Modern Vespa

I'm going to be riding a Vespa GTS300 Super. Any advice? I normally ride an LX150 or my suzuki GN125 (street riding) I also own a honda express 50 that i like to race on a home made .4 mile race track.

Here is the email about the ride:

"...our seventh annual track day at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven Michigan. The track is two hours from Chicago. This is a special day that is designed to cater to the needs of first time track riders that are riding street bikes. This is not a race day. The event is limited to 50 riders. The riders are split in to two groups that alternate between 30 minute track sessions and 30 minute classroom sessions. Riders are grouped by ability. The morning is very structured. It begins with parade laps and on track drills to help the riders familiarize themselves with the track environment, and bolster their skills. As the day continues the riding is still structured with coaches on the track, but riders are free to push it as hard as they like. Our rider to instructor ratio is 5 to 1. This is probably the best first day at the track program available anywhere. You do not need to be a "fast" rider to participate. You do need to come with an open mind and a desire to learn."

So advice... whatta ya got.

when is this and how much is the cost? others may be interested also. Advice is to listen listen and listen. instructors like these know what is good and bad. You will learn alot from them. Enjoy the day and bring lots of water.

Motoworks Chicago is hosting it. It is mostly BMW street bikes and Triumph motorcycles. I know they have been wanting to get MP3s out there but I imagine nothing too small (i.e. LX150) I know another guy was invited out with a GTS300 but he is going to be out of town.

August 16th $200 it includes pictures by a pro photographer and lunch/Gatorade&water. (312) 738 4269

If you have never done a track day, then you should check the requirements before you show-up for the inspection (before they allow you on the track). Normally they will require:

- Pull the fuse or cover the headlight with tape. No lights
- Water-wetter instead of standard coolant
- Oil plug & drain must be wiried
- minimum speed requirements for each class you run in

The track will chew up tires, so don't be surprised if you need new tires after the day is over Most people run special softer compound tires with adjusted tire pressure to get the extra grip in the corners.

every place is alittle different in their requiremnts.

Vespita--
I'm going as well, although I'll be on my BMW.

I've been looking forward to this for 2 months--not only for the actual track day, but also for the chance to take a mini road trip on my bike.

My rear metzler is developing a hefty flat spot, so timing is perfect--I can burn it up and replace it afterwards.

Looking forward to being able to ride my bike more instinctively.

See you there!

In 1985 (or 86; can't remember for sure), I took what used to be called the RATS Course (Rider Advanced Training) that was held on the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA. I was on my BMW K100RS. It was a fantastic experience. We all rode motorcycles (no scooters were allowed back then) and you had to tape your headlight and make other mods before you were allowed to take the course.
Have fun!

From what I understand, we have to tape up headlights (or remove the bulb), tail/brake lights, and tape up or remove turn signals. In addition, remove mirrors and tape up speedo and tach.

Normal coolant allowed and no issues with with the oil drain plug (at least on mine, which is the oil stored in the frame setup).

Full gear required, but not "racing" gear.

If any MVers in the Chicago area are interested, you should give Johnny or Anna @ Motoworks a call--would love to see other MVers out there.

Be sure that all fluids that need changing have been, especially oil and brake fluid. The track, especially in the summer, is hard on these. Brake fluid absorbs water, so it should be changed frequently. I don't know a good frequency for a tracked scoot, but when I tracked my cars, I changed it once a year at a minimum. Like others said, check your tires.

put the new tire on before or take the tire with you cause it will be hard on the tires. They normally have tire guys avaiable that could put the new skin on for you if needed.

1. If it's not on the bike it can't be broken (and need to be fixed later).
2. Have a plan to haul your vehicle on a trailer from the trackday if necessary.
3. Spare levers are your friend and will make you many many friends who fall off.
4. If you tape, use the blue painters tape and make it less sticky by taping it to a shirt first to steal some of it's fuzz.
5. No Ethelyne Glycol based coolant (I run water wetter and distilled water) will make cleaning up the track after you easier.
6. Safety wire brake bolts, oil drain, oil filter, tape wheel weights.
7. First session (cold tires) and last session (brain fade) are the most dangerous.
8. Set hot pressures, not cold pressures.

Here are some pictures Track Day on a Vespa GTS300

Man, I wish I could find something like that closer to home! after reading David Hough, I'm itching to learn how to lean!

looks like you had a good time on the track. Now you have to tells us the things you learned , what you did right and wrong all that sort of thing.

Things I learned: Trust your bike to do what it needs to because it will as long as you remember to do your part.

Sometimes approaching a turn can be intimidating. I had to approach it correctly and apply the throttle at the correct rate to get a nice flow through it.

Also absolutely have to look into the turn not on the ground directly under you. Because at a higher speed and tighter turns you can't for even a split second decide that you are not going to. You will absolutely end up on the sideline. (I caught myself doubting that I would be able to lean and complete the turn... it was only when i doubted and wanted to look the wrong way that my bike wasn't going to. I had to quickly correct myself and trust the bike and my lean)

Things to work on:

learn how to use the cones to enter and exit my turns. There was a double left that kept giving me trouble because I would approach the second incorrectly. on my last two runs I did it seamlessly.

Don't let mistakes psych me out.

The track is very draining both psychologically and physically. I am VERY happy I participated. I look forward to running my moto next year.