Motorcycle track day: preparing for your first ride

A motorcycle track day is a day of riding on a closed circuit. Bikes ride in sessions, split into ability groups to limit differences in speed. It is not a race: timing and standings are not the aim, and overtaking must follow the safety rules explained at the briefing. Each organiser sets their own instructions and schedule.

You can bring a suitable road bike after carrying out the required checks, or a bike prepared for the circuit. The format lets you discover a circuit in a controlled environment, work on your lines and better understand how your bike behaves. That does not make track riding risk-free: crashes can still happen, and fatigue matters just as much as speed.

In everyday use, ‘track day’, ‘riding’ and ‘trackday’ often refer to the same format: sessions spread throughout the day, with a briefing and ability groups, but no continuous one-to-one tuition. Riders manage their own progress and can ask the organiser for advice, depending on what is offered.

A riding school or coaching day adds structured tuition: an instructor covers the theory, observes riders and gives guidance on how to improve. The content varies from one school to another. Coaching may also be available as an optional extra on a standard track day; that does not automatically make it a full riding-school course. Before choosing, read the schedule and check what is included in the price. If you are new to track riding, a beginner group on an open session may suit you if you are confident on a bike; a coaching day is preferable if you want structured feedback and closer support.

Timings and the number of sessions vary by circuit and organiser, but the day generally follows a similar rhythm. On arrival, check in, collect your instructions and complete the technical inspection or other checks required: the condition of your tyres and brakes, no leaks, working controls and no loose parts. Some organisers also ask you to cover glass components and remove your mirrors. Follow their checklist rather than assuming the same rules apply everywhere.

The briefing is compulsory. It explains the flags, track entry and exit, permitted overtaking, incident procedures and how to position yourself in the groups. Listen even if you have ridden elsewhere before: traffic rules and signals may differ.

Ability groups take turns on track. The beginner group lets you discover the circuit at a measured pace, without trying to keep up with the quickest riders. A session often lasts 20 minutes; after several sessions, breaks give you time to drink, refuel, let the bike cool down and recover. The schedule alternates these sessions until late afternoon, with a final session followed by a chance to wind down. The day often ends at around 5 pm, depending on the venue’s schedule.

In France, budget around €150 to €400 for the place, depending on the circuit, date and format. Major circuits and high-demand days may be at the upper end of the range; prices also depend on the organiser. This may not be the full cost. Fuel, tyre wear, transport, any accommodation and meals all add up. Tarmago’s price guide breaks down these costs and full budgets, so you can distinguish the entry fee from the actual cost of the day.

Options vary. One-to-one or small-group coaching may cost extra. Hiring a bike or kit, where available, also adds to the expense. Track insurance may be offered by the organiser or purchased separately; check the cover, exclusions and excess carefully, and do not assume an option covers every type of damage. Compare what is included rather than just the advertised price.

To take part in a motorcycle track day, the licence for your bike is generally enough; a race licence is not always required. However, admission requirements depend on the organiser and the vehicle. A liability waiver or entry form is standard: read it and ask for clarification if any clause is unclear. A waiver does not replace insurance.

Do not assume your road bike insurance covers riding on a circuit. Policies frequently exclude track damage, including during an untimed open session. Check your policy and ask the organiser what insurance is available, what it covers and what excesses apply.

Noise is checked at many circuits. Limits depend on the venue and sometimes on the measurement method; a figure between 95 and 105 dB is seen at some circuits, but it is not a universal rule. Check the day’s noise limit before travelling and make sure your exhaust meets the requirements. A noise check may result in you being refused access to the track.

For kit, bring a sound full-face helmet, full leathers, suitable gloves and boots covering your ankles. Leathers may be one-piece or two-piece if the model and its connection are accepted. A back protector is strongly recommended and may be required. Details vary: confirm the exact list with the organiser, and only rely on hired kit if it is advertised.

The Tarmago calendar, at /en/trackdays, lists track days organised by various providers. Tarmago lists the dates; it does not organise the sessions, and online booking is not yet available. Check the organiser’s information for availability, requirements and how to book.

If this is your first outing, also look at the pages on beginner groups and choosing between a coached riding-school day and an open session. To plan your budget, see the price guide, which separates the entry fee, options and additional costs. Once you have found a date, check the required ability level, accepted kit, noise limit and expected condition of the bike before booking with the organiser.