So I've got a big birthday coming up next year & with the job that I do I have to book time out of the diary for holidays at least a year in advance, I'm looking to spend a couple of weeks in a villa somewhere with the wife & kids, with a few days on track in there too. I'm looking for some advice on which European tracks people would recommend to take my 748 to, it will likely have to be October & somewhere warm (ish), so I'm guessing Spain or Portugal? I've only done one euro, which was an awesome trip to Almeria for 5 days. I'd say the 748 would be suited to that circuit and I'm happy to go back there again, but want to explore other options too. Any help much appreciated!
When Portimao was new I took a 748r there. It was fantastic but ran out of revs half way along the start finish straight, so maybe twistier tracks would be better
I think most people will agree that Jerez is one that should be done . But would add that it seems October onwards the chances of rain seems to have increased over the last few years as well. Brilliant track .
Me and @Expat Jack did cartagena few years ago, was good fun and a twisty track, the town was good too.
Yep, Cartagena a good track for a 748. Jerez too if you fancy a bit of motorcycle Hollywood. Or maybe Valencia?
Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I’ve always wanted to go to Jerez but didn’t know if it would suit the 748. Cartagena is a great shout though as well, I’ll do some research on those two for starters
How will you be getting the bike to your (eventual) chosen destination and will it be road legal or track ready ? To avoid the ball ache of applying (and paying through the nose) for a Carnet, the bike needs to travel with you and be taxed and MoT'd (number plate fitted and frame and engine number accessible to check against the V5c). Just my opinion, the last time we visited Cartagena, a lot of time and effort had gone in to making the town a pleasant and interesting place to visit but it isn't somewhere I'd like to spend 2 weeks. I'd look to stay in or near Mercia which is only about a 30 minute drive from the track. Andy
I'll do the same as last time and let whoever is running the event ship it for me, saves a lot of hassle. I'm leaning towards Jerez at the moment, just waiting for dates to be confirmed. Cartagena looks great and I've spent a lot of time in that area (a mate has a villa near Murcia), so it would also be good to visit somewhere different too.
I have been to most of the Spain/Portugal tracks on the 748R & RS. Portimao you run out of everything down the straight (ducv2). Jerez is a top track with enough fast corners infield to feed the 748 and not enough straights to let the big boys get away too easily. Almeria is perfect with elevation change, fast turns and an uphill straight that lets the big boys have their moment. Cartegena really good for 748 braking and corner speed, drives the big boys nuts as you dive bomb them in the turns. Valencia a bit like Portimao with a long, fast straight, but near a really good city for the “other track day entertainment”. Estoril is hard to book for bikes, but very twisty and some hard braking zones. Aragon probably a bit too fast and furious for the 748. 916 would be fine though. I have 748 track video of most of those on the 748 on my CornerSpeed YouTube channel. I am on the boat to Santander right now, heading to Portimao then Valencia. It can rain, so wets essential.
Awesome, thanks for the advice - I'll have a look for the vids! Have a great trip, Portimao is a circuit I'd love to do
Some good advice here .... Estoril is no longer available after it lost its operating licence so no more bike trackdays there, gutted. Jerez Oct is limited availibilty, the annual NL trip sells out without going live on their website, I have a group going in a few weeks. Another that that would be a good shout for a 748 would be the new Seville circuit, no big straights and quite intereing plus not far from town, could well be worth a look, it opened this time last year, in fact a year tomorrow I boarded my flight for its first ever public track event !! Most of the 'name' circuits will have a decent straight but don't let that put you off, my groups have had everything from ZX4R's to V4R's and everyone has fun ....
If you have a van or trailer Le Mans & Spa are truly epic tracks for a smaller bike…… No one ever forgets their first time through Eau Rouge
