Cobie Fair
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Posts posted by Cobie Fair
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My respects to the master, yes I crashed last track day, not my first. What I did note on reflection was I had changed my turn in point that made me go much wider than I had before and to stand the bike up coming out of the corner I got on the gas a little too much and the back came around and down I went, fortunately with no damage to me and virtualy no damage to the bike, few all round! Now what was interesting was where I was focused! Yes, I was looking through the corner, noted how far off the apex I was but, yes but, my mind and focus was back at the entry on how I had messed it up and all the time I'm thinking, dam I'm to wide and in less than 2 seconds I'm on my arse! My eyes still looking through the turn still had control of my mind!
I love you guys!
Bennett
Hi Bennett,
I was just having a quick look at this, and was curious if you had done Level 2 yet?
Best,
Cobie
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thanks Andy, I had not idea is was that restrictive for track riding. You probably do know, but here, the track is on private land, really not an issue, one doesn't even need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a track (kids can't get them anyway).
C
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I thought so long as the bike was kept off public highways, you could race anything.
Also, Cal Crutchlow (BSB rider) was riding a GSX-R 600 at 16 in Junior Superstock I think.
Yeah, here in the US, racing is a different deal, and the regular laws, are not applicable, as it's not on public roads.
I'll see if we can get Andy in on this.
CF
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Well first of all I want to thank you for your response, I am definatley going to come to the school in the next few months. I am very serious about riding and I want to be dedicated. When you ask if there is a specific situation that makes me nervous, I think there are a few things that make me nervous.
First I live in Colorado Springs, and we have some great mountain roads, lots of switch backs and really nice turns. I have started riding with a group of sport bikes and I see them practically carving up the canyon roads, and I am tired of being passed. Now I want to be safe, but at the same time I know that the bike should be capable of maintaing stability at higher speeds. I mean these guys are screaming around turns. I just think that maybe the fear comes from inexperience.
Secondly, I really want to develop properly as a rider, and maybe someday even race, now that I think about it, I guess my problem is fear.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
thaks
Hi AK,
For sure some education will be the right start. The Twist of the Wrist books are great, and Twist 2 will get you key fundamentals you can work on any time you ride. The chapters on Throttle Control alone will be a tremendous help. Reading the book, and then coming to the school is what a lot do, and having the book(s) read just makes the school go that much better.
I love the roads in the Rocky Mountains (from NM), and they can be challenging!
Best,
Cobie
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I'm currently 19 years old and riding an old Yamaha YB100 (with an astonishing 8.6hp) daily but I am looking to pass my full test and progress. Unfortunately (and please correct me if I'm wrong!), the law states that even if I pass my full test, I'm limited to 33hp until my 21st birthday. If I were to pass my full test before my 21st birthday, would there be any point in me attending the school? I understand that it is not a track day and speed is not everything but I could understand there being some insurance issues or something like that.
Hi,
You are correct with what the law says. As far as the school is concerned this would mean that you could only doa school at Silverstone Stowe circuit and it would have to be on a bike with 33bhp, sorry but we cannot allow you to use the YB100.
All the best
Andy Ibbott
School Director (Europe)
Hi Andy,
What do they do with racers that are under that age?
C
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Has anyone on here tried these tyres? I'm not sure if you get them in America but I know that they sell them at the European (UK) school, on the website they are described as a sport/touring tyre but are approved for use on 1000cc superbikes which makes me think that they should be a good choice for my cbr600rr! I currently use michelin pilot power 2CT but am thinking of going to the dunlops for hopefully better mileage, I ride 90% road 10% track!
We get the Qualifiers here in the US. Recently out is the Sportmax GP, but I don't know how that compares to what you get. Our UK guys would know, you could e-mail Andy: andy@superbikeschool.co.uk
He'll know what's what on the tires over there.
Best,
Cobie
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I've just advanced my position more, and it required hanging my upper torso farther off the bike, and quickly came to figure that I could get lots of pressure off the bars in a turn by relaxing my inside shoulder. I just let my shoulder and elbow drop and the bike pushed itself around the corner perfectly. Even compensated some for track imperfections. The difference was day and night.
Got it. Upper body more to the inside, that'll work.
C
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Some people teach and demonstrate hanging off differently than others. I've never seen a pic of mine, but I have a monkey hanging style. I get waaay off the seat (nearly 3/4 butt) and my inside foot is used as a lever to lock my position. I consciously focus on my foot pressure, and LOOKING INTO THE TURN. My head then is far over and faceshield into the breeze. My only task at this point is to add gas.
Like you, I do find that it's easier to have the tendency to turn-in too early, but this is working on a carousel like section of practice area on the street. Darn traffic can sometimes be on my intended line.
One problem can be (with hanging way off) holding onto the bars. That can create some real handling problems with the bike, we see that a lot at the school. Some guys can do it, but it has posed problems for many (tight on the bars). Tons of data on this in Twist 2 (do I sound like a broken record with that?
Cobie
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Hi Chung,
I'm just now in the office. Interestingly enough, shooting is a hobby of mine, I know what you mean about getting trained in it.
Overall your approach seems pretty good, but I'd mention another few options.
1. Dirt riding is fun, and the controls are all the same. There are classes taught there, just get/use good safety gear (all of it as falling will happen).
2. Get Keith's first book, Twist 1 pretty early on. There are some things (like using the back brake a lot, to the point of locking it up and holding it on) that are not correct in the MSF program.
If you'd like to talk with me, I'm in the office most any day, happy to go over the approach with you.
Best,
Cobie Fair
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Hello Rufio,
I'm guessing you are in Europe, the UK? If so, I'll get one of the UK coaches to have a look, not familiar with your laws that well.
For sure the school can help with technique, but starting with Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist books will get you going in the right direction. You can access the UK school through our website: www.superbikeschool.com.
Best,
Cobie Fair
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Hi AK,
We'll of course suggest that you come to a school and get some training, but depending on where you are, might not be able to get that done right away (we even have a Lean Bike to help with this). Keith Code's books on riding, Twist 1 and Twist 2 have a ton of information, and you can start with that right away. The chapters on Throttle Control in Twist 2 will give you excellent info on how to stabilize the bike, get the best out of the tires and suspension too.
Is there a specific situation that makes you a little nervous while cornerning?
Best,
Cobie Fair
Chief Riding Coach
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Hi,
My name is Dan, I'm 38, and live in Orange County, NY. I own a 2003 CBR 954 and just attended my first track day last Friday at Pocono Int Raceway. It was totally intense and I loved every second of it! I've been riding on the street since 1991 (started with a Honda CM400T, then on to a CBR 600).
I felt like I really improved in just that one day, but now want to take it to the next level. Too bad winter is on the way.
After looking at pictures from the day, I really feel like I need to work on body positioning. At times, I was almost upright and my arms were almost straight, especially braking during the approach to a corner.
I look forward to learning a lot here!
Hi Dan, and welcome.
We've been moslty on the road for the last 2 months, haven't spent much time here lately, but that's a benefit of the "off" season--more time at home.
Honda Trail 70 was my first ride (acutally was my grandfather's but I abused it at every opportunity).
Let us know if we can help with anything!
Best,
Cobie
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All the tracks I've done are terribly flat. I would have no clue how to load the bike on elevation changes. Glad to hear you've found a good line.
Load the bike on elevation changes---do you mean cornering load for uphills and downhill sections?
Yes. What do we need to consider when cornering uphill or downhill?
I think good throttle control is the key there. A few weeks ago, I turned a bike very quickly in a chicane, and had a little throttle on (little too much as it turns out). Front came off the ground, and when it landed was cocked a little (thought I was on my head). Good TC is vital at the corkscrew too, reminds mne of that chicane in fact, which is uphill!
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All the tracks I've done are terribly flat. I would have no clue how to load the bike on elevation changes. Glad to hear you've found a good line.
Load the bike on elevation changes---do you mean cornering load for uphills and downhill sections?
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Cobie:
I assume that Racer and I are going to get a 10% commission for any books we sell for you guys aren't we?
RDR
lol
You meant 10% of the gross, right?
Definitely.
wonder how we'd keep track of this...
I know, I'll let an engineer figure it out! Somtimes I crack myself up.C
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How odd. I searched for it exactly one month ago with the intention of posting an Amazon link along with the link to the school store I posted above in this thread and it came up empty. I just did another independent search now and got the same page you did. Huh.
I searched a few weeks ago, and saw the books online (amazon).
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Hi All,
I'm personally quite proud of this forum, and the members. The general tone is good, friendly and helpful, good questions get asked, and people have a place they can ask questions and not get slammed or made fun of.
Been off the forum (non stop schools) for over a week, and this thread was referred to me. Glad it got back on topic, though I can't find Meat, he might be gone and that's not what we'd like to see. I'm going to ask all to keep their manners in. Some of the comments came across pretty sarcastic. I haven't had much need to edit or delete, and I'd rather not. Opinions are one thing, but others should be allowed to have their own, and not made those appear to be wrong or stupid. Interestingly enough, people don't seem to learn well that way, know what I mean?
Please do continue the posting! If it gets a bit off track, please do let me know, e-mail is best, but my cell phone is always on: cobie@superbikeschool.com 818-404-2453.
Best,
Cobie Fair
Chief Riding Coach
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I love the reverse shift pattern, if someone could tell me why the "street" shift pattern is the way it is that would be good.
Why don't all bike come straight from the shop with a reverse shift pattern?
There used to be all different kinds of shift patterns--some on the right foot, some for the left hand (off the bars), and it was what got standardized. I for sure like it too, and turned my street bike that way. Sometimes I mess up when riding my dirt bike, but not often.
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I remember being at the USGP a few years back, and watching Doohan come up out between turns 5 and 6, going through 2 gears. One could see the bike rise during acceleration (both front and rear) and drop when the gas was rolled off. Same is true for shaft or chain driven bikes. Keith used to have guys put their fingers between the old bikes (that had 2 shocks) so they could feel this happening.
C
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I saw somewhere that Keith says to make up time in the fast sections and just get through the slow ones.
Unfortunately, at my level my club doesn't allow lap timers. I have to get bumped for that (soon I hope).
You've answered more questions than I've had the vocabulary to ask. I've been a lurker on this board for awhile, mostly reading Keith's articles. I've only recently decided to register and post.
Keep up the good work-EVERYONE.
I'm intereseted to know about what the deal is with your club, why they don't allow timing--I know some tracks in Oz and UK don't, is that your situation?
Good for getting out of the closet and not just lurking
C
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Thanks for the input guys. Cobie, what do you think the reason behind faster laps with only a 600? Shouldn't a 1000 power down the straights much quicker than the 6?
They are excellent alround packages, they do it all very well. And, what can be gained down the straights won't always make up for going well through the turns.
Modern 600's are fast too!
C
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Hope the grids get a little bigger.
C
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Cobie,
I will definitely come by and say hello at Barber. So far the forum has been very helpful, and I am re-reading both Twist of the Wrist books. I will be at Barber armed with questions about improving my riding.
Thanks,
Shane
Excellent approach, coming armed
Cobie
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The section is a downhill series of esses ending with a flat hairpin right. By being easier I meant it felt like it flowed better than the line I had been using. It's at Summit Point, Shanendoah Circuit in West Virginia.
The part that I had to change was not going in so deep into the uphill right. At the crest, is a left, which then starts the ess section.
It felt like it was less energy, I didn't have to get as hard on the brakes at the top of the crest.
OK, not familiar with that, but there was something in your previous e-mail that I hadn't really answered. One way to look at a section is to take section lap times. A major tool for chekcing ones progress is lap times. The track can be borken down into different sections, and for reference you could also time others on similar bikes. Sometimes it's not obvious that giving up a little in one area will make another better. I don't recall exactly where Keith has this in the books (anyone?) but he talks about how you make time in the fast corners, so that's another point to consider with how to dissect a section.
Let us know what you do, and if this works.
Cobie
Hello From Orange, Ca
in School Questions/General Discussion
Posted
Taking it to the track will be the right thing, come say hello when you get there.
Best,
Cobie
Chief Riding Coach