A BMW R1200GS might not be the obvious choice for a track day, but that was precisely the point.
For this edition of The Track Report, I headed to Red Star Raceway to discover what my large adventure motorcycle could do around the circuit—and whether a track day could improve the skills I use on the road.
Watch My Complete Track-Day Experience
Preparing for the Track
Before I could start riding, I needed to complete the registration and payment process.
At the time of my visit, a weekend track day cost R700 for a half day or R900 for the full day. I chose the half-day option, which gave me three riding sessions before it was time to pack up.
A compulsory rider briefing took place at approximately 08:45 in the training centre. The organisers explained the rules, track etiquette and essential safety procedures before allowing the first group onto the circuit.
Riders were divided according to experience and pace. The fastest A Group riders went out first, followed by the remaining classes.
Then it was time for the C Group—and the only BMW R1200GS at the circuit—to head onto the track.
A Familiar Circuit in the Opposite Direction
This wasn’t my first visit to Red Star Raceway, but it was my first time riding the circuit on a motorcycle.
My previous experience had been behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo, with the circuit running clockwise. For this track day, it was running anticlockwise.
Changing direction completely altered the experience. The corner entries, braking zones and racing lines were unfamiliar, making it feel like an entirely new circuit.
My first session was therefore about learning the track rather than chasing lap times.
Session One: Learning 13 Corners
Red Star Raceway has 13 corners, and on a motorcycle there is very little time to relax between them.
My first session demanded constant concentration. Instead of dealing with one corner at a time, I needed to look through the current corner and begin preparing for the next one before completing the first turn.
My initial best lap was approximately 2 minutes 57 seconds.
The time itself wasn’t particularly important. What mattered was learning where the circuit went, identifying the braking points and becoming comfortable leaning a tall adventure motorcycle through a sequence of bends.
The familiar first-session nerves gradually began to fade as the track made more sense with every lap.
Building Confidence
Between sessions, it was clear that confidence was improving throughout the paddock.
The faster riders returned to the circuit for their second outing, carrying more speed and looking increasingly comfortable. It also gave me an opportunity to explore the paddock and see the wide variety of motorcycles participating in the event.
When it was time for the C Group to return, my goal for session two was simple: relax, look farther ahead and improve on my opening lap time.
Session Two: My Biggest Improvement
The second session immediately felt better.
With several laps completed, I knew more about the circuit and could begin looking through the corners instead of concentrating only on what was directly ahead of the motorcycle.
That change made a significant difference.
Rather than reacting to every bend individually, I could begin linking corners together. The motorcycle felt more settled, my lines became smoother and the braking points grew more predictable.
My best lap improved from approximately 2:57 to 2:44—a gain of around 13 seconds.
It was my fastest lap of the day and a clear example of how quickly confidence can develop once you begin to understand a circuit.
Red Star Versus Swartkops
I had previously completed three motorcycle track days at Swartkops Raceway, making it a useful point of comparison.
Swartkops has fewer corners and allows you to maintain higher speeds for longer, particularly along its back straight. Red Star is more technical, with 13 corners demanding frequent changes of direction, braking and acceleration.
At Red Star, I needed to manage the motorcycle almost continuously.
There were fewer opportunities to settle into a long straight and reset. Instead, each corner led rapidly into the next, requiring me to remain focused on positioning, vision, braking and throttle control.
For that reason, I found Red Star more challenging—but also extremely rewarding.
More Than Just a Racetrack
Red Star Raceway also offers plenty for riders and spectators between sessions.
There are several viewpoints around the facility, including an excellent position behind the skidpan from which you can see approximately 90% of the circuit. From there, spectators can follow riders through nearly every section of the lap.
The venue also includes:
- A reasonably priced canteen
- A bar for spectators—and riders once they have finished riding
- A small merchandise shop
- Driving simulators
- A swimming pool
- A children’s play area
- Camping facilities
- Various accommodation options, including luxury units
Even if you aren’t participating, there is enough to make Red Star an enjoyable place to spend the day watching different motorcycles and riders on the circuit.
Session Three: Looking Through the Corner
The third session was my final opportunity of the half day.
With a best time of 2:44 already recorded, my focus remained on improving my vision and building confidence—not taking unnecessary risks.
The most important lesson was to look through the corner.
Looking only at the entry or apex limits the amount of information available to you. Looking farther ahead helps the motorcycle follow a smoother line and gives you more time to prepare for what comes next.
My final session didn’t produce a faster lap. I was only a fraction slower than during session two, partly because more riders had joined the C Group.
Passing was not permitted through corners in the C Group. On a circuit containing 13 bends, that left only a few safe overtaking opportunities. The session consequently became more stop-start, but it still provided valuable time on the motorcycle.
Why I Believe Track Days Matter
Red Star’s circuit surface was exceptionally smooth and free from distracting bumps.
There was also generous runoff around the track and very little proximity to hard barriers. This created an environment in which I could concentrate on developing my skills without traffic, intersections, roadside walls or oncoming vehicles.
This is why I strongly believe that track days are valuable—even for riders with no interest in racing.
A track allows you to learn:
- How far your motorcycle can lean
- How much grip your tyres can provide
- How firmly you can brake
- How late you can safely begin braking
- Where you should look through a corner
- How your body position affects the motorcycle
- How to remain calm when entering a bend faster than expected
One lesson becomes apparent to me at almost every track day: you usually have more time and control than you think.
When something feels uncomfortable on the road, panic can cause you to tense up, stare at the wrong place or make an abrupt input. Controlled track riding teaches you to trust the motorcycle, keep looking through the corner and respond deliberately.
Those lessons transfer directly to everyday road riding, mountain passes and motorcycle touring.
Is the BMW R1200GS Suitable for the Track?
My R1200GS was never intended to compete with dedicated superbikes around Red Star Raceway.
Its height, weight, suspension travel and adventure-focused design place it at an obvious disadvantage when outright lap times are the goal. A skilled superbike rider may lap Red Star in approximately two minutes, while a large adventure motorcycle is more likely to record a time between 2:30 and 3:00, depending on the rider and conditions.
But outright speed wasn’t the reason I took the GS onto the circuit.
The track day gave me an opportunity to understand my motorcycle better—to experience its braking, cornering clearance, tyre grip and handling in a safe and controlled environment.
The BMW remained composed, predictable and surprisingly enjoyable throughout the day. More importantly, it proved that you don’t need a superbike to benefit from a track day.
You can bring the motorcycle you already ride.
Final Thoughts
Three sessions at Red Star Raceway transformed the experience from an unfamiliar collection of 13 corners into a flowing and thoroughly enjoyable circuit.
My first session was about orientation and overcoming nerves. The second produced a 13-second improvement and my best lap of the day. The third reinforced the importance of vision, patience and adapting to other riders.
For R700 at the time of filming, I felt that the half-day experience represented good value. The sessions lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the groups running that day, and the venue offered everything riders and spectators needed to enjoy their visit.
Most importantly, the day reinforced why I believe track riding is such valuable training.
It isn’t only about lap times or racing. It is about learning what you and your motorcycle can do in an environment designed for it. The confidence developed on the circuit can make you a smoother, calmer and safer rider on the road.
Take your bike to a track day, build your skills and discover that the limits may be farther away than you think.
Watch the complete Track Report, subscribe to the Torque & Throttle Motorcycle Co YouTube channel, and join us for the next ride.
