Jump to content

dmj120

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    155

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by dmj120

  3. What Can You Do To Prepare For Riding/racing?

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    For me, it is very important to be in the best shape possible even for street riding. It's just more enjoyable in good shape. Perhaps this doesn't matter as much to those who can be out of shape and still be thin. For me, if I am out of shape, I am fat and that takes away from the enjoyment of riding a sportbike.

    I try to run and ride a bicycle as much as possible, complimenting that with weight sessions and plenty of stretching.

     

    That's a good point. In fact, I've stated getting back into shape -- at least to build up some stamina for long ridin' days B)

  4. Body Position For Tight Corner After Brake

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

     

    He further explained that really deep braking could destroy the front tyre in as little as 5-6 laps and that time was made by getting on the throttle sooner because that gave you extra speed you would carry with you all the way to the next braking point, whereas braking later only gained a couple of bike lengths at best, distance usually lost before the exit unless you managed to somehow still hit the apex and keep those behind, well, behind.

     

     

    Could this be one -if not the primary- reason why most racers don't attempt this maneuver several times (aside from 'showing one's hand')?

  5. Staff Nicknames

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    We as Americans are too damn sensitive when it comes to nicknames, if they aren't cool then we don't want them.

    You aren't supposed to want a nickname, you earn it and it sticks, the problem was that we were making suggestions and then the person we were suggesting them about chimed in about how much they didn't like it.

     

    Won't ever work that way.

     

    You think I liked t-shirt when I was first called it? Hell no, but the Brits didn't let it drop and I have learned

    to appreciate it and write regularly with the Brits using that name as my signature.

     

    Any ways, I was just passing through trying to clean up some spammers and I thought I would check in here to see if there was any change.

     

    Cheers,

     

    T-shirt

     

    FoRealz !! All the nicknames I've had were all earned, in one way or another ;)

  6. What Can You Do To Prepare For Riding/racing?

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    Similar to Cobie, I've been ill - just not too bad, but then again I was on vacation too :( bad timing.

     

     

    Street:

    I don't have any specific things, but I do have two scenarios: 1.) Commuting - 65 miles, one-way; although lately in the mornings I through on some extra stuff... sweat pants, rain jacket and pants, sweater, and some rain over gloves, which I love. After tucking the front coming home from work with only a helmet and gloves (had work shirt and slacks), I've learned 'it's better to sweat than to bleed' -- plus getting road rash debris'ed by a smartass reinforces the need for gearing-up; 2.) Riding the twisties with friends, which is a quick gear check, bike check, and go.

     

    Track:

    Nothing out of the ordinary. I make sure my bike is prep'ed, pack the night before, start hydrating (usually beginning the morning before going to the track), get plenty of sleep, have a couple bananas in the morning and try to get my mind right [pay attention to procedures, ride my own ride, etc.]. For me, my mental status is the driving force. For example: I did a weekend thing at Pahrump with Trackxperience, which was my first weekend experience. Had a blast the first day, a great BBQ at the track with them, but during the second day around 11 am, I couldn't hold a line or hit a turn-in / breaking point to save my life -- my mental status crapped out so I bailed out.

     

    To be dreadfully honest, after leaving the Marine Infantry life (line corpsman, babe) I pretty much quit exercising, for which I'm now paying the price. One thing that I have come to enjoy and appreciate is the participation in bike forums. Not only here, but in the other bike forums as well. True, there's a bit more trash talking in a few forums (hehe :ph34r:) but I think whether in jest or in guidance, the mere act of talking and reading about riding further solidifies skills, traits, ideas, thingies, do's-n-dont's, etc. Before my first time at a track, I'm readin and chatin... preparing myself for the tricky turns and those little tips from the guys who've been there. Knowledge is key, which is why I went to my first CSS class.... without the key, you can't unlock the life-altering fun, that is, riding.

  7. Jorge Lorenzo Fast In

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    Cobie,

     

    Since we're talking about quick turning... isn't it somewhat incompatible with trail braking, which all racers do?

     

    Seems like if you're coming into a corner faster, you would need to brake harder and at the same time you also need to turn quicker, which would seem to increase the chances of tucking the front...?

     

    Also, when coming to the end of a straight and the rearward rider comes out of the draft to take the inside line for passing, isn't he essentially turning earlier? i.e. earlier turn-in point?

     

    If I could add my take...

     

    No, yes/no, and yes. :rolleyes:

     

    when you quick-flick, you're not upsetting the chassis; you're instead, getting the bike turned with the "correct" speed/timing. There's obviously a fine line, but I understand the process as: brakes and gear change, brakes, lean (counter-steer - we don't want the front to tuck under), at the max-lean roll-on the gas to get suspension working right - which takes the load off the front right before there's an issue.

     

    I see stuffing someone as: getting under them with a little lean and once on the 'normal line' flick-it faster; or, diving in sooner, using a different turn-in point but taking a wider exit (to maybe set the next turn up). There's definitely a greater chance of loosing the front due to losing the smooth throttle control, or turn-point causing more of a jerky turn, etc. But if you get on the gas once you're supposed to (which I think is right before max lean angle) to get the weight transferred -- you are okie-dokie. I would also suggest, for us mere mortals, getting to that point tain't easy; if it were, we'd probably have a different career. ;) Remember too, counter-steering.... there are other steps taken which also help mitigate tossin' it away.

     

    Some of the best on-board stuff I've seen is the pros' hand shots. Seeing them grad a handful, roll-on slightly and then pin it, is just awesome. When you are on the brakes or on the throttle, you are controlling the bike's momentum; what's in control if not you... centrifugal / centripetal forces, gravity... what? During my class Keith, and everyone else, stressed if you're not on the gas, you're on the brakes - coasting is where disaster lurks.

  9. Suspension Feedback!

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    I learned at my first track day the importance of good suspension set-up. In fact, it was Dave who did it - and what a difference!! I don't remember who here gave this http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6516891 link, but it is awesome. How to tell when you're off-throttle, which he actually told me when I had him set me bike up... he could tell which turns I was off-throttle. blink.gif

     

    I consider Dave is too suspension, as Keith is too cornering; both has spent many years researching and teaching, and both are passionate about their crafts. If I could add one thing to Pete's response, it would be: Check your spring rates. RaceTech has a nice search tool. I say this because my '08 zx10 had the correct fork springs for my weight but the shock's was more suitable for my itty-bitty wifey. After getting the correct spring for my shock, dialing it in was much easier and more centered in the stroke (something I believe that is covered in the Twist 2 DVD as well -if memory serves correctly). I created an excel sheet to help me with my settings (http://www.4shared.com/document/yGsRJ383/StockSuspensionSettings.html). I copied the service manual settings and descriptions so I could start 'playing' with various settings - but could track and if needed, return to a particular setting (you have to look at all 3 tabs). Feel free to download and modify for your bike's specs. I put this up on the zx10 forum too, and got a few thumbs up. I've actually posted many simialr excel sheets for peopl to use... I really love excel. Anyway, hope the links or spreadsheet can help.

  10. Not Really 'success'

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

     

    Fast-forward to May 2010 - CSS Two Day Camp @ VIR "why did I wait so long?!" It was a WONDERFUL experience. The worst part, it didn't start soon enough and stopped too early. Seriously, my anticipation level was high and the professional albeit laid back style of all the CSS Staff was OUTSTANDING. Guess you could say they know what they are doing and have been down the track once or twice.

     

    Listen - practice - LISTEN - practice - LISTEN "understand" practice and magic will happen - you will get better. We might want to go faster and get better right now however, the CSS system; classroom, track and de-brief is a very sound application and works wonders. Remember the drills as you progess thru the day. When you improve on one drill and move to the next, you will be suprised at what is happening before you know it.

     

    Get out of the parking lot and onto the paddock, leathers up and go. Before you go - do what you are doing - educate yourself from books and DVDs - that advice is worth the price. When you get there, become a sponge - soak it all up. Before you know it, you could be out there giving better advice than you've received.

     

    Enjoy

     

    First, let me say "yup!" the day starts too late and ends way to soon... but then again I've felt the same about every track day except 1 (a weekend thing). I HATE the last time out... I feel that little boy inside starting to through a fit when it's time to start packing up :(. But that is one of the reasons that I know how much I truly enjoy being out there -- for a track day for training.

     

    Also, as Keith has said, there's a lot of advise out there ;) - my main objective was to get my friend to begin to understand what the book and dvd was saying, and to get him, at least, a little safer. Especially, when I was able to say "dude, you're doing ____; I know, 'cause I did it too. See the difference these couple things make?" Just the few things from the dvd about throttle control made such a difference in his riding, confidence and enjoyment that even though we went slow - so much so, that the ride was 4 times longer than I (a beginner/intermediate guy) would have ever taken. But at every stop, once his helmet came off and the Ora of 'yeah' that surrounded him made it one of the best rides. ---ok, rant done.

     

    The techniques and crawl before you walk methodology works -- without you even realizing it. I think that is the part of the program that I like; not the do this, but the if you do this, it'll feel like that -- in other words, attacking the cause, not the symptom.

  14. Jorge Lorenzo Fast In

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    Well, Keith says, 'Yes' ... smile.gif

     

    Twist I, Chapter 8, page 63:

    "If you want to go one mph faster than the last lap, you must be able to go into the turn that much faster. You can't hope to make up the speed later in the turn - you must set it up right in the beginning."

     

    Proper set-up being the key.... coupled with total commitment, of course. How many times have the announcers said "he's looking like he wants to pass" or "he's setting it up" or "looks like he's looking to set something up for later?"

     

     

    OK, and what also has to change with the riding if the entry speed goes up?

     

    This is your mini-Twist 2 quiz for the day smile.gif.

     

    CF

     

    Well, the first thing that comes to mind is, your flick-rate. But in this context, I'd have to say, many things; turn-ins, braking point, turn-in point, apex, the point at which you're on-throttle, your line. You're obviously thinking about running-in a bit deeper and tighter, which would alter 'all points at which a technique is perform' but not the manner in which they are performed... ie wide vision, smooth roll-on, good body position, etc.

     

    Si o no? ph34r.gif

  15. Jorge Lorenzo Fast In

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    Well, Keith says, 'Yes' ... smile.gif

     

    Twist I, Chapter 8, page 63:

    "If you want to go one mph faster than the last lap, you must be able to go into the turn that much faster. You can't hope to make up the speed later in the turn - you must set it up right in the beginning."

     

    Proper set-up being the key.... coupled with total commitment, of course. How many times have the announcers said "he's looking like he wants to pass" or "he's setting it up" or "looks like he's looking to set something up for later?"

  18. Pivot Technigue!

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    Personally, I don't like the stay off the seat ideology..... the bike feels waaay too unstable. The first time I tried it was out in the canyons, and let's just say it was a pucker moment. I prefer to slidefrom side to side, then, once slide over, twist the hips to get locked in. My inside foot is close to the balls and my outside is closer to the middle of the instep. I found a youtube video, that explains a knee-to-knee technique, which I thinks gives the most stability.

     

    Of course, wait for the experts. I just don't like the instability feeling.

     

    One more thing popped in my head. It's been said the bars are for controlling the bike, not for holding on. Something I learned in the military - 3 points of contact gives you the most stability and security. Taking both these statements mixed in with 'balls of foot' theory, suggests that it is not the best method; as your only 2 points of contact are your feet, but adding your butt sliding across the seat adds that thrid contact point.

     

     

  19. Counter Steer Question!

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    My 2 cents....

     

    Push...release! I push to lean the bike, then release pressure - there's more to worry about after that; look, throttle control.... relax shoulders. Continually pushing (or counter steering) keeps you -or at least me- tense, which transfers to the bike and equates to a feeling of instability. The tighter you are -especially on the the bars- the more input felt, the greater stimuli, culminating to a rushed and choppy line/roll-on.

     

    I think of it as, one less thing to do. Flick-it and move on to the other things.

     

    One thing about tire pressure I've noticed: If you do the push - release technique and the front feels heavy or like it's gonna tuck, your front tire is lacking a few psi (assuming your suspension is set 'properly'--ie for conditions, road surface, riding style, etc.). Something else that helps me regarding the push-release, is getting my hips twisted toward the turn (this is my self-talk... probably best described as opening your hips), which pulls my outside knee snuggly into the tank.

     

     

    soooo.... too much [continued] pressure on the bars = too much input = many SR's = a possible bad day

  20. Warming Tires

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    I'd be interested in the heat passing from the engine, to chain, to axel, to rim, to tire.

    I would doubt much heat is going to transfer through the chain all the way into the tire, but we'll see what Steve thinks. But one thing related I wondered about was- why not have the exhaust blow directly on the tire? That would heat it up in a hurry! (I suspect the fumes will not do nice things to the rubber.)

     

     

    Probably not, but I'm still interested with how/what effects the rim plays.... maybe the rim heats up due to the heat generated by the tire.

     

    For teh exhaust, something I've thought about for years, maybe the gap between the tire and pipe is sufficient to disipate the exhaust's effects, or maybe the wind is the buffer.

  21. Warming Tires

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    A nice topic, Cobie. Here's my take... each oem is different - to a point (according to a Dave Moss video on tire wear).... some perili's cool down at 'excessively' low temps. Although, I do understand his viewpoint is from a suspension/tire reading perspective.

     

    Aside form the excellent stability points Steve made regarding pressures; I too have been under the impression that heat builds up from friction. So, a lower psi will give a greater contact patch and therefore more friction, thereby heating the rubber faster. I also think that a lower psi, whilst leaned over, adds to rubber deflection, possibly resulting in some internal friction (inside the rubber itself)... which might add to the temp increase; maybe???

     

    I'd be interested in the heat passing from the engine, to chain, to axel, to rim, to tire. Could there be some sort of correlation? How would the rim's material play a part, either with conductivity or dispersion?

×
×
  • Create New...