NYSBC Track Education (STTS)

Sportbike Track Techniques School

The NYSBC will be offering specialized track instructions for individuals who have no track experience and for those who have experience but want to improve the skills they already have. The “Basics” class is all about fundamentals and is a must for riders who are unfamiliar with the track environment. The more advanced instruction the club offers is a way for an individual, with track experience, to have an instructor work with them one on one.

Good solid track riding is all about “control”. With out good control you might as well go ride a bicycle. A motorcycle, as you well know, can be a very dangerous machine. However, if you understand this machine and have a solid grasp on how to handle it you will have a very enjoyable time using your motorcycle. Good “control” produces three extremely important aspects of proper riding. The three aspects are, smoothness, safety, and a greater sense of confidence. With out these three aspects you will find your motorcycle track riding experience to “painful” and/or “expensive” hence you will crash more often.

The Sport Bike Basic Class is not for motorcycle beginners. What I mean is that you must have a solid understanding of how a motorcycle functions and have ample amounts of seat time before you come to the track and take this class. We assume that you know how to ride a motorcycle and are here to learn how to “track” ride your motorcycle. Mastering your motorcycle on the racetrack will bring you one step closer to being considered an expert level rider. We recommend that new students have at least 3000-5000 miles of street riding before they ever even attempt to come to the racetrack.

This class is not about speed. However, faster lap times are a natural result of better technique and understanding. And, there is no better place to learn proper technique than at the racetrack. Please do not be discouraged if you are currently one of the slower students in the class. Everyone starts at the same place and everyone gets better. The oldest saying in the book applies here as it does everywhere in life and that is “practice makes perfect”. The more you test your skills on the racetrack the more solid rider you will become and ultimately you will achieve faster lap times.

Mental and physical preparation is key if you wish to be successful in your attempt to more greatly master your motorcycle. What I mean by that is that you must clear your mind of any outside distractions before attempting to push your current limits. Having a relaxed and positive attitude is paramount and crucial if you are to stay focused on what we will be teaching you throughout the day. Furthermore, a good physical balance will facilitate much better riding and contribute to your mental balance.

It is very important to come to the track day well rested and thoroughly hydrated. Never attempt to operate your motorcycle on a racetrack if you spent the night before partying with your riding buddies. Also, never and mean never operate your motorcycle under the influence of any form of narcotics or alcohol. Your motorcycle will ask for a great deal of input while you are trying things you have never done before and you need the be able to concentrate intensely if you are going to benefit for this new knowledge.

It is also important to remember that motorcycle track riding is also a form exercise. Just think about how you feel after a full day of street riding. Track riding is twice as strenuous and will give a good workout by the end of the day. With that said, it is important to not be grossly out of physical shape. Of course, this is only a suggestion but it is an important one.

If you are interested in training techniques, which you can do when not riding your motorcycle, bicycle riding is fantastic. I have found that mountain bike riding is the best form of off track training. Cycling gives an intense cardio workout and uses most of the same muscles as those used on the racetrack.