sleepr

Great, thanks for the help AJ, we will check it out. They will be for street/track riding, looks like she'll be doing the 2 day as well. I know the school will have boots for her, but she'll need some for track days once we get home.

Not specifically related to this thread but for a lack of a better place to put it. Can anyone suggest good bike shops in Vegas. The girlfriend will be shopping for new riding boots so we need a place with a good selection she can try on.

I'm going to guess Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I know it can be big issue for returning service members, please keep up the good work, we all owe you a lot.

Some of it will have to do with the tracks you ride as some are smoother than others. Also your speed and laptimes may come into play as well. On my old racebike (99 R6) I didn't need it until my lap times got faster, but the first tank slapper I had before turn 1 that knocked the pads back in the calipers told me I needed one soon. I had gotten to the point that I was still under hard acceleration while hitting a bump in fourth. I had a rod type on that bike but it was tank mounted Ducati 916/996 style. I chose a GPR for my 06 ZX636 for the fact that it will likely survive crash damage a little better, but I can't comment on whether one type is better than the other.

Hi Patrick, looks like I'll get a chance to meet you in Vegas, I'll be there as well, did my first 2 day there last year, had a blast!

All riders start with level 1, (there are 4) and go from there. I did the 2 day camp last year (L1 & L2) because of the distance I had to travel for them, I'm signed up for level 3 and 4 at the 2 day in Vegas in mid March, but if your close to those tracks you need to find a way to get to them! I had a chance to ride VIR 2 years ago while there to spectate AMA Superbike and it is a neat track. Looking at the school schedule it looks like you have a few opportunities in May or August to attend. You have the options of just doing one level at a time if you wish, but I can't comment on the single level option as it was not feasable for me. You can bring your own bike or do it on the school bikes depending on your wants, search the forum for opinions on both options, there are a few threads dealing with that topic. The schools will most certainly help you with the areas you want to improve, but I can't stress enough the value of the books in the meantime, they're of value to anyone that rides a motorcycle on pavement IMHO. I won't get into the drills in each level because I think they have more value with the classroom sessions. All the schools follow the format of classroom, then on track drill, debrief with your coach, repeat. Each level and drill build on the previous lessons. Even world champions started at level 1.

Welcome to the forum John, great group of people here. Sounds like you have your head on straight so I don't think an R1 and it's power will be a challenge for you. I sell bikes for a living and if you were a new 18 year old with no motorcycle experience at all I'd be giving different advice, the bottom line is the throttle goes both ways, and you have the maturity to respect it. Your option to start, is get your head in the books, most will chime in here with this as well. If you haven't already read Twist of the Wrist 1 and 2 do so at your earliest convenience, they will make you think about your riding. The next step if you can and have the means is get to the CSS schools. I did my first 2 day in Vegas last year and I felt my riding go to a whole new level after 18 years on the street and 7 off and on years at the track. If track days are an option anywhere close to you I cannot stress highly enough the value of a controlled environment to work on your skills. The fact that it is a #%%load of fun is a big bonus. Don't be afraid to ask questions as we can all learn from each other. Once again Welcome!

Here's one just released by Motion Pro, retails for $154.99 US Motion pro throttle

Yes Ace, lots of visuals in level 2. I'm believe I read here that level 3 will require some leg strength?

Thanks Cobie!

I can't remember when I was this excited to go back to school but with it a little more than a month away, I will be rereading Twist 1 & 2 and Soft Science. I will be doing level 3 & 4, what chapters or sections should I pay extra attention to?

Ok I don't have the white bar with Firefox at home but I do at work with IE 6.0 Here is a screen capture.

It now seems to be OK, did you make some changes?

Rearsets are a set of foorpegs and brackets that replace the stock setup on the bike. They usually mount the peg back and up (hence rearset) for more ground clearance. Some will also allow adjustable positions of the pegs like these. Attack Rearsets 05-06 ZX6R

Read line below, read line below! I have the problem spooky, it comes up with a white bar over it right? I just highlight the text with my cursor like I was about to cut and paste it and I can then read it a lot easier

If the UK is anything like Canada, I can imagine the schools have a huge issue with getting insurance. I know here our insurance providers won't even allow you on a paved track unless your 16, not good for aspiring racers.

Well I'll be honored to be the first to reply. I read them all but only typically reply when I feel I have something pertinent to add to the discussion or a question to ask.

Here is where I got my custom molded monitors done, they have a very good article on Motorcyles and hearing protection. From what I understand one could go to a local hearing center your city and have molds made of your ears and then send the molds to get the monitors made, they are just like a musicians. http://www.azearprotection.com/mc_info.htm

Hi Delirio, I too have had problems with the toolbar, you can use the BB code though, just click the BB code help button in the lower right corner. By the way you'll love Vegas and I'll have some good hotel info for you, we are trying out a very reasonable hotel/resort in March, just off the strip and 20 minutes from the track.

Earplugs everywhere, and I have a set of custom made ones I bought at the Laguna GP in 05 with 25 decibal reduction in outside noise but with monitors so I can listen to tunes on the MP3 player on longer highway rides. Definately less fatigue on long 1000-1200 mile days and more attention on the track. Actually had a plug come out once in a race and it was amazing how much harder it was to ride with only one ear quiet. My $10 was definately being spent where it shouldn't.

Liked your comment about getting in and out of gear. Some bikes can be a pain to find neutral and if your referring to your riding gear I've always thought of it as putting on my suit of armour so the cagers can't do me as much harm!

My quick turn is hardly expensive, it's a stock SV650 one, fits right on the 6R (not being a huge Suzuki fan I take some ribbing). It's not a 1/4 turn full on kit part but it does offer a different ratio, someone told me 5/8, nice thing is if I break the throttle tube in a crash it's cheap to replace and racers like cheap, more in budget for tires and entry fees! John perhaps you can find something that works on your bike, check with your local racers.

I have a quick turn throttle on my race bike which is fantastic, one less thing to think about ($10 of attention). On the 12R I typically keep my throttle well adjusted and of course avoid huge handfuls of throttle in a turn so it doesn't appear to be much of a problem.

Not to get too off topic, but your right about Capcom dropping the ball on MotoGP, 360 is horrible as well. I asked for a refund it is so bad and was SOL. I love the idea of learning the suspension from a local expert, if only we had one that came to our track. I'll be sending mine to RMR suspension in BC this year. I'm back to rereading all the twist books again, and daydreaming about twisty pavement.

My bikes are totally hibernating, no riding for me in the winter when it's -36 C with the windchill, but I would like to get something for ice riding. I do go stir crazy though so lots of reading and watching race video on the tivo. fortunatley the 2 day is coming up in vegas in March! Can't wait.