3 things to focus on. Entry speed, entry point, and body position. All 3 things apply on the street. I think if everyone did an on track event (not race) on their street bike the statistics would improve greatly. Regarding body position, what I often see is great hip movement, but no shoulder movement. Work at keeping the shoulders outside the hips, your goal shouldn't be dragging a knee. Proper entry speed is vital, you want to keep as much traction in reserve for cornering, not braking. Entry point, get into the corner too soon and you will find yourself way out of shape for the next corner and at way too steep of an angle to pick up the throttle early, often dumping the throttle which causes the suspension to collapse, which reduces ground clearance and hard parts with no traction value start dragging. Ride relaxed, any tension you have will be fed to the bike, making everything work that much harder. Ride your ride, don't even think about what other riders are doing in regards to speed, look for a smooth rider and watch his/her line. You may be surprised at just how late they tip in at the latest possible apex point. See how much harder they can launch out of the corner.
Have fun and remember, no pics, it never happened
What happens is most/alot of riders new to the track is they get the feeling they are really shifting their weight, when all they are really doing is shifting their cheek and then countering that counter weight with their chest. Looks really odd, think mooning like action. We've found it more helpfull to get the shoulders over and down vs shift hips and shoulders, that comes as the rider becomes more relaxed and confident in the bike, technique, and of course self.
Body position is one thing that I have questions on.. So your saying that your shoulders should not be in line with your hips correct? They should extend (lean) out more while trying to keep your hips in a more vertical position correct?
Lean forward, bend elbow, put you chin over your wrist. That's a basic turn practice. Scoot a butt cheek a little to the inside as you progress. If you can really get forward, its kind of like holding the inside grip like you would a screwdriver pointing parrallel along your arm.
Also, decide if you are a trail-braker or not. Most pros trail-brake so there is not time lag switching from braking to acceleration - its just one smooth motion. About 70% percent braking is applied before dropping into the turn. Not trail-braking means you do all of your slowing (100%) before dropping into the turn.
As said above, GO YOUR OWN PACE. Trying to go real fast is just wasting your class time learning experience. Scraping hard parts does not mean you are going as fast as the bike can, it just means it is time for you to scoot of the seat a little more. If you scrap real hard, it WILL lift the rear wheel off the groud and give you something else to practice that you really don't want to. Also, try to forget about using the rear brake, you will probably find it easier to lock up at highspeed and braking situations when you do use it.
If you have traction control, you might want to consider turning it off at some point during the day. Here's what my new C-10 tire looked like at the end of the day.
Track days rule!
Its fun 2-up too... =)
Show off!!!
Since I know the motto - no pictures then it never happened -So, what will you change next time? If it's any consolation, what I see in the pics is the norm, something that can be corrected with more days on the track
http://hartracingphotography.zenfolio.com/p167249857/h43b8a6ee#h43b8a6ee
http://hartracingphotography.zenfolio.com/p167249857/h43b8e91c#h43b8e91c
http://hartracingphotography.zenfolio.com/p167249857/h43b9e272#h43b9e272
http://hartracingphotography.zenfolio.com/p167249857/h43b9beb8#h43b9beb8
http://hartracingphotography.zenfolio.com/p167249857/h43b8e1f2#h43b8e1f2
It was an absolute blast!! Started in novice group since was my first track day and after first session they bumped me up to Intermediate which had a few of the other Intermediate's scratching there heads and asking what I was doing in there class with this big bike... but I quickly quieted allot of them as I passed them on the track I still have a ton of learning on body positioning and running the right lines consistently etc.. but it was a blast and the Concours while about 250lbs heavier then most of the bikes on the track certainly held it's own.
So, what will you change next time? If it's any consolation, what I see in the pics is the norm, something that can be corrected with more days on the trackThanks for the vote of confidence.. I need to lead with my head so the rest of my body will follow and do so before I am in the corner. As well as run tighter lines... but I was not sure if my lines can be as tight as the 600cc sport bikes due to the extra weight I am carrying... or if it is a faster line for me to take a little more wide then they take.