There’s nothing quite like taking a motorcycle to the track for the first time ever. Imagine being one with your bike in a controlled environment—no dangerous or distracting traffic; just the thrill of pushing your limits on corners that keep on coming. It’s everything you love about riding, without the major headaches and hazards.
But let’s be honest: your first track day can also feel a little intimidating. What bike should you bring? What gear do you need? What if everyone’s faster than you?
Relax—we’ve got your back. Our team at Luimoto has created this guide to calm your nerves, answer your burning questions, and give you a clear path towards nailing your first track day. Read on for our top tips, plus the gear and aftermarket motorcycle upgrades we recommend to help you make this rite of passage an adventure to remember.
Luimoto Upgrades for Track Day Style & Performance
Track days are as much about mindset as they are about machinery. The right setup can make you feel more capable—and ride more confidently.
Here’s how Luimoto can help you elevate your first track day experience:
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Tank grips: For body stability and control through turns.
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Custom seat covers: For even more traction, comfort, and premium style.
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Gel inserts: Use these to improve comfort while you ride by reducing shocks and providing better support.
These upgrades can also do a lot to improve your confidence. When you roll into the paddock, a clean, custom seat and grip setup makes you look like you belong there. That matters more than you think when nerves are running high.
What to Know Before Your First Time at the Track
During a track day, you and other motorcyclists will have the opportunity to ride on a closed circuit—no traffic, no speed limits, and no minivans suddenly cutting across the lane in front of you without putting on their blinker as the harried soccer mom behind the wheel rushes to make that freeway exit. It’s just you, your bike, and the track.
Track days are typically hosted by racing schools, private organizers, or local clubs. You ride in timed sessions, often divided by skill level (novice, intermediate, advanced), and learn how to improve key riding skills: your lines, body positioning, throttle control, braking, etc. You’ll also be under the guidance of experienced coaches or control riders the entire time.
Disclaimer: Use Your Head!
Seasoned riders often use track days to show off to each other and push their machines to their limits—but don’t be tempted. For beginners, the track isn’t a raceway—it’s a classroom. Your goal should not to drop the knee on your first loop—it should be to become a better, safer, and more confident rider by learning how your bike behaves at higher speeds and under harder braking than you’d ever attempt on the street.
Beginner-Friendly Track Bikes
You don’t need a race-prepped superbike to start, so stop drooling over that $60,000 Ninja H2R. Yeah, we know—the turn signals on other bikes create too much drag. Life is full of these little disappointments.
But pay attention: a track-only monster like that in the hands of an inexperienced track rider is a disaster waiting to happen. Best case scenario? You spend the whole day puttering around in second gear because you don’t have the experience to open it up with confidence. Worst case? Your track day ends early and the next vehicle you ride is an ambulance.
In truth, lighter and lower-displacement bikes are often better for beginners because they’re more forgiving and easier to manage. It’s always more fun to ride a slower bike fast than it is to ride a fast bike slow (or way too fast for your skill level)—trust us.
With that in mind, here are some solid choices to consider:
Naked Bikes & Sport Standards
These bikes are lightweight, agile, and offer just enough power to be fun without being overwhelming. Plus, they’re easier to repair (and cheaper) after a crash… not that we’re planning on that.
Track-Ready Out of the Box
All of these have strong aftermarket support, predictable handling, and enough capability to grow with you as your skills develop.
Essential Upgrades for Track Day Control
You don’t need to transform your bike into a custom racing beast to have fun on a track day—but a few smart upgrades can make a world of difference. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Tank Grips
When you’re leaned over in a corner or braking hard into a hairpin, staying locked in with your lower body is everything. That’s where Luimoto tank grips come in.
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Improve body stability under heavy braking.
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Help maintain consistent body position through corners.
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Reduce fatigue by giving your legs something to grip—so your arms don’t have to.
For beginners, this is one of the most confidence-boosting mods you can make. It keeps you connected to the bike when things start getting fast and physical.
Learn More: Why Pretty Much All Race Bikes Have Tank Grips
2. Brake Pads & Steel-Braided Lines
Upgrade to performance pads for better bite and fade resistance. If you know how to trail-brake (which you should before tackling the track), you’ll really notice this. Steel-braided lines will help too—they’ll provide a more consistent feeling when you squeeze the lever, especially if you’re riding your bike hard on a regular basis and doing multiple track sessions.
3. Tires (& Tire Pressure)
Sticky tires are your best friend. A good set of sport or track-oriented tires—and properly adjusted pressures—will increase grip and feedback dramatically. If your tires are squared off or past their prime, replace them. Do not wait.
4. Rearsets & Levers
Adjustable rearsets let you fine-tune your foot position for better ground clearance and comfort. Remember, your levers should always feel firm and responsive. That means positioning them to match your hand size and reach.
5. Seat Covers (Yes, Seriously)
Your seat isn’t just for looks—it’s also your main point of contact with your motorcycle. That means it's essential for maintaining control of the bike, which is especially important when you’re whipping it around a track.
Learn More: Improve Hard Stops, Acceleration, and Motorcycle Cornering with Suede Seat Covers, Tec-Grip, & Tank Grips
Most OEM seat covers won’t give you too many issues if you’re riding around on the street, but they also won’t do anything special for you. And when you hit a raceway, you’ll want more—not just more comfort, but more traction as well.
Luimoto seat covers made with Tec-Grip material or synthetic suede help keep you in place during hard acceleration and aggressive lean angles. It might seem like a subtle upgrade, but it can have a big impact on control—especially when you add in our tank grips as well.
Bonus: they also look clean, custom, and track-ready—because looking fast counts, too.
Find a Rider Seat Cover for Your Bike
Track Day Safety Tips & Best Practices
1. Gear Up
Here’s what you’ll need to pass tech inspection at most track day organizations:
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Full-face helmet (DOT won’t be enough in Canada—you’ll want a SNELL rated helmet)
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Leather suit (one-piece or two-piece that zips together)
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Gloves (full gauntlet style)
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Boots (cover the ankle with solid protection)
Pro tip: If you don’t have a full set of gear yet, many track day orgs have gear rental options. Ask ahead.
2. Prep Your Bike
Most beginner-friendly track days don’t require race-prepped machines, but you’ll still need to:
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Tape over (or remove) mirrors.
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Remove or tape over headlights and taillights.
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Check brake fluid, oil level, tire tread, and chain tension.
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Make sure nothing is leaking or loose.
Just make sure you don’t mess with your mirrors, headlights, turn signals, or taillights before riding your bike out to the track—cops will be happy to pull you over if your ride isn’t street legal. So either plan to do these things after you arrive or take your bike out to the track in a trailer.
3. Start in the Novice Group
It’s your first time, so you’re not here to win MotoGP—you’re here to learn. The novice group will give you guided sessions, instructor support, and time to absorb it all at your pace.
Most new track riders spend quite a bit of time in this group before moving up. So take it easy and make sure you’re feeling good and ready before joining the next group—don’t bite off more than you can chew, no matter how tempting it might be.
4. Focus on Your Fundamentals
Speed will come later. For now:
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Be smooth on the throttle.
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Brake progressively.
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Look through the corner and trust your line.
You’re building a foundation. Be patient with yourself.
The Track Is Where You Learn—& Luimoto Can Help
Your first track day might be the single best investment you ever make in your riding skills. It’s not about being the fastest person out there—it’s about becoming a smarter, smoother, and more connected rider.
Show up prepared. Ride your pace. Learn everything you can.
And when you’re ready to upgrade your bike’s control, comfort, and style—Luimoto is here for it. Explore our product collection and make sure you’re prepared.
