I guess I'm not literally a newbie but before this year it had been about 17 years since I had ridden on a track. I've considered trying track days again for a few years now, I even bought new leathers a couple years ago, but didn't pull the trigger until this year. In February I acted out of character (see username) and picked up a 2003 Aprilia RSV-R to use at the track. It was cheap and has forged aluminum wheels, Ohlins suspension and Brembo radial calipers. Forgive me, Ducati faithful! My first time out was May 14th at a Ducati Detroit event at Grattan. The Aprilia wasn't ready yet (Have I mentioned how much I hate plastic gas tanks? It has a metal one now) so I got out the duct tape and prepped my '91 851 instead. 50 miles ridden this year, 27 year old bike, all new gear, wet track, what could possibly go wrong? I was incredibly slow but no "oh shit" moments so I'll call it a success. The next event was another Ducati Detroit track day, this one at Gingerman and run by STT. The Aprilia was ready, or so I thought... Oops. I never even made it to tech. Sidelined by an electrical issue I ended up riding demo bikes that day. Thanks, Ducati Detroit! Also, thanks STT and their instructors. I'm starting over in the novice group and the classroom and track sessions were great. I went through California Superbike School decades ago so I wasn't entirely new to things but it was nice to start out slowly. I was pretty flustered in the morning and didn't catch names but everyone was great to deal with. On the way back home my buddy and I were talking about the day and the more we talked the more I realized what a great day it was. I think I may be hooked, for cripe sakes I've even been looking at vehicles with the thought of "how well would that work for track days..." BTW the RSV is fixed now. I probably will take everyone's advice and ride it before hauling it to the track again though! The good news is the bike hasn't got a license plate so the neighbors would have nothing to report after I go by...
Glad it all worked out. Keep a close eye with a bike that old they tend to need more TLC than a newer bike. Might spend a day going over all the rubber bits, they age the worse and can cause issues with vacuum leaks and worst case a LEAK of a fluid. Of course at the worst possible time. Once it's all sorted, you can enjoy that success along with a fantastic day at the track.