Building on the success of the 2025 program, the collaboration now delivers a fully integrated R-Experience platform, combining Yamaha machinery, performance parts and professional coaching into a unified national rider experience. Central to the program is MotoSchool’s all-new fleet of YZF-R9s, supported by Yamaha Genuine Accessories and race-proven components.

MotoSchool’s training environment will now fully integrate Yamalube oils and maintenance products, GYTR performance accessories, Akrapovic exhaust systems, and Dunlop tyres via Ficeda Accessories. Together, these elements create a premium accessible setup for riders looking to develop skills in a professional track environment.At the heart of the 2026 program is MotoSchool’s R-Experience, a structured, race-inspired immersion anchored by the new YZF-R9. Each bike is fitted with a GYTR Akrapovič titanium race exhaust system and prepared to professional standards. Riders can choose between Dunlop race slicks for advanced training or Dunlop treaded slick track day tyres for high-performance road-based track riding.

MotoSchool says the R-Experience is designed as a true brand engagement platform rather than a simple hire fleet, allowing participants to arrive, ride and immerse themselves in Yamaha’s next-generation supersport technology.An exclusive Yamaha Customer Day has also been confirmed for Sunday, March 29 at Sydney Motorsport Park’s Grand Prix Circuit. Open to all Yamaha road models and rider experience levels, the YamaFest event will offer customers their first public opportunity to hire a YZF-R9 and take part in the R-Experience.

“What we’ve built with MotoSchool goes far beyond a traditional partnership,” says Mathew Ferry, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Land Mobility at Yamaha Motor Australia.

“It’s a platform that brings riders closer to our brand, our technology, and our philosophy. Extending this partnership into 2026 and launching the YZF-R9 hire fleet and Yamaha Customer Day, allows us to offer something truly unique to our customers,” he adds. “What Yamaha Motor Australia has created through this partnership is something truly special,” says Haydan Parker, Managing Director and Founder of MotoSchool.”

“The Yamaha team has shown what’s possible when a manufacturer genuinely commits to riders through experience, education, and community. This partnership is a blueprint for how brands can invest in the future of motorcycling in a meaningful way.”

“Together, we’ve built a model that removes barriers and opens doors. An environment where world-class machinery and elite coaching are no longer reserved for the few. The 2026 program proves that when motorcycle distributors and rider development organisations work in true partnership, the result is not just better riders, but a stronger, more connected global motorcycle culture,” he continues.

“For the first time, riders can step straight into a race-inspired Yamaha environment, ride the new YZF-R9, train with elite coaches, and be part of a community that’s built around learning and passion. We aim to offer riders the chance to experience something completely new,” ends Parker.

More details on the R-Experience and YamaFest Customer Day will be announced shortly.

The post Yamaha and MotoSchool Take R-Experience to the Next Level appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

With further development of the M RR, BMW Motorrad has set a new milestone in the field of superbikes homologated for racing. The new M RR is powered by the familiar water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine designed for racing purposes, especially the Superbike World Championship.

As before, its peak output is 156kW@14,500rpm. The chassis of the new M RR also relies on the aluminium bridge frame as its centrepiece, supplemented by an upside-down fork and central suspension strut with Full Floater Pro kinematics.

The new M 1000 RR is offered in two versions: the M RR basic variant in the basic paint finish Lightwhite non-metallic and the M RR M Competition in the basic paint finish Blackstorm metallic.

The increased potential of the new M RR results above all from the colossal advancement in the critical area of aerodynamics. In particular, a newly designed fairing made of exposed visible carbon fibre with a higher windscreen increases the top speed significantly in conjunction with optimised airflow around the rider. For the first time, this fairing also comes with a particularly light yet rigid front fairing support made of carbon fibre.

The top speed of the new M RR has increased from 306 to 314km/h compared with the previous model. In the course of aerodynamic development, the M winglets were also completely revised. They now generate significantly more aerodynamic downforce, both in an upright riding position and when banking. The rider gains even more confidence with regard to the front wheel to achieve even greater lean angles or higher cornering speeds while also benefiting from a reduced wheelie tendency.

Another central point in optimising the entire aerodynamics was the area of the front wheel. Here, for the first time in the history of BMW Motorrad, brake cooling air ducts made of visible carbon fibre are used. They are integrated into the new front mudguard, which has been optimised for improved airflow around the fork legs and brake callipers.

New M Carbon wheels stand out on the new M RR thanks to their new clear lacquer coat. New tapes in M design on the wheel rims underline the high-grade technical character and the racing claim of the new M RR. As an alternative to the M Carbon wheels, the new M RR can now also be ordered with forged wheels ex works.

A newly designed rear section makes the current M RR look even lighter, sportier and more dynamic. The short number plate holder and the ergonomically designed M Endurance seat also represent new features. Thanks to a modified wiring harness with LWS connector, the now shorter number plate holder with light units can be dismantled even faster and more easily. 

Highlights of the new BMW M RR and M RR M Competition

• M RR 4-cylinder developed for racing purposes
• Output of 156kW (212hp) at 14,500rpm and maximum torque of 113Nm at 11,000 rpm
• 2-ring forged pistons
• Fully CNC machined intake ports and BMW ShiftCam technology to vary valve timing and lift
• Titanium valves, optimised camshafts and narrow and lightweight cam followers
• Longer and 85g lighter Pankl titanium connecting rods for reduced friction and weight compared with S 1000 RR
• Anti-hopping clutch without self-boosting (optimised for race starts)
• Enhanced intake system with shorter intake funnels compared with the S 1000 RR for optimised charge exchange at high engine speeds
• Lightweight exhaust system with titanium manifold, front silencer and rear silencer
• NEW: Drastically optimised aerodynamics with more downforce even at lean angles, while at the same time increasing top speed from 306 to 314km/h

• NEW: New fairing in visible carbon fibre with new fairing front carrier made of carbon fibre and new visible carbon fibre M winglets
• NEW: New visible carbon fibre front mudguard with integrated brake ducts
• NEW: M Aero Wheel Covers made from visible carbon fibre
• NEW: M Carbon wheels with new surface and M Design Tapes
• NEW: Forged wheels optionally available ex works
• NEW: Redesigned rear section
• NEW: Ergonomic M Endurance seat
• NEW: Short number plate holder
• NEW: Modified wiring harness with LWS connector for even easier removal of number plate holder with light units
• Riding modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Race” and “Race Pro1-3” as well as the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis sensor box
• Two adjustable throttle characteristics available for optimum response
• “Engine Brake” with triple adjustability of engine drag torque in “Race Pro” mode
• Shift Assistant Pro for fast upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch
• Launch Control for perfect race starts and Pit Lane Limiter for keeping to the given speed precisely in the pit lane
• Hill Start Control Pro for comfortably starting off on inclines
• M Brakes: Maximum braking performance on the racetrack
• Instrument cluster with large, perfectly readable 6.5-inch TFT display, start-up animation with M logo and OBD interface for M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger
• Lightweight M battery, rear USB charging socket, powerful LED light units, electronic cruise control and heated grips
• M Competition package with M GPS Laptrigger and activation code, M milled parts package, M Carbon package, natural anodised swinging arm 220g lighter than the basic variant or that of the S 1000 RR, DLC-coated M Endurance chain and pillion package including hump cover

The post 2024 BMW M 1000 RR Track Lap | MEGA 30 years SMSP day appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Ducati Australia Managing Director, Sergi Canovas, was excited to welcome Ducatisti from around the country back to the track.

Head here to enter…

“Racing and motorsport is embedded in the Ducati DNA, and whether our clients and fans are using their Ducatis at the track or purely on the road, the heart of a champion, proven with countless podiums, is beating within each one of our motorcycles. Partnering with DesmoSport Ducati to offer our 2023 Track Day program means that Ducatisti can experience the true performance of their own bikes, while learning from some of Australian motorcycling racing’s household names,” said Canovas

Formed in 2016 by the 2001/2006/2008 World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss and former Australian Superbike racer, Ben Henry, DesmoSport Ducati currently competes in the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) against Australia’s, and some of the world’s, best Superbike racers; with rider Broc Pearson in the saddle for the team.

Designed to offer guests a selection of riding options, spots on the Ducati Track Days can be purchased for either one day, or both days at a cost of $450 or $800 respectively. Guests can also purchase optional additional riding tips, or an optional suspension set-up, from the DesmoSport Ducati team, for $200 each.

Experience Details:

• Ducati Track Experience Powered By DesmoSport Ducati October 5th and 6th at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria

Costs:

• One day program (8:30am-4pm): $450 +GST
• Two-day program: $800 +GST

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Show Up In The Right Gear
This is a huge one, it might sound simple but it’ll save you some heartache of being turned away from the track. At the bare minimum, most tracks will require you to have one or two piece leathers, leather gloves, riding boots (most tracks will not allow riding shoes) and an Australian/European approved helmet. Some tracks will require a back protector, this is something you should chuck on anyway as it could save you from being paralyzed.

Now, that’s the bare minimum. To ensure your safety it’s best to have a GOOD CONDITION one piece set of leathers, an ill fitting and damaged set could cause you harm in the instance of a crash. Buy yourself a decent helmet, lid’s aren’t meant to be used after being dropped so if you dust of that helmet that’s fallen off your handlebars multiple times, you’re only putting yourself at risk.

Set Up Your Bike Property
We have a fair few articles on bike preparation but the rules for a track day are straight forward, no fluids leaking, no ear-drum rupturing exhausts and decent tread on your hoops. Not only will the scrutineer turn you away if they see your tyres have no tread, but you’ll have a terrible time battling the bike with crusty old tyres on.

Check out our tech articles here…

Oil and fluid leaks are self-explanatory. If your bike is leaking oil while road riding, imagine how much will flow out while revving it to the redline. Don’t ruin someone else’s day by spewing oil down the track, check those drain and filler plugs.

Find The Right Group For You
You’ve bought yourself the top-of-the-line 1000cc machine? Awesome! However fast you think you are on the road, you’ll probably be quite slow learning a track. Don’t choose the “Fast” or “Racer” group just because you have the fastest bike in a straight line. There is absolutely no harm in starting in the slow and intermediate groups while you get to grips. If you’re too fast, the organisers will move you up a skill group.

If you’re off the pace but are unleashing all the power on the straights in the fast group, you are a bit of a danger to the other riders on the course, especially those on smaller capacity machines. Entering the “Race” or “Fast” groups, most riders will be expecting you to be on the racing line, so if they go to overtake and you suddenly chop them up you could end up injuring someone. No one cares what colour your wristband is…

Relax And Stay Calm
Say someone hasn’t taken the last bit of advice and they’re slow as all hell in the fast group. Just drop back and give them space, it’s no use dicing with an unpredictable rider. If you have serious concerns then you can bring it up with the organisers.

I’ve had this happen to me on plenty of occasions, in fact, one of my biggest accidents was caused by not letting a YZF-R6 go while I was on a CBR250RR. The YZF-R6 rider took an unpredictable line and grabbed the brakes mid corner, I was on the pace and fully committed to the downhill at Wakefield Park when I speared off the track to avoid them, resulting in me and the bike cartwheeling through the air. This would’ve been avoided if I had just taken a slow down through the pits and raised my concerns with the organisers.

Tape Up Those Mirrors And Speedo
You do not need to be looking at your Speedo on a track day. 100% of your focus should be on the road, the world passes by very fast when you’re at full pelt on a motorcycle, taking that split second to look at your speedo could result in you missing your braking point or running up the back of someone. If you really want to know how fast you’re going, strap a GPS tracker or GoPro to your bike.

Check out our article on transporting your bike to the track here…

The mirrors have the same theory but it also comes back to that unpredictability too. If there is a faster rider behind you, they’ll find a way past, don’t distract yourself by constantly looking in the mirrors. It’s best to just fold them in or cover them.

Helmet Cameras
Most tracks will not allow you to have anything on your helmet. This goes for add-on intercoms too. Find a nice spot for you to put your camera, my preference is on the tail or the tank, and make sure it’s stuck down well and proper. Last thing you want is the camera to be lost the first time you accelerate!

“No one remembers the fastest person, they remember the one who crashed.”

Have Fun, It’s Not MotoGP
This is the most important point of the lot. Go out to have fun, not to break a lap record (which probably wont happen). All the track days I attend, I don’t even check the lap times, I’m there to have fun and I can improve on my times at the next race meeting.

I find that not bothering to time myself will allow me to leave the track glowing with happiness rather than disappointment. Some track day organisers don’t offer timing too, which I believe is a good thing, it stops people from pushing too hard and going beyond their abilities. Just go out and have fun, a MotoGP rider spotter isn’t going to be at your local track day. As the saying goes: no one ever remembers the fastest person, they remember the one that crashed.

That’s about all to have a nice time during your first track day. Don’t be afraid to ask fellow riders for some help, make some friends and enjoy your time! You’re not racing for sheep stations so don’t be a dick.

Additional Advice 

• Trailer your bikes – You are going to be knackered at the end of the day, last thing you’ll want to do is ride home in your leathers.
• Bring your own lunch and water – Every track I’ve been to charges a bonza for food and drinks. Pack a nice lunch and plenty of water.
• Bring spare fuel – The fuel at the track will be expensive. It doesn’t hurt to fill up some jerry cans.

The post Advice: The Do’s And Don’t’s Of A Track Day appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

The event was organised by the Motorcycling Australia Women’s Committee and with Motorcycling Australia (MA) responsible for running the event on the day, plus the additional support from the global motorcycling body the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and the regional body FIM Oceania, the day was a huge success.

Riders from other disciplines at Wakefield Park Raceway included Emma Milesevic, Jess Gardiner and Jemma Wilson who were joined by established ASBK road racers Laura Brown and Grace Poutch at the picturesque 2.2km Wakefield layout.

The 30-odd riders attending on the day were assisted and coached by Brown and Poutch who were ably assisted by Steve Martin and Peter Goddard as well as Stay Upright coaches John Perrin and Simon McAdie. Motorcycling Australia media identity and rider, commentator and adventurer Kate Peck was also in attendance and took part in the track activities while also offering her thoughts on women in motorsport and motorcycling media.

On the day, many aspects of modern road racing were covered including “How to get started in road racing”, working on your personal branding and sponsorship as well as media and social media training. While there was a serious side to the day, the primary purpose was to offer a fun and relaxed environment that- based on the photos and videos from the day – was certainly achieved.

For Peter Doyle, CEO of Motorcycling Australia (MA) as well as FIM Oceania representative, the success of the day was a testament to the hard work of those involved: “I want to give thanks to the AWIM and the Women’s Committee for their hard work and dedication to getting this event not only to happen, but for making it the success it clearly was. I’d also like to thank Wakefield Park, Stay Upright and Motorcycling New South Wales for their efforts as well.

“The continuing growth of women in the sport is something that we at Motorcycling Australia fully back. I hope we see more events like this in the future and see growth in female participation as a result. Again, I want to thank all involved and congratulate them on a fantastic first Women’s Circuit Racing Academy.”

Alana Baratto, MA Board member and AWIM Chair: “We were thrilled to have so many women embrace circuit racing and join us across the weekend at Wakefield Park which included ASBK and of course, the very first Women’s Circuit Racing Academy.

“We were joined by our dedicated coaches as well as our volunteers and partners who are all just as passionate as we are to see more women participating in circuit racing. The smiles and laughter at the end of the day illustrated that not only did they gain new knowledge and skills, but also developed new friendships. All of that added up to a really successful day.”

AWIM Wakefield Park Gallery

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After many Ride Days were cancelled due to the NSW COVID-19 lockdowns, the organisers say they are happy to announce that they’re back! You’ll have to get in quick though as the remains dates for 2021 are filling up quickly. See the dates below.

• Wednesday 26th January (Australia Day) – $345 – SOLD OUT
• Friday 4th February – $295 – AVAILABLE
• Sunday 20th February – $345 – AVAILABLE
• Thursday 10th March – $295 – AVAILABLE
• Friday 11th March – $295 – AVAILABLE
• Sunday 20th March – $345 – AVAILABLE
• Monday 21st March – $295 – AVAILABLE
• Monday 4th April – $295 – AVAILABLE
• Monday 18th April (Easter Monday) – $345 – AVAILABLE
• Monday 25th April (Anzac Day) – $345 – AVAILABLE
• Sunday 15th May – $345 – AVAILABLE
• Monday 16th May – $295 – AVAILABLE
• Tuesday 17th May – $295 – AVAILABLE
• Monday 13th June (Queens Birthday) – $345 – AVAILABLE
• Sunday 26th June – $345 – AVAILABLE
• Monday 27th June – $295 – AVAILABLE

During the lockdown, the organisers have been working flat out on some upgrades to make your experience at each and every SMSP Ride Day better! Part of this is going paperless for their Registration & Safety Briefings. When you book for your next SMSP Ride Day, you’ll now get an email confirmation which has a link to your Registration Form & Safety Briefing. These forms can now be completed online prior to the event, speeding up the process of getting you on track.

The post SMSP Ride Days: Early 2022 Dates Announced appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

DesmoSport Ducati Co-Owner Ben Henry said, “We’ve had the pleasure of taking many Ducatisti through our pit box at previous rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship, and I’m excited to partner with Ducati to up the ante and take them to track with us. It’s a great opportunity for not only experienced riders, but new riders to come, benefit from our experience to improve their riding, discover the capabilities of their bikes and share the Ducati Passion.” 

Ducati Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Sergi Canovas: “We are really excited to bring another Ducati experience to life in 2022. Our team was on the ground for the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park we thoroughly enjoyed being back amongst the Ducati family.”

“Working with the DesmoSport Ducati team we are able to bring our customers an exclusive experience to explore their Ducati motorcycle in an exciting and supportive environment with an experienced group of people to offer support. We can’t wait to get out on track and have some fun!”

The inaugural Ducati Track Day powered by DesmoSport will take place on March 4, 2022 at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Click here to register and find out more.

The post Inaugural Ducati Track Days powered by DesmoSport appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

After many Ride Days were cancelled due to the NSW COVID-19 lockdowns, the organisers say they are happy to announce that they’re back! You’ll have to get in quick though as the remains dates for 2021 are filling up quickly. See the dates below.

• Saturday 27th November 
• Sunday 28th November
• Monday 29th November – Booked out, waiting list only
• Saturday 4th December 
• Sunday 5th December
• Saturday 18th December
• Sunday 19th December

During the lockdown, the organisers have been working flat out on some upgrades to make your experience at each and every SMSP Ride Day better! Part of this is going paperless for their Registration & Safety Briefings. When you book for your next SMSP Ride Day, you’ll now get an email confirmation which has a link to your Registration Form & Safety Briefing. These forms can now be completed online prior to the event, speeding up the process of getting you on track. 

The post Ride Days Back At SMSP! Dates announced appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

It was the night before an Interclub round where myself, another female road racer Tracey Davies, Dean and Marlene von Schill from Vons Trackside Tyre Service had camped at the track. We were hanging out in the pits late at night, when the Manager of Broadford, Martin Doxey came by and decided to join us for a few drinks. We started talking about women in racing and the reasons why roadracing is such a male dominated sport. I then told him about the AFRA page and Marty came up with the idea of holding a women’s only track day and asked if we would be interested in running it. We thought it was a fantastic idea, so that’s how it all started.

The first Girls Only Track day, we only had four weeks to promote and organise it. It was the middle of winter and somehow we managed to score an absolutely perfect day, the sun was shining and we had blue skies all day. We only had about 18 or so entrants for the first one but considering the amount time we had and the lack of being able to ‘get the word out there’, I think it was a pretty good turn out.

The days basically run in either 2 or 3 separate speed level groups. As most of the time, the majority of the girls who come to our track days, they are first timers or novices who have never been on the track before, so we would usually run a session for first timers and then another session for intermediate/advanced riders. This is a very good stepping stone for the newbies as we run tuition throughout the day, both on track and off track.

Tracey Davies, Lisa Sciberras and myself help the girls out on track showing them lines etc and ASBK Supersport rider/coach Darren Sciberras runs the classroom theory in between sessions, which is pretty basic stuff but it really does help the girls when they go out there. The team at Vons Trackside Tyre Service do the scrutineering in the morning and also give the girls a basic run over on how they should set their bikes up for the track, tyre pressures etc. We also run another session for sidecars. Brian March who is the President of HMRAV Sidecar Club organises a few sidecars to come down for the day for any of the girls who want to have a go at ‘swinging’. This is a very good introduction to the sidecar world and it brings a whole lot of extra fun to the day at no extra cost. 

I think racing or just even doing a ride day at a track can be intimidating for not only women but men also. From my experience of doing my first track day, yes it was a bit intimidating. I was nervous for weeks leading up to it, but when I got out there, it wasn’t that bad at all. I absolutely loved it and it really wasn’t as scary as I had been thinking. So one track day turned into many more, I got quicker and that’s how I started racing.

The second Girls Only Track Day we had a fair few more girls show up, even though the day started off a bit slow as it was raining in the morning, after lunch the sun came out and it turned out to be a great day. We are getting more exposure and I have been receiving enquiries from all over Australia. There are even other racers from other states who are looking at starting Girls Only Days in their own state too which is fantastic.

I’m also on the Motorcycling Victoria Womens Committee who’s goal is to increase female participation in all areas of motorcycling. This will relate to all disciplines, even when it comes to getting more officials and volunteers involved, track facilities etc. I’m hoping that being on this committee will help strengthen the Girls Only Track Days to get the word out there and to facilitate in making it an even better event.

Words: Jessica Watkins  Photography: Brenden Murphy

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Sportsbikes are fast and there are a lot of riders out there who should be sticking to ride days for a speed fix… Ride days are fantastic – everyone is going in the same direction, there is run-off areas, emergency medical help and no speed limits.

Check out our other rider tips here…

Fines, injuries, jail, loss of licence… all these things happen at 200-plus on the street. Plus of course there is the fun factor. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve met a rider at a track day that is grinning ear-to-ear after his or her very first session lapping a track. The feeling is one that none of us forget and, like that first knee slide moment, it becomes an addiction. Once you go track, you’ll never go back…

Unfortunately, I also, from time to time, meet riders that really want to experience the racetrack but are either too shy to head out there with experienced riders, are not sure they have the ability or think expenses mean it is out of their reach but it doesn’t have to be that way.

THE DAY HAS COME
Like anything, for sure, the first time can be a little nerve wrecking and a bit of a hurdle but, once that chequered flag signals the end of your very first session, all of those butterflies go away. It’s just the buzz that will stay with you for the whole day. 

Getting in to ride days is easy. All you need to do is get your bike checked over by your mechanic, get the appropriate tyres on it, sort your riding gear and book the day. There are multiple ride day companies and all of them are accommodating, experienced and smart operators. You’ll be made to feel at home and you will receive expert advice and be treated with kid gloves on your very first day. Ride day operators have special Novice and First Timer briefings and groups for riding in and some will also ensure you have an instructor shadow you if required to help out with tips. There are strict overtaking rules to avoid you getting blasted off the track and fantastic signalling and flag systems that are universal and easy to understand.

When you arrive you generally look for a garage and set up, just ask the others in there if there is room. Once you unload and set-up, you’ll find there will be a quick briefing where all new riders will be pulled aside for a bit of extra help. You’ll then be allocated in to the appropriate riding group for your ability and given a wristband. There will usually be timetables up around the place with your session times. So it is a matter of keeping your bike fuelled up and suiting up with 10 minutes or so to spare. Getting leathers on in a panic at the last minute before you ride is a disaster waiting to happen…

Aside from the odd ego tripper (they show up everywhere not just at the track) the pits on ride days are full of like-minded riders sharing a fun day and socially, ride days can be brilliant – lunch time is always a laugh…

At the end of a good ride day, you will feel completely mentally and physically exhausted and at the same time invigorated and on a massive high. And when you get home and crack that first beer – the grin will be immense.

Which Bike?
It really doesn’t matter what you ride really. If it has an engine, brakes, suspension and tyres then it’ll be fun. However, sportsbikes and sports-slanted nakedbikes are more suitable due to ground clearance. Once you get in to ride days more, you can get serious about your bike. But first up, even on a little 250, you will be packing bricks so showing up on a 1000 on slicks is not the go – trust me…

Make sure you have new brake fluid and plenty of meat on your brake pads, no oil leaks, new or very good tyres and excellent condition chain and sprockets and good suspension with no oil seals leaking. There will be scrutineering on the day so to avoid disappointment of a knock back, get your bike in order before you go. 

What To Wear
OK, this is important. You need really good leathers, good gloves and boots and a top quality helmet. No point showing up in jeans and a leather jacket, as you won’t be allowed on the track. You will also be knocked back if your helmet shows signs of a previous drop, your gear is torn or in bad condition, and you are not allowed on tracks without a back protector. It is recommended that you wear a chest protector.

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