Any concerns being new to the track with a gs550es?

[secondarybob]

Hi all
I'm about to sign up for a beginners day at the local track. The person who runs the event suggested that I would have a lot more fun with a newer bike vs my '83 gs550es due to the brakes not being as good as a newer ninja 400 and the like.

I have a decent amount of experience on the street commuting with an sv650, but I sold that years ago and have been out of riding until this season, but I've never been to the track. Looking for honest opinions on how to approach going to the track. My wife is also looking for a starter bike for street riding, which is a point for getting a newer bike - but of course she doesn't like sport styling of newer bikes .

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Well, you're gonna be in the slowest group.
They're not gonna like any oil drips, you may not pass tech for that.
When everybody else is given free time in the afternoon, you'll have to be lead around by a coach and held up so other bikes can pass.
Kinda like you're a special education kid in grade school.

However, people with plenty of track experience do bring vintage bikes fully tuned for the track. You are not on their level.

I been there, did my 1st track day with my 82 GS1100G.

 

[Carter Turk]

Are you going to Vancouver Island Motorsports Circuit or Mission Raceway, or?
I'd say you'll be fine on the ES. You're also familiar with it, so that helps.

"Relaxed Group" has a variety of riders with varying skill level & type of bike, so pay attention to riders in front of you with erratic line choices.
Be wary of early braking riders before corners & folks who change lines mid-corner.

People get spooked sometimes getting passed or being passed, so be aware of your peripheral vision & maintain focus up the track.

Often, little or big traffic jams occur on certain parts of the track that effect rhythm, so sometimes you'll have to find a safe place to pass, like a straight or pull into hot pit to let them get farther up the track.

Bring a canopy, water, electrolytes, fuel, oil, food, tire pressure gauge, visor cleaner, tools, chain lube, stand, painters tape or duct tape & a comfortable chair or lounger.
You'll likely have to tape off headlight, taillight, signals & remove mirrors. Pulling a light fuse works, but headlight will probably still have to be taped.
Make sure no oil is weeping anywhere, the throttle snaps fully back & doesn't bind when turning bars full lock each way.

I think they'll require zip together leathers or aerostich type suit, gauntlet gloves, boots (maybe check before).

When I rode my 83 Kat for 8 years on track, I ran 30/30 tire pressure. Reg Pridmore made that tire pressure suggestion in 2000 a SIR/PR Class Trackday School.

Attend morning Riders Meeting, get familiar with the flags they use & where entry & exit from the track are.
Always good to walk the track before, if allowed, to familiarize yourself with the layout.

The butterflies will be huge, but I'm sure fun will be had!

 

[Nessism]

At minimum, you should service the brakes, if you haven't already done so. Full system teardown, replace brake lines, modern pads, and DOT 4 fluid.

 

[Carter Turk]

I noticed on 4/19/25 results, an 83 550E got 2nd place at Willow Springs in AMHRA Vintage middle weight Superbike.

A 82 Yamaha Seca 550 won.

 

[secondarybob]

I picked up a newer 300cc bike to take while I figure out if I like it. I can take the gs later on down the line if I feel the need