Cobie Fair

Saw a pass on a coach the other day at NJMP that was a bit suspect, was it that dog you are holding?

I'll be interested to hear too...

Hi JP, Your questions are good. There are a number of factors that come into play, and one answer won't work for all turns/situation. The one that will give the most problems is increasing throttle and lean angle together, that's usually a big no-no. Have you read any of Twist of the Wrist 2, or seen the video? That will give you some great guidelines. Best, Cobie

We are going to do some changing, and consolidating of the forum, certainly we'd like to hear what you think of them so don't be bashful. Webmaster is not my first occupation, so expect to be entertained a little as we go through the process. Best, Cobie (Or in the parlance of the modern generation, "Forum Moderation Team" or some such generic un-signed complimentary close)

Was interesting to hear a few of the coaches commenting on the drive home last night about the different levels of traction from yesterday (Sunday) to the day before. There had been a bit of rain overnight, and the track had been used as a parking lot for NASCAR previously. We surmised it cleaned off whatever was there. I'm fairly constantly amazed at the different levels of traction awareness there is. I think one reason is that if a rider doesn't know how to get the same response from a motorcycle (whatever the bike, whatever the conditions), there is going to be uncertainty, lack of confidence: "What is this bike really going to do to me?" Another way to look at this would be, is it the bike, the surface, or is it the rider? CF

The fit for me is better than the SR1. It sits higher on the head, works better for performance (down low on the bike) riding. And it's fantastically light, with a lot of air flow inside. As with previous model, it took a break-in period...it was almost too tight to start, but has broken in nicely.

Really, that's a nice result! Best, Cobie

Hey JB, Well, we spent the big bucks and went with the new timing system, mylaps. Same one as used by the AMA. Either your bike or ours, doesn't matter, we'll put a transponder on it. I recommend for anyone. It's pretty interesting what it can show. The times won't compare to race lap times, we have a firm passing rule. But one can see what skills help the most, when a rider is more consistent, where he/she could be weaker. Lap times, good measuring aid!

There is another physical point, more for the older guys...(I'm 56). I find that if I don't really, really stay hydrated, my neck gets tight, and just doesn't want to move. A chiropractor I like once told me that the disks dehydrate like anything else, and spinal fluid is pretty thick, about like molasses. Another reason to hydrate.

Sorry, just saw this... That is a broad spectrum answer...one can move along quite nicely, and then dawdle a little on the straights and it can make a big difference in lap times. For a street rider, being 30-40 seconds off record setting pace is actually pretty decent start.

In the photos above, the one with the rider down low, it was brought up that his head (and maybe a little of the torso) is not as far to the inside. I think that is where diff in lean angle comes from. As for street applicablity, I for sure don't hang off when riding on the street (w/lower body). One reason is I'm just too lazy. But...if one can take out some lean angle (use less), and in particular do it quickly if needed by getting the upper body more to the inside, this can be a good thing: water across the road, sand/dirt, or some other traction reducing issue.

The guys at Catalyst Reaction are good too. CF

Good photos/comparison. Wish for one more with the riders upper body to the inside and also down lower...see how that correlates to the change in CG.

Yeah, it's pretty good overall pace there, long fast front straight. A staff favorite.

Pretty dang good list from Misti, hard to top. My kids don't ride! Kids in the city these days, things are changing. I did a career day, took one of the School S1000rr's and went to my daughter's school, rode the bike right up to the classroom, and rode it down the (exterior) hallway when I left, daughter on back. The point is, aside from entertaining myself at her school, when I asked how many rode bicycles, the majority said no...wow, blew me away. CF

Fascinating...I think we adjust a lot of levers.

1:55, that won't be for the North Course, maybe the full course.

This foot position thread got me thinking about hand position. For a long time didn't seem to be a big issue, but as we've delved into it, there more pieces to that puzzle too. Often we see the front brake lever in a position that is not easy to reach, either too high, or too low. Then we hear about riders not being able to roll the throttle all the way (one guy told me in the middle of a roll on he had to re-grip!). So to start out, I'd like to ask a few survey questions: 1. How many pay any attention to your had position, or is this a virtual non-issue? 2. How many have had any issues with control actions of their hands: hard to reach brake, use throttle effectively/easily (or even clutch). Let's start with that, see what we get. CF

Interesting to see all this stuff...got me thinking about hands...I'll start another thread on that. CF

Even in dirt riding (the little I do/have done) I end up with my feet on the balls...find it easier to stand and move around. Same on the street/road bike, find it easier to move, and don't want that inside foot a draggin...for sure at least one coach I can think of has his outside food on the arch. I also have very short legs, so it helps with anchoring.

Just made some more updates to the software...

Sorry for the tardy response, been gone doing schools--and i hate typing on a phone. Hanging off too much really is a lot of work, and in many cases not worth it. What is not often understood is that the really core techniques can work so well, and are actually more important than a lot of body off the bike. Here is one sample: a few years back, senior coach following a junior coach, same bike. Rider in front had a knee down in every turn. Riding in back was sitting on top of the bike, no hang off to be seen with the lower body. A good overall body position, but also good turning skills (using less lean angle), good approach to the turn and maximizing them (in Level 3), and good throttle control, giving the bike even more ground clearance (Level 1 of course). This isn't a sales pitch, just where the skills are taught.

Dang...

Based on what's been happening in off season testing, how do you think'll go? How will the new guys fare? (meaning new to their bikes). Will Marquez come out and demoralize them? Rossi start strong (hard to bet against him). Lorenzo on the Duc? Vinales?

Forcefield has a chest protector too, not part of the shirt.