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Originally Posted by ChR1s  I know of more people that have crashed at the track than on the street, but that doesn't have shit to do with shit. Just like how many miles you put in doesn't define anything.
For my money, the ERC is the best street survival toolset enhancer.
As far as turning technique goes, you can a lot out of riding the track but it helps tol have to have some fundamental skills. I've seen riders out there that seem to be learning all about their bike for the first time, as if they've not put any brisk miles in at all. But hey, that's what the Red Group is for.
IMO, everyone should put in at least one track day before they put it down as unuseable. One of the most fun days I've had riding was my first track day. And the way Tony runs his show now, you can't not get a good day of riding in. |
I've gotta agree with Chris on this one. The key to riding safe on the track and the street is not to get too focused. You have to keep practicing a broad range of skills in a mixed environment to be prepared for everything.
I've spent a good deal of time on the road and the track working on turning skills. I know I'm not the fastest on the street or the track but I'm much more comfortable in corners than I ever was before. I credit that to reading, watching, riding the street and riding the track. Is it a good thing? Sure, but unfortunately when I came ripping around a corner into stopped traffic I realized very quickly that I should have also been working on emergency braking skills. That lapse in training cost me a low side. Luck was with me that day so I got up to ride another day. I was offered the chance to continue practicing increased corner speeds but also to work on slowing down fast.
After my bike was repaired I was back out there. This time in parking lots and uncrowded roads stopping hard. A week later I'm in turn 3 at Loudon and a rider has a get off in front of me. This time I'm able to keep my bike under control while leaned over and braking.
There are plenty of other skills to make safer riders but this is one example of how a narrow minded approach could end your life. I wouldn't discard any kind of experience whether it's a street, track, parking lot or whatever else. The more skills in your toolbox, the better your chances of keeping the sticky side down.