MSGT-R

Speed will come with time, practice and confidence. You'll get there.

Being a coach is not about fast, it's about proper technique, and the ability to teach same to new students. The hows, the whys, the observations and corrections; teaching theory in the classroom and seeing it work out on the track.

It's a process... I've been an MSF Ridercoach since 2002. Been there, done that at much lower speeds Just didn't have to travel all over the place to do it.

Cobie, Had one of your assistant Head Coaches speak at our motorcycle club meeting last night (here in San Diego). He shed a lot more light on your Coach Training Syllabus than you discuss in here. Boy what a learning curve! You might as well tell your candidates what they are in for when they step up to the plate... Lots of study, lots of commitment. Pete was cool. You should be proud of him.

Cobie, Seems like the last time I "checked in", you were looking for Coaches.. What happened to the last batch? And no, I still haven't been out to the track yet (someone's got to work around here).

Don't worry about what the famous racers are doing, just stick to the basics right now. All your braking should be finished prior to a turn, and your knees should be against the tank while your braking.

7 of 9 isn't bad. Still working on getting an "X" on either of those top two, but of course you know that. NBVC Motorcycle Program Coordinator.

Or an enormous amount of Cajones! Did you see some of the side-slips coming through those turns last weekend?!!

The purpose of the "blip" is to raise engine rpm slightly to ease the shock of clutch engagement during downshifting. No ju-ju here. You're downshifting in the first place because you're decelerating for some reason. Downshifting can't do it all, it must be in concert with the braking. Either one can be overdone. Shifting two gears at once and letting the clutch out will certainly overspeed the engine when decelerating heavily and you will likely break traction. Your local parts man will love you for this. A slipper clutch has its limitations, and double downshifting will find them quickly. Honda has known this since its V65 production in the early '80s.

Yup, they may say "No", but you'll never know unless you ask. Come on down Cobie, I'll teach 'ya how to ride slow and tight.

Too many Starbucks lates for him... Step away from the caffiene!

There is a difference between science and artistry. To watch a master on the track will give life to that concept. The person that can put those observations to paper has a special gift indeed. While reading all of the above, several things come to mind: Judgement Visualization (mental) Visual lead (looking ahead) Muscle memory Flow of motion Mastery of mind and machine All too often, I see sensory overload. It usually comes with the novice rider trying to "do it all now" instead of in stages with practice and experience. While teaching people to ride, we tell them that the process is 90% mental, 10% physical. If it wasn't, Chimpanzees would be out riding the roads. Keep it coming, Keith!

Talking to himself are comments, critisizims and adjustments, not primary instructions to get himself around the track. We all do that at some point (ever talk you yourself while driving to work?).

Evil minds think alike... I was pondering that when I wrote it, but elected to leave it out because I've seen (and heard of) newbies do it on level ground too. I'm the Safety Nazi, I see all the motorcycle mishaps come across my desk sooner or later.

A tight, decreasing radius blind turn in a canyon, especially if the road is new. Too much entry speed is what eats a lot of new riders in SoCal. (yeah, yeah, its not a track, but its a corner)

So, did you pick anyone yet?

See, what did I tell 'ya; these guys will take care of you...

My main question is this: How do I know if I'm too much of a new rider to attend a "racing" school? I really want to attend the school to learn the limits of my bike, get rid of bad habits, become more aware of my surroundings, etc. You are asking the correct questions. I have heard so many say "I want to be faster, I want to race, etc, etc". You are aware of your limitations and bad habits, and are ready to do something about it. Let these guys take care of you; sign up for a class. Be a safer rider. Thank you Keith again for another inspiring article, chock full of insites (another excellent item to share with my students).

If this is a learning bike, you don't want him/her riding two-up. For those who suffer from testosterone, I'm forever talking them out of buying a 1000cc extension of their overblown libido for a first bike. For those who want to be "canyon racers", the 600 series of sportbike has many choices, lots of aftermarket parts, and is enough to get most into trouble and on my mishap list.