Thug Life

Taking a big adventure motorcycle on a track day is like taking a knife to a gunfight...or is it?

- WORDS SHIVANK BHATT PHOTOGRAPHY HIYAN CHAUHAN, ASIF ZUBAIRI

Last month, Apex Racing Academy, which also organises motorcycle track days nationwide, rang me up with an irresistible invitation — to participate in one of their track days at the Buddh International Circuit. A full day at the track is nothing less than a pilgrimage for me. So, naturally, I couldn't say no!

However, there was a big problem - I didn't have the 'right' bike for the job. I contacted a couple of manufacturers, asking them to loan me a track-appropriate motorcycle, but had no luck...until I rang BMW.

'So, do you have the S 1000 RR in your press fleet?'

'No, sorry, we don't have it at the moment. We only have the R 1300 GS and F 900 GS. Want either of those?'

A GS...for a track day? At first, I chuckled at the thought. But then I figured, what the hell...there was no harm in trying. If I were to embarrass myself on the track, I might as well do it with the biggest tool in the shed.

TRACK ATTACK

Apex Racing's track days are a fairly straightforward affair. You can take a complete package with training sessions or opt for open track sessions. For a two-day session, the former costs ₹71,000 while the latter will set you back by ₹49,000. Sounds steep, but with 240 minutes of track time over 12 sessions and a chance to ride on a MotoGP/FIM-certified track like BIC, it's excellent value.