Cobie Fair
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Posts posted by Cobie Fair
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Just bought one of these alpinestars vests!
http://www.rocketclothing.co.uk/alpinestar.../prod_1500.html
haven't tried it out yet because its snowing here, but feels like a comfy fit off the bike anyway!
Bobby
Alright, that's just awesome. I've never seen that.
I'm just getting happier they are a new sponsor!
CF
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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
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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
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JR,Elton,It's JR- Cranky Jim C's friend from the Brass Ring Cafe, Van Sant Airport, Long Valley Pub, etc. I see someone got bitten by the track day bug!
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
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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
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I've been thinking about getting this vest, since it's got both chest and back protection (+ extra padding in the shoulder) and it's designed for the street. What do you guys think?
Cobie, if I rent school's gear, does it come with back protector? the same one you use?
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
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Street?
One of these
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-suits/r...piece-suit.html
with one of these
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-competition-back-pad.html
The easiest way to ATGATT.
yeah, saved me from some nasty stuff, in the dirt too.
CF
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Bullit
More countersteer and more throttle ?
Plus look where you want to go ? Avoid target fixation
Am I close, if so can I publish Twist of the Grip in the Riff Mountains ?
Seriously the look at the exit combined with throttle is a must in tight bends on heavy bikes, forgot about that.
Regards
Roundincircles
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).
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The Uk as you well know is blessed with almost guaranteed rain my friend . What better conditions to learn to slide a bike around than in the rain..? Big bike power, low traction, match made for sliding and good throttle control.
I have to say, many students who've ridden the slidebike, haven't neccesarily been able to do it anyway. It takes some commitment to get it to do it, and although the procedure has been changed since I last rode it, I can tell you when I was a student many, many years back, I actually ended up wearing the bloody thing.
Never felt that keen to ride it again after that, funnily enough. Bullet
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
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The coolest thread of 2009 has to go to Genevieve Lesieur aka Gigi with
http://forums.superbikeschool.com/index.php?showtopic=1770
she doesn't post much but when she does it's a good one!
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
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Just as a follow-up to the original discussions, I did get a separate back protector (Knox Aegis) I can use with jackets for street riding as well as my 1pc suit for the track. One thing to note is that it takes up a little more room in the jacket; fortunately I had extra room so it works out just right. But from this I learned that I would add to my list of advice for new riders choosing gear, to make sure you factor in protection gear when selecting jackets or a suit, especially if you're getting a custom suit made.
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
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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
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We don't have Qualifier RR's (not to my knowledge anyway).
CF
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We've had some great discussions this year and some that were so-so. Anyone care to nominate some threads that they feel were of the best of 2009?
JB,
Good idea! Staff nicknames? OK, just kidding. I'll think it over, get back to you on this.
CF
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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
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...After 12 seasons of riding the leather on the tailored suit is deteriorating and the colours doesn't look as nice, so just before Christmas I had measurements taken for both a 1-piece (for the track) and a 2-piece (for the road). Christmas 2010 should arrive around February 1st
:)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
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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
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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
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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
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johnny was my coche at level 1 and he told me why do you leave the throttle on the bump and a told him that i will fall if i keep pushing and he replayed no you won't.
at some time i fallowed his advice and found that he was correct but my sub conchies keep telling me leave the throttle you idiot you will fall.
I understand, have to train the right hand to do what you want! (takes a bit).
Best,
CF
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Cobie,I was joking on the whole thing (you doing that many days)--we might have to give you a job!No worries mate, I knew you were joking. I was joking also. You were joking about me needing some professional help for my obsession, and I thought it an interesting twist that my obsession is all about getting professional help, albeit of a different sort.
See you at Thunderbolt!
Elton
I do like it when we get a little humor up here---a long while ago, it was getting a little dry I think.
For sure see you there, gotta make sure you come and say hello, so I can place the name with the face...too often I see mostly the helmet and eyes!
CF
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Hi All,
I'm another Dubai rider also with the FOGS group, at 56 and 40 years riding, I'm one of the oldest FOGS, just to clarify we are thye Fast Old Gits not Fat Old Gits.
I love my 08 Fireblade and like Ben try to get out each Friday which is the first day of the weekend here.
As you now know, October through to April is the best time, we ride all summer but it really does get hot.
Love this forum which we have only recenly found. Yes one day I promise to attend a CSS course at the Autodrome in Dubai, I'm sure you can teach an old dog some new tricks.
Cheers
Foggy
Hi Foggy, and welcome!
Fast Old Gits---what's the minimum age?
CF
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Welcome to the forum... it's really interesting to hear what the sportbike scene is there. Can't get my head around the 180% tax!
Yeah, agree with you on that--big tax. We live in the desert in Southern Calif, so really can ride year round if we like. When it gets down to 50 degrees F, we think it's cold and don't ride much--I know, I know, wimps. But, when you can ride year round, very little rain, you can be a bit more picky.
It's fascinating all of the different people on the forum now, and what riding is like for them. Love to visit there sometime, meet with the riders (and in Dubai too--hope to miss those really hot days though!).
Best,
CF
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Hi BJW,
Just to make sure one thing is clear, "apex" is where the rider get's closest to the inside of the turn. The yellow X is the turn point, that is where the rider begins turning the bike.
There is a lot of information on this in the Twist of the Wrist 2 book, or DVD.
Do you recall when you were supposed to begin the throttle roll on, what did you understand from the seminar on this?
CF
:)
Downshifting
in Cornering and Techniques
Posted
Good points Harnois, we just need some 500 mile full throttle batteries, eh? Or another source of energy yet...