Bullet

Gutted mate, though of course, you're not going to leave it like this are you? Give them pain mate. Bullet

Hi, As you've stated pretty much my friend, your 954 is a great bike, but she's reasonably big bike in comparison to some of the new bikes, and the BMWS1000RR is really at the very cutting edge of litre bike technology for the road with it's small dimensions (apparently) stunning handling, and much lower weight than your Blade. In addition, technology plays a part, and as I'm sure you're aware the BMW again has exceptional technology that makes it very easy to ride for such an incredibly powerful bike. So you like the size, but don't neccesarily fancy the power of a liter bike, then without doubt the 600's are a better bet. Firstly, they're not very intimidating by comparison, they're better in the turns, very nimble, and they're cheaper to run as the smaller power output doesn't eat chains, tyres and other consumables anything like the same. So, to choice. Well, personally, I think the Yamaha R6 is a better track weapon than the CBR600RR as standard bike, though the Honda's probably a little easier to get on and ride as it would be desrcribed as more cossetting. You wouldn't go wrong with either of them though to be fair. Let us know what you choose. Bullet

OK, so we're agreed then we've moved more of the weight of the bike to the rear. So, you get the back stepping out when you have more load on the tyre than it can take. You're only riding a 400, not something very powerful like a 1000. Had it been one of those, you'd probably have had the back come around, as you have more power than traction. When you crack the gas, the rear loads more, and we've agreed loading more weight to the rear than the front. You've then asked the tyre for more, with suspension that doesn't work well because you've leaned the bike over more. Essentially you've got less weight on the front, smaller contract patch rolling on more and more gas. the fronts going to even lighter, and voila. lowside. Your issue is the result of incorrect application of the throttle. I'd also suggest you need to understand a lot more about how a motorbike works, how it goes around corners, and the Twist of the Wrist 2 book will give you this. You'll understand a lot more about how you give it what it needs from you. Make sense? Bullet p.s. and to my ears, you rolled on way before the Apex as well. Does anyone else hear that?

Watch your video again. Carefully listen to your gas. When did you crack it on? So the weight transfers to the back, does that load the rear tyre more or less? What about the front? What's going on there? More weight, or less? And more lean angle, that help or not? B

Hi Mate, OK, school schedule can be found at http://www.superbike...uk/schedule.php there are only 2 days left this year now, and i'm not sure of availability. Even if it's say's it's booked up, you could ring into the office and ask about it mate. You could also read TW2, it explains the rule well, but clearly practical application/correction of you riding your own bike is fundamental here too, as you have a bad habit. To show you, you're not on your own my friend, (and you're not, I assure you), please also read this thread: http://forums.superb...?showtopic=2162 Bullet just read through that thread and most of the theorys are from the back giving way. wish i could afford to run that class at silverstone 379 quid is out of my budget for a club racer. maybe i'll plug my sponsors next year. are you one of coachs there ? Hi mate, Yeah, I think it's fair to say rear is most common but think through your scenario here? By your own admission a less than perfect tyre? An odd downhill off camber turn? You rolling on a lot of gas early in the turn. What else is going on with the bike? Are you loading or unloading the front? Result? Well, we've got it right there in pictures I'm afraid my friend. I understand the course being a lot of cash, hence why the book is a start for sure. You can at least understand the reasons why in more depth, and understand how it should be done properly. Its covered in a lot of depth. Yeah, I'm one of the UK coaching staff. For my sins. Hope this helped clear it up for ya mate. Bullet

Hi Mate, OK, school schedule can be found at http://www.superbikeschool.co.uk/schedule.php there are only 2 days left this year now, and i'm not sure of availability. Even if it's say's it's booked up, you could ring into the office and ask about it mate. You could also read TW2, it explains the rule well, but clearly practical application/correction of you riding your own bike is fundamental here too, as you have a bad habit. To show you, you're not on your own my friend, (and you're not, I assure you), please also read this thread: http://forums.superb...?showtopic=2162 Bullet

You could hear you weren't on the brakes pretty much all the way down the hill? I've ridden at Knockhill, I know of the corner. Did anyone else crash immediately after? In my experienced position, your crash doesn't look like surface issues, it looks like an incorrect application of the gas. You're rolling on the gas, and adding lean angle combined. (well that's how it seems from the video?) If you read the TW2, and or you'd attended the school, we'd be able to correct you of this error, but rider error it almost certainly is I'm afraid. Sorry. Bullet

Hi Mate, Sorry to hear/see your crash. I've reviewed your video, and I'd say you lost it before the Apex, and you were also on the gas and were very early. Have you read any of the the Twist of the wrist Books? From my observation, I'd say you weren't observing the throttle rule No.1. Question is, do you know what that is? Bullet

Great news my friend, I'm glad you went, and you've clearly seen the benefits of our school program. It's always great to hear of such stories, turning people who've had bad experiences into real converts to structured coaching and training. Glad to have helped in my very small way. You and your coach JT did the real work. Keep practising, and we'll look forward to many more posts from you, questions, stories and such on your progress. Bullet

Heard you use one of these. Crack out the camera next time you're using it, we could all do with a giggle. Bullet

Hi Talan, Well, may I first say, what an honour and privilege it was to work with you the other day. Badger and myself both really enjoyed it, you're just a dream student really. You're attitude, your attentiveness, and your ability to comprehend and acknowledge what we observe is absolutely brilliant. It just makes my job as on track coach great, and badger commented on how easy you were to work with as L4 liasion. Come again, I'll work with you mate, and you go alright as well. I have to say, your relaxed manner about the crash is just brilliant. I was at the end of the straight and saw a bike go straight on, and as I got closer, I realised it was you, and started to panic as I saw you lying under your bike. As I pulled over quickly and got the session red flagged, you were just remarkably cool about the whole incident. When I got a couple of coaches and staff to help out, you were just laughing and joking about wanting to keep your toes. My favourite quote was when you were being checked by the medical guys, and you said" I'm paralyzed", and the medics face was a picture when he'd not actually twigged you meant "Already". I'm really glad you see the value in your coaching, and you're without doubt improving all the time. Keep practising sir, keep those visuals strong, and you'll see really great improvement in your racing in no time. Keep us posted my friend. Bullet

Hi Harry, Welcome to the forum. I hope you find enough inspiration to encourage you to keep looking to develop those skills, even at your age. You're never to late to learn my friend. Have a look around, perhaps ask a few questions to the crew and the regulars here, and no doubt you'll be regular here too soon. Keep us posted on what you learn, and how your progress goes. Bullet

Hi Hansi, Had a quick chance to look at the videos. I guess the questions, that's most important is how much better do you feel on the bike? How much more comfortable, confident and accurate do you feel? Do you think it's enabled you to ride better? Now, my observation, is it's very clear you're visual are in an entirely different league. You're consistency in the first video wasn't very good, you didn't really get very close to the white lines, nor get yourselves very good apexs, nor drive of the turns. In the second video, all of things are massively improved to my eye, really shows how good the drills are doesn't it? Great job. Keep practising. Bullet

Pretty much sums it up, Litre bikes are fast and powerful, and scare many riders to death in getting back to gas hard, hence why the 600's which don't have to much power don't terrify and intimidate to the same level. The bikes are generally lighter too, so they're quicker in the turns with that lower mass. Your knowledge is building well here Eirik. Bullet

It was, and probably is, quite common for magazine journalistst to go faster around race tracks on (standard production) 600s than 1000s. I would expect that to be even more true if they were to try world level race bikes based upon the same street bikes. An interesting observations, and one that's absolutely correct. Do you know why that is Elirik? Bullet

Hi Bobby, Sorry to hear you're struggling to get back upto pace, it's a pretty common thing, so please don't think you're on your own here. So, a couple of things are immediately obvious to me, when reading your post. Firstly, you expected it to be straight back to normal, without you having to think about it, and have a plan. Not likely that way sir. Secondly, you have to build up your confidence, and confidence if we we're really to get to the crux of it, is what we're talking about here. Its one of those unquantifable things in many respects, what gives people confidence? Being in control, knowing your not going to go past your limits and crash, many other things if you thought about. So how are you going to get that back? Well, you need to understand why you crashed, and you do, right? Or do you think there is something else, something unexplained still? If you have that lingering in your mind, you'll still be thinking about it on track. So, if you understand it was the tyres, you have to have a plan to get past that. So are using tyre warmers? Are you giving yourself a few laps to try and build up some heat in the tyres, so that you know you have warm tyres and that clearly won't be a problem again? Do you have a map with which you've got reference points, braking markers and Apex RP's with which you can consistently set your entry speed? If you don't just try and do one corner, and keep doing the one corner, don't try and do a whole lap at once, it's just to much. One corner right will give you some confidence ("yeah, I got that right"), and you can use that to try and get another one right. Would it be fair to say, you were running around with just wide view? not really having consistent RP's? Now, given that you openly admitted that you were thinking of crashing, how much of your attention was on crashing, and how much of it on actually putting together a string of corners? 60-70% of attention on crashing fears? If this is the case, and lets be honest, only you know, you'll need to address that balance? You have to get past that need to think about what's happened before, and get your mind on the now. It's not easy, and many people struggle about it, but my experience, (and I've crashed a bit over the years), suggests you just need to get your mind 100% on the now, and If I'm really honest, I'll tell you that I talk to myself in my lid a lot when I'm trying to get myself sorted out, "Brake, 2 Step, etc, etc, etc", A narrative to myself of what I should be doing. It works for me, keeps my mind on what i need to do. I hope this helps, and share your thoughts mate. Bullet

How cool is that mate? I'm really pleased for you, it'll provide a whole new view of riding for you, a new motivation, where by you can impart and share your knowledge onto others. Your enjoyment will be therefore not only of your own improvement, but of seeing others develop too. I have to tell you, it's pretty cool when you see really happy people knowing you've helped them get there. Great news, keep us posted on how it goes, and maybe you can convince Adam to have a pop at CSS in time? If that's a motivation for you? Bullet

I went to a CSS school, Level 1, my first time on racetrack. I started out really slow and had great improvements. I improved so much that I decided riding on the track was fun, and that I could someday get good at it. Then I went to a couple of other, different schools. Long story short, they scared me, made me think the whole sport was a lot more dangerous than I perceived it to be (I am very safe rider, too), and confused me. So I came back to CSS, and once again made startling improvements. CSS provides a safe, organized, and very well planned day in a program that works very, very well. Many other schools focus on "making you safe" whilst simultaneously scaring the pants off you by telling you all the things you COULD do wrong that MIGHT lead to disaster. CSS shows you how to do it right, get solid control of your motorycle and know exactly how to make it do what you want. Speed comes along with that, if you want it to. Personally, I never need to be reminded to slow down and not ride over my head - I was never willing to go fast until I was sure I knew how to control the bike, CSS gave me that knowledge, now I go fast and still never ride over my head. I've never felt pushed, rushed, confused, or scared at a CSS day, and I've made BIG improvements every time. Yes, come on out to VIR! I'll be there, August 17 & 18, come say hi - look for a lady with long brown hair who looks really happy to be there, that's me. Ya see, I told ya. :-) Great post Hotfoot. Bullet Now, that's great news. You be sure to tell us how it goes now? We'll be looking forward to hearing what you got from the day. Now, most important thing for you Ardi. If on the rare off chance you're are having a bad day, you're not getting something or you're unsure about something, please just mention it, tell em Bullet said you should . The guys/team will endeavour to make sure they cater to make sure you do have a great day. Can you make sure that you'll commit to that too? I doubt you'll need to, but it's important just to mention it to you. Your experience matters a lot to us. Bullet

I went to a CSS school, Level 1, my first time on racetrack. I started out really slow and had great improvements. I improved so much that I decided riding on the track was fun, and that I could someday get good at it. Then I went to a couple of other, different schools. Long story short, they scared me, made me think the whole sport was a lot more dangerous than I perceived it to be (I am very safe rider, too), and confused me. So I came back to CSS, and once again made startling improvements. CSS provides a safe, organized, and very well planned day in a program that works very, very well. Many other schools focus on "making you safe" whilst simultaneously scaring the pants off you by telling you all the things you COULD do wrong that MIGHT lead to disaster. CSS shows you how to do it right, get solid control of your motorycle and know exactly how to make it do what you want. Speed comes along with that, if you want it to. Personally, I never need to be reminded to slow down and not ride over my head - I was never willing to go fast until I was sure I knew how to control the bike, CSS gave me that knowledge, now I go fast and still never ride over my head. I've never felt pushed, rushed, confused, or scared at a CSS day, and I've made BIG improvements every time. Yes, come on out to VIR! I'll be there, August 17 & 18, come say hi - look for a lady with long brown hair who looks really happy to be there, that's me. Ya see, I told ya. :-) Great post Hotfoot. Bullet

I absolutely have the desire to improve and I'm definitely open to change and the above two quotes are enough for me to give it another shot. thanks again, Ardi Ardi, Great. By all means ring into the office, to speak with a real person. Or mail Cobie on here, if you have any specific questions. He's not always about, but he'll happily answer any of your questions my friend. Alternatively, post them here, myself, or one of the other coaches will try and help, or one of the students who probably have had a similiar fear or experience will normally chime in to share their experiences if you wait long enough. Glad to have helped (a bit), but please have a think if you have any other questions, fears, we'll try and help. Bullet

I also attended a few of those track days with so and so track clubs and at the end of each day I found myself more and more confused and physically/mentally exhausted. Thanks again for your encouragement. Hi Slowest, Well I'm sorry to hear you've not had much joy in improving at other schools. There are clearly different approaches to many of the schools throughout and clearly we think CSS and the methods developed by Keith and the team are the best, but that said, we still hear of good schools who do "their" thing and get improvement, which is what any training must be about. I found your comment in the last post interesting, and thw word confused mean you've been left underwhelmed as you just don't understand the reasons to change or improve on something you've been asked to do. At CSS, we work very hard to ensure you understand the reasons and benefits for doing something before asking you to go and try applying it. It's a key point in the learning, as otherwise without it, it's just me, or any other coach (supposed expert), just asking you take a leap of faith that what say is going to reap results. Clearly that will work for some, but for many, well, they need to really understand the why! I've no doubt you've got a few questions you'd perhaps to ask us before being entirely convinced on coming to the school, but I can assure you, as long as you have the desire to improve, are open and able to change and apply the drills we coach at the school, you'll improve, you'll get that feeling of being in better control, and you'll understand why! Don't worry about your pace, we get all paces, don't feel self concious, be part of your learning and we'll improve together. Bullet

In spite of the best of my warnings against the Italian ladies: congrats on your new bike, may your new mistress serve you well. Kai I know, I know. What can I say, I'm easily swayed. Allow me to explain myself though, (I realise you're always onto a looser when you have to justify, but hey ho), and tell you I've not bought a standard one, it's got all the modifications I'd want as part of the deal, it's got the obligatory Termi's, though you only get Cans as standard, the 70MM system is extra (and it has it), race pattern rearsets, quickshifter, race and road fairings, upgraded clutch and master cylinders with flip up levers, quick action throttle, double bubble, Race seat and many others. 1500 miles, all for just a little over the price of a new 1198S, how could i say no...? Some might even call it a bargain... LOL (though I expect the relationship with the dealership begins here). My wifes initial reaction was, dont' ever drop it, ever, please. (oh yeah love, it'll never happen, honestly). Bullet

God I'd so love one of them, bu alas not. Cars were my first love mate, I've wasted (read enjoyed), more money on them things than I really care to think about over the years, it's frankly not funny. Should be getting it in a few weeks time, doubt I'll ride it much this year, but that'll give me time to make a few adjustments. (Cough). Just don't tell the wife.. LOL Bullet

Perfectly fine mate. Seeya then. Bullet

I actually ride an R1 a lot Jason, as we use Yamaha's in the UK. The new R1 has a lovely engine, makes a great noise, and has the best throttle to engine feel I've ever experienced, it's sublime, it really is. Couple of areas where the "Standard" R1 isn't so good, is the looks, (not really a beauty), the size of those rear cans, my god, they're enormous (though I'd be junking them), and the suspension, esepcially the rear shock, which is appauling under hard use (well, under my severe ass weight), though again, I'd be junking that as well. Final piece as you can see from the figures, it's not very ripsnortingly fast. It's not slow either, but I rode my R1 very hard against that endurance racer I was speaking of earlier, and got smoked for dead down the straights, so badly, it wasn't funny and had to really stick my neck out a bit to work with my student. I'm hopeful they'll address some of these issues, though with Yamaha having a bad time commercially at the moment, I doubt we'll see a new R1 in 2011. Now if they could just make it as amazing as the R6 is, (i.e. clinical, sharp weapon out of the box), I'd be very happy man indeed. Bullet So, despite my best attempts not to buy a bike until the new year, it seems fate has conspired against me, and a tremendous opportunity to burn some cash has come my way, a bike to good to turn away, and one that I know the owner of very well, (he's a CSS student), so I've done the deal, agreed the terms, and bought myself a new bike. Probably won't get much chance to ride it this year, as I won't be actually getting it for about 5-6 weeks, but it'll be all ready and shiny for 2011. It's going to a be a fun season for sure. Oh, and for those that probably were in any doubt as to what got me..... it's red, and italian. Bullet