Call of the Blue

SaurAswale · 10th November 2023, 09:26

This is my first time writing anything, and I recognize that some may find it overly detailed or potentially boring. Forgive me for any mistakes I've made, and I kindly ask for valuable feedback to improve for the next time.

Race Track

A place to test yourself and your machine to the limits. It's a experience that is matched with nothing else. The ecstasy of feeling like you're loosing it yet remaining in control is incredible. It's a place where legends are crafted and fools are punished. If anyone is serious enough to improve the skills and be better rider or driver on road, Track days are great to find limits of the man and the machine. Back in my college days, I used to be the driver for our go-kart team. Unlike karts in adventure parks, it was 125cc 5-speed machine and surprisingly quick (and scary!!). Also, I was little familiar with racetracks and knew what to expect (or that's what I thought!!)
When I bought my Yamaha R15, handling and engine prowess was a top priority for me, given my love for motorsports. Otherwise it was hard to eliminate Apache RTR. (Full ownership review is coming soon). But the track day didn't crossed my mind for once.

My bike has been with me for last 45 days, I rode her 620kms to Hyderabad. Owning a Yamaha naturally led me to follow YamahaIndia on Instagram and stay on the lookout for the events. Then, an unexpected opportunity surfaced. There was a track day scheduled on 4th and 5th November in Hyderabad. But for some reason I was having some technical problem in registration. Despite my efforts to contact Yamaha officials, I hit a dead end. Then I gave up.

The boring weekend

There is a standard format of weekend that most of bachelors living in a PG follow - Sleep -Eat- Mobile- Chai- Sleep. On that perticular Saturday, after going through first two steps successfully, I found myself scrolling through Instagram. To my surprise, YamahaIndia had posted first updates of the track day. It 'tingled' something inside and next thing I knew that I was on my bike set for 40kms ride to Chicane Circuit, near Shameerpet. For no apparent reason, I slipped the small bike document bag into my backpack.

At The track

I arrived at the track around 2 pm, and to my delight, I was greeted by a sea of Yamaha R15s. Most of them were v3 and v4 models, in every colour. The receptionists gave me visitors band and just I was entering, there was a batch of 6 riders gearing up to hit the track. I took a stroll around the small paddock and saw everything there was to see.

Came across these beauties kept on the Display

Call of the Blue | A Trackday with the Yamaha R15-img_20231104_140651.jpg

And there was the black coloured R3..
Look at the thin spoked wheel with cut-outs at the hub.

Call of the Blue | A Trackday with the Yamaha R15-img_20231104_143948.jpg

Looks better from rear IMO

Call of the Blue | A Trackday with the Yamaha R15-img_20231104_143714.jpg

The track session began, and the kid in me was excited to see these machines in action, with riders leaning into corners and the thrilling vroom of their engines. While watching, I struck up a conversation with a Yamaha official and mentioned my registration troubles. To my surprise, he offered a solution: "Do you want to register now? You can choose to have your session today or tomorrow, if you wish." He recommended doing it on the same day since all the sessions for the day were over, and I would have the entire track to myself. Entire track for myself? this was tempting. I asked for a few minutes, called my cousin (not that I needed his approval), quickly checked if my networth has enough zeroes to make the payment and signed up for it.

The Experience

Things moved very swiftly after, the visitor band was taken out and replaced by another one. Documents were verified ( Thank God I had those with me). Then my bike was taken for inspection and I was taken to briefing area. Got introduced to Ashish, the instructor for day and Racer for Yamaha factory team. He walked me through do's and don'ts followed by safety briefing and riding position on sportbike. After 5 minutes of 'exclusive for me' session they directed me to gear up. Yamaha provides the One piece leather suit, racing boots (from BBG IRRC), racing gloves (again BBG) and a ECE rated helmet (unmistakably Axor Apex) to all riders- included in the registration cost. I decided to ride with my own helmet. Then there was very brief photo session.

"Oh my god!! I never looked so gooood!!" -Charles Leclerc

Call of the Blue | A Trackday with the Yamaha R15-img_20231104_152104.jpg

I was then led to my bike, where I received clear instructions: follow the Yamaha rider piloting an Aerox scooter on the track until the red flag.
What followed for next few minutes was the best time I ever had in my entire life. Immediate response was, "Ohh my god, this is so much different than go kart". Hitting the apex was suddenly so hard on two wheels. I was so vulnerable. It was like playing with fire. I was on my limit. I've never imagined myself leaning into corners like I did.
First couple of laps I was just trying to understand what is happening. After that, I got hang of it and was catching the Aerox. Except one high speed 90degree curve with few bumps. I was clearly loosing time there. Then I did something stupid, got over my skills and kept the throttle pinned for a fraction longer- got thrown out on a bump and ran wide on grass but thankfully the Yamaha didn't unsettled and saved me. It was heart in the mouth moment. There was another incident when I did mistake of touching rear brakes and instantly got punished. Also, once I turned in a little early and ended up on the grass at apex - it's fine to cut the corner on four wheels, but on the bike - not so pleasant experience.

Despite these setbacks, I was having the time of my life. Over the next few laps, I experimented more. I tried shifting my body weight off the seat while cornering instead of being steady on the seat, tried to complete a lap without changing gears, tried to delay my braking point after the straight, Focused on smoother transition from left to right into the a chicane. It was much harder than I thought.
After some more laps I started to notice my concentration began to wane, thankfully at the same time they shown the red flag ending the session. I still don't remember it was 15 mins session or 30 mins but it was enough to leave me exhilarated. As I came into pit, I didn't want to let go my bike so sat on it till things for cooled down. I suddenly realised as I was the only rider on track- most of the people were watching me. Also I got couple of feedbacks about my riding (and mistakes). Then officials told me to get hydrated and change the gears.

Sooo tired - still didn't want to get off

Call of the Blue | A Trackday with the Yamaha R15-img_20231104_155531.jpg

Finally I got changed and after a Energy drink, I recieved the framed photograph and goodies from Yamaha.
There was a tshirt with some small goodies along with the bag (which I was planning to buy for small rides). Also they let me keep the inners.

IMO goodies are enough to cover the registration cost 😉

Call of the Blue | A Trackday with the Yamaha R15-img_20231104_180243.jpg

Little About the Bike

I won't go into extensive praise for my bike in this post, as I'm in the process of preparing a full ownership review. I don't consider myself someone with enough experience or credibility to provide a detailed evaluation of my bike. However, the Yamaha R15 doesn't need much of an introduction in this department. So, I'll leave you with the words of Shumi, "Yamaha (R15) is a benevolent God. It's predictable, accurate, trustworthy, and forgiving. You can make mistakes and carry on."
The last statement holds especially true.

That wraps up my first experience on the track with two wheels. And, did I mention it only cost me 1500 rupees?

Learnings

Be open to opportunities; you never know what fate has in store for you.
Riding bikes on a track is a lot more dangerous than go-karts.
I need to learn everything about riding on a track to improve my skills.
Shifting my body weight into the corner is a crucial technique that significantly enhances lean angles and allows for higher speeds through corners. Avoid staying in a single position.
Never, under any circumstances, touch the rear brakes on the track.
Avoid cutting corners and the apex or run wide on a motorcycle.
Don't attempt anything beyond your current skill level.
The Aerox is an impressively quick scooter.
Let me say this once, R15 is a LEGEND

amiya.c · 12th November 2023, 08:30

Congratulations on your first track experience. I wish that you get to have more of these in future. Your post brought a smile on my face. I had the same colour Yamaha R15 V3 BS6 with me that I had to sell and I became a little emotional

This bike is truly a legend

SatishChour · 13th November 2023, 18:01

Lucky that you got a special session for you alone and congratulations on your first track experience.

Your post reminded me of my first track experience. It was one of the first R15 championships in 2008, and I was really lucky to get a training session from Aspi Bathena and a chance to follow him on MMRT.

I didn't get through the first round of the qualifying, thanks to a honking idiot on the track, I lost my track position that I had gained from 36th to 2nd, I dropped back down to 8th, while 6th place was the cut-off for the next round. I will never forget that honking Yellow R15 rider.

I did not get a chance to participate again, but I do regret the fact that I did not try.

Keep going back to the track if you get a chance as it is the best and safest way to experience your bike's full potential.

Here are some of my pictures on the training day before the race courtesy of ex-Bike India Photographer Sanjay Raiker. I shared my email ID with him and he generously emailed my pictures to me a few days later

SaurAswale · 13th November 2023, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by amiya.c

Congratulations on your first track experience. I wish that you get to have more of these in future. Your post brought a smile on my face. I had the same colour Yamaha R15 V3 BS6 with me that I had to sell and I became a little emotional

This bike is truly a legend

Thank you!! glad to hear you also had same color. This is the best looking v3 IMO.

SaurAswale · 13th November 2023, 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by amiya.c

Congratulations on your first track experience. I wish that you get to have more of these in future. Your post brought a smile on my face. I had the same colour Yamaha R15 V3 BS6 with me that I had to sell and I became a little emotional

This bike is truly a legend

Thank you!! glad to hear you also had same color. This is the best looking v3 IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SatishChour

Lucky that you got a special session for you alone and congratulations on your first track experience.

I didn't get through the first round of the qualifying, thanks to a honking idiot on the track, I lost my track position that I had gained from 36th to 2nd, I dropped back down to 8th, while 6th place was the cut-off for the next round. I will never forget that honking Yellow R15 rider.

Thanks SatishChour, We all have bitter sweet memories. But I think its impossible to not have fun on track. I am sure you had fun too!! And yes now I am actively looking for next opportunity to hit the track.
And your OG r15 looks great!! With that single seat, raised handlebar I believe it is most "'Practical" to live with among all the generations. And I heard with those skinny tyres, it was very flickable too.

R15M_Rider · 27th February 2024, 22:34

Hi @SaurAsWale, I finally registered for the Track Day at MMRT, Chennai on March 24th. Can’t wait for experiencing my R15M in its true home turf. I do have a query. Once I registered. I only got payment confirmation and receipt. Nothing else. Like whether some slot is confirmed or anything. Will I get another email later on, about further details?

10th November 2023, 09:26	#1
SaurAswale BHPian Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Kolhapur Posts: 53 Thanked: 209 Times	Call of the Blue \| A Trackday with the Yamaha R15 This is my first time writing anything, and I recognize that some may find it overly detailed or potentially boring. Forgive me for any mistakes I've made, and I kindly ask for valuable feedback to improve for the next time. Race Track A place to test yourself and your machine to the limits. It's a experience that is matched with nothing else. The ecstasy of feeling like you're loosing it yet remaining in control is incredible. It's a place where legends are crafted and fools are punished. If anyone is serious enough to improve the skills and be better rider or driver on road, Track days are great to find limits of the man and the machine. Back in my college days, I used to be the driver for our go-kart team. Unlike karts in adventure parks, it was 125cc 5-speed machine and surprisingly quick (and scary!!). Also, I was little familiar with racetracks and knew what to expect (or that's what I thought!!) When I bought my Yamaha R15, handling and engine prowess was a top priority for me, given my love for motorsports. Otherwise it was hard to eliminate Apache RTR. (Full ownership review is coming soon). But the track day didn't crossed my mind for once. Call of the blue My bike has been with me for last 45 days, I rode her 620kms to Hyderabad. Owning a Yamaha naturally led me to follow YamahaIndia on Instagram and stay on the lookout for the events. Then, an unexpected opportunity surfaced. There was a track day scheduled on 4th and 5th November in Hyderabad. But for some reason I was having some technical problem in registration. Despite my efforts to contact Yamaha officials, I hit a dead end. Then I gave up. The boring weekend There is a standard format of weekend that most of bachelors living in a PG follow - Sleep -Eat- Mobile- Chai- Sleep. On that perticular Saturday, after going through first two steps successfully, I found myself scrolling through Instagram. To my surprise, YamahaIndia had posted first updates of the track day. It 'tingled' something inside and next thing I knew that I was on my bike set for 40kms ride to Chicane Circuit, near Shameerpet. For no apparent reason, I slipped the small bike document bag into my backpack. At The track I arrived at the track around 2 pm, and to my delight, I was greeted by a sea of Yamaha R15s. Most of them were v3 and v4 models, in every colour. The receptionists gave me visitors band and just I was entering, there was a batch of 6 riders gearing up to hit the track. I took a stroll around the small paddock and saw everything there was to see. Came across these beauties kept on the Display And there was the black coloured R3.. Look at the thin spoked wheel with cut-outs at the hub. Looks better from rear IMO The track session began, and the kid in me was excited to see these machines in action, with riders leaning into corners and the thrilling vroom of their engines. While watching, I struck up a conversation with a Yamaha official and mentioned my registration troubles. To my surprise, he offered a solution: "Do you want to register now? You can choose to have your session today or tomorrow, if you wish." He recommended doing it on the same day since all the sessions for the day were over, and I would have the entire track to myself. Entire track for myself? this was tempting. I asked for a few minutes, called my cousin (not that I needed his approval), quickly checked if my networth has enough zeroes to make the payment and signed up for it. The Experience Things moved very swiftly after, the visitor band was taken out and replaced by another one. Documents were verified ( Thank God I had those with me). Then my bike was taken for inspection and I was taken to briefing area. Got introduced to Ashish, the instructor for day and Racer for Yamaha factory team. He walked me through do's and don'ts followed by safety briefing and riding position on sportbike. After 5 minutes of 'exclusive for me' session they directed me to gear up. Yamaha provides the One piece leather suit, racing boots (from BBG IRRC), racing gloves (again BBG) and a ECE rated helmet (unmistakably Axor Apex) to all riders- included in the registration cost. I decided to ride with my own helmet. Then there was very brief photo session. "Oh my god!! I never looked so gooood!!" -Charles Leclerc I was then led to my bike, where I received clear instructions: follow the Yamaha rider piloting an Aerox scooter on the track until the red flag. What followed for next few minutes was the best time I ever had in my entire life. Immediate response was, "Ohh my god, this is so much different than go kart". Hitting the apex was suddenly so hard on two wheels. I was so vulnerable. It was like playing with fire. I was on my limit. I've never imagined myself leaning into corners like I did. First couple of laps I was just trying to understand what is happening. After that, I got hang of it and was catching the Aerox. Except one high speed 90degree curve with few bumps. I was clearly loosing time there. Then I did something stupid, got over my skills and kept the throttle pinned for a fraction longer- got thrown out on a bump and ran wide on grass but thankfully the Yamaha didn't unsettled and saved me. It was heart in the mouth moment. There was another incident when I did mistake of touching rear brakes and instantly got punished. Also, once I turned in a little early and ended up on the grass at apex - it's fine to cut the corner on four wheels, but on the bike - not so pleasant experience. Despite these setbacks, I was having the time of my life. Over the next few laps, I experimented more. I tried shifting my body weight off the seat while cornering instead of being steady on the seat, tried to complete a lap without changing gears, tried to delay my braking point after the straight, Focused on smoother transition from left to right into the a chicane. It was much harder than I thought. After some more laps I started to notice my concentration began to wane, thankfully at the same time they shown the red flag ending the session. I still don't remember it was 15 mins session or 30 mins but it was enough to leave me exhilarated. As I came into pit, I didn't want to let go my bike so sat on it till things for cooled down. I suddenly realised as I was the only rider on track- most of the people were watching me. Also I got couple of feedbacks about my riding (and mistakes). Then officials told me to get hydrated and change the gears. Sooo tired - still didn't want to get off Finally I got changed and after a Energy drink, I recieved the framed photograph and goodies from Yamaha. There was a tshirt with some small goodies along with the bag (which I was planning to buy for small rides). Also they let me keep the inners. IMO goodies are enough to cover the registration cost 😉 Little About the Bike I won't go into extensive praise for my bike in this post, as I'm in the process of preparing a full ownership review. I don't consider myself someone with enough experience or credibility to provide a detailed evaluation of my bike. However, the Yamaha R15 doesn't need much of an introduction in this department. So, I'll leave you with the words of Shumi, "Yamaha (R15) is a benevolent God. It's predictable, accurate, trustworthy, and forgiving. You can make mistakes and carry on." The last statement holds especially true. That wraps up my first experience on the track with two wheels. And, did I mention it only cost me 1500 rupees? Learnings Be open to opportunities; you never know what fate has in store for you. Riding bikes on a track is a lot more dangerous than go-karts. I need to learn everything about riding on a track to improve my skills. Shifting my body weight into the corner is a crucial technique that significantly enhances lean angles and allows for higher speeds through corners. Avoid staying in a single position. Never, under any circumstances, touch the rear brakes on the track. Avoid cutting corners and the apex or run wide on a motorcycle. Don't attempt anything beyond your current skill level. The Aerox is an impressively quick scooter. Let me say this once, R15 is a LEGEND
	(31) Thanks

12th November 2023, 08:30	#2
amiya.c BHPian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Bangalore Posts: 108 Thanked: 129 Times	Re: Call of the Blue \| A Trackday with the Yamaha R15 Congratulations on your first track experience. I wish that you get to have more of these in future. Your post brought a smile on my face. I had the same colour Yamaha R15 V3 BS6 with me that I had to sell and I became a little emotional This bike is truly a legend Last edited by amiya.c : 12th November 2023 at 08:30. Reason: word missed
	(1) Thanks

13th November 2023, 18:01	#3
SatishChour BHPian Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Swindon, UK Posts: 37 Thanked: 211 Times View My Garage	Re: Call of the Blue \| A Trackday with the Yamaha R15 Lucky that you got a special session for you alone and congratulations on your first track experience. Your post reminded me of my first track experience. It was one of the first R15 championships in 2008, and I was really lucky to get a training session from Aspi Bathena and a chance to follow him on MMRT. I didn't get through the first round of the qualifying, thanks to a honking idiot on the track, I lost my track position that I had gained from 36th to 2nd, I dropped back down to 8th, while 6th place was the cut-off for the next round. I will never forget that honking Yellow R15 rider. I did not get a chance to participate again, but I do regret the fact that I did not try. Keep going back to the track if you get a chance as it is the best and safest way to experience your bike's full potential. Here are some of my pictures on the training day before the race courtesy of ex-Bike India Photographer Sanjay Raiker. I shared my email ID with him and he generously emailed my pictures to me a few days later Attached Thumbnails
	(3) Thanks

27th February 2024, 22:34	#6
R15M_Rider BHPian Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: Chennai Posts: 47 Thanked: 191 Times	Re: Call of the Blue \| A Trackday with the Yamaha R15 Hi @SaurAsWale, I finally registered for the Track Day at MMRT, Chennai on March 24th. Can’t wait for experiencing my R15M in its true home turf. I do have a query. Once I registered. I only got payment confirmation and receipt. Nothing else. Like whether some slot is confirmed or anything. Will I get another email later on, about further details?
	(1) Thanks