fossilfuel

I try to avoid rear braking like the plague! The rear brake should have a sign on it or contained in glass with a hammer "For Emergency Use Only!" My foot on the rear brake has been a reaction to a situation which I do not like and regulating the amount of pressure to prevent rear in slide is not something that I have concentrated on. So for me, using the rear brake is problematic. I use a Brembo master cylinder and 320mm galfer rotors on the front. I have the bike geared for the tracks I ride and thanks to some help from Cobie, I have become proficient at blipping the throttle. It makes all the diffrerence in the world.

Everybody has an opinion on this. CSS uses the Dunlop Qualifiers on their bikes. Most guys I ride with swear by the Pirelli Corsa III's. I'm almost due for tires and have been thinking about the Corsa III. Students of CSS get pretty good deals on Dunlops shipped free directly to your house. There's also Bridgestone bt-003 and Michelin power's. Sometimes it just comes down to easy access to tires. Find out who your track organization is sponsored by. In my case, I get the best deals on Pirelli's. Air pressure is really important. Anything you decide to run will give you problems if they're not set to the right pressure for the track conditions. I have used Bridgestone, Pirelli, Michelin and Dunlop.....Of all these brands, I have felt more confident on the Dunlop slicks and had the best times. The thing about the tires is that for the level of riding we do, any one of these brands of tires will work. I do nothing but track riding therefore I don't have to worry about street/track tire combination's. I go with the tire that makes me confident that I am not going to crash....that stick like friggin glue. I have a buddy that uses Michelin slicks because he thinks the same thing I do just a different brand. I am taking my buddy's 600 to Barber November 9th so I can run my 1000 and his 600. Do you know what the first thing I'm going to do? Take the Michelins off and put the Dunlops on. I feel that confident in these tires and the last thing I want to do is wreck his bike.

http://www.dinamoto.it/DINAMOTO/on-line%20...%20effects.html My adult ADHD is starting to kick in.....See ya later...

Racer, Vittore knows his stuff...Motorcycle Dynamics is nothing but physical properties that pertains to a motorcycle in motion. I mean everything. I can't even begin to understand it but thought it would be fun to try some of the formulas....I just wanted to have a little fun with this discussion....I think that the event is a gyroscopic moment. From the time it takes you from going straight to Bam! Turn. Thats it. How much time does that take...milliseconds? So if one displaces their body for the turn the effects are limited! My phys ed teacher would be so proud.

Who is Vittore Cossalter? And where did you find that hilarious quote? Not in this thread. Not unless you completed high school physics anyway... You haven't Googled him yet? He is the world's leading authority on Motorcycle Dynamics....THe problem witht he quote is......I left a lot of stuff out like all the diagrams....It was late and I was sleepy!

Hi Racer, It has been a while since last I graced the pages but I had to......comment here! Stop the madness! " The gyroscopic effect of the wheel during cornering is manifested by a righting moment. To counteract the gyroscopic effect of the two wheels and thereby maintain equilibrium, the rider can lean into the turn in such a way that the resultant of the weight force and the centrifugal force generates a moment equal and opposite to the gyroscopic moment of the two wheels. The rider can achieve equilibrium without displacing his trunk in order to produce a displacement of the mass center towards the inside curve but the lean angle will be greater than the ideal roll angle calculated on the assumption that the gyroscopic effect is zero. In this case, the righting moment generated by the centrifugal force an the moment generated by the gyroscopic effect are both offset (thank you Will!) by the overturning moment of the weight force.." Vittore Cossalter Now can we discuss something that will help me get around the track faster?

Hey Stow, I remember your post before the school and relayed what I thought were my mistakes as I took level I and II. I am very glad to see that you came away with a great experience. I just got back a couple of weeks ago from doing two level IV's at VIR. It just gets better! I worked on some technics to help with the quick turn but felt I was going to wide out of the turns. James and Pete were my coaches and pointed out that I was working so hard on the turn in and body position that I was not doing the three step. Wow! Tie them all together and there it is! I also have to thank input from Will. He helped me with my suspension set up. Thanks Will. All in all a great weekend. I will be at Barber on Saturday 9/27. Any chance you will be around? Darryl A 55 NESBA

Fossil....thanks for the info. I only was at Barber for about 6 or 8 laps before my trans broke. I stayed at the Days Inn because they took dogs. Is the Comfort Inn nicer than the Days Inn....and more importantly, is it colder?!! Big Ass Fan Steakhouse......where is it? They don't call me Meat because I eat tofu. I know nothing of the area so thankyou for the info. I may just leave my bike outside . I have my truck so tightly packed that it will take a lot of work to steal my bike. I will probably put my generator inside though. I am so relaxed about the security of my stuff at just about any track, but rather paranoid with my stuff anywhere else. Meat, The Comfort Inn Suites is much more comfortable and has a cold, cold A/C. The steak house is called Santa Fe Cattle Company and is just down past Wal-Mart on the right. Comfort Inn Suites also has a Cracker Barrel next door that opens at 06:00 a.m. We get there when it opens, eat and at the track at 06:45. I just prefer the food at Cracker Barrel except for the music which drives me crazy.

I have been to Barber many many times and have stayed at the Days Inn on the south side of I-20 and at the Comfort Suites on the North side of I-20 with my Bike in tow. Usually there are other participants staying at the same locations. I have never had an issue but I do take certain precautions on how I park and what I leave in my trailer. Just remember for ten more dollars you get four feather pillows, a cold A/C and a kick ass shower at the Comfort Suites. There are several different places to eat with pretty good food....Try the steak House with the "BIG ASS FAN" There is a huge fan hung in the middle of the steak house that has fan blades at least 15 feet long...may be not the eight wonder of the world but a big hit in Leeds Alabama.

Normally the organization that is renting the track will make arrangements with ZOOM to have security sign you in between 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. on Friday. The last CSS school I went to in June had no such arrangement. We tried to get in but were turned away. You might want to call CSS and see if they can arrange for you and everyone else that is coming in on Friday to be able to get in. I don't think it is a matter cost but just notifying security at the gate to sign you in...They will need a list of all participants to be able to do that..Have fun!

DT, I am a NESBA member and ride in the South East region. The NESBA CRs and Directors are a great group of guys. My home track is Road Atlanta, but I usually get to Barber 3-4 weekends a year. Unfortunately I have only been to Barber one day in the past year. That will change this year since I will be doing the CSS weekend and 3 more weekends with NESBA before the end of the riding season. Thanks for the advice and information about CSS. I am sure they can work with me to get rid of my bad habits and help me build better habits. Let me know when you will be at Barber with NESBA, I would love to discuss riding and CSS with you. Thanks, Shane Shane, I hope to see you in October...best time of the year at Barber! I will be very busy until then with other committments. One other suggestion about the school...and about change for anyone that reads this thread. It is very easy for us to be resistant to change. I am guilty of that believe me. I have commented on other posts about my experiences with CSS which have all been glowing recommendations. When evaluating what I learned or experienced at level I, the lowest marks have to be given to me. Low marks for preparation and for communication. What I failed to do for my Level I and Level II: 1.) Read the book....Stupid! 2.) Be prepared - Imagine riding the track 3.) What are my strengths, weaknesses...write it down 4.) Be positive about every exercise regardless, even if you are following grandma on the warm up lap, look for reference points, Break markers, camber, asphalt conditions etc, etc. 5.) Resist the urge to be negative. We are human and much of the time negativity gets in the way, in every aspect of our lives. 6.) Think before you ask...How can I frame this question? 7.) The class should be PRIMARY...the urge to ride the track SECONDARY 8.) WHAT IS THE CURRENT EXERCISE.....Am I working on that exercise? See 7.) I finally got my act together for Level III and IV.

Hi Shane, First, I was wondering are you a NESBA member and if so what region? I am in the Southeast region. I saw this post and realized what problems I was having committing to the quick turn and since Barber is my home track I thought I would chime in on turn 14 and 14A. I am assuming you are talking about the turn near pit out? I had asked the question before on other threads about the dilemma I was having running down off the tunnel into 14 at max lean angle versus the quick turn approach at the TP. I had a tendency of just holding my position down through the apex of thirteen all the way to the entrance of 14 and 14a because I thought I was going "really fast". But I discovered through the help of CSS instructors that I go faster through these turns and all the turns if I am decisive about my TP and committment to the quick turn. Believe me, I have never ridden faster and I have never been more consistent. The CSS school will help so free your mind of what you think and try what they think...be patient with some of the less experienced riders in level I and don't go so fast that you don't apply the technics they teach. I hope to see you at the track someday. DT

I sold the stock suspension with Racetech guts and bought an Ohlins suspension from Dan Kyle Racing. Great Guy! Great set up. The Racetech suspension was working fine but wanted the best I could afford under me....

Thanks Racer, I thought I was to old to get to those lap times but I have been on a mission....What really made it special was that I didn't ask for it. I let my riding do the talking and new one day if the technic and lines were right, I would get it. My son was there doing his very first track day so the whole day was just as cool as it gets... Your comment means a great deal....Thanks Racer.

I just wanted to thank everyone at CSS that has been helping me along the way....I attended May 31 and June 1 level 4 at Barber. I did my first track day after the school this weekend at Barber and got bumped from Intermediate to Advanced group with consistent 1:42 lap times.... I know I'm no threat to Spies or Mladin but the bump was a goal.... I'm not done yet...but just wanted to let you know that you guys have made a difference. Darryl T. P.S. See you at VIR in September

Good Day All, I had the Racetech upgrade done on my CBR1000RR and was very pleased with the results...I think it all comes down to having the right springs and the shims stacked properly for your needs. I personally feel that mechanically shims are shims and springs are made to a standard specification...It comes down to trusting the people that are doing the work for you and giving them the correct information so that they can give you the product you need and a suspension that can work for you. Most of these guys that build shocks have the information archived for styles, weights and products so they can put you where you need to be. Good luck and have fun.

Chris, What weekend will you be at Barber? Just curious, I might be there and would like to say hello. I hope you are prepared for Birmingham in August. I was there last August and in the paddock the temp was 104F in the shade.

Dobro po¾alovat' Willkommen Benvenuta Witamy Aloha Racer, Did you just tell Glamazon she was hot!

Hi Guys, I wanted to thank all of you for a very enjoyable weekend. I especially enjoyed the structure for level IV. Thanks to Cobie, Paul, and my coach Lou (both days) for making this experience a really great one. I can't wait till next time (VIR)! I am glad you all made it back safely D CBR1000RR #2

You get a whole different perspective if you get a chance to walk the track. Something you won't see on video or while riding it. Maybe the powers that be will let you walk it Friday if you get there early enough.

Jim, I am not going to give you advice that goes against what instructors might be trying to teach you. I have an analogy about learning to ride with proper technic. Have you ever tried snowboarding? When you first started, I said "what in the hell am I doing", " how many times am I going to fall". I got tons of instruction and advice but there was a learning curve that I just couldn't bypass to learn. Everyone has to go through it, there are really no shortcuts and I think this is the same for riding. Don't over analyze. Step back and look at the whole picture and don't get muddled over situations that cause SR's. This is counter productive. Take what you learn in school and use a systematic approach to applying what you learn......for example..have you ever thought that where and how you brake might have something to do with your position at corner entry? Wouldn't it be nice if you could apply the brakes at a point where you had enough time to feel comfortable and relaxed at mid corner? I can say from experience. I went to my second Keith Code school before I realized that I was to caught up with these little crazy details that I couldn't hear what my instructor was saying. His mouth was moving I know! What everyone should realize is that you have to put all the tools together to be a good rider and you have to practice what you've learned. Visualize where you want to brake and how you apply them....what will that feel like? Where is my reference for turning? what should my turn in feel like? Standing the bike up at mid corner is not good! Bad! Bad! I used to brake so hard that my knees were sore from pressing them into the tank and I was so tired at the end of the day I could hardly move but guess what? The faster you go the smoother you get....the smoother you go the faster you get. My knees don't bother me anymore. Patiently practice what you are taught.....and you will find it.

Hey Fossilfuel, did you find anything out about this. I'd be interested in setting up Friday as well. This will be my first class and am not quite sure how things work. Do we need to set up in the paddock? Should I bring an ez-up, stand, gas, tools etc. Topher56 Here is the deal......First of all don't try calling Barber or Zoom to find out anything.....Secondly, the way it works is you have to get to the office next to the gate to sign in between 18:30 and 21:00 on Friday to sign in and get a wrist band. Once you have a wrist band you can go in and out 24 hours a day if the same rules apply as do on track event weekends....If you are going to stay on the grounds, you can sleep in your camper, your truck, the trunk of your car or in a sleeping bag on the ground but no tents in the paddock area, no cooking with charcoal, propane or natural gas only. If you want to pitch a tent, camp grounds only or like a friend did setting up his tent in the back of his pickup in the paddock. The second level has restrooms, showers, gas pumps, and electricity. You will need a standard 120v 20a plug or a 125V 30A TT-30P, or a 125/250V 50A 14-50P for the electrical stations on the West side second level..If you need power on the first level you have to get a converter box $$$$ and run you cable across the pit area ( a royal pain). If you blow a breaker you have to walk down the fence line to the gate back down to you plug and back out again not so bad if you have a pit bike. If I bring my bike which I do for Barber, I bring stands, ez-up, tire warmers, tool box extra this extra that....The ez-up is a great idea for storing your bike at night and in case it rains. Once you start the class you will be on the track or in class all day....but a nice cold one after a hard day under your ez-up is great...I hope this helps. Barber is an unbelievable venue and you will learn a great deal at CSS.. Thanks for the info Fossilfuel. I'll be getting there Friday afternoon if all goes well. I'll set up and EZ-Up drop off the bike and head to the Hotel for the night. Toph Go by and check to see if they will let you in earlier than 18:30? Maybe? I am going to do the same. Look me up. I will be towing a CBR1000RR and CBR600RR.

Hey Fossilfuel, did you find anything out about this. I'd be interested in setting up Friday as well. This will be my first class and am not quite sure how things work. Do we need to set up in the paddock? Should I bring an ez-up, stand, gas, tools etc. Topher56 Here is the deal......First of all don't try calling Barber or Zoom to find out anything.....Secondly, the way it works is you have to get to the office next to the gate to sign in between 18:30 and 21:00 on Friday to sign in and get a wrist band. Once you have a wrist band you can go in and out 24 hours a day if the same rules apply as do on track event weekends....If you are going to stay on the grounds, you can sleep in your camper, your truck, the trunk of your car or in a sleeping bag on the ground but no tents in the paddock area, no cooking with charcoal, propane or natural gas only. If you want to pitch a tent, camp grounds only or like a friend did setting up his tent in the back of his pickup in the paddock. The second level has restrooms, showers, gas pumps, and electricity. You will need a standard 120v 20a plug or a 125V 30A TT-30P, or a 125/250V 50A 14-50P for the electrical stations on the West side second level..If you need power on the first level you have to get a converter box $$$$ and run you cable across the pit area ( a royal pain). If you blow a breaker you have to walk down the fence line to the gate back down to you plug and back out again not so bad if you have a pit bike. If I bring my bike which I do for Barber, I bring stands, ez-up, tire warmers, tool box extra this extra that....The ez-up is a great idea for storing your bike at night and in case it rains. Once you start the class you will be on the track or in class all day....but a nice cold one after a hard day under your ez-up is great...I hope this helps. Barber is an unbelievable venue and you will learn a great deal at CSS..

Erm... pay no attention... Seriously Racer, It is great that you post as much as you do. You have been a great help. I am always glad to read your take on things......Keep it coming. You are the "Man behind the Avatar!"

You know it is funny that you mention that. I was reading some of Racer's post this morning and was wondering who Racer was. Its like the wizard in Oz!