cammyontheback

A quick sketch might help. I think you have to double tap to see the full size image This is what happens. The only thing that can change is the speed. The CG, and the lean angle remain constant. (Airplanes work basically the same way)

My limited trackday experience in Northern California has been with Pacific Track Time, or PTT. The first two laps (sighting laps) are run at about 50% and 75% behind staff riders at the beginning of the day, at least in the novice catagory. The staff riders then exit, or get out of the way, and off you go at your own pace. Helps to learn the track, locate braking, and turn in points too. I have no affiliation with the organizer, but have found their safety culture is good and consistent. Mark

Congrats for the improvement! But, your not going to get any props here for the above! Ha! Your not even close to "twilight" dude. Ride on!

Sorry. Can't tell ya. After the CSS class I decided to cover the speedo during track days. I had not realized what a distraction it was looking at the speedo, for no good reason, until I took the class and used a CSS bike that had the speedo covered. No speedo forces you to focus on the approaching corner to evaluate entry speed. Much better! Mark

Bobby, Thanks for the feedback. Good info. I have studied all that Code has written, and Andrew Trevitt's Sportbike Suspension Tuning, Which I think was great. Sag has all been set, and I'm happy with it. I'm pretty much happy with the bike. Seemed too simple. I'm sure as I push the bike harder that weaknesses will become apparent, but so for this has not been the case. When that happens I'll just have to start experimenting. And, I'll learn more at that time. Additionally, input from a pro suspension tuner will be more valuable to me. But, I will insist of course that I understand the reason for any recommended changes, as opposed to just taking a "he said it, I'll just do it" approach. Thanks again, Mark

Hi all, Mark here. Some back ground on me. I ride my gsx-r1000 on the street and track. I've done three track days and CSS level 1 at Streets-o'-Willow. I got my bike in August of 08 as part of a project I set about doing. Specifically, to learn how to ride a sportbike, hang off, and go fast around corners, overcome some apprehension about lean angle, and stop counterbalancing my turns, i.e., pushing the bike under me, dirt bike style while riding twisties. I am generally a pretty good rider. I've read everything three times and taken notes. I LOVE my gsxr. Here is my situation/question. When I got the bike I set up the sag as per recommended best practices. For starters I set the suspension at the mid-points with regard to compression and rebound dampning (fast and slow). I weigh about 200 suited up. I've had no complaints with that set up on the street. When I go to the track I set my air pressure and here is the big change..... I add 2 clicks, (1/2 turn) to each compression setting, and put a tie wrap on the fork to check for max compression used. That's it! I've never felt like I ever have felt control, or traction problems. I ride at a mid "B" pace and have never scared myself. I have to go to work the next day so I ride with a certain amount of conservatism, and the bike is showroom stock, sans license plate holder, and frame sliders. I'm happy with the set up, but understand that different tracks and conditions may very well dictate slight changes. Seems almost too easy. I don't have enough experience to evaluate feedback and grip as it relates to traction and suspension. I'm not sure if I'm missing the holy grail or not. What are common faults of nOObs like me in this area? I understand that I could just start dialing things away from my settings in a controlled way and recording the changes in feelings I get from the bike, and I'm willing to do that just to learn the out come, (some of the best lessons I've learned in life have come from making mistakes, paying the consequences, then refining until I found improvement) but I'd like to shorten the learning curve by listening to those with more experience. Sound vague? It feels vague! (not the bike. just my explanation) Mark

Very nice. I like the bike. Thanks. I have really enjoyed it and learned alot with it. Mark

Here ya go...... Mark

Just did a trackday in northern California, ("C" group, non-competitive). My first since CSS level 1 this summer. The skills I learned at CSS are working great. Right off the bat I turned in new personel best times around Thunderhill Raceway. Confidence level was up. The event was a sell out. Bikes everywhere. Not a circumstance where you would expect to ride fast. With the techniques learned at CSS, such as maintaining visual awareness of the opportunities that become available on the track, focusing on specific points to ride over and smooth control of power at the right time (and of course the 60/40 weight benefits gained by that) I was able to maintain good control. and see optional paths through traffic and around corners. Though not always the best path, that kept me moving forward efficiently. Funny how my mind places an X on the track, as if someone had walked out there and put down tape. I received some great compliments from event staff, some I know are hard to impress, although I prefer to not draw attention to myself. Near the end of the day I was asked by the organizer's track staff to move up to the "B" group due to my speed. OK. I'm going to take that as confirmation that the techniques I learned at CSS are improving my ability to ride a motorcycle fast and in control. Thanks again for offering your school. I'll be back. Mark

Top Priority for me seems to be getting the bike to the best Turn Entry Speed. Followed closely by nailing the proper lean angle, with a single steering input, for the entry speed. For me the "best" Turn Entry Speed is one that provides the most value for the effort. I want a turn entry speed that doesn't set off my SR, or, in other words, a speed that provides predictable success. Thats a speed that allows me to set a lean angle and start adding power immediately. IMHO, all the factors of the turn are varibles to the entry speed. (One of the most valuable drills I experienced during level one training at Streets was the NO BRAKES laps in 4th gear. With the elevation changes I thought this would be a handfull. Not the case. ) Right or wrong, you will learn in a hurry. Refinement comes with practice. Has helped a ton in the street riding environment too. Thanks, Mark

I find your enthusiasm refreshing! It's part of the successful formula! Mark

Mark here. I attended Level One training at Streets of Willow on June 14th '09. Brought long time friend and riding partner Stuie. We're nOObs on a sportbike. CSS is a pro organization. Safety and service is top priority. Don't expect to be spoon fed. Classroom instructors and on track rider coaches will ask you to think things out. Often, leading one to answer their own questions. It's a very affective tool in achieving a deeper understanding of the art. I recommend doing some homework prior to coming to the school. Read everything you can get on the subject of controlling a high performance bike if possible. If not, at least try to read Twist II prior to your day at school. Your day will start with a wonderfull selection of choices for breakfast. CSS wants you fed and watered throughout the day for stamina and attention. The day is very structured. Your going to be expected to be certain places at certain times. Be there. Other students' day will be impacted in a negative way if your late. I used one of CSS's 600cc Ninjas. The motorcycles were outstanding! They ran like new, had great tires, brakes and controls. Kieth Code's mechanical staff never stops checking on the equipment to ensure top performance. My Rider Coach was James Toohey. James is totally professional, a master at riding and better yet, is one of those special individuals with the skills to demonstrate, observe and provide a constructive and tactful critique for his students. James was soooo busy during my day at school, yet, took as much relaxed time as needed to explain, make recommendations and answer student questions. It was my feeling that ALL the on track rider coaches have these skills. On track safety is taken very seriously. I was called off the track twice to be told not to pass so close. They want a minimum continuous 6 foot bubble around the bikes and my estimate of 6 foot was a little short. I recommend more to satisfy everyone and not create a distraction. Thank-you to all the CSS staff for providing a great learning and professional environment. I'll be back for Level II asap. I highly recommend the school and suggest that the money was well spent! I am a better rider now that I have attended. Mark

I won't be arriving from South America intil midnight Sunday the 15th. So can't make a get together Sunday evening. (My wife is coming over to hang out with me at the track and watch me learn something new) Departing for the East coast at 11 pm Monday night following the day at the track. Little time to catch up so can't make a get together Monday evening either. Bummer. Have fun for me if you all meet up

OK. First post here. Going to Sears Point track on the 16th of March for Level 1. I've read all the books. And I'll read all the post that seem relevent. I swore for years I'd never buy a crotch rocket, but, it seems like I've developed a desire to learn something new! So, I'm REALLY stoked. PLEASE GOD, DON'T LET IT RAIN! See you there! Mark