A few days ago, I did my first track day ever. For people unaware, a track day is basically driving on a race track, in my case with a motorcycle. It’s different from a race, it’s more about training / measuring against the chronometer. I did lots of research (it’s stressful) and wanted to write a bit of a retrospective.

What I did

I went with Activbike to Circuit de Bresse in June 2024. The rationale I used for making the decision are the following:

• I wanted a smaller track, with reasonable top speed and relatively slow curves: Bresse fitted these requirements with a top speed around 210km/h (for me, not for the good guys). I definitely didn’t want anything with crazy top speed like 300km/h or super high speed curves (Mugello, looking at you)
• I wanted an organization I would understand, so selecting something in my native language was easier. I also picked a 2 days event to have a chance to learn the basics on first day while getting actual proper training (with coaches) on second day
• I wanted to rent a bike (I deemed mine not suitable, more to come on this later) and Activbike offered option to rent Yamaha R6 or R1, including with electronic safety nets
• I don’t have any camping equipment and value my comfort, so I wanted to get a chance to sleep well. Better than an hotel, I had family living 10km from the circuit that could host me for dinner / night in royal conditions.

Gear

Since I was driving a motorcycle, protection is probably one of the most important aspect. I’ll go quickly through the gear requirement and what I’ve used.

• Helmet: you need basically an homologated full helmet. Racing requires Double D, but microclick is enough for track days. I have a Shoei Gt-Air 2 for my daily, I actually bought a dedicated helmet (HJC RPHA-1) with 2 visors (black and white). My ratiotnale was : the HJC is actually FIM homologated / ECE 22.06 and I work with my head, so protecting my brain seemed worth the money! Bought it in the color of previous year (didn’t care) for 410€ + taxes / shipping. I have a pretty standard head, so most helmet fit me well and I got to try HJC in a shop when we bought one for the family so I was pretty sure on size
• Boots: you need full size boots, theoretically any high touring boot is ok. I decided to get Alpinestars Supertech, which happen to have an internal protection and outer shell
• Gloves: you need gauntlet leather gloves, the gauntlet part must go over the suit. I got Five RFX1: super comfy to wear, I already had gloves from same brand so I knew my size . 166CHF + taxes
• Suit: You need either a 2 pieces suite or a 1 piece. 1 piece will be more comfortable (especially if you’re diametrically challenged above the hips like me). Protection class can be AA or AAA depending on the amount of protection. I got an Alpinestars Missile v2 ignition for 650CHF + taxes. I already had a set of road leather form same brand, so I picked the same side (it’s a snuggly fit as it should).
• Back protector. I have an Alpinestars KR-1, that I use on the road (on jacket without back protector) or for skiing. Was something like 100CHF I think.
• Undergarments: It’s recommended for comfort / ability to put and remove the suit / cooling to wear an undersuit (not required though). I got one super cheap, as a no name for 50F

Retrospective

What went right

Lots of research/planning led to lots of positive results:

• I had bought “best in class” equipment from top brands cheap over the previous year, mostly opportunistically ordering from fc-moto during big sales. I was very happy with having my personal gear vs renting stuff that fits less. I didn’t fall so I didn’t get to use it, but it was more comfortable nonetheless. Lots of early search allowed to pick high-end new equipment for the price of normal gear.
• Track / location ended up the perfect location for my needs. Easy access to family, not to far for driving back home.
• Weather was perfect, albeit a bit hot on day 2. In a year where rain and cold have been constants, this was a mix of chance but also good timing. I would not go in April unless it’s very south.
• I was very happy with Activbike as an organizer : clear messaging, available, helpful
• renting bike is full service : you have someone taking care of the mechanics (break, tires, fuel), available for your question and this leaves some time to rest between sessions.
• Coaching was done from world class pilots, with really strong pedagogic approach: I highly recommend to get someone to actually teach you / correct your mistakes.
• Going over monday/tuesday allowed to have easier roads to get there, more focussed time without impacting family too much, would definitely redo.
• renting a space in box was a good idea to have shade, place to store stuff overnight

What went wrong

• Years of driving on the road have built strong habits and behaviours, that are completely counter-productive on the track. You have to unlearn to be able to learn, the more experimented you are, the harder it feels.
• Despite trying hard, I didn’t get to drag the knee after 2 days: this was my objective and I failed.
• My physical condition is not perfect and riding on track is exhausting : I ended up with super sore muscles (woke me up in the middle of the night). I think doing basic physical preparation would help getting more of it
• Coming by motorbike prevented to have stuff like a seat or (even more) snack and drinks

What could have been done differently

• Getting gear second hand is probably a cheaper option, especially for leather. You need to be careful since technology evolves over time, so 10yrs old leather will probably not have the same level of active protection as recently developped oned (thinking knee / elbow protectors).
• I thought you needed a double D and my daily helmet is a microclick. Buying the second helmet was probably something I could have avoided.
• I went to the track by motorbike, and not the one I rode on the track. This is not a good idea, it’s exhausting and you need to carry lots of gear (or accept to wear the same gear on the track and road). I definitely recommend to go by car, and if you bring your bike, bring it on a trailer.

Renting vs using your bike

I own 2 motorcycles currently:

• BMW R1200RS: this is a 250+ kg motorcycle, with a flat twin, roughly 120HP
• Yamaha MT-07, limited to 35kW (A2, roughly 50HP)

I decided to rent a motorcycle, which retrospectively was not the best idea.

My line of thoughts was the following. The BMW is a huge bike (think SUV). Perfect for long distance, twisties, but heavy, with touring tires and standard brakes. I was scared about the cost of repairs in terms of crash. The Yamaha is mostly driven by my s.o. and has not so great suspension (especially compared to my BMW) and would have been a pain to drive there without trailer.

I wanted to rent an R6, ended up renting an R1 configured in rain mode to limit the power. Despite the throttling and experience on the road, driving this bike was terrifying and I hardly dared put it in full gas in third gear. Getting used to the insane engine (esp. with its ability and need to rev much higer than my twins), the different position on the bike, learning the track : this was way too much to apprehend over 2 days.

Next steps.

I’m not 100% sure about next steps. I basically have 3 options for 2025 that I’m exploring:

• keep the same : do a single week end, renting an R6 with actibike to scratch the hitch and move on.
• do a bit more: I’m considering a 3 days course with RSE. Bresse and R1 was scary, I’m not sure I’m ready for 3 days on a big track with S1000RR though
• go all in: buy a trailer that fits my garage (cochet duo seems a perfect fit), get a road bike that I can use on track or a dedicated race bike. I’m not looking to 1000cc, more something like the hypothetical yamaha R9 or an older 600cc.

Definitely, it showed I needed more condition, so aprt of the plan is also to get in better shape, especially on core strength.