Jaybird180

Oversimplified and kind of counter-productive and even dangerous. It lacks the critical "how". And the "how" is going to be different for each rider. For some riders it'll be a visual skill they need to fix - they're simply not seeing the space for some reason. For others it could be a lean angle/traction issue - off camber increases lean angle. Yet others may be riding over their heads, very tight on the bars, and stuck in a rut. Telling them they can go faster is asking for a crash. Using the same TP? I don't think so. If you're using the same TP and hitting the same apex you're on the same arc, right? Until sliding comes into play, speed doesn't matter if you're hitting those two points. Something would have to change to get you to the curbing. Try the opposite. What happens if you slow down (20mph) and hit those two points? Will that change your exit? I's say that you CAN have 2 points same.

What about using average lap times of race winners and setting milestones for yourself of say 140%, 120%, 110%. And then perhaps throwing your hat back in the ring at around 115%?

Trust me, it's tempting.

Hi Ace, all is well Regarding my question: I recall the briefing from my 1st trackday @ Summit Point Jefferson Course. I recall the discussion about the final turn (left, off cambered, leading to the front straight) being deceptive in that most people are too slow. The guidance given was, 'if there's 6 feet at your exit to the curbing, then you can go faster'. Silly me, I didn't get any faster, I just came closer to the edge on each lap (LOL). So, was this advice oversimplified or was it even approximately good advice? And now that I think about it, it's probably foolish advice as the camber needs to be considered in this case. So, let's talk about a standard, flat, 90 degree bend: Your TP is consistent, roll-on rate is good and apex consistent. Entry speed is 60 mph. You end up at the exit with 3 feet to the curbing. Can you safely and successively increase the speed: 62mph, 64mph, 66mph, etc until you consistently come within millimeters of the curbing?

Okay just need to get this straight in my head, especially while the weather is cold and I'm only riding my imagination. True/False or Oversimplified You know that the entry speed is right if: (assuming the rider follow TC Rule #1) You can hit the apex using the desired turn point AND You consistently come within milimeters of the edge of the track at exit

Jason, What do you mean by manual vs friction braking?

Awww Greg, you're trying to "Stump" the fun already

Do you need to get off the seat on this bike? Can you get enough speed to require it?

Yeah, the Gilles is Sierra Hotel

Thanks for posting the link,Tweek

I'm going to say something that many think but it's sometimes ugly to confront....so if you don't want to hear me say something controversial STOP READING MY POST..... I'm thinking that in your case (and mine), confidence in one's own skills would go very far. It's tough for me to have confidence on the street because it's an unpredictable environment. Ever more, I think about going track-only for this reason. Eliminating one more variable, I think would go a long way toward progress.

My books are in storage while we're moving (dang-it!!!)

Right, we need some scientific testing! When Garry McCoy was sliding around in MotoGP & smokin' tires, they found out that it created little heat in the carcass of the tire; it only heated the surface.

For me, it often takes reflection afterwards to figure out what I was trying to get IN THE MOMENT. I think now I can appreciate the above comments about RPs based on my experience on The Streets (can't recall the turn, but it's the right turn when you're facing the water tower). The problem for me is that it wasn't until nearly 2 days were over that I finally had enough attention to see the OBVIOUS because I was looking in too much detail. Take a step back and see the big picture every once in awhile, even if you think you have good RPs.

What do you guys think of the predictions and the final outcomes? Anyone wanna offer any predictions for 2010? New thread?

Jason- Have you done the school yet?

I think it was Stuman who talked about having the ability to push the front in a duplicatable, repeatable manner. I interpreted that as a goal. Did I get it wrong?

Okay, I clearly communicated that wrong. I should have said that I've had the rear slide on ###### on the street (LOL). As far as pushing traction limits, does pushing the front count? I've done that accidentally. I didn't realize what happened until after I exited the corner. I just knew that I didn't like the way it felt.

I don't think I've ever pushed traction limits. I've felt the side of my rear step out a few times, but that was on rare occasion. Funny that it was always the left (hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm)...................

"Constant Throttle" was the instruction. The ear of the coach detected a rise and fall of the engine sound and instructed me to try again.

Hey Cobie I hope you can answer this (if you remember). But here's some background to this question: The steering drill really had me perplexed. I PM'd Bullet about it and he helped clear up some things (thanks for your dive right-to-the-point approach on this one). Basically Bullet pretty much said that my Steering experience was normal and that it was expected that the rev's would rise/ fall as I got onto the side of the tire. The coach wanted me to keep the revs constant and that took about $9.95 to do. Anyhow, the steering drill consumed at least $8.99 over the next 2 days and so much of the time I was pretty blank. From what you recall, what is the next and most important thing I should work on my next trackday? Go ahead- let me have it brother. I can take it.

You guys are hilarious. But all kidding aside, I've heard that Medivac at Pocono can run 5 digits!!! How many of us know for CERTAIN that our insurance companies would pickup the tab? How many of us can afford a lawyer to fight insurance company lawyers? Wouldn't it make sense to have a policy that specifies trackdays and other closed course motorcycle activities are covered? I'm not asking about the bike, I'm asking about the medical and/ or the other ugly word....life insurance.

I've never thought about this before, but now with more life responsibilities I cringe at the thought that some insurance agent may tell my wife, "Sorry, racing motorcycles is a policy exclusion". I don't expect anything to happen, but I have my other paperwork in order just in case it does. Is there somewhere I can buy special insurance that would cover me if the unforseen should happen while at a trackday, school or even if I decide to race someday? Personal experience: About 2 years ago, I was in a discussion on another forum about motorcycle coverage during trackdays and called my insurance company to verify. A few days later there was a cancellation notice in my mailbox because of the misunderstanding that the general population has of trackdays, et al. After a bit of distressful discussion 2 months later, I was able to get the matter corrected but it was a lesson nonetheless on the choice of words.

Are the speeds lower and/ or crashes increased in the cold?

Okay. I saw the Road America Race where this year the temp was 46F.