Cobie Fair

Make sense, the tire profiles can make a huge difference. Regarding steering, in the really high speed corners, sometimes it can help to us both arms to steer. Can take a little practice to learn how to coordinate this, but also seems to reduce the effort (by do 50% with each arm, rather than 100% with one). Let us know if you try it, and if so what happens.

Hi James, Average age last time we checked was mid-40's, with many older than that. Skill level can be variable, a mix, but we handle that by requiring polite passing (meaning not close), and individual coaching. Meaning when your coach is working with you on track (and in the after ride debrief) he will be doing that specifically with you. The classroom briefings are done as a group (small after the first one), but all the coaching is tailored to what your coach is observing you do on track. There is no fitness test, but being in good shape makes the days easier. On that note, there are 2 things that have a big impact on how tired one can get: First is staying ahead of the hydration. Some don't realize how dry the desert is, and often water is not enough (I take electrolytes daily). We have lots of stuff for that, but keeping ahead of that is crucial. Next, thing is some try and over-ride their comfortable pace, and get tense. This really wears one out. Any questions, call or email me anytime: 800-530-3350. cobie@superbikeschool.com For sure come and say hello to me in the morning! Best, Cobie

Here's a question, how many of you steer by pulling on the outside bar, either while pushing on the inside bar, or by itself?

OK, let's touch on another efficiency point, in particular on steering, at higher speeds. Different bikes require dramatically different amounts of force to steer vigorously. Ducatis in particular, due to their geometry, can require more force to steer. There sometimes needs to be a balance between steering effort and stability. Wider handlebars are significantly easier to steer than narrower bars. Tires can also be a factor, different profiles steer differently. All good so far?

Good idea 😁. Additional application: some of us started to put a 2nd set lower than the tank, in the side panels if they will fit. This works great under braking. I have both tall and short coaches doing this and it works. Might have to epoxy them on, depending on the panels texture, but worth it.

Just finished a quick trip to Taiwan. Trip went really well, temp was about perfect. A few flew in for that school and ended up renting some nice MV's, those bikes went very well. A point that came up was tank pads, and the effect on rider wear. Not sure we have covered it in this thread, so let's touch on that now. Tank pads, and the most aggressive you can find--huge rider aid. This is upgrade #1 for all my coaches. While in Taiwan the coach bike I rode had old (and not that grippy) tank pads. This really increases the effort to hold onto the bike, both in braking and cornering. We use the Stomp Grip here in the US, and their most aggressive line, Super Volcano. Short version is a rider can hold on better with half the effort. It's huge. Students are all tired at the end of the day. Coaches have to ride 2 or 3x, and having a good set of tank pads is vital.

Schools in Taiwan went very well. Weather was perfect. Track is in good condition, students very enthusiastic. A top Aussie racer was there, Mike Jones, always nice to see him, and talk riding. A few from the US branch ended up down there, they had some rental MV's that worked very well. Oz branch is responsible for that region, they put on a nice event via the local organizers, HD Moto (Victor and Gina). Always have enjoyed the trips there! Best, Cobie

For motorcycle riding? Did I not dig deep enough into their website, I saw car suits...

The different regions have their own schedules, occurred to me that many might not know of all the schools. There is one coming up this weekend in Taiwan. That comes under our Austral-Asia branch, based in Oz. There have been schools at the Penbay track for over 8 years. Took a break during CV fun and games, but back now (Dec 9-10, 2023). Track is on an old sea plane base in the southern part of the island. Terrific traction, really. One of my coaches sort of apologized for dragging his elbow--it was an older suit, no plastic :(.

Good thread on the subject. A comment: With a car, the "edge/limit" is a wider one that on a bike. In a car, one can go past the limit with usually much less drama, "Oh well, got a little sideways there, lost a little time, no biggee." Recognizing the edge is narrower/sharper is a good start 🙂.

Amazing isn't it? Too low for me

Wow, that's a lot of deer. My cousin hit a cow once, but we were all going slowly, and all got up and made it home. But the cow did blow cowshit all over him and his bike, we laughed at his expense. My normal comment would be "go to the track 😁" but you know what that's about already. Hope you avoid any more deer dramas!

True, most have the leg or knee out under braking. But sometimes top riders have kept the knee on the tank (Pecco and Fabio have done this). I wonder if some of the reason for the leg out is to block other riders from coming up the inside...does this get discussed by riders?

Impressive :). Watching the GP this weekend, interesting to see the difference in styles in the final laps of the GP with the front runners. If you haven't seen the race, don't wait, it's fantastic.

Hotfoot, all that makes sense. How many use Pushing and Pulling to counter steer at the same time? If so where, what type of turn(s)? I find I pull more with my left hand in right hand corners, where a lot of effort is needed. I think this is so I can come back to the gas, have a lighter grip on the inside bar. It wasn't something I consciously thought about, just something I noticed I was doing. How do you use it (if you do)? Chime in all you lurkers, I'm interested to hear what others do for steering.

Just finished CODERACE, and it didn't disappoint. The winner of the first race is a 66 year old, and going fast. The winner of the 2nd race is 13 year old (on a 250) and did an 1.18.6 in qualifying! Holy cow. Kinda interesting when he comes past you (just about any corner), then you repass him on the straight...sometimes, and then eventually you don't repass him at all. Couple of excellent days at the track. The attentive observer would have seen Keith on track too :).

OK forum lurkers and posters...new schedule is coming. Should be up on the website on Monday, Oct 30. Rumor is there are some dates at re-paved Laguna Seca. Hope to see you in 2024!

Like to touch on another piece on this subject, and that is how is the steering done? How many steer with both knees on the tank consciously? How many push and pull the bars as a regular technique (especially in the faster turns where a significant effort is required to steer? Knees on the tank can be used when not hanging off, but also in some turns can be used in the hung-off position to anchor and stabilize to the bike. I have 2 coaches that are over 63, and regularly ride all day. One doesn't even exercise that much, hangs off when he needs to (neither of them hang off that much). They have dramatically different leg and torso lengths. If one incorporates more of the body into the steering action, it can be done more efficiently. There is some info on this in Twist 2, on Pivot Steering (a piece of this subject). Anyone trying these to aid/reduce the effort for their steering?

If the contact info is needed: 800-530-3350 or https://superbikeschool.com/sign-up/

Hi Franco! Wow, what a story! Sounds like having you at the track could be good. We prefer it for less distractions. The School has undergone some changes in the last 10 years, both in the curriculum, as well as how we train the coaches (not huge changes, just evolutionary refinements). Gerry retired some years ago, but the current crop will say they are even better 😁. Let us know if you have any questions on the best way to proceed, happy to talk any time: 800-530-3350. Best, Cobie

The School has been evolving since it started. The actual roots were in 1976 when Keith did some training in SoCal--first classes were actually at his house. Then in 1980 he officially opened CSS. It has continued to evolve, with a major format change in 1995. That's when Keith started the one classroom on a major technique, then ride afterwards. The different levels (1-4) came about, and have been updated/adjusted/refined, which continues. What comes after Level 4? Some were interested in racing, so--CODERACE was established. Totally different format school. CSS is foundation techniques (and suggested as the first steps). CODERACE is a different animal indeed. A nice place for students to take the next step with near-private training...each coach only has 2 students--total. That's 20 students for the whole day. Tons of riding, more than most can actually handle--coaches are often advising students to "pace themselves" so they aren't burnt out by the end of the day, as they will be racing. Part of the plan was to give our repeat students a place to go, and part of the plan is to give the coaches a fun school to work at. Yep, we're a bit selfish on that, it's the most sought after school by the coaching staff to work. Hope to see you there! Best, Cobie PS: I didn't include the date, but next one is Oct 23-24.

Gpounce, You'll fit right in

That is great to see! (Djakefry)

We just spent 4 days at Streets of Willow Springs. If a rider wants a track that will work you over, see where you are strong and weak, require precision, in other words--technically challenging--that track is about as good as it gets. Sticking with the theme, what would be good for the aging rider at a track like that? How about a bike that is easier to ride? 2 of my top coaches rode the S1000r (single r, not the rr) while in Taiwan a few years back and both came back and said the same thing, "Can I get one as a coach bike?" If racing, one would need the rr, but everything short of that, the single r is a substantial weapon. That model gave nothing away in handling, and had even a little more mid-range. Think about a bike (or modifications to your bike) that makes it easier to ride. The full race-bike replicas are sexy, and for racing needed. But there are some great real-world options that are very capable. Anyone going that route?

Very much like some participation on this survey question: How do you keep abreast of what's happening? (motorcycles, gear, schools/track days, etc.). And what carries the most weight, you rely on most? Print magazine? There are only a few left in the US. Web-based magazine? Websites? Forums? (besides this one 😁). You tube, if so any particular channels/sites? Bike nites, clubs, listen to your friends? Something else? Let us know. Best, Cobie