Cobie Fair

JT, AGV Sport suits are what we use, have fit pretty well. I'm about the same height and weight, but legs aren't that big. I remember a bicycle racer that came, big thighs too, he had a tough time. You might have to go custom. We just got a few of our coach suits (custom) and they fit pretty well. One last thing that will help a lot (and I normally like cotton) is wear an inner liner, either for cold or hot weather, wear one. They are SO much easier to get in and out of, I don't wear leathers w/out them. Tons cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and in and out is a breeze--even with a snug fitting custom suit. Best, Cobie

PJ, Welcome aboard, let us know if/when you get booked up for a school, for sure come say hello when you do. Best, Cobie

That does sound neat, a bit of a a hike for us though.

Hi Progression, Here is the UK schedule page, there are two 2 day camps in April, in Spain. You know you will get through 1 level each day, so if you do a 2 day camp, 2 and 3 will get done. Best, CF http://www.superbikeschool.co.uk/schedule.php

And, I have seen slipper clutches not work (meaning the rear did lock up, bounce around).

Tweek, If turning the bike quickly is the issue, how about just putting more pressure on the bars? Here is one place where trail braking has to be done delicately: the more brake you have on, the less force/steering pressure you can use. One of the single biggest source of novice crashes is turning with the front brake on. If you want to turn quickly, have to use less and less front brake. Another issue with trailing the brake in too late is, keep you from getting back on the gas, as early as possible. Here is another way to think of this: balancing the bike's load to the tires. Simply shutting the throttle can go to 70% of the combined weight on the front, on a sportbike, this might be even higher (75%+?). What do you think? CF

Good points Harnois, we just need some 500 mile full throttle batteries, eh? Or another source of energy yet...

Alright, that's just awesome. I've never seen that. I'm just getting happier they are a new sponsor! CF

Here is one thing to think about: if you are going walking pace on a bicycle, and it starts to fall to the right. What do you do? Steer to the right, correct? Now, didn't the rider just push the LEFT bar forward, to make the bike change its direction? Counter steering is just the inititial action in the process, it initiates the steering. CF

If the clutch isn't let out, you are not sure that the gear change was made--sometimes it won't. Clutch comes out between each shift. Part of the skill in this is matching the actions correctly, and doing it quickly (less distracting for one). There is also the option to not use the clutch, in which case you just need to time it correctly (I don't use the clutch on downshifts, or upshifts. Zero machine damage if done correctly, zero). CF

JR, Yeah, I'm obsessed. It's all I think about. I'm going crazy waiting for the winter to end. Thankfully, my friend and I are driving down to Jennings in a couple of weeks for two Absolute Cycle track days, (Jan 23rd &24th), so I'll soon get a track, "fix." And Will from CSS is meeting me there with my brand new '08 ZX6R that I just bought from CSS, so I can't wait! Elton Yeah, we are going to be doing the dealer intro of the S1000, whippeee! And taking the bikes back with us. CF

For sure having your own gear that fits you well is important. A couple of things to consider though: What are you going to do with us? What if a person gets a full 1 piece suit, and finds he does 98% of his riding commuting and doesn't use it? In that case maybe an Aerostich type suit might be better investment. I personally like vented leather. Cold days put plastic on the inside, and jacket on the outside, and that's as good as I need---too coldl for that, I'm not going to ride. Inner suits are really helpful. Again, I use a vented one warmer months, and under armour type gear in colder times. Makes a huge difference on comfort, and getting in and out of the leathers--I make sure I have this gear with me all the time, it's so much more comfortable. If you aren't use to full leathers, if you are coming out, you can try our gear on, whether you rent it or not. That's a good idea, find out what is out there. We have new boots and gloves (and back protector) sponsor now, Alpinestars, they have good gear. CF

JT--we are supposed to be getting new gear (back protectors) for the students this year. Don't have them yet, so I'll know more soon, and what I'd be wearing. That Icon vest looks good. Keith used to wear a back protector, and chest too when he raced (not this one, but another brand, don't think they are around any more). Best, CF

yeah, saved me from some nasty stuff, in the dirt too. CF

Hi Round, Somethhing that you'd want to be very aware of, and that is adding the 2 together!!!!!!!! Both throttle and lean angle changes (adding more) at the same time is the DEADLY COMBO!!! One goes right past the normal warning signs from the tires and bike. The slides are often un-recoverable. Looks to me exactly how Lorenzo did some of his big highsides (and this with the best bike, best tires, best electronics, and near best rider).

The new procedure is so much better, Keith really broke it down and clarified and established more coaching points. This way we can really tell if the student is on the right path, and bring him up to it with a nice gradient. You should get on it in the new format. Best, CF

Ace; I have to agree with you here...and that is one amazing photograph as well. I don't think I would have been able to apply the proper throttle control to get that bike to hook up and exit that corner - but she did it. Good choice my man! Rainman Excellent choice. But, are there any others? CF

Yeah, we just had to re-measure for our new suits, did it with the back protector on. That Force Armour protector is so comfortable, can wear it all day. CF

Here is some food for thought: for sure a no-lose deal to re-take the levels. L-1 and 2 are really core material. If a bit fuzzy on any of it, that's a solid approach. Level 3 will be another set of new skills, primarily physical, how you work best with the bike. Level 4 will be an individualized program, so we can pick up and hone in on what you need the most work on, whatever level. That can be done any number of times. One thing is, what are you long-term goals for riding? Best, Cobie

We don't have Qualifier RR's (not to my knowledge anyway). CF

JB, Good idea! Staff nicknames? OK, just kidding. I'll think it over, get back to you on this. CF

Kind a hard to recognize from this...you weren't my student, and didn't see you much when you were at the school. That'll get rectified in the new year though. CF

Nice x-mas present indeed! One thing that we have found with used leathers is the salt that can accumulate. We started to wash the leathers, then recondition them. Washing in the tub with a mild soap. Rinse repeatedly, (until the water no longer is dirty), dry, then condition. Has worked quite well. Don't dry too fast, like not in the dryer. I did use a fan at one point when they were taking a while to get dried. Nothing like a new set, but a way to keep the older around and in good order. Best, CF ps--I g

Hi KHP, You would of couse realize I'm giving a biased view, as Dunlop is our sponsor, and has been--forever. Also, not sure what's available to you... It's been a while since I've had any Metzlers, or really ridden on them, so no intimate knowledge there (hope we get some others sounding off on the plus/minus of the tires you mention). I can comment on what I think could be a similarity: for many years on my street bike I would use race tires (take offs). What I got to like was a closer to a slick profile, a bit more pointy. This allowed the bike to be turned easier, but was a bit nervous in a straight line, especially over the rain grooves we have here on the freeways. I didn't really mind it moving around, and figured it was a good trade off for ultimate grip. Pretty sure I was just fooling myself and I eventually learned they never got up to working temp--I don't ride hard enough around town to get the heat in them. That brings us to the current Qualifiers. I've chased students at our race school, they on our school bikes with Qualifiers, me on a coach bike with race tires. Once we got the tire pressure sorted (we were too high to start with), the Q's were no disadvantage for a fast rider. And they take less time to warm up. A better alround choice for sure. Another plus for you, they are not nervous at all, very nicely go over just about anything. I still personally like a more pointed profile (for ease of turning), but happily take the pluses that outweigh that. And there is my biased opinion. Best, Cobie

Hi KHP, You would of couse realize I'm giving a biased view, as Dunlop is our sponsor, and has been--forever. Also, not sure what's available to you... It's been a while since I've had any Metzlers, or really ridden on them, so no intimate knowledge there (hope we get some others sounding off on the plus/minus of the tires you mention). I can comment on what I think could be a similarity: for many years on my street bike I would use race tires (take offs). What I got to like was a closer to a slick profile, a bit more pointy. This allowed the bike to be turned easier, but was a bit nervous in a straight line, especially over the rain grooves we have here on the freeways. I didn't really mind it moving around, and figured it was a good trade off for ultimate grip. Pretty sure I was just fooling myself and I eventually learned they never got up to working temp--I don't ride hard enough around town to get the heat in them. That brings us to the current Qualifiers. I've chased students at our race school, they on our school bikes with Qualifiers, me on a coach bike with race tires. Once we got the tire pressure sorted (we were too high to start with), the Q's were no disadvantage for a fast rider. And they take less time to warm up. A better alround choice for sure. Another plus for you, they are not nervous at all, very nicely go over just about anything. I still personally like a more pointed profile (for ease of turning), but happily take the pluses that outweigh that. And there is my biased opinion. Best, Cobie