Advance your cornering and braking skills

Want to advance your riding skill while having a blast?

Non-Sportbike Training Days (formerly Non-Sportbike Track Days) are a great way for any rider on almost any type of bike to develop their skills on a closed course without the typical dangers of street riding.

Non-Sportbike Training Days are held on a closed course (track), which means you learn in a safe environment and at real-world speeds.

Learning on a closed course (Palmer Motorsports Park) allows you to concentrate on advancing your skill level without the typical hazards faced on the street…potholes, sand, tar snakes and Buicks.

For the most part, participants will be experiencing their first time on a closed course. If it’s your first time, rest assured that you will be in good company.

This is Group Training

This event is structured as a self-directed learning model. Personal instruction is not provided.

• Riding technique information is delivered in the classroom.
• You then apply the lessons on your motorcycle on course.
• Return to the classroom with questions and to hear the next lesson.

An instructor will not be monitoring your personal progress. That said, our instructors circulate on track and will lead riders they identify as most in need of help.  If an instructor passes you and then “taps his or her tail” they want you to follow them.

If you want some individual help, just ask an instructor. They are ready to follow and lead for a lap or two anyone but only if you ask.

Want to know More?

Watch this presentation for answers to FAQs about Non-Sportbike Training Days.

Register for 2024 Dates

• • May 28, 2024 (Tuesday) – Palmer, MA – CounterClockwise Direction – $350.00
  • July 30, 2024 (Tuesday) – Palmer, MA – Clockwise Direction – $350.00
    

• • Buy BOTH Days and SAVE $50.00- $650.00

We are able to ride Palmer Motorsports Park in either the Clockwise or Counterclockwise direction. We will ride CW one day and CCW the other. That way you get to experience TWO course layouts if you sign up for BOTH days.

Training Days are held RAIN or SHINE!

Please read the Cancellation Policy before Registering!

Garage and Pavilion (Carport) Space

Most people park outside along the edge of the paved access roads. You simply claim a spot where you park between sessions and where you can leave sidecases and other stuff you don’t want to bring on track. We’ve not had any issues with stolen stuff to date.

However, some people want a guarantee of shade and shelter in the event of inclement weather. In this case, Garage and Pavilion (Carport) Spots are available for rent from the track. This is an EXTRA COST,  but can be shared.

If you’re wanting a spot,  click the appropriate link(s) below to reserve these spots directly from Palmer Motorsports Park.  We are not involved in the rentals.

Click to reserve spots for each of the two days that you will be attending:

May 28 Garage or Carport reservation

July 30 Garage or Carport reservation

Scholarships are available !

The BMW/MOA Foundation awards reimburses MOA members for up to 25% of the cost of participating in an approved training course.

-A minimum rebate of $50 and a maximum rebate of $200 per individual per year towards the cost of participation in an approved training course.

$100 per year maximum for non-members

Many of our students take advantage of this generous scholarship.

To apply for the rebate, complete and submit the form below. Requests must include a description of the training along with the name of the training provider, cost, location, and dates of the training. Applicants can expect to be contacted by the Foundation within 30 days of submitting a request.

– Applications are evaluated on a first come, first served basis

– Priority given to MOA members.

– Requests received after 60 days past the training date will not be honored.

Rebates are subject to available funds and not guaranteed until approval is granted by the Foundation.

Paul B. Rider Training Grants are limited to a maximum of $200 per year for MOA members and $100 per year for non-members.

CLICK HERE to apply for the Paul B. Scholarship through the BMW/MOA Foundation.

Already Signed Up?

Check that your name is on the PAID list.

Complete the MANDATORY Virtual Rider’s Meeting. You MUST review this information beforehand. Below is a video that covers most of the topics.

Location

Palmer Motorsports Park

Palmer Motorsports Park Track Map- click and Print

PLEASE NOTE: Palmer Motorsports Park enforces exhaust noise restrictions. Any motorcycle that is too loud will be not be allowed on the track. Most aftermarket exhausts are okay, but open pipes with no baffles will likely violate the restrictions. It is your responsibility to bring a motorcycle that will pass the sound meter test. We cannot advise you on whether your particular bike will pass or not. If you have baffles, it probably will.

The Palmer Track Website has options for Lodging.

Garage rental can be arranged at an extra cost HERE.

Please Read the Palmer Track’s NOISE Policy

Watch the videos in the above playlist to get an idea of what it’s like to ride in each group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Bikes Qualify?

Non-Sportbike Training Days are for “regular” riders on Cruisers, Baggers, Tourers, Adventure bikes, Sport Tourers and other  upright “street” machines.

Examples of our preferred motorcycles include:

• Cruiser models (Harley, Victory, Star, Baggers, etc.)
• Adventure Bikes (Tigers, Teneres, GSs, Multistrada, etc.)
• Upright Street Standards (FZ/MTs, SV650, CB500s, BMW Rs, Speed and Street Triples, etc.)
• Touring Bikes (Gold Wings, Baggers, etc.)
• Sport Touring models (VFRs, FJR, RTs, RSs, etc.)
• Small Sporty Bikes (Ninja 300/400, KTM390, etc.)

Contact Ken with questions.

This course is not intended for supersport bikes. We recommend supersport riders to attend a “regular” track day with Tony’s Track Days.

What You Will Learn

The skills we will be working on:

• Vision Techniques
• Braking Techniques
• Shifting Timing and Techniques
• Cornering Precision
• Cornering Line Selection
• Body Positioning

Read more about the benefits of track days.

We Divide into 3 Riding Groups

• FASTER (Sport Touring and Track Experienced) GROUP
• INTERMEDIATE (ADV, Standard Bike) GROUP
• SLOWER (Cruiser/Big Tourer Bike) GROUP

BIKE PREP

If your bike is in good condition, bike preparation can be done in 2 minutes! Most people ride to these events, so we make it super easy to get it ready to ride.

Basically, your bike must be in good roadworthy condition with no leaking  fluids and no loose parts.

Motorcycle Requirements:

• Must be in excellent roadworthy condition
• Chain is adjusted properly and in good condition.
• Must have plenty of tire life remaining and in good condition. We recommend no older that 5 or 6 years. Reading tire codes.
• Must have no leaking fluids of any kind – including fork seals.
• Brake pads need to have plenty of life remaining.
• Must have mirrors either removed or taped over.  
• Only Glass headlights must be taped over. Most are plastic.
• No need to tape over brake lights
• Please remove anything that can be detached easily (GPS RAM arms, Throttle Rockers, Flags, Unsecured Stuffed animals) :).
• Loud exhausts must be baffled! Read the Noise Policy here
• Camera cases must be secured to the bike by a tether, or tape, or something extra if the primary retainer fails.  And yes, camera mounts fail and can cause serious injury!
• Hard luggage cases are okay as long as they are 100% secure

That’s it!

RIDING GEAR Requirements:

Riders will be responsible for having full motorcycle gear.  Our requirements are relaxed for these street rider days and should be considered as minimal for riding on the street.

Helmets

• Must be FULL-FACED.
• Modular helmets are allowed but must be in the locked position when on track.
• Full coverage ‘Hybrid” helmets with removable chins are not recommended but are allowed with the chin bar securely in place.
• Must be in excellent condition with no signs of damage.
• Must fit snugly

Open-face helmets are not allowed, even with a face shield.

Jackets and Pants

• Sturdy nylon or leather Motorcycle Jacket and Pants.
• Jackets with mesh material must have solid nylon at the elbows and shoulders.
• Jacket and pants must have knee, shoulder and elbow armor.
• We Strongly Recommend a CE approved back protector.
•  “Kevlar” Jeans with sturdy knee armor are allowed.
• Chaps are not allowed unless worn over armored Kevlar jeans.

Rain gear or waterproof jacket and pants are highly recommended as Training Days are held RAIN or SHINE!

Motorcycle specific jackets and pants can be purchased fairly inexpensively.

“Kevlar” Jeans are reasonably priced and practical for street use later. Kevlar jeans must have accessory knee armor. NOTE: Regular Jeans are not acceptable.

Shop for accessory armor here.

Gloves

• Motorcycle-specific gloves that secure around the wrist, and preferably with knuckle armor. No work gloves.
• Gauntlet-style gloves that overlap the jacket when you are in the riding position. No exposed skin!

Our goal is avoid exposed skin and that hands are well protected.

Racer brand gloves is a RITZ sponsor! They have excellent gloves for both street and track riders.

Boots

• Sturdy over-the-ankle boots. Make sure any laces are secured!
• Full coverage protection. Ideally with ankle armor
• No exposed socks or skin when in the riding position.
• Motorcycle-specific riding shoes are not recommended but may be allowed if well-armored and sturdy.
• Boots do not have to be motorcycle-specific but must provide sturdy protection.

Please read the Cancellation Policy.

Check out this video from Ride-CT

Testimonials

— “This is where I make my first of many impassioned speeches about the absolute joy and exhilaration of attending these events. Whether you’re a green beginner or a seasoned road warrior, this is just about the most fun you will ever have on your motorcycle. Picture the most perfect ribbon of twisty tarmac that has ever existed and then erase potholes, sand, grass clippings, tar snakes, deer, cars, trucks, police, intersections, stop signs, rogue squirrels, slow turtles, pedestrians, or even riders traveling in the opposite lane. It’s motorcycling Nirvana. There’s zero judgement, no pressure, no racing, and lots of helpful professionals to walk you through everything from counter steering to trail braking to body position to picking the perfect line through a corner. This WILL make you a better rider and you’ll be surrounded by like-minded enthusiasts who are simply there to learn and ride. On top of all that, if none of those things appeal to you, come to have your picture taken by professional photographer, Arcy Kusari. I promise you that he will make you look cooler than you have ever been a day in your boring life; even on a slow bike. This may be your one and only chance to make your kids think you’re cool! Don’t spend the rest of your life mired in regret. Sign up now! ” – Ross B.

–“I wanted to thank you for an immensely enjoyable time! I was a bit nervous coming into the day, it being my first ever track day, but you guys put me at ease very early in the game.  I wrote down on my note pad in big letters RELAX,HAVE FUN.  I wasn’t pressured in any way that I had to go fast. That being said I could feel myself going faster as the day progressed with the observations and instruction of your staff. My friend and I thought the timing of the sessions throughout the day was perfect. Just enough time on the track not to get too tired and just enough time in between your sessions to rest and think about how to improve, have class time, and not get bored. The availability of the instructors was impressive also.” -Glenn M.

–“The Non-Sportbike Track Day was an outstanding learning tool and was great fun! The ability to practice what you learn in the classroom on a controlled track is fantastic. I heartily recommend this to all street riders interested in riding better and having a blast.” – Ed C.

–” Once I learned the lines of the track, I was able to totally focus on cornering technique. Since then, I’ve been smoother into and out of corners.” -Todd R.

Videos

Craig Ripley from Living off the Slab talks about his experience with the Non-Spotbike day:

Mix of Cruiser/Big Bike (Novice), Intermediate and Advanced Groups:

Sport Touring (Advanced) Group:

Join the Riding in the Zone Facebook Group

Other Training Programs

Advanced Parking Lot Training

On-street Training

Photos available after the event from Arcy at OTM Pix

In partnership with Tony’s Track Days

Riding in the Zone, LLC is insured by the Philadelphia Insurance Companies.

Riding in the Zone, LLC