pista Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 I'm not interested in turning fast lap times, but have a desire to feel confident leaning and going into turns. Is the Mid-Ohio school appropriate for this type of training? My bike is an FJR1300, I'm 51, and have only been riding a couple of seasons. I'd really like to be a better and safer rider. Thanks, Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubbersidedown Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 Sure, track day are a definite way to increase your skill and confidence on a motorcycle. However, Mid-O would not be my first recommendation for you to attend. There is a track discussion in this thread you may want to read. http://ohioriders.net/index.php?/topic/103574-i-just-bought-leathers/ Also consider the MSF basic rider course and advance rider course as well as a "Total Control" course. http://www.bdmtc.com/bdmtc_013.htm All of these will have you turning swerving leaning and braking. After looking at these, decide what is best for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustinsn3485 Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 My dad did it a couple years ago on his Connie 14. Took the bags off and sent riding at mid Ohio. He was probably 54 at the time. Sent while riding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubbersidedown Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 A better link. http://totalcontroltraining.net/ http://www.youtube.com/embed/amaIWvH3dG0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustinsn3485 Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 There's a total control class down here in Nashville in April. I think on the 4th. Sent while riding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkow97 Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 You could find a cheaper track than mid Ohio, but building confidence is one of the primary goals with the novice group, regardless of what bike you're on.I learned new respect for sport touring tires my first day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie14 Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 Pista thanks for asking the question. I have been thinking about doing the same thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 I don't see why not. I've seen Busas and cruisers on that track.Perfect. I didn't want to be going on a bike that wasn't considered appropriate for the track. And I do have new tires and should pass tech inspection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue03636 Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 Perfect. I didn't want to be going on a bike that wasn't considered appropriate for the trackThere is no such thing. I have seen goldwings and full dress harleys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 Sure, track day are a definite way to increase your skill and confidence on a motorcycle. However, Mid-O would not be my first recommendation for you to attend. There is a track discussion in this thread you may want to read.http://ohioriders.net/index.php?/topic/103574-i-just-bought-leathers/Also consider the MSF basic rider course and advance rider course as well as a "Total Control" course.http://www.bdmtc.com/bdmtc_013.htmAll of these will have you turning swerving leaning and braking. After looking at these, decide what is best for you. The "Total Control" course definately gets my attention. The downside is location. And cost ($300). The nearest classes to Cleveland are at least 300miles away in either Toronto ON, Lexington KY, or Indianapolis, IN. So the ride there, overnight motel, class, motel, ride home puts me well over $500. Perhaps I could just ride the 4+ hours, do the class, and ride the 4+ hours back home. But that seems unwise.Wish they had one closer. I have taken the MSF Advanced course. Time well spent, but I want to progress my skills beyond what is taught there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 I'm excited to hear that a track day may suit my needs! So Rubbersidedown, I looked at the tracks you mentioned in that thread above. I'm still leaning towards Mid-Ohio because of:1. the Tuesday class availability. (My thinking is a weekday should be less crowded and I really don't want to hold up guys running on sportbikes.) I don't want to be "That Guy!"2. fairly easy to ride down, take the class, ride home.3. elevation change seems like it works in my favor because I'm looking to improve my "everyday" type skills. That includes adapting to whatever county road, or State Rt. I may be on4. the wet track concern that some have stated appeals to me for the same reason. I ride in the rain and want to feel confident controlling my bike when the road is wet and traction is reduced.5. my mesh jacket and zip together pants are acceptable for riding there I guess my second choice would be MotoSeries at Nelson Ledges. 1. closer to me than Mid-Ohio2. cost slightly less, but I'd have to rent leathers3. finally, no weekday sessions and I'm guessing the track is pretty crowded on Saturdays STT at Grattan and Puttnam seem like great choices as well. But I'd like to focus on the tracks closer to me for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 Pista thanks for asking the question. I have been thinking about doing the same thing.From what everyone seems to be saying, there is a place for us "Sport Touring" guys to develop skills at one of these places. That is what I was hoping to hear. I'm signing up for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue03636 Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 Just a fyi, motoseries should be adding some monday events soon. Either place would be a good choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 Thanks for the tip, blue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jester_ Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 While perhaps a bit more sporty than an FJR I tracked my VFR and did pretty well at PIRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschaf Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 I did my first track day at Mid Ohio when I was 51. Don't worry about riding the FJ, it will do just fine. You will definitely increase your skill level. The coaching there is very good. Riding Mid Ohio in the rain is not a good idea unless your goal is to experience crashing in a controlled environment. The pavement there has great grip in the dry but terrible grip in the wet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drc32-0 Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Hey Steve...if you want the company of an other FJR rider drop me a pm when you decide on a track and time. I've been riding FJRs for over 100,000 miles and I feel pretty confident on them,but I know I can always learn more and a good track instructor could surely teach me a thing or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 While perhaps a bit more sporty than an FJR I tracked my VFR and did pretty well at PIRC.VFR's have always been one of my favorite bikes and they definately are more sporty than my FJR. I had an SV1000S last year but I never had the chance to try a track day with it. I appreciate the responses about taking my FJR on the track. My concern was showing up with a large sport touring bike in a sea of hot sportbikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 I did my first track day at Mid Ohio when I was 51. Don't worry about riding the FJ, it will do just fine. You will definitely increase your skill level. The coaching there is very good. Riding Mid Ohio in the rain is not a good idea unless your goal is to experience crashing in a controlled environment. The pavement there has great grip in the dry but terrible grip in the wet.Well I did want to attend a track day rain or shine. But my interest in wet weather riding at Mid-Ohio has definitely been tempered by all the negative comments. So my concern would be registering for a track day in advance since they don't refund even if it's raining. Might make sense to wait until the last minute, even if there is a price penalty to do so. It still less than new plastics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Hey Steve...if you want the company of an other FJR rider drop me a pm when you decide on a track and time.I've been riding FJRs for over 100,000 miles and I feel pretty confident on them,but I know I can always learn more and a good track instructor could surely teach me a thing or two.Absolutely. Right now I'm leaning towards May 19 or 20 at Mid-Ohio if the weather agrees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschoolsdime92 Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 are you ready for the addiction ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pista Posted February 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 I'll be happy to make it through day one with me and the bike in one piece! It sounds like a lot of fun though Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Copeland Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Trackdays are like crack ! Get ready to spend some money ! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RHill Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Trackdays are like crack !Get ready to spend some money !Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Track days are not addicting....I can stop any time I want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jester_ Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Track days are not addicting....I can stop any time I want.said no one ever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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