About to embark on my first track day on my 848. Besides the 'tape the lights, take mirrors off...' anyone got any sage advice from experience?

Going to Infinion Sears Point then Laguna Secca!

Obscure is good, like wear a cup, or don't eat pizza what ev's you got please:
Thanks [moto]

Ride at your own pace...

relax...

and have fun.

[and don't over eat at lunch  ]

Learn what "Kodak Courage" is....before you go out on the track

Quote from: desmoquattro on May 09, 2010, 05:47:24 AM
Learn what "Kodak Courage" is....before you go out on the track

explaination? 

Quote from: Desmostro on May 09, 2010, 07:43:57 AM
explaination? 

Don't show off for the photographer.

try to get some sleep the night before.   

borrow some one elses bike 

Track plastics and earplugs both help with anxiety.
have you looked at Spidey's trackday checklist?
Try to improve slowly and gradually; definitely ride your own pace. Just as on the street, following a better/faster rider is a great way to crash.
Hydrate extensively.
And start coming up with funds for future track days. You'll soon be an addict 

Lay your gear out the night before.  Check it again before you leave.

Tape you key in your ignition.  That way you won't leave it behind.

Make sure you have your helmet as you leave the driveway.

Don't be afraid to sit out the last session if you're tired or making mistakes.  Don't think about how much you paid to go to the track day.

You'll start to feel comfortable in the session right before lunch.  Be careful.  After lunch is a dangerous time.  You're confident, you have a full belly and you'll be a bit tired.  I always go out in that session planning to just putter around.  By the end of the session, I'm movin' pretty well, but I always deliberately start it out slow.

Focus on your lines and body position.  Purposely make yourself go slow for hte first half day.  Trust me, it'll pay off later in the day.

Don't speed up because someone passed you.  Don't try to chase someone down.  The red mist will make you go boom. 

WARM UP YOUR TIRES.  Two laps. 

It's hard at Sears and Laguna because there aren't really straightaways, but as often as you can, consciously relax your arms and take deep, deep breaths.  Try to slump down on your bike like you're falling asleep.  It'll calm you down a lot. 

When you going to Sears? 

Quote from: Spidey on May 09, 2010, 01:39:46 PM
Lay your gear out the night before.  Check it again before you leave. 

...and watch out for Buells.

Lots of good advice above.

If you're not smiling, you might be over doing it.  It's supposed to be fun.  Use your smile to gauge your speed not the speedometer.  In fact, tape off the speedo.

SMOOTH!  Smooth on the gas.  Any monkey can twist a throttle.  Smooth on the gas and smooth off.  Same with the brakes.  Don't jab at the brakes.  They're not like a switch with only an on and off position.

As your day progress and you're feeling tired, it might be a good idea to try a lap or two around the track with minimal brakes.  Just a smooth ride around the track. 

Keep your arms loose.  Keep your weight off the bars. 

Two laps to warm up the tires.  This one needs repeating. 

Have fun. 

Definitely have fun out there.  I did my first track day on my 848 a 2 years ago and was all grins the whole day.  You'll be amazed what the 848 is capable of doing.  At the track is where I enjoy my bike the most

Quote from: Spidey on May 09, 2010, 01:39:46 PM
When you going to Sears? 

Going Thurs. - MM and Alfonso are in the same group.
I'm stoked. All good stuff here - thanks guys! 

Already laying out stuff, made the bike illegal today 

"Go that way. Really fast. If something gets in your way? Turn."

Also, check the weather forecast before hand. Dress in layers. Hydrate.

drink lots of water the whole day before you go.

try your damndest to get plenty of sleep.  it's not easy.

don't be afraid to sit out the session after you eat lunch, too.

DO NOT try to ride with others.  ride your own pace.

don't look behind you.  ever.

above all, relax.  if you come in from a session and your arms are stiff, you aint relaxed.  think noodle arms.  riding a motorcycle on a track is about core strength, not upper body.

have fun!