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z_clark
0
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2006
- Messages
- 394
- Reaction score
- 1
- Location
- DFW (Grapevine) TX
- First Name
- Jeff
- Last Name
- Clark
I did my first track day with Ride Smart last weekend. I had a BLAST!!! I recommend a track day to anyone.
I took my Ninja 250 to this event. I rode within my riding skill, and the bike still had more limits to be pushed. The only drawback to the 250 was my speed in the straights. In the corners I was able to hang with most of the others first timers. There were many non first timers in level one that were really making me look bad!
I rode most of the course in 3rd and 4th gear, bouncing off the rev limiter quite a bit. As the day progressed, I used 5th and maybe 6th in the straights. Actual speed at 12,000 RPM in third is 60, in fourth is 75, in fifth is 90. I probably never saw 100 MPH, not that it was a goal.
I prepped the bike the week before with an oil change and chain lube. I also pulled the fuses for the lights, and removed the mirrors.
I added some bling to my bike as well. From watching other track day events, lots had sponsors graphics all over their bike. I have no sponsors, but have some cool red roosters on there now, just to be goofy.
I took my bike to the track in my truck the night before. It was perfect weather for camping out. Ride Smart even supplied the burgers.
I woke up that morning well rested, and in the middle of lots of activity. I really can sleep through anything. Registration was quick, and I got suited up in the rental leathers.
Here are a few morning shots:
L to R is Paul (Luap), Mikeal (IDR), and Ed (ed29)
Paul on his ninja 650.
Me on my ninja 250.
Here are some shots by “Hart Photography”:
Here is Ed gaining on me.
Got my game face on.
Class room time was quick, and there was lots of new info to absorb. Instructors were very avaliable for questions.
My Metzler Lasertecs held the track very well. The majority of turns were left handers, so that side got more heat blisters than the right.
The front.
The back.
By the end of the day my lines and body position were getting better, but not great. I plan on doing another track day in the near future. I definitely have some room to improve on the track!
In summary, I had a good time and learned more about my bike.
I took my Ninja 250 to this event. I rode within my riding skill, and the bike still had more limits to be pushed. The only drawback to the 250 was my speed in the straights. In the corners I was able to hang with most of the others first timers. There were many non first timers in level one that were really making me look bad!
I rode most of the course in 3rd and 4th gear, bouncing off the rev limiter quite a bit. As the day progressed, I used 5th and maybe 6th in the straights. Actual speed at 12,000 RPM in third is 60, in fourth is 75, in fifth is 90. I probably never saw 100 MPH, not that it was a goal.
I prepped the bike the week before with an oil change and chain lube. I also pulled the fuses for the lights, and removed the mirrors.
I added some bling to my bike as well. From watching other track day events, lots had sponsors graphics all over their bike. I have no sponsors, but have some cool red roosters on there now, just to be goofy.
I took my bike to the track in my truck the night before. It was perfect weather for camping out. Ride Smart even supplied the burgers.
I woke up that morning well rested, and in the middle of lots of activity. I really can sleep through anything. Registration was quick, and I got suited up in the rental leathers.
Here are a few morning shots:
L to R is Paul (Luap), Mikeal (IDR), and Ed (ed29)
Paul on his ninja 650.
Me on my ninja 250.
Here are some shots by “Hart Photography”:
Here is Ed gaining on me.
Got my game face on.
Class room time was quick, and there was lots of new info to absorb. Instructors were very avaliable for questions.
My Metzler Lasertecs held the track very well. The majority of turns were left handers, so that side got more heat blisters than the right.
The front.
The back.
By the end of the day my lines and body position were getting better, but not great. I plan on doing another track day in the near future. I definitely have some room to improve on the track!
In summary, I had a good time and learned more about my bike.
Last edited:
Of course, it was also 105F that day which did not help much... 
