Non-Sportbike Track Day Training

Want to learn about what a Non-Sportbike Track Day is all about? Learn all the details HERE

Already Signed Up? Complete the MANDATORY Virtual Rider’s Meeting. Reviewing this information beforehand will make your morning more relaxed.

Advance your cornering and braking skills

Want to advance your riding skill while having a blast?

Non-Sportbike Street Rider Training Days are a great way for any rider on almost any type of bike to develop their skills without the typical dangers of street riding.

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

Learning on a racetrack allows you to concentrate on advancing your skill level without the typical hazards faced on the street…potholes, sand, tar snakes and Buicks.


This is Group Training

NOTE: 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 the track.
  • 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 as an instructor. They are ready to follow and lead for a lap or two anyone but only if you ask.


2023 Dates

Register for 2022 Non-Sportbike Track Training Days:

* Last minute single day pricing increases within 2 weeks of event – $375.00

BOTH Day Discount

Buy both the May and August Track Days at the same  time and save $50.00!

Gift Certificates are Available

Please read the Cancellation Policy before Registering!


Location

Palmer Motorsports Park

Print out and bring to the track.

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.

Read the Noise Policy here.

The Palmer Track Website has options for Lodging.

Garage rental can be arranged at an extra cost HERE.

Fuel is available at Palmer


BMW/MOA Scholarships are available  

The Foundation will award grants of up to $250.00 for MOA members, or up to $100.00 for non-members (neither amount to exceed the actual cost of the training), towards the cost of participation in an approved training course. A committee comprised of 3 Foundation Board members will review all requests submitted and exercise broad discretion in approving training proposals.”

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


Please read the Cancellation Policy.

Please Read the Palmer Track’s NOISE Policy

Already registered? Check that your name is on the PAID list.


Non-sportbike Track Training Days are for Street Riders

I know what you’re thinking…I don’t want to ride on a racetrack with a bunch of crazy kids on their GSXRR6CBR Ninjabikes.

Well that’s good, because if you come to a non-sportbike track day, you won’t have to. Non-sportbike Track Days are for “regular” riders on big bikes, small bikes, touring bikes, adventure bikes, vintage bikes, and even cruisers.

Let me repeat…Non-Sportbike Track Days are training days designed for regular street riders! 

What Bikes Qualify?

This Non-Sportbike track day training day is for those who ride Cruisers, Baggers, Tourers, Adventure bikes, and Sport Tourers and other “non-sportbike” machines.

Examples include:

  • Cruiser models (Harley, Victory, Star, Baggers, etc.)
  • Adventure Bikes (Tigers, Teneres, GSs, Multistrada, etc.)
  • Upright Street Standards (MTs, SV650, CB500s, BMW Rs etc.)
  • Touring Bikes (Gold Wings, Baggers, etc.)
  • Sport Touring models (FJR, RTs, RSs, etc.)

Contact Ken with questions.

This course is NOT intended for supersport bikes.

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


The Next Level of Fun and Learning

photo: otmpix.com

Perhaps you’ve taken the MSF BRC, ERC, ARC, Lee Park’s Total Control, or some other advanced parking lot training course.  These courses are terrific for building the fundamentals of motorcycle control, but applying techniques in a parking lot at 20 mph does not train you to deal with challenges you face every day at typical street speeds.
Haven’t taken an advanced parking lot course? No worries, the Non-Sportbike, Street Rider Training Track Day is designed for riders of all skill levels, from those with a few months in the saddle to riders with decades of riding experience.

NOTE: This event is structured as a self-directed learning model. Do not expect personal instruction.

Photo by Arcy Kusari. otmpix.com

The skills we will be working on:

Read more about the benefits of track days.


BIKE PREP

You ride Your Own Bike for this event.

If your bike is in good condition, bike preparation can be done in 2 minutes!

Your bike must be in excellent roadworthy condition with plenty of tire life remaining. We recommend that tires be within 5 or so years after manufacture, but a bit older is fine as long as they are in good condition… no evidence of dry cracking. Reading tire codes.

There can be no leaking of any fluids – be sure to check your fork tubes!  Brake pads should have plenty of material left.

Your bike must:

  • be in excellent roadworthy condition
  • have plenty of tire life remaining.
  • have no leaking fluids of any kind – including fork tubes
  • brake pads need to have plenty of life remaining.
  • to have it mirrors either removed or taped over.  
  • an “X” made of tape over your headlight… ONLY if it is made of glass (most are plastic).

Brake lights are okay.

Hard luggage cases are okay as long as they are 100% secure

Please remove anything that can be detached easily.

Cameras cannot be attached to your helmet, it must be on the bike.  Also, the case needs to 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!

That’s it!

One more thing… Loud exhausts must be baffled! Read the Noise Policy here


RIDING GEAR:

Riders will be responsible for having full motorcycle gear.  We do NOT provide gear! Our requirements are relaxed for these street rider days and should be considered as minimal for riding on the track or the street.

Helmets
  • Helmets must be FULL-FACED.
  • High quality modular helmets will be allowed but must remain in the locked position when on track.
  • Should be in excellent condition with no signs of damage

Open-face helmets are not allowed, even with a face shield. Helmets with removable chins are not recommended but are allowed with the chin bar securely in place.

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, but it is not mandatory.
  •  “Kevlar” Jeans with sturdy knee armor are allowed.
  • Chaps are not allowed unless worn over armored Kevlar jeans.

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 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.

Boots do not have to be motorcycle-specific but must provide sturdy protection.

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


Gift Certificates are Available

Scholarships are available through the BMW/MOA Foundation. 

Please read the Cancellation Policy.


3 Riding Groups

  • ADVANCED (Sport Touring) GROUP
  • INTERMEDIATE (ADV, Standard Bike) GROUP
  • NOVICE (Cruiser/Big Tourer Bike) GROUP

Check out this video from Ride-CT

Testimonials

–“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:

 

It’s the best investment in fun and skill development money can buy.

Training Days are held RAIN or SHINE!


Please subscribe to the mailing list for information.

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

otmpix.com

In partnership with Tony’s Track Days

Riding in the Zone, LLC is insured by the Philadelphia Insurance Companies.AMASanctioned_4C_LtBack

Riding in the Zone, LLC

 

15 Replies to “Non-Sportbike Track Day Training”

  1. I’m really glad I attended and am looking forward to the next one! 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 turns.

  2. Great vids. However, it appeared that some of the riders in the first vid with the cruisers and big bikes; the black helmet and brown jacket, the yellow hi-viz guy, and the grey and black jacket, were using a hybrid riding position, i.e., a partial hang-off, but with the head and torso shifted back toward the outside, counterweighting the bike. They didn’t look planted and in control, there appeared to be some wobbles. The second group also had some, but not quite as much.

    1. John, The 2016 dates are likely to be May 24 at Loudon, NH (or possibly the week before) and August 22, 2016 in Palmer, MA. Check back to confirm the NH date. I look forward to meeting you.

  3. I attended the non-sportbike day at Palmer in August and was totally satisfied with the instruction and the track. This was my second time to attend one of these TTD events and I came away with renewed confidence in my ability to ride on the street. The chance to get professional instruction and practice over and over in a safe setting is only available at track days like this. The track was fantastic and the classroom sessions with the on-track instructors gave me instant feedback on cornering techniques. It was well worth the trip to Palmer and I look forward to seeing more days scheduled in 2017.

  4. Just wanted to say thank you for an awesome day yesterday! The best training I have had on a motorcycle ever! The access to the info from your staff, the post ride sessions and overall experience was unmatched!! Many Thanks and I will absolutely be back again with my friends!

  5. Hi Ken,

    Was wondering if there has been any thoughts on 2022 dates. I have to pick my vacations in November and would like to try and come up for one of the days.

    Thanks,
    Bill Schmidt

    1. I will know the exact dates soon but count on the very end of May and the last week of July. I hope that helps. But email me so I can put you on the early notification list.

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