Get back on track to get the most from your bike
With summer on the way, Shane 'Shakey' Byrne is urging riders to sharpen their machine control skills by indulging in a track day or race school.
The former double British Superbike champion is an avid road-rider and he knows that the only place to explore the limits of the performance of both bike and rider is out on track.
He says: "Modern bikes are so fast and powerful, you should only go for it out on track and scary as it may be for a first-timer, it's a lot safer and you'll learn so much more about your bike and improve your machine control."
Track days and race schools have never been so popular, with hundreds being held every year in the UK alone. As well as taking your own bike out on track, there are also race schools that allow you to hire a school machine, while also offering a structured environment and experienced instructors.
If you do take your own bike to a track event, you will need to make sure both your bike and your riding kit is in A1 condition. Examine your tyres for wear, check pressures and be mindful of the fact that often pressures should be lower for the track, so check the manufacturer's guidelines. Check brake pads for wear and also consider taking things like mirrors off the bike.
"You really want to be looking forward, not behind," says Shakey, "and seeing something in your mirrors will take your concentration away from what's happening up ahead." Your bike kit should also be in good condition.
Organisers insist upon either two or one-piece leathers and good quality helmet, gloves and boots. Some race schools offer the use of their own kit.
Most track days have morning and afternoon sessions and three groups which alternate out on track: Novice, Intermediate and Experienced. Shane says:
"Be honest with yourself as to your ability and you'll enjoy it more. So don't plump for the Experienced group if it's your first time, ease yourself into it gently and don't be pressured into going faster than you're comfortable with. So that means go slow and build up to going fast. Get a feel for your bike and track conditions during the day: a crash in the first morning session is no good for your confidence or for your bike and if the damage is bad, that's the end to your day which is a waste of money!"
Shakey also confirms that you need to be prepared physically and mentally before you head out on track. "If you've never done it before, you'll be surprised how much riding on track takes it out of you, both physically and mentally. So, get a good night's sleep, don't drink alcohol the night before and take lots of water with you. Also, warm up with some stretching before you head out."
Tony Way, Managing Director of Express Insurance, official Insurance sponsor to Shakey Byrne, added: "Honing your riding skills on track is a great way to increase awareness on the road. However you will not be covered on your standard road insurance policy, so it's best to find cover via a specialist track insurer for both you and your bike. Don't be tempted to wheel the damaged bike out onto the road and make a claim. The insurers would establish that the damage resulted from uninsured track use, and would not pay your claim."
And be warned: the track bug can bite hard! "When you really get into it, you will love riding on track and you'll learn so much about what your bike can really do," says Shakey. "Best of all you may find that you get so addicted you'll want to go racing which will improve your skills still further."
To find out more about Express Insurance or to get a competitive quote visit expressinsurance.co.uk
For a full list of motorcycle track days in the UK, go to: trackdays.co.uk
