"CHEAP" Track Days!!

I hear a lot of people say how a track day is cheaper than a speeding ticket. That may be but what about the leathers,boots and gloves that you have to have and cost at the least $1200. and probably much more. I would love to see if I could do any good on the track. Just can't afford to. What am I missing?  

Well after a week and 81 people reading my comment, no response. I'm going to say I must be on to something. The people that can afford a speeding ticket can also afford track days and schools. For me (and how many others) we take our chances on the street.  

Yeah, you might be on to something, lol.  What are you interested in learning though?  Have you participated in any MSF (www.mfs-usa.org)programs?  Even after attending a one of those, you will save money on your insurance and some of the instructors can point you in the right direction for track days.  

Yeah, go racing on the street where there is gravel and oil everywhere. Old geezers pull out of their driveways right in front of you, cars change lanes and cut yer azz off. You'll be spending a lot more for new plastic and hospital bills than you would ever spend at the track. Wanna-be racers are just squids, dum-fuk.  

So gearhed you are the smart one. I can tell by not getting a point across without swearing, classy. How is it I can save all the money on body work and hospital costs by going to the track. Oh, it must be no one crashes at the track. Well if I knew there was no crashing at the track I would have gone a long time ago. That's why you are the smartest guy on a bike. You talk about the hazards on the street but doesn't that hone your skill by avoiding them at speed. I'm not saying I'm ridding at track speed but its enouph to have fun. Thank you "smart one".  

easy does it guys, don't get yer panties all up in a bunch.

my two cents: track days are well worth the initial investment you put into gear and the trackday fee.  i'm surprised it's even a question on "sport rider forum," a forum for a magazine where all of the editors and contributors encourage track days as an outlet for learning and fun in a safer and cop free environment than street riding.

what are you missing?  a ton of fun!  the opportunity to drag a knee without danger of a low side into a tree, mailbox, car, etc.  to be able to go as fast as your bike will take you without looking over your shoulder for cops.  need more reasons?

i say break the bank, buy the gear, try it out, and you will very likely not be dissapointed.  

That works if you have a Bank!  Most of us guys out here balance every dollar when it comes to living, and riding.  So 'Breaking the Bank' is not an option!
Here is a more realistic suggestion for you;
Go to your Local Outlet for the Leathers, and try on a few things to see what fits you best.  Then look on eBay, or Craig's List, for similar stuff, already knowing what size you need.  On CL for example, there are good sets of 1, and 2 piece Leathers that go for $250-$500 Used.  You should already have Gloves, and Boots, as a 'Minimum' to your Riding Gear, and if you don't, get these at the Local Outlet as New.  A Good pair of Boots can run you upwards of $300, but it is worth it, if just for daily riding.
If you don't have a $1000 to spend right this minute, try taking it in stages.  $500 is easier to save for than a Grand.
Figure that you will eventually get there.
In the mean time, it really is Not Smart to ride on the Street in a manner that should be keep at the Track.  Granted we all do it, at some point or another on a ride, however, taking a Freeway Onramp to test a 1/4 mile pull, using a Mountain Road to press your skills in the corners, or just Flat Out Hauling Balls on any Open Highway is Pressing Your Luck!  A 'Ticket' should really the least of your concerns, as it is far more likely that a Deer, Rock, Patch of Gravel, Ice Chest, Pot Hole, On Coming Traffic, Gaurd Rail, Ditch, Tree, Construction Site, Parked Car, or, (on, and on!!!), is going to Kill You!  Or at the very least, Trash your Bike.  There are wrecks at the Track (hence the Required Leathers), however, it happens in a controled environment, with Medics on the Stand-By, and does not involve any of the multitude of hazards that exist on the Street.
Thinking that you have some 'Street Smart Skills' to dodge hazards is only fooling yourself, and Really Is Pressing your Luck.  Ultimately the Odds are Agianst You!  

Oh ya... I forgot to say that if you can Ride like a Mad Dog in the Street, it really is worth it to save your dough for the Track Gear, cause you will Kick some @ss at the Track!
Just ride safe in the mean time, so you can survive till Race Day!!!!  

by break the bank i meant balance every dollar with track days in mind, and make it happen...trust me, i'm not loaded.  i am a 28 year old teacher paying off student loans and basically living paycheck to paycheck.  i saved up for the gear and i make the occasional track day a priority.

i agree with all of your advice renaissance man.  a couple other tips of the top of my head: look up your local road racing association's website, they probably have a forum with classifieds including used gear.  that's how i got much of my stuff, ex-racers and older dudes getting rid of stuff (often at very good prices) because they got new gear.

if you do go out for track days, by all means, don't get it confused with racing.  you are there to learn and have fun, not "smoke" the stranger riding next to you.  that will only get you into situations you don't want to be in, like crashed out or kicked out for making dumb passes.  

save up and try it out, then you'll know what you were missing!  

Well there ya go c230komp!  motogpfan is a perfect example that it takes work/time for us 'non-silver spoon' guys to get there!
And thanks for the comp motogpfan.  Good idea on the Association Tip.  I hadn't thought of that one!  As well, "Race Day" was a bad choice of words, cause it really is a learning experience, to test/expand your skills, and explore what your Road Rocket can really do.  There are events that do allow for Novice Racing, and 1/4 Mile, but it is a good idea to get some experience first.  

hey just wanted to let you know if you are interested in getting some used equipment i have a track suit i will let go for a good deal. it is in used condition but good enough to get you on the track. it is a little too small for me. i am 5 10 with 34 waist and i think 46 chest.  

Thanks for the input. I have to say its made me stop looking at the 1098 and I'm now checking what 600 would be best for me at the track. I'm 6'2" and have an '02 gixxer 1000. It's very comfortable and I think suzuki has the most aftermarket parts. I've also heard great things about the 675 but it has to be on the other side of the aftermarket spectrum. I am looking forward to the first weekend at blackhawk raceway. I don't know if I will be ready to take to the track but I'm ready to try it out. Thanks again.  

Some more advice for you c230komp (and be open for lots more at Track Day).  
If you are already on a Litre Bike, comfortable on it, and still working on Track Days within a limited budget, then use the GSXR at the Track for your first experiences.
If you find that you want to attend these Events on a regular basis, or enter into Novice Racing Events, then start looking for a more Competitive Bike at that point.  In the mean time, save your dough for the Track!  Even after your get your Leathers, there are lots of other expenses.  A single Event Entry Fee can cost upwards of $300, although some will offer a Multi-Event Discount, but even so.... it ain't cheap!  As well, there are Fuel Costs, and Tires to consider.
Just keep in mind that Track Days are a Learning Experience, in which you will have a better understanding of how to control your Bike, allowing you to be a Better/Safer Rider on the Street.  Rushing out to buy Aftermarket Parts will only incress your expenses, in an already expensive activity!
Plan on taking your Gixxer by Trailer.  This will allow you to bring such things as extra Fuel, Tools, Food/Drink, and if (God Forbid), you 'Crash Out', you and 'Gixie' will still have a ride home.  As for 'Aftermarket' Stuff, the only thing you should look for are some Mirror Blocks, so you can pull them off, and block the holes.  The last things to worry about for Body Modifications are simply Taping Off the Headlamp(s), and pulling All Lamp Fuses.  Piece of Pie!
Some guys Ride to the Events, but you are limited to the Fuel in your Tank, and what you can pack in, in addition to the fact that it is advised to lower the pressure in your Tires, and so right after the Event you are looking for a Gas Station to Fuel, and Air Up!
Your 'first time' will show you a lot of things not to repeat, but if you get the 'Bug', and are willing to toss lots of Pay Checks at it, then go out and get the 600.  At that point, you will have the skills, and the experience on a bigger Bike, which will really unlock that 600R's Full Potenial for you!
Congrats, and have fun!