
Here’s a full breakdown of Circuit Jules Tacheny – Mettet in Belgium from a motorcycle trackday perspective:
🏁 Circuit Overview
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Length & Layout: The main track is 2.28 km with roughly 10–12 corners, plus optional layouts like supermoto and rallycross chicanes
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Width & Elevation: Around 12 m wide, with modest elevation change (~13 m) across the technical layout — notably the fast “Hubin” – a drop-left/right blind turn (“Mettet Corkscrew”)
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Grip & Surface: Good asphalt grip—recent upgrades and new paddock facilities make it well-suited for bikes.
🏍️ Riding Dynamics
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Technical, Tight & Fun: A compact, twisty layout suits smaller or standard bikes, with several left-right combos and blind corners demanding precision.
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Flow vs Concentration: High seat time with short ~1min laps—prone to fatigue but excellent for practicing rhythm, braking, and lines
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Hubin Corner: The steep left-right drop is a highlight—surprised riders caution newcomers to carry focused throttle control here.
🧰 Trackday Structure & Support
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Session Format: Typically 6 × 20 min sessions (morning & afternoon), grouped by ability. Open pitlane (GP Days) options allow flexible riding (8 h track)
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Coaching: Mertens Riding School & others offer coaching, with group reshuffles mid-day to match pace. Beginner-friendly with transponder timing, safety briefings, and medical support
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Services: Transponder timing, tyre and technical service, gear hire, and on-site catering. Noise limits ~94 dB static / 101 dB dynamic—low compared to other Belgian tracks
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Amenities & Logistics: Basic facilities include toilets, showers, campsite nearby, and fuel at adjacent station (public road access). Box rental often included or available
😊 Rider Feedback
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Friendly and Supportive Atmosphere: Especially welcoming for newcomers, with options for slower group participation and coaching days
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Highly Rated by Trackday Community:
“A lovely track… somewhat short but a blast” — first-ever elbow-down at Mettet on a CBR900RR
“Mettet is a very fun track!” —
👍 Pros & ⚠️ Cons
✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
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Great for skill-building and flow practice | Short layout means constant concentration |
Lower noise limit eases compliance | Not suitable for big liter sportsbikes |
Structured coaching and support | Limited paddock — power/fuel slightly off-site |
Open-pit flexible format offers extended laps | Hubin can catch you out if unprepared |
🎯 Top Rider Tips
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Start Slow & Smooth: Use sighting laps to learn braking points, especially for blind, elevation-heavy turns like Hubin.
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Choose Coaching: Beginners benefit immensely from Mertens or Inter‑Track coaching days.
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Noise Ready: Fit a silencer insert early—static/dynamic checks are strict (94/101 dB).
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Bike Choice: Smaller bikes (600s, naked, or standard) perform well—big liter bikes feel limited due to circuit length.
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Pack Smart: Bring paddock essentials—jerrycan, power source, and spares.
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Track Crew: Use transponders and take part in groups matched to your pace; instructors will adjust mid‑day.
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Stay Hydrated: Short, intense laps mean quick fatigue—rest between sessions and stay hydrated.
✅ Summary
Mettet offers a compact, technical, and fun trackday environment with strong support for riders of all levels. Excellent coaching, manageable noise levels, and a friendly vibe make it perfect for honing technique and rhythm. Ideal if you’re looking to focus on throttle control, braking precision, and corner flow.