Bullet
-
Posts
792 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by Bullet
-
-
A pertinent point for myself at the moment, which I'll discuss in more depth when we get this thread going in some more depth.
I'd like to discuss what people may consider to be in many respects a negative thread but in reality isn't. We all make mistakes, but there is much to be learned from making mistakes as long as you know what you did and why, and what you'd do differently to avoid making them again.
So my question to all forum members is this, what mistakes have you made, or do you regularly make? Your mistakes don't need to involve crashing, or accidents, they can be common mistakes you make you realising you'd like to change but perhaps don't know how to change them?
Share your thoughts, what you've learned and share these experiences with your fellow forum friends.
Get fess'ing up peeps!
Bullet
-
Bullet, thank you so much. Now i have much clear idea of how will be my second day in Jerez.
Again, hope to see your there!. Perhaps we already met in april there.
i wasn't there in April, but I definitely will be there in Sept, so I very much look forward to it my friend!
Bullet
-
Hi!.
I´m going to attend a two days camp next September in Jerez. As i made levels 1&2 last April, now it´s time for levels 3&4.
As level 4 seems to be different from the others, could someone explain me how a day of level 4th is?
Thank you for your answers and regards from Spain!
Hi,
Level 4.... Well, Level 4 my friend, is all about you! What things have you still not mastered? What things do you need to work on still? Which drills from the previous 3 need more work? You're a very active part of level 4, we need you to think about these questions, and come prepared with some thought about what you'd like to work on, like to improve, whether you're ultimately racing and looking to improve laptimes, or whatever it is, we'll try and help you get closer to your goals.
How do we do this? Well, you'll start your day completing a level 4 questionaire with the level 4 liason who will be working with you to get into the detail on what's missing, and getting you to think about how we could improve that specific area. When it's track time, you're level 4 liason will speak with your on track coach, and he'll advise you on what the drill is you're going to work on. So, lets say you're given 2 Step turn to work upon with the goal of improving you're ability to get to Apexes, you're coach will then work on track seeing if we can improve that aspect.
Whilst doing this inital drill observation, you're coach will also be seeing what else we can improve, and when we get back to the pits and doing your de-breif, we'll also identify the next area for improvement. this information is shared back with the level 4 liason and so the scenario starts again.
In essence, we take a journey as three, you, your level 4 liason and your on track coach. we go where you want it to go, and where it needs to go to meet your goals. On track protocol is the same as all the other levels, i.e. 4th gear no brakes at start of day, working through gears and brakes as we go on, and you'll still be assigned to a group, in most cases it's the white group. You'll get video analysis so you can see yourself, get the coaches eye perspective, which is a very valuable aid to improvement also.
Finally on Level 4, you'll typically get the option of running on the slidebike, which we do normally run on 2 day camps. This gives you the chance if your brave enough to ride the "fukka", understand about sliding a bike and how to control them in a safe manner.
So there you have it, level 4. How cool is that my friend?
Bullet
-
Hi my friend,
Glad you enjoyed Jerez last year, it is indeed some fantastic track. We'll look forward to seeing you there again this year, where I can guarantee some sore legs on level 3, and a brilliant day on level 4, customised to working on your specific areas you've not nailed from the previous levels.
Jerez is indeed an amazing track, and so unbelieveably grippy, a very fast and flowing track. I actually have some onboad video on the second day of last year at Jerez with myself and Andy Ibbott doing some laps followed by the Video bike, if you guys would like to have a watch? The video is a personal video of mine, and was taken for my own benefit. It should be noted guys that its on very knackered tyres, and if you look closely, you'll see the front tuck on me a few times but we still had some fun and entertainment. You can view it here..
(A few quick points... Andy Ibbbot is at the front, I'm directly in front of the video bike. We're riding 600' R6's and the camera bike is an R1, and finally the speedo is in KPH, not MPH, the R1 that appears from time to time is our cheif coach and he's on slicks, we're on road tyres, in my case, very tired Qualifier RR's)For those of you not able to get to Jerez, perhaps this clip will entice you to come and see us some time in Europe, at one of the best tracks in the world!
Bullet
-
No show of keeping up, but we have techniques for that as well
Shhhhhh, don't tell em that.. LOL.......
They all thought I could ride a bit till you said that! Bullet
-
Is there anywhere we can view the trailer online?
It goes without saying all of us here in Oz are really excited about this!
Rumored it was going to go onto You tube (the trailer), but don't think it's up yet.
I'll let you guys know the minute I know!
CF
On keiths recent visit to UK, he's shown the UK staff the DVD trailer, and it really does look exceptionally impressive. Some fantastic on board video of the points in TW2, it uses Virtual Reality compyter Graphics in some places, its very, very slick and a massive, (and I mean massive), step from what there has been before.
I understood, that this was probably going to be available August 09 sometime.
I'll be getting one (well two, as it's 2 DVD's apparently) for sure!
Bullet
Hi Bullet,
Do you know if this dvd will be available directly from the CSS UK website when released!
I'm looking forward to it, I bet it will spark off a few interesting discussions on this site too!
Hi Ace,
Yeah I think it definitely will, though you can expect US availability before it being here, though I do expect it August/September.
I have absolutely no doubt it will be very, very well recieved by anyone who rides a bike and wants to improve, it really was that impressive!
Bullet
-
I wonder as an instructor though do you start off only being able to coach level 1 and work your way through the levels or do you coach all the drills from all the levels from your first day instructing?
Cheers
Bobby
You do all levels from day 1 in the UK, though the "coach" may get given the chance to just coach levels 1 and 3 if it can be accomodated in the rota as they're slightly easier to coach than level 2.
Bullet
-
Thanks for all the great advice guys
I'm a bit of a fiddler when it comes to stuff, just cant stop learning lol
I've set the suspension up this morning after spending the whole of yesterday researching and watching videos lol
I can say this morning that just from what is expected as a baseline (from what the instructors say (Dave Moss)) I now have as near as damn it a setup thats spot onish, though being at pretty much max preload heavier rated springs will be needed. But we'll see how that goes.
I'm going to donington again next month so I guess we'll see, while I am there I'm going to get the suspension guys to check and adjust what ive got done so far.
Then it'll be time to try tires...
If your a big lad (a bit like myself), you'll almost certainly need to get new springs in both the shock and the front forks to get a the setup optimal for sure, so bear that in mind you're trying to tweak spring rates for more than likely a 12 stone fella, and you can only go so far without changing components.
Bullet
-
Is there anywhere we can view the trailer online?
It goes without saying all of us here in Oz are really excited about this!
Rumored it was going to go onto You tube (the trailer), but don't think it's up yet.
I'll let you guys know the minute I know!
CF
On keiths recent visit to UK, he's shown the UK staff the DVD trailer, and it really does look exceptionally impressive. Some fantastic on board video of the points in TW2, it uses Virtual Reality compyter Graphics in some places, its very, very slick and a massive, (and I mean massive), step from what there has been before.
I understood, that this was probably going to be available August 09 sometime.
I'll be getting one (well two, as it's 2 DVD's apparently) for sure!
Bullet
-
Is it not also true that a narrower section tyre turns quicker than a wider section? Quite apart from the question of what size rim comes with the bike - If they are designed for a 180 stock, you'd have to think that was the optimum.......it could adversely affect the dynamics by sticking a wider tyre on than was intended.
It is true that certain rims cannot safely host a 190 tyre, as they're too narrow, (I can't remmeber whether it's 5.5 inches or 6), but I'm afraid it's a bit of a myth that a 190 slows the rate of steering. It affects suspension setup most certainly, but not rate of turning.
The bigger question is the real reason to have a 190 is about wider contact patch to put the power down on the road (hence why liter bikes and above have one, in fact a Ducati Desmocedici has a 200 profile), on a 600, you really don't need anymore contact patch as it's optimal already.
Some great advice from Hub there, get your suspension setup by the man in the van at the track, money well spent for sure!
Bullet
-
Can I guess that it's like coaching football? The basics are still the same to make a player as proficient as possible in his position (in our case the same position)?
Yeah definitely the case. And you'd be suprised at how many of the racers have really, really bad throttle control too! They're so keen to get back to it, they have very poor timing and application in many cases.
Bullet
-
Top Priority for me seems to be getting the bike to the best Turn Entry Speed.
Followed closely by nailing the proper lean angle, with a single steering input, for the entry speed.
For me the "best" Turn Entry Speed is one that provides the most value for the effort.
I want a turn entry speed that doesn't set off my SR, or, in other words, a speed that provides predictable success.
Thats a speed that allows me to set a lean angle and start adding power immediately.
IMHO, all the factors of the turn are varibles to the entry speed.
(One of the most valuable drills I experienced during level one training at Streets was the NO BRAKES laps in 4th gear.
With the elevation changes I thought this would be a handfull. Not the case. )
Right or wrong, you will learn in a hurry. Refinement comes with practice. Has helped a ton in the street riding environment too.
Thanks,
Mark
Hi Mark,
Interesting point, and not one I disagree with, but wonder what is it that allows you to set your entry speed? How do you know you've got it right?
Bullet
-
Found out about this forum while on BARF. Bay Area Riders Forum. Joined to learn! Currently ride a 2004 Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory.
Hi Innerdemon
Welcome to the Forum my friend, your more than welcome. And with such a fine bike as that, you're very welcome indeed, though I have to say I have a very fond personal relationship with my RSV Factory. No, not that personal, but I do love it very, very much!
Bullet
-
Something I've been wondering about is the list of successful champions that have been trained by the CSS over the years, and how you guys do it, I know that you guys have to coach people from roadriders to national and international contenders and champions! I could imagine that getting me as a student would make quite a relaxing day for a CSS coach but what about when you get guys like Leon Camier, can you keep up to observe someone as fast as that? Do the racers use their racebikes when they come to school?
Do you ever get a student that really makes you have to work hard to keep up?
Hi Bobby,
A very interesting question indeed.
Well, there are many champions as you're very well aware, our two latest out of the UK are Leon Camier, (Supersport and with luck soon to be BSB Champion), and Thomas Luthi (125 GP Champion). There are countless others that have been through the school but I'm not aware of who they all are.
I'm not sure how student coach allocation is done in the US, but I suspect it's much the same as ours, when you complete your sign on questionaire, type of bike, number of trackdays, racing experience etc, that kind of allocates you to the right type of coach you get. Clearly you need someone that can keep up with you, and provide you with valuable feedback on how you're going. We do have a pecking list of speed of coaches, but that's only one part really, as clearly experience and coaching ability are equally if not more important, and so this becomes a cheif allocation decision also.
We do get riders turning up on their race bikes, though when Leon comes for example, he usually leverages a School R6 as did Thomas. We do get club and national racers turning up on their full on race bikes, wets, etc, and it can be interesting sometimes trying to keep up, though of course, you must also remember that the odds are a little stacked on our side for much of the day, as you students can't use all gears and brakes where as we can.
That said though, I've personally never had a student I couldn't interact succesfully with, though chasing club racers on wets when your on raod tyres can be very hard work I have to admit. If it did happen, you'd get moved onto a coach that could keep up with you and your abilities. I hope that helps answer your question my friend?
Bullet
-
Thanks for the really quick reply....
I have been looking at different tires, and find it a little confusing.
What would you recommend as a good track tire, I never ride on roads with this bike, and would like something that will not only give me great grip, but at the same time really instill a high level of confidence in all corners
ive also heard said that maybe going to a 190 rear will help with my size ( a little bigger than average LOL )
Thanks
Hi again,
No problem on the reply, you just happened to catch me at the right time.
Tyres, well, all the manafacturer's have good tyres these days, certainly all the well known brands you've heard of Dunlop, Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli etc, etc. All of them if you look, will have a very good track orientated tyre, the one we use in the UK is the Dunlop GP Racer (D209GP), which is an excellent track tyre, and will also work in rain conditions. I doubt you'd have much trouble with that over the tyres your using now, though like i say, you can get something similiarly orientated from all the manafacturers.
As for the move to 190, well, a 190 in itself will make a bit of a difference, especially if you went to a 190/55, as opposed to a 190/50, as it has a bigger contact pacth when leaned over. If you only have a 600 though, personally I'd stick with a 180/55, but thats just me.
Hope that helps you out
Bullet
-
I have just joined today and still looking forward to my first CSS. CSS is just setting up in New Zealand having secured the rights to run the school at a brand new track still under construction here in New Zealand. I am attending the two day course in November on a track that looks really exciting. Its hoping to attract the WSB here in 2010.
Go Kawasaki.
Hi Stuart,
Welcome to the forum, I'm sure the Aus guys will be along soon to say hi too.
Let us all know how it goes, it sounds like it's going to be an excellent experience for all!
Bullet
-
Do you mind just clarifying this one point.....
"Press inside knee into the tank and use the inner knee/thigh to help slide my arse across in to position for the turn."
When you say "inside knee" do you mean "inside of the knee", or the inside knee (i.e left knee in a left hander), or something else?
May seem a minor point, but if there's been a misunderstanding there it would certainly make things harder than they need to be, so we'll just make sure.
Yes mate inside of inside knee and inner thigh of inside leg.......So the way I understood what I was taught would be (for a left hand turn).
- Press the left knee into the (left) tank scallop and use that knee inner thigh to slide my ass across the seat to the left.
- So I'm pulling my ass left across the seat with my left leg.
It feels weird for sure, but like Cobie said the alternative is to lift off the seat and unsettle the bike. Keep the bike stable, right??
Thanks for the help
Oh and by the way, I met Keith and Dylan Code and Bullet from this parish.
Slow'Name dropper'Ass
Thats exactly right mate, you got it clear there for sure.
And it was nice to meet you! Keep us posted on your progress mate!
Bullet
- Press the left knee into the (left) tank scallop and use that knee inner thigh to slide my ass across the seat to the left.
-
Hi, first im new so Hi
Ive just recently done my very first trackday, and loved it to bits.... But it has left me with some questions of which i will post in the appropriate forums.
During the day I noticed that I was getting uneven tire wear Rears were right to and just beyond the sidewall edge but the fronts still have about 15mm left to go to hit the edge of the tire....
is there something i should be looking at is this normal, I would have expected somewhat even wear
Bike is a stock zx636r 06 with stock bt014 tires 120/70 180/55
Thanks
Hi there,
This is totally normal and depends to some degree on bike setup, and tyre profiles. Some tyres you can get to the edge on the front, some you cannot, and never will. Those are clearly more road orientated tyres and hence they're designed to have more of the usable tyre where you would use and need it, i.e. the middle, not the very edges.
Fear not, carry on, and have fun!
Bullet
-
Hi Briang,
This actually a duplicate post, you can find the dialogue we've talked about on this thread here : http://forums.superbikeschool.com/index.php?showtopic=1672
Enjoy, and please feel free to contribute your thoughts.
Bullet
-
Like Micky Doohans' style? or Tony Elias?
@ Bullet - Yes Silverstone this Monday. On the South Circuit I think, I did 1 & 2 at Stowe with 'Badger' as my coach. Keith Codes' gonna be there you say? I'll bring my TOTW books for him to sign
See you on Monday mate.
Yeah, exactly like that. How Elias actually manages to stay on a bike amazes most of us, and essentially he must be swinging on them there bars to support himself like a Gibbon!
It must be a contributing factor to some of his front end crashes.Ah, the Badger, fab fella, very good coach indeed. maybe you'll get him again, either way you'll get some input on your body posution and improving that, so although you've not been able to get on lean bike, you'll get an good outcome from the day for sure. The South circuit looks excellent too, (is new to us), should be a contrast to stowe circuit, fast, fast, and more fast my friend.
Yeah, Keith, Dylan and Pete are coming over today, (the team are getting together to meet him), and he's going to be doign a some classroom pieces, and I expect we'll see him have a pootle round at some point also. I have to say, I'm very excited about it myself, having never met the man in person.
Seeya Monday my friend, come say hi too, if you don't get me as your coach.
Bullet
-
I'M SIGNED UP FOR THE TWO DAY!!! Oct31-Nov1 in Vegas. Maybe NOW I'll know what you guys are talking about on this forum. I can't wait.
Wooohoooo! Excellent my friend. Am sure you'll have an excellent time, and add more to your skills bag, and have fun too!
Post up when you're done, how you found it!
Bullet
-
Less ass was the motto of the day
CF
Hi, what do you mean by this?
I take it to mean not to slide your arse across the seat too much, to avoid twisting the body. Is this correct?
When I did my level 2 we couldn't use the lean bike as it was raining.
I've got my level 3 on Monday so maybe it will all become clear.
Cheers
Hi Slowass,
Where are you doing your school? Silverstone in UK, or is there a US school as well? If you're at silverstone, I'll see you there mate, should be great fun, its new circuit to us and looks fantastic for coaching. Added to that, a certain Mr Code is in attendance so we're all really looking forward to it.
Yeah, Cobie is referring to the fact that most people have way too much arse off the bike, and we have to teach a lot of students to actually lean of the bike less.
Bullet
-
A mini reply: if the front suspension moves less, that would make a more solid pivot (with less preload),wouldn't that make it easier to turn?
Yes - but I guess it had not occurred to me that the bike front suspension would move during a hard left-right transition. Wouldn't it just stay compressed?
What state is the suspension in midway through a turn Hotfoot? What position is the suspension in when the bike is stood upright (say going in a straight line)?
Bullet
-
Incidentally, we tried another couple of turns of preload and OMG the front was suddenly really bouncy and now I have a whole new appreciation for the term "tankslapper". So needless to say those extra two turns came back out. Surprisingly, I never really noticed a difference in the intitial turn-in rate - I though more preload would make the bike a little harder/slower to turn.
The reason the bike became bouncy here, is probably because there wasn't enough rebound and compression damping to control the return of the spring up and down as you transitioned across the bike. Certainly having a couple of turns more pre-load would change the height of the front a little, (though not enormously), and would typically make the steering slightly slower, but I think Cobie has covered that off for you?
Certainly there is much improvement to be had with a good suspension setup. Was your bike running standard settings for example? Or had you had it been tweaked previously?
Bullet
They all thought I could ride a bit till you said that! 
More "quizzes" From Riding Coaches
in School Questions/General Discussion
Posted
Morning DBtriple....
A very interesting post in itself, mainly due to the inaccuracy about Coach salaries..
I'm not sure if the greater public actually know, but of the 90 worldwide coaches that make up the coaching rosta, there are only a very small handfull that are fulltime. The rest of us have real jobs, 
, we do this because we love riding, we love what the school has brought to our own riding, and we're all passionate about our's and our students learning.
We essentially get paid a nominal fee, but it's buttons for a 13 hour day of setting up and coaching and packing up at the end of the day, so we do this for our passion of riding, and for sharing the knowledge. It's hard doing 15-18 days a year in my case juggling personal life with work commitments, and so on, but we do, and we do because of people like you, people who crave and love to learn more about what it is we've learnt.
So my friend, just for you, I created a new post... because you're interested... so look it up, and get posting, and sharing your thoughts.
Bullet