THRILL OF LEARNING
Rookie rider Suvrat heads to the racetrack to hone his riding skills ahead of two race weekends
IT’S ALWAYS AN enthusiast’s dream to ride on a racetrack, to absolutely thrash the motorcycle around corners, test the limits of the engine and later spend time in the pits revelling in the experience with like-minded comrades. Since childhood, I have spent so much time watching our MotoGP heroes go bonkers around racing circuits that riding on a racetrack has been at the top of my bucket list. About two and a half years into the job, this dream finally actualised for me when I was nominated for the TVS Young Media
Racer Programme. TVS started the YMRP in 2017 as a permanent fixture in its annual racing calendar so that auto journalists can get a taste of the racing environment. Okay, riders don’t learn how to ride like Valentino Rossi, but are first taught the basics of riding on a racetrack before two weekends of full-blown racing.
Our steed was the race-spec TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. With mild mechanical and cosmetic tweaks over the stock motorcycle, it’s an ideal tool to learn the fundamentals of riding on the track.
Training day comprises four classroom sessions, each followed by a track session to implement the learnings. You might be riding motorcycles from point A to B your whole life, but that doesn’t make you a good rider. It requires guidance in a controlled atmosphere, with lessons from experienced riders that makes you get rid of your poor riding habits. One of the first lessons by Harry Sylvester, TVS Racing’s esteemed factory rider, was unlearning bad riding habits and correcting the mistakes that we unconsciously commit during everyday riding. Harry taught us the basics by clinically breaking down information on smooth throttle inputs, riding position, braking and vision before moving onto track-specific lessons on racing lines and cornering.
With safety as the first priority, the first session was regarding track manners where we were taught to read the flags and how to enter and exit the pit lane safely. Pit lanes are always busy and often crowded, so adhering to the rules is extremely important to avoid mishaps. Maintaining the 60kmph speed limit, entering and exiting without cutting across the white marker and using hand signals play a vital role in preserving the sanctity of the track. Following that, the track sessions were led by TVS Racing’s factory riders Jagan Kumar and KY Ahmed who helped us master the no-brake drill and by following them around the track, we learnt the racing lines. Of paramount importance was Harry’s lesson on vision, because your vision takes you where you want to go, so you should always aim for the correct lines, the apex or corner exit and seamlessly move your vision to the next corner. If you look at the run-off areas, that’s where you’ll unfortunately end up.
With an entire catalogue of information in the brain, it was now time to implement the learnings on the qualifying round. I knew the ball wasn’t in my court for everyone else had more track experience than me. Chennai’s scorching heat meant I was drained and watching the experienced riders carve corners at full tilt was utterly intimidating. But I managed to keep my emotions in check and kept a cool head. As taught, I executed smooth throttle inputs that not only kept the RTR 200 4V planted over bumpy sections around corners, but also improved my speed. I knew I was making mistakes, but with every lap, I corrected them and that eventually led to me qualifying for the race weekend. The RTR 200 4V served as an ideal training tool thanks to its lightweight construction and agility, making first-timers like me comfortable in the saddle despite being under pressure.
The story doesn’t end here. The training and selection round was followed by two full weekends of hardcore racing action, satiating my hunger for the ultimate Thrill of Riding that can only be enjoyed on the racetrack against some very capable opponents. Read about my race experience in the Fast Bikes supplement that comes with this issue. ⌧
BEING SO LIGHT AND AGILE, THE APACHE RTR 200 4V WAS AN
IDEAL TRAINING TOOL