Non Sportbike Track Days

[Stoneman]

What is available this year locally, preferably NHMS? And what's generally required for prep on a bagger if anyone knows for sure? Are 2-piece leathers (zip together) usually okay?

It's been SO long since I've done a track day, I'm completely out of touch. Never mind on a Street Glide.

[butcher bergs]

I'm completely out of touch.

Sometimes it's just too easy.

[MattR302]

https://www.training.ridinginthezone...ider-training/

Here you go. Two Days at Palmer, first is already sold out. Just bring it to a regular day.

[boosten lebaron]

I use two piece leathers so your good with that.

Non sport bike days sell out crazy quick so you might be better off aiming for a normal day and just ride in the slow group.

[Stoneman]

https://www.training.ridinginthezone...ider-training/

Here you go. Two Days at Palmer, first is already sold out. Just bring it to a regular day.

I use two piece leathers so your good with that.

Non sport bike days sell out crazy quick so you might be better off aiming for a normal day and just ride in the slow group.

Never even thought of that!

[OreoGaborio]

The only difference between our Non-Sportbike days and our regular days that will probably make a difference to you is the requirement of a back protector. There are other differences but I don't think they'll affect you much if you have head-to-toe regular riding gear.

And I agree that you'd probably be just fine at our normal days in the red group.

[Stoneman]

The only difference between our Non-Sportbike days and our regular days that will probably make a difference to you is the requirement of a back protector. There are other differences but I don't think they'll affect you much if you have head-to-toe regular riding gear.

And I agree that you'd probably be just fine at our normal days in the red group.

Back protector, as in the slide into the jacket type? If so, got it covered.

[TheIglu]

And while NHMS is close, it's also the worst track in New England by a big margin. We've got some downright good tracks locally now. It's not the early 2k's anymore where NHMS was the only game in town.

[nhbubba]

A bagger at a regular day? Is this because he has past track experience? Or am I completely misunderstanding the difference between a regular and non-sport bike day?

[Stoneman]

And while NHMS is close, it's also the worst track in New England by a big margin. We've got some downright good tracks locally now. It's not the early 2k's anymore where NHMS was the only game in town.

It's simply a matter of convenience for me, seeing as I live only 20 minutes from there. Plus familiarity, although it's been a lifetime.

A bagger at a regular day? Is this because he has past track experience? Or am I completely misunderstanding the difference between a regular and non-sport bike day?

In my past life, I've participated in "regular" days while touring bikes played. A Gold Wing & a touring BMW come to mind.

[OreoGaborio]

A bagger at a regular day? Is this because he has past track experience? Or am I completely misunderstanding the difference between a regular and non-sport bike day?

Any bike can attend our regular days... Ken & Tony developed the non-sportbike days to offer a less intimidating environment for a wider audience with an emphasis on more instruction.

It's simply a matter of convenience for me, seeing as I live only 20 minutes from there. Plus familiarity, although it's been a lifetime.

You.... WILL FUKKING LOVE.... Palmer.

Trust me. It's worth the ride/drive.

[Paul_E_D]

While you certainly "could" do a regular day in red group on a bagger, I think it would be a lot more fun with similar bikes at a NSB day. It would be worth the limited schedule and location choice IMO.

[Paul_E_D]

Although, we do have one guy who comes and shreds on a Vmax at our regular days. Can't wipe the smile off that guys face!

[nhbubba]

I'm quite confused. I have friends that won't go to anything but a non-sportbike day on their 1000cc sport tourers. These are riders I think would be at home with yellow or even blue group pace.

The wider audience/less intimidating environment thing I guess I get. I'll adjust what I tell people accordingly.

[Paul_E_D]

There are no rules saying which bikes can attend, but the riding focus is much different. At our regular days, we cater to regular trackday riders. The classroom focus is on learning to ride a TRACK, not street strategies, etc. NSB days are a place for street riders to practice in a closed course environment.

[MattR302]

The non-sportbike days were originally created for riders in the mindset of “there’s no way my bike belongs on a racetrack” to have a chance to experience track riding. As Tony said way back when, “it’s not a day for our TTD regulars to rip around their cruisers”

I attended the very first non-sportbike day. I had done a handful of regular days before that, but Tony gave me the OK, since I was joining my dad on his Vstar cruiser (it was a Father’s Day gift). I rode my DR350. Everyone there was brand new, and it really was awesome to see so many eyes opening to the fun of track riding. Guys who had been riding 30/40/50+ years, learning new things and coming back to the pits with huge grins. My dad was relatively new to riding, and he had a blast.

I know these non-sportbike days have gained huge popularity the past couple years. But in my opinion, I feel like a large percentage of these riders have “graduated” past the original intent of these days. Like Bubs said, many are now non-sportbike day regulars that would be fine in at least red or yellow pace.

There’s plenty of cruiser or bagger guys that are curious and would like to try, but the days are long filled up. In addition, there’s guys posting in the FB groups, “is my FZ07/VFR800/Versys/etc allowed at a non-sportbike day?” Ken’s response is usually “we’ll allow it.” IMO, if you have to ask if your bike is too sporty for a non-sportbike day, then just bring it to a regular day. TTD has always been great at being non-intimidating to brand new riders on any kind of bike. (Edit: and catering to street riders looking to sharpen their skills and have fun; as opposed to those treating track days as race practice.) Save the non-sportbike days for the cruiser/tourer guys that otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to try track riding.

Rant over. Again, just my opinion, from a guy who only does 1-2 days a year.

[Stoneman]

While it's been FOREVER since I've been on the track, it's not entirely new to me. I'm not against doing a regular track day, but I just think the overall vibe of a non-sportbike day would better suit me at this point and I KNOW it'd be the only way I can get a buddy or two to try their hand at it too.

[jim v]

Any bike can attend our regular days... Ken & Tony developed the non-sportbike days to offer a less intimidating environment for a wider audience with an emphasis on more instruction.


You.... WILL FUKKING LOVE.... Palmer.

Trust me. It's worth the ride/drive.

Having done NHMS and Palmer

Palmer. Every. Damn. Time.

[butcher bergs]

Just spoke with NHMS as I had a few Q's regarding trackdays there. Sounds like Penguin's Trackday Experience is about it.

Jay - If we can get our schedules to line up, I can absolutely tow your bike to wherever. I'd steal my FiL's Goldwang because non-sportbike.

[Stoneman]

Again, I asked about NHMS due to it's location and familiarity. Having done many laps at NHMS, I don't question the superiority of other tracks - not for a hot minute.

As for possible local acquaintances, I *KNOW* they wouldn't travel much further than NHMS. As well, I *KNOW* they would ONLY even consider a non-sportbike event.

Both of the above are really not deal breakers for me personally. If I decide to go solo (as in, not bringing a local friend), I'm not entirely against travelling for a decent track, nor am I entirely against a regular track day. My PREFERENCE would be for a non-sportbike day locally though.

Bergatroid - I'll look into some track days next week. My (open) trailer can easily tow mine, not sure about two. I can fit two full-size wheelers on it if I put one on sideways, but sideways won't work with dressers/baggers.

I appreciate all relevant input.

[OreoGaborio]

Aight, so... come do Palmer with us, then send all the video & pictures to your buddy telling them how they pussed out on a friggin epic day

[Stoneman]

Aight, so... come do Palmer with us, then send all the video & pictures to your buddy telling them how they pussed out on a friggin epic day

Like I said, I'm not entirely against that.

[nt650hawk]

got to look at my schedules but i usually instruct with the Street Hawk GT or more recently wallowing around the ST1300.