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dmj120

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Posts posted by dmj120

  1. What Was It That Made You Decide To Ride?

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    Always loved my mountain bike as a kid. Once, a friend's Dad took me around the block on his bike. All I could think was holy ###### this sweet! I finally got the opportunity to ride a Honda VFR in mid 2000. I got it up to 30 mph and said I have to have one. A friend sold me his 01 zx9r Aug 2001 for an awesome price...

     

    ..... and now..... I can't think of anything better than 2 wheels. I used to want a vet, now I just want a couple more bikes.

     

     

    I'm hoping my next "car" is Goldwing with a trailer :D

  2. What Is The Right Pressure?

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    That was an excellent write-up, Steve! I found what my tires should be -cold- 30/30 track/canyon and 32/34 road (from a dealer and racer), which got the old thumbs up from Dave Moss.

     

    Just cuz I wanted to, I went bumped up to 31/32 because the ambient temps dropped --- really just so I can seem like I know suttin :ph34r::lol:

     

    I was excited with this thread because of its generality. That said, I understand there's usually a 3-7 psi (encompassing a general 'all' manufacturer estimate) cold-hot difference; and, that track pressures are usually lower than those for the street, primarily, because the harder you push and faster speeds cause the tires to heat-up more thereby increasing the psi.

     

    If true, then it could be argued (I'm assuming here) that novice tire could be set higher than an advanced/racer's. This also appears concurrent with your #3:

    #3, Higher pressure increases stability at the cost of traction. Lower pressures increases traction at the cost of less stability. There is a workable window here, so don't get extreme variations from the recommended.

     

    =============

    I changed from the Qualifiers to B'stones many years ago. Found the bt020,21,03,and 16's to be really comfy. Indeed, I have suck with the 16's since they came out; track, canyon, commuting - they are a good mileage and play tire. Having heard nothing but good reports about the Q2's.... what does Dunlop offer comparable to the bt016's? Something that has enough grip for a slow intermediate but also with some really good commuting ability?? I've been told the power pilot's fit this sort of bill... but felt too easy to lean, as if the profile was high instead of more rounder.

     

    ---I realize you're a dunlop guy and are not up to speed on other oem's stuff, so even a vague gist is cool.---

     

    I'm always looking for new stuff. Honestly, though, I see more Dunlop talk revolve around the track and racing. Tires are my biggest concern. I commute 127 miles/day but also like weekend rides. If you have something that could work for my situation I'd love to hear about it.

     

    Josh

  3. Working On Smooth Lines

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    I'd also look into the pick-up drill. You're late getting on the throttle from looking at the speedo (the noise is horrible). Get some black electric tape and cover the mic.

     

    Pick-up drill?? is that similar to the roll-on? Lost the Level 1 sheet of skills :angry::( Thanks for the tape idea! The sound has always been crappy with this goPro, and the only spot I fell comfortable to mount it is on the tank.

     

    Using all of the lane was pretty fun and enlightening to how much road there really is. Shoulda titled this as "sweeping" lines. Although, yes, I know I get on the throttle a bit too late and probably to slow; but for now, I feel more comfortable "playing" with the throttle at the track -- I am fairly timid on the streets.

     

    Anyway, thanks for the tip. Learning, talking, debating and, of course, riding bikes are the de bestest most funnest tingy :lol:

  6. Working On Smooth Lines

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    DMJ120.

    Have you taken Level I. If you did I think you need to go over the techniques.

    From the video, You were very closed to the center lane. In a few occasions you went over it.

    I do not think it is a good idea. I've seen people go down when in a turn (leaning) the back tire has gone

    when hitting the yellow line. Practice throttle control, turning point, apex, flipping.

    Nice road though. Where is it.

     

    Be safe.

    The razor.

     

    Yes, I have done level 1. I know my throttle control suffered a bit and I was actually trying to go line to line. The road is in Southern California (Sage Rd.), one of a few I just found, and it was during normal working hours - so there was very little traffic. My attempt was geared toward looking and trying to "read" the turns (using how close the DY and white lines appear). I had the idea of experiencing a more sweeping approach, using the whole lane, instead hitting apexes. This may be slightly less than desirable but it did give me a better sense of how much room I really have.

     

    I'm getting pretty good with flicking the bike (still practice the L1 flick drill daily).

     

    That video that Eirik posted is nuts.

  8. Not Really 'success'

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    Honestly, there was a bit of skepticism about helping people and enjoying their successes... but I'll be damned, it be true.

     

    Since I'm still learning, and probably not the best teacher, I've done everything short of beat him with the damn book to get his ass to level 1. Hopefully, though eventually, I'll convince him that someone not leaning themselves who is also an experienced instructor will get him from 'gaining confidence' to being confident. BUT I did get him to understand why and perform: Once cracked open .... slowly, continuously.... throughout the remainder of the turn. :D

     

    I'm sure this idiot will get to level 1 in the next year or two... sooner the better -dumbass. :rolleyes:

  10. Not Really 'success'

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    I've been helping my friend to increase his confidence --via flicking, throttle control and opening the turns up with later less lazy turn-in :).

     

    He has the twist2 book and we've watched my twist2 dvd. I'm really surprised how enjoyable it is to see someone improve and become more secure; plus, it has solidified a few things with me... hold a line whilst looking in the mirrors, better lines, better throttle control, better body positioning (did the 'turn here' drill, of sorts) and roll-on.

     

    The techniques taught is beneficial on multiple levels. I couldn't believe how Josh was so smooth with one hand in the air and constantly looking back. Now, it seems pretty easy.

     

    Anyway, thanks for the skills and techniques that allowed me to give a friend a little help. I'm hoping I can make a level 2 class this year.

  11. Knee-To-Knee Drill ?

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    WOW! Maybe that's why they get paid to ride :lol:

     

    I know there's a drill in level 1 that is similar, albeit much more 'beginner', and if I understand correctly, level 3 has a hip flick drill that would probably get the bike over that fast.

     

    I'd be willing to bet they were just messing around, looked fun as hell -wish i could play around like that.

  13. New Dvd Idea

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    There's definitely a lot of information this school offers. Moreover, the books and current DVDs afford a great amount of info; but what about a compilation of actual school stuff -- as seen on youTube. With the many videos (I've only gone through three so far), I know there's an opportunity for some added CSS revenue whilst providing another great learning aid.

     

    Another thought: Create a level-by-level introductory prelude video for students. Perhaps even an email with a few links to some of the youTube vids that introduce the skills that will be taught. There's always refinement that comes from the in-person training, but something along these lines could give a few days for students to 'get there heads around the material' before "mastering it," so to speak.

     

    Just a few suggestions from a CSS fan and lover-of-learnin' :D I'd buy a compilation of school excerpts that were put together similarly to the twist book/dvd.

     

    I apologize if this is too presumptuous but after seeing the knee to knee and hip flick 2-min videos this idea popped up.

  15. The Bands Of Traction

    in Articles by Keith

    Posted

    Reading the Signs one of many skills I need to hone

     

    By questioning a track day or club race rider you could pretty well figure out what lap times they'd be able to turn by what traction signals they had experienced and were comfortable with. You would find most riders stuck right at the "squirm" band of traction.

     

    Not too bad really, providing that the rider's basic riding techniques were firm, he could go quite quick at the squirm band of riding. This would typically give lap times that were within 8 to 12 seconds of AMA Pro 600 Supersport times. The squirm band starts right when the rider has enough pressure on the tires to get a decent sized footprint on the pavement, which is the technological magic of radial tire design.

     

    Many riders think there is less rubber on the ground when the bike is leaned over but it is the opposite, there is more. They think that because they can't add gobs of throttle when it is leaned over. In actual fact, as we bring the bike up we can add more throttle because the tires do not have to deal with the leaned over side-loading from the cornering. When the bike is straight up it has the least rubber on the ground but no side loading to take away from the available traction.

    After suggested in another thread, thought I'd read through -- AWESOME, by the way (it's almost like Keith knows a thing or two :lol:)

     

    SO.... if the "squirm" starts from a 'decent sized footprint' ... is that the to say, the squirm is good and with the bigger contact patch you can get on the throttle a bit more (obviously, there are some techniques to adhere to) but relatively speaking, there's gotta be a benefit; more speed, greater lean, suttin'.

     

    I've experienced a squirrly rear only a few times, and after the first, I'm really not too bothered by it. I find kinda fun, I actually giggle after it happens. :blink: What I hate, is when the front feels heavy - which I've found to mean low front tire pressure.

  16. What Does It Take To Excel?

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    I think practice and determination is the deciding factor -BUT- as long as physical attributes coincide; otherwise, either circumvent, adapt or gain a hobby. It is, of course, the task that will ultimately determine the probable (and possible) level attainable.

     

    Like Eirik said: I couldn't be a basketball or track star with my short chunky goodness. However, practice (and enjoyment) has provided me, at least, a moderate level of drumming prowess, which has been improved over the years from periodic 'training' and corrections - ie hand orientation, switching leading hand, etc.

     

    That said, I'd wholeheartedly assert your commitment and never-ending pursuit is synonymous with the level you can achieve.

     

    Natural talent can give you the upper hand, but only if you've practiced enough too either realize or use that ability.

  17. Cornering Question

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    Hey dmj120,

     

    Thank you for your feedback.

     

    Both the 003s and 016's are about the same (+/- $10/tire). How many miles do you get out of a set?

     

    Good tip on the tire pressure, we'll verify that they are at 30/30.

     

    I have not gone to a track day. Want to start with Level I and II and get lots of pratice (no throttle roll off in corners, etc. ;)

     

    Maybe I'll have to come to Willow Springs for a weekend of learning and cornering. ph34r.gif

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

     

    First, Klaus, I should mention that my bike is a commuter, weekender, track-dayer, etc.

     

    003s ~ 3500 miles

    016s ~ upwards of 5500 miles

    021s ~ almost 6500 miles

     

    ... which is why I've stuck with the 16s for a while. I get as much use as possible, and then a few extra miles ;)

     

     

    I've tried to convince my work that I need a company car. I even researched a better overall deal; taking mileage, price etc into account, the 2011 Goldwing is perfect - good amenities, trunk space... and it's still a bike :D. My idea seemed to fall on deaf ears :huh:

  18. Cornering Question

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    Jason is corretomudo

     

    My 2 cents: Tell these foolios your bike is perfect. Get your suspension hooked up, hit L1 and L2, and run circles around your boys B)

     

    Tires -- I love the bt016's. I've used the bt021's on the track without any issues. As Keith said, if your not on a race pace, save your money - the "super sticky" race tires are not needed. I've had no problems with the bt016's; mind you, I'm a slow [recently bumped-up] intermediate track day back marker. Run 'em at 30/30 (front/rear) and you'll be fine. I don't remember specifically, but someone told the the edge compounds of the 16's and 003's are pretty much the same. Nevertheless, I think the 16's are awesome.

  19. Body Position Evolution

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    I noticed an interesting picture on motogp.com yesterday, but I can't find it there for the life of it.

     

    The shot was taken from behind the bikes, showing Pedrosa and Lorenzo in a turn where BOTH of them were very clearly leaning away from the bike with their upper bodies!

     

    Now, I have my own little pet theory about why they do that, but spilling the beans don't make much for conversation. So, any takers - why do they do it?

     

    While they exit from a corner? thats the question?

     

    which would help getting the bike upright. ;)

     

    if it's before -- cause they're leaning the bike so much that to see they have to 'sit up' a little.

  23. Jorge Lorenzo Fast In

    in Cornering and Techniques

    Posted

    Something that Lorenzo does the night before going on tracks is during his stretch routine he visualises lapping the track, every time he crosses the imaginary line he taps the floor, his physical trainer Marcos Hirsch times these taps with a stopwatch. Sound familiar? His lap times are always within 10ths of his actual times.

     

    I've never heard about this ritual. Pretty interesting - especially how the close the mental times are to the actual times.

  24. I Am Nikolas From Greece And I Am A Corner-Oholic

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

     

    Thanks for the tip crash.

     

    Come to think of it, over the last seven years I've ridden a lot in Greece, I've been to many wonderful places and let me tell you… Greece is a biker's PARADISE…Warm sunny weather, awesome scenic routes and practically NO speed limits ( don't get me wrong, there may be an occasional speed camera here and there but it usually is off or broken) .

     

    And the Gyro's are YUMMY!! :D That No speed limit sounds fun. ;) Plus, some of the bars have excellent shows. B)

  25. Hello From A Central Coast Newbie

    in School Questions/General Discussion

    Posted

    Yup, I am on the Central California Coast (Monterey Peninsula) - close to Laguna Seca :)ph34r.gif

     

    What are you riding?

    How long have you been riding?

    Have you been to the Superbike School?

     

    Cheers,

    KawaKlaus

    Gotz me a 2008 zx10, started riding late 2001 on a 2001 zx9r, so far only been to Level 1 :( Maybe this year I'll be able to get to L2.

     

    Monterey is a nice area. Taking Level 1 and 2 at Laguna will be cool; hell, just to ride on that track would be cool. A few years ago after the MotoGP walked across the track when leaving, and, wow, it looked perfect -- guess there's some high standards for pro's :lol:

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