, C group, everyone was crashing and running off the track. What the hell?! Even the famous Doc Wong went down in Turn 3... turns out he was stuffed by another rider and run off the track. Whatever, just concentrated on riding safe and fast, kept my own rubber side down and had a great time! -Jeff

[uhmeebuh]

I love the Truono but I don't fit in the tank cutouts Time for some leg reconstruction....

[ChuckBecker]

I sure would appreciate more information about the logistics of doing a track day. Does anyone have a good schedule that covers all available track days? I guess you trailered your bike down there ... or did you ride? I'm thinking a trailer would almost be a "must do" in case the worst does happen. Tech inspection? How rigorous was it and what items absolutely had to be done? I'm so ignorant that I don't even know what questions to ask in pursuit of "How do I do a track day?".

Thanks!

[Marc]

ChuckBecker, your best bet would be to take a track school your first time...just to learn the ropes and all...but plenty of people just jump right in and are fine. If you are just the least bit unsure of yourself...the track schools do alot to mitigate the fear. There are many out there such as CLASS, DPSafty School, Kegwins at the track, Star Racing School, California SuperBike, and many of the track day orgs. also do basic novice lessons.
For a list of the track day orgs here are some good collections but you should verify with the referenced school to make sure they are still offering that day.
http://www.trackdaycentral.com/phpBB2/events.php
http://www.magicookie.com/bikes/trackdays
http://www.biketweakers.com/trackcalendar.html
In regards to preparation for the day...I recommend reading the FAQ from the trackday org. you are planning to attend because they tend to vary in requirements. In general if you have a good running bike, fresh tires, no leaks, distilled water & water wetter in you radiator, and taped over glass/lights with disconnected lights...you will pass tech. Also, your right...hauling your bike to the event is a good idea.
Hope this helps

[ChuckBecker]

Marc,

Thanks for the info. I'm planning on getting started early next year!

Chuck