Cobie Fair

John, The fit on the tank, where your inner leg would rest. The main thing to know when putting them on is to make sure you clean the tank (like with contact cleaner), and then put on one row at a time, getting all the air out. This stuff is great. Once you use it, you never want to go back if you track ride and hang off! Best, Cobie

Whoohoo Andy! Best, Cobie

Next Brazil school, could be as early as September, won't be at Rio, will be at another track further south, Curitiba (not sure if that's the correct spelling). They are for sure working gung ho to get school started down there. Now Andy's summary was very nice, but a few things that didn't end up in there. One was "how many caparineas does it take to make Andy truly jovial?" Caparinea is the Brazilian version of a margarita, and it's really good. Whatever the number, we achieved it. Or the fact that James (and the rest of us) needed chiropractic adjustments from strained necks. It was an excellent trip, though the plane ride back seemed to take forever. Best, CF

Dear Corvette, We've kept away from doing this (having students use their own bikes), and there are a few reasons 1. With virtually any mechanical problem you'd be out of luck (minor reason). 2. You will be switching repeatedly back on forth on the camera bike (a 636) and then getting your riding reviewed by a senior instructor, and many complain about having to get used to riding a different bike, rather than just working on their riding. 3. You will also be riding the lean and slide bike, and those are ZX-6R's too, and likely the NO BS bike. 4. Our bikes have been set up and maintained by a truly top mechanic, and if anything does go wrong, we have spares of everything that could be needed. Many are amazed after riding our bikes and then go back to their own bike having experienced what a correctly set up bike is like. The big reason is--from the standpoint of the training, when all are using the same bike, the same tires, then as many variables are out of the equation as possible, and the student can just concentrate on his riding. It's almost like being a factory rider--you don't have to put gas in the thing or fuel it! This is really the major reason--quality of training. It has worked well for many years, so we like to keep something in place when we get excellent results. Now, all that being said, if you brought your bike, you might be able to ride it a session or maybe even 2 at the end of the day. But, it's also going to throw off your lap times, which you will get for the whole day at the end. Best, Cobie Fair Chief Instructor

In LA traffic, there is no better way to get around, and I still enjoy it. My rule of thumb is, "What if that car did so and so, do I have an out, do I have an option?" When the answer is "no" I think that the dangerous point has been reached, and I don't do it (with very rare excpetion). And I try and be polite too. I rarely get any dramas from the car guys, and mostly get good manners from them. Hot rides in the canyons, not worth it, unless I'd have some friends and it was just a social event. CF

All of the things that you are talking about are EXACTLY what the school is designed to handle. I guarantee you in one day your riding life will change! Come see us as soon as you can, and it will not matter if you ride your bike or ours. If you want, call me in the office, I'll answer any question you have on this, with any budget or other kind of restraint you have, we'll come up with a solution that will get you started, and in a logical progression. How does that sound? Best, Cobie Fair Chief Instructor 800-530-3350

There is a lot of data on this on a few forums, but the very short answer is, over parking lot speeds of only a few miles an hour, if the direction of the bike needs to be changed, countersteering is how it is done. There is a lot more information on steering in TWIST OF THE WRIST 2, any chance you have that to refer to? best, Cobie

T/hill if fun, I for sure enjoy it. But, most of our students seem to prefer Laguna and also the Streets course. A couple of nice things about the Streets course--you are just about guaranteed a nice weather day. Even when a bit windy on the big track (or in the pits for that matter) it's virtually not a problem out on the track. Also, it's the best lean and slide bike training facility that I think we've every used. Pancake flat, and plenty big enough. Best, CF

John, There are some advantages of riding on new tracks. One is that is really will force you to take your skills and apply them to another area. On top of that, it's only once a year! Come give us a shot, see what you think. We've got a guarantee, how can you loose! Best, Cobie

FF, You might also check with Nottingham, he might be tired of just getting it up at the wheelie school! CF

We need Will to get in on this, he's worked for Dunlop, knows more, but here is a little data: The 208 gp's are made on the race tire assmebly line, it's basically a slick with treads. Ultimately more taction thatn the others. The ZR are production tires, not the same construction, and I think also the 207rr. We don't have many of them here, it was more in Europe. For fast guys, and extended track use, I think the 208gp is the way to go. The 180 is made for a 6 inch rim, so you'll be fine with that (they have been using it for years). Hope this helps a little and I'll nudge Will to check this thread. Cobie

Ballistic, I'd settle for any class, and the premier class at the same time. I'd like to see if it could be done in today's climate. CF

Griz, Well, it's also a good commentary on you, that he was willing to do it to you and trusted you wouldn't do anything silly! CF

FF, (and wife!) I know what you are talking about, really we are into some philosophy of life here. One thing that I've gotten from Keith over the years, is where to put your attention. If it is put on trying to prevent something, one is going to get run over, and this applies to life in general. At the school we never tell people to "be careful" or "don't crash" as this puts their attention on what not to do, as opposed to doing something. 100% my opinion here: From my observation, the people that really go out and attack life, pretty much don't get run over by it. The other factor seems to be how "clean" they are in their dealings with their fellow man. I'm constantly amazed and inspired by a few friends of mine that are really successful in life and how moral and ethical they are in their dealiings with their fellows. They don't copy computer programs or music, they treat others with good manners and courtesy, they don't steal anything, they do not do anytihng they wouldn't tell their wives, etc. And these guys have the most amazing "good luck"! Best, CF

You guys make it worth all the effor! CF

Reverend, I was wondering what courses were offered, and how you had been able to compare them to what is trained in the 4 levels (if you hadn't done them, or been on a track)? Best, CF

Bob, Not sure where you are located, but Will and I have used GP Suspension to for our forks, and the kits worked very well. I don't have his contact data handy, but I'm sure Will does--hey Will, want to post it? Best, CF

Hmmm....I wonder if Stu would have a hard time being a flat tracker

We don't at this point have any "super twins" schools scheduled. But as Will said, anyone can come on any bike to almost any school (2-day camps being the exception. CF

Oh guys, you are not hellping at all. Will's head is going to have to go through the garage door to get in the shop, and he'll have to change helmets

Hey, I was talking with Keith this morning about the Mladin article/interview in CYCLE NEWS. You guys should check out where he says he hardly messes with the bike from track to track! CF

Bones, I don't but maybe they have it on their website? CF

fastfreddie, Looks like you did pretty well this year!

This wasn't really a story. A few years ago, there was an interview with King Kenny. The cover of Cycle News had him fully sideways in the dirt. The bike--a V-MAX!

I think it was '89 that I started doing some instructing, even though I worked at the school in '83. I need to get JungleJim to teach me how to drive a car!