bradvanhorn

Try chapters 9 and 10...

I'm planning to order some 8477 GPA rears for use at NOLA. I have a couple 5436 GPA fronts already. Any reason I shouldn't use the 5436 front in combination with an 8477 rear? Also, I would like confirmation: the 190/60 GPA rear is not the same dimensions as the 190/55? It seems clear by the public specs but I'm just double checking... 190/55: Width (188.5mm/7.42"), Diameter (647.3mm/25.48") 190/60: Width (191.3mm/7.54"), Diameter (657.4mm/25.92")

Thanks for the info. Sorry we won't be seeing you this time around. Have you crossed paths with Ron Rink, our local AMA pro? Ron suggested he'd coach I and my friend but we haven't talked lately to discuss how much time he can spend with us. He may well be racing himself so he may be concentrating on his own tasks. Friday is a track day event run by TrackTactics and I'll be using that time to practice. Saturday I may only sign up to practice and then just watch how the day is run and also get a look at the size of each class race. Based on the volume I see in each class I may use that info to choose a race or two for Sunday. You and Hotfoot both have suggested trying the B class so that's how I'm leaning.

You can still hang off but just keep your inside knee closer to or against the tank.

I do not believe you can pick one answer - there are too many variables in my opinion. Riding style, bike setup, track conditions, etc. All will influence the way you negotiate a given corner. I believe Keiths book The Soft Science of Road Racing Motorcycles does offer good data and method for developing a personal strategy on this point. Scott Russell was talking about this in similar fashion during the superbike races at Daytona. Josh Herrin was spending a lot of time on the edge of the tire. Scotts comment was something to the effect of, "That is how Josh was used to riding his 600, but it's not necessarily as effective on superbikes. The 600s can carry more lean and speed longer. The superbikes want to get in, stop it, turn it, get it upright and on the gas as quickly as possible." Maybe I misheard but as I recall that's been a common theme on 600s vs. superbikes. It further illustrates to me why there isn't just one answer...

That's a very good point I'd forgotten on the lower 2-day student to instructor ratio for a first timer and it is great to have a lot more time with the coach. For sure I agree doing two days the first time is a good choice. No matter which format, I say you can't lose either way

This a good topic to ponder I think, and really there is no right/wrong answer. I've done both 2-day and 1-day formats, and also did two 1-days back-to-back (a cheaper version of a 2-day). My first experience was a 2-day and honestly I can reflect now that it was awesome but very challenging mentally/physically since it was both my first time at school and also riding on a racetrack. I'm not sure that for me the 2-day was the best format for retention the first time around. The 1-day is much more relaxed overall and offers extra rest between sessions as well as time to reflect on the coaching. For track day regulars I suspect the 2-day is ok the first time. For newbies I now suspect maybe a 1-day (or two of them) would be a less hectic introduction to the track and CSS. Once you get to Level 3-4 I think it's easier to fit in a 2-day format because now you've had time to absorb most of the basics and can then use the extra track time of the 2-day to really immerse yourself and practice. I won't say I'm completely sure... just my random brainstorming this morning... On a related note, it never ceases to amaze me how some track day vets are offended at the notion they have to begin CSS with Level 1. I think perhaps they equate it to being reverted to "beginner" status and therefore beneath them. I also note many can be positively swayed by the explanation on how it simply is a systematic approach to training and you can't skip levels because each level builds on the last (as Cobie well stated above).

If you like your Busa then I suspect you can find the ways to get around its potential disadvantages (size, weight). If you get to CSS this year, I'm sure you can find a few minutes to chat with your coach about techniques to help you manage your Busa, have loads of fun, but keep the ride safe. If my prior post was offensive, I apologize. I think you will find most everyone here has your/our best interests at heart.

I have the same question... and, what are you doing (or want to do) in the twisties (i.e. public roads) that requires literbike potency? It may be worth mentioning, most track addicts have to travel hours (or even days) to ride the track. It may sound expensive, but compare it to speeding or reckless driving tickets, dodging careless drivers, the possibility of severely injuring (or killing) yourself or another driver, etc., etc... going to the track pobably is cheap.

Thanks for all the replies I wondered when you'd get here . I actually spotted your name/number on the WERA racers list when I was looking for number choices for my application. I have read the rulebook several times in the last few days, so I've got that covered, if not yet quite fully understood. I have done STAR and CSS in the past 12 months so they said I didn't have to do their race school. I still will get a Provisional Novice license, so I certainly will get the "watch out for the new guy" shirt . I had not checked out their forum/New Racers section, so I'll do some reading there. I like the tip on the 750 class - I'm not afraid of a big group but I suspect a small group would be easier on the nerves for my first race weekend. A couple things which are on my mind: how much practice time do you get? is it only one race per class per day? I didn't find a daily schedule so I'm curious what a common timeline looks like... My buddy bought a ZX-6R from our local AMA pro and I bought a ZX-6R from a CCS racer out of NC. Both were setup with AMA Supersport specs in mind. Is that likely to put us in Superbike vice Superstock? I don't know the difference or that it matters all that much...

Well, I'll try this another way... If there is anyone here who is, or was, racing with WERA and who would be willing to share their wisdom, you have my attention . I can't for the life of me figure out how I've been talked into this, but a friend has convinced me we should try some WERA novice racing . Our local AMA pro has offered to give us his advice, but I don't mind hearing from others about what's worked for them; especially those things which may be unique to a given race organization. If I do sign up to race then I'll be on my newly acquired AMA Supersport-spec 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R; I think that puts me in C Superstock (or Superbike) Novice. My wife thinks I've lost my mind... she's probably right

Anyone coming to NOLA for the WERA races 6-7 April?

Yeah, I remember all that, and I thought it was a great idea then. Sadly, it didn't come to pass...

Seems a pretty strong concensus already... and I agree. I do wish someone could've convinced Ben Spies to return to World Superbike this year instead of going to the satellite Ducati. He had his shot on a factory Yamaha and couldn't succeed. Unless some miracle occurs, I think he'll be struggling to get in the top 10 and the Ducati will be a dead end. Had he been convinced soon enough to return to WSBK then I think he probably could've found a top team/ride (like taking the spot vacated by Biaggi). In that circumstance I think he would have had a genuine opportunity to win, and it also would've been nice to again see a [competitive] U.S. rider on the WSBK grid.

Stay at The Lodge at VIR. Totally worth the convenience in my opinion. You can use your own gear and can use your GoPro. If somehow the camera became a distraction they might suggest you put it aside. Nothing you really need to do to prepare as riding goes. Stay hydrated and be ready to have fun - that's about it Lean/slide bike might be possible. I vaguely recall level 1/2 students do the lean and then level 3/4 students get to add the slide. Not sure - one of the coaches can clarify. Don't worry about crashes. They do happen but not often - surely less often that what I see at ordinary track days. I crashed in a 1-day but later did a 2-day where I think we had just one crash in two days (not me thankfully). Better to just keep your attention on what you're learning. I expect you'll have a great experience. Let us know afterwards.

I like rotating them but also using them in combination. Today was rower and then bike. Great workout.

I've recently returned to including time on the rowing machine as part of my training. I like the overall contribution it adds to my workouts.

I don't want to overwhelm you with technology here... but they make DVD players (and TVs) now with internet connections so you can stream internet video to your full size TV. It's not as expensive as it sounds... I bought a Sony DVD player for $60 that connects to the internet (it's not wifi, though, that costs another $100 or so, I think). I mostly use it to stream Amazon instant videos (TV and movies) and the available choices are tons better than my cable service offers. I also currently have a DVD player that has a neat accessory cradle for my iPhone, so I can stream video from my iPhone onto the TV screen. I can also download a movie from iTunes onto the phone and watch it on the TV, or play iTunes music through the home theater speakers, or even just view photos from the phone on the TV. Soooo cool what you can do these days. My wife bought us a Playstation III a year or two ago to replace our aging DVD player and because the PS III also is a high quality Blu-Ray player, and Blu-Ray now is our preferred disk option. I belatedly discovered the PS III can use our home wi-fi to stream video. So, I still can watch YouTube race videos on my TV - nearly as good as simply getting it through cable (i.e. Speed). Since it hasn't been said in the last few posts... Speed sucks!

I consider it more than likely I'll never watch Speed again. YouTube... I wasn't sure I would like it, but now I watch races on my computer or my iPhone wherever/whenever it's convenient, and there are races available I might not have watched otherwise, such as British Superbike.

Hmmm, I hadn't heard this before but it makes very good sense. I'm going to add this to the "to-do" list for my new bike.

Hmmm, you probably saw this already... but just in case... and for everyone else... http://www.beinsport.tv/home I believe they had a live stream only for the first round. Supposedly they are setting up a separate streaming channel for road racing coverage on the website and it is to be ready in time for the next round. http://www.beinsport...tbein/subscribe This link shows the providers list as well as numbers to call to tell your provider you want them to carry beIN.

If you're willing to wait a few hours and use YouTube, then this guy does a great job uploading the race video: http://www.youtube.com/user/The666Sicco?feature=g-hist. I've been trying to figure out how to properly boycott Speed (Fox Sports), although spamming their Facebook site with "you stink" (or insert more colorful language) comments came to mind

I just bought a race prepped ZX-6R for running track days this year and it's setup with GP shift. I test rode the bike yesterday when I picked it up and I immediately blew the first upshift by clicking up to 1st instead of down to 3rd . It made sense once I got the idea correct in my mind but I'll definitely have to practice a bit.

Hopefully I'll explain this clearly (and correctly). The Lenz stars are small stickers (gold stars) that are placed on the inside of your faceshield, one to the left, one to the right, and just a bit to the inside of the edge of your peripheral vision (I think you don't want them at the very edge of your peripheral vision). I can post a picture of my helmet tonight after I get home. The idea is that if you're keeping your wide view open then you will continuously see the stars. If your vision narrows you will lose the stars. So, if the stars disappear, this is the indicator you need to reopen your wide view. It's a pretty neat trick.

I too am working hard on wide view. For me (and I suspect I'm not alone) it's an easy concept to grasp but quite difficult to consistently employ. I'm getting better though... Have you tried the "Lenz stars" (I think I'm naming that right) on your faceshield? Mike put them on my faceshield last year when he coached me on wide view during the school at NOLA.