haknslash

I've talked to the wife and told her my plans (probably wasn't the best idea ). She thinks I'm nuts with starting another "hobby" as she says . I want to start hopefully attending track days by the fall season. That's about when I can figure that I might be able to afford all the gear and fee's in time I suppose.

I've never done a trackday in my life. I want to start out by getting the right gear the first time and rather than buying something I'll regret and probably have to replace with better gear later on.

So I'm completely new to this track thing. Please go easy on me . I would like to know if the following gear is worth it and if not, please suggest something better but not outragiously expensive. I will be on a budget as I don't plan to get too serious but would like to do the occasional track day when I can afford it. Mainly I want to do track days to become a better rider in general. Not really looking into racing or this being a full time thing as I can't afford that lifestyle.

That being said, what about this gear?....

1 piece Frank Thomas suit http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=3&L2=12&L3=26&L4=&item=FTL_FTL276-BZ-38_G&tier2=47

They are running a deal when you buy the suit and it comes with these gloves (would these pass inspection?) http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=3&L2=15&L3=&L4=&item=FTL_SEG172-BZ-SM_G&tier2=47

ICON Domain 2 helmet (my current helmet was drpped and has a small chip so I need to buy a new one to pass inspection) http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=1&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=PAR_0101-2686_G&tier2=10

Alpinestars SMX boots http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=3&L2=16&L3=&L4=&item=PAR_A512-1-36_G&tier2=24

That's nearly $1200 in gear so far.

If you know of a better place or gear please suggest it.

I'd also like to know about what to expect to pay for track days in Alabama and Georgia for those of you in the south. About what do you guys average in total cost per year? What about instructors as these things? What are the typical and good organizations or events to attend?

I'm sure I'll have tons more questions. Thanks for your suggestions or comments guys/gals.

gssbmm

I have the frank tommas titanium pro suit and have gotten to crash test it and I have to say it held up well. it's getting a little old now. and I'm going to be changing to a new suit soon. but it's a good buy for the money. I didn't like the feel in the new gloves and ended up going back to the older kangaro model. just note if your going to get gear I would deffinatly go with cyclegear. they take there satisfation warrenty seriously when my Moto gp suit exploded on impact ( that is the worse suit in the world and is hurting racers across the country I'm just glad my finger didn't grind down like the other guy in the club that had there gloves) they took it back crashed and all and gave me my money back.

on another note if your not going to be going to alot of track day consider renting atleast for the first one. there are alot of orgs that offer rentals and it can really bring down your cost till your hooked (this track stuff is like crack)

trackdayhawk

Most of the track day operators have basic gear requirements, buy the best stuff (not most expensive) you can afford, it's your skin. Stuff you've selected will work just fine. I would suggest looking at newenough.com you may be able to score some close outs. HJC helmits are a good value, and Sidi boots are also highly rated. I crash tested both, along with Tecknic leathers and gloves at Barber in May. 80+mph get off, came home with 2 cracked ribs.

One more thing you want to add is a back protector, alot of the track day oufits are now requiring them, and again a good idea.

A popular and successful track outfit to hook up with is Sportbike tracktime. They run alot of dates nationwide, and do a nice event A typical 1 day event will run you $100-$150, a 2 day $200-$225, including lunch, depending on location. So far this year they have done Barber, Talledega, Jennings, Road America, Grattan, Mid-Ohio, VIR, Blackhawk Farms, Autobahn, etc, etc.

Good luck and have fun.

newb007