[Front Instability]

Sure... good keyword you used there was "too".. as in "too much throttle"... you can "push/slide/slip" your front not getting the right weight distribution for changing conditions on the road or track. Question, would you need less of a weight transfer (roll-on) if going over a crest. What about at the bottom of a dip when the suspension is at it's lowest? Think about getting the weight distribution correct (approx 40 front, 60 rear for standard bikes or slightly more for some of the huge race rears were seeing more of these days)

 

Worth noting you can push the front from too high of a corner speed, but that's a different scenario usually. Picture this: during long slow corners, double apex or decreasing radius corners some riders may have rolled on too aggressively in the first part of the trun such that their corner speed is too high at the exit. Their front can push at that point especially if you have camber working against you there.

 

But back to the question, the idea is exactly as you described though, generally that gentle roll on after you've finished your steering input and are on your chosen line, stabilize it right then with the gas!

 

P.s. Remember the "push - then release" technique from your steering drill? Think that'll help with the inside bar weight? Even if you don't get your lock-on working for you right away (give it time and practise and if need be come back for a Level 4 as well focus on the area's that will give YOU the biggest gains) so long as you use the push then release technique in your steering you'll be getting the maximum potential traction in your front end compared with putting weight on the inside bar. Sound good? Make sure you write back if any of this doesn't sound familiar or you need a refreshed on the "Push then Release" (that goes for anyone reading this!)

 

Hi Jason,

 

could you pls be so kind and refreshed me on the "Push then Release" drill? I did Level 1 and 2 during 2 day camp here in Europe last year. For steering we did counter steering drill on parking lot, but I dont remember "Push then Release" drill.

 

Thx in advance

[Do Tires Make A Difference?]

If you are confident that you have eliminated technique deficiencies, what remains?

 

My head. In prevoius 6 years on race tracks I havent any crash. Now three crashes and I totaly lost my confidence.

I think it was because of wrong tire for me, but not 100% sure - thats the problem.

 

First and second crash didnt slowed me because I was told, that the crash reason was not enough gas. I 100%believed it, gas more and improved my best lap times. Third crash was 35% throtle open, it shouldnt be not enough gas. Therefore I think it was tire (know others who had same crashes with this tyre), but not 100% sure.

 

Hi Tono,

 

Sorry to hear of your off and your resulting lack of confidence in your riding, and I thought I'd offer some thoughts and advice if I could. In most cases, I'd suggest that the crash was rider issue, bad application, or poor application of technology not problems with the kit. Thats not a 100% coverall, as things can be wrong, bad tyre, or technical failures do happen, though they're lesser a contributor in most cases than rider issues.

 

It is important you understand properly the reason why you crash, what happened, what you did, etc, etc, so that you can change that and not do it again. Without doing so, and just carrying on regardless of this aspect, leaves you open to your exact situation, total lack of faith and understanding in why you're crashing. You've tried to move on, but you're not in posession of the understanding of the why, so you're brain won't let you move on.

 

In order to rebuild your confidence, may I suggest you getting your tyres onto something you do trust, (whatever that may be), change them, get brand new set, check your bike thoroughly, and then start of gently, say only 50% of your actual speed, and try and progressively add a little more to your riding each session. Good application of the level 1 drills for starters for 10 will definitely help you re-build this, but you need to start at an appropriate pace and gradually add to it.

 

Don't worry, we've all crashed at one time or other, some of us can just get over it very quickly, and some can't. Don't let this ruin in your love for biking, but ride to a plan, and not a chaotic, I just want to be as fast as I was view, as you'll just panic and crash once more. Riding a bike at high speed is so much about confidence, and knowing your bike is going to do what you want, that you can actually keep your attention on the where you're going, what you're looking at, etc, etc, you just don't have time for, are my tires going to work.....

 

I hope this helps, if you have any other questions, please ask mate.

 

Bullet

 

Hi Bullet,

 

thx for your advice. Three weeks ago at Misano (after two visits of gravel and discussion with my German friends about Michelin tire - nobody ride them because too specific tires) I finaly changed my tires to Pirelli and I imediately recognise the diference - its much easier to hold tight line and turn the bike, also bike isnt running wide anymore. I also start again to work on drils I learnt during Level 1 and 2. Im still aproximately 25 - 30 sec slower as I was, but not anymore stressed by times.

 

Actuly I plan to do Level 3 and 4 begining of next year in Spain and than may be another couple of Level 4s (if there will be again CSS in Czech Republic - I did Level 1 and 2 in Most this summer - wasnt you there?).

 

One question regarding my crashes - during second and third crash after I lean the bike, my knee was draging track and and than my leg touch the fairings I immediatelly realized Im going to crash (based on first crash -too much lean angle). I would like to save it but dont know how - how can I stop bike to lean more? (on third crash I tryed to push outside peg and ad more gas, but it doesnt help). Do you think, the Pic-up drill will help? Could I do it in such a deep lean angle?

 

Thx once more and hope I will meet you next year on CSS.

[Do Tires Make A Difference?]

If you are confident that you have eliminated technique deficiencies, what remains?

 

My head. In prevoius 6 years on race tracks I havent any crash. Now three crashes and I totaly lost my confidence.

I think it was because of wrong tire for me, but not 100% sure - thats the problem.

 

First and second crash didnt slowed me because I was told, that the crash reason was not enough gas. I 100%believed it, gas more and improved my best lap times. Third crash was 35% throtle open, it shouldnt be not enough gas. Therefore I think it was tire (know others who had same crashes with this tyre), but not 100% sure.

[Do Tires Make A Difference?]

Hi, here is mine experience with Michelin Tires.

 

I was very very strong fan of this brand and used only Michelin tires on my bike - Pilot Sport, Pilot Power, Pilot Power 2CT, Power Race Medium, Power Race Medium/Soft - w/o any problem, lap times improwing, confidence increasing.

 

Last year one friend (racing on these tires) recomend me Michelin Power Race C front tire (the same profile as Power One V and .

 

I crashed on this tire three times:

 

First crash - on second day on this tire I crashed on front w/o any worning - I released brake, turn the bike, leaned it, my knee touch the track, then my leg touch the bikes fairing (still touching the track) and then bike slide out of me.

 

Second crash - three track days later, difernt track, three days old Power Race C and the exactly same story.

 

Third crash - begininnig of this season, on the same track as first crash, in same corner, same place, same story only difference first time throtle opened 7% (I was told, I havent enough gas) now opened on 35%.

 

After third crash I tryed Power One B and V - I wasnt able to hold tight line in corners, I visited gravel five times (fortunately w/o crash), tire presure after ride was lower as before (Im using tire warmers)

 

Result - I totaly lost my confidence, Im afraid to lean the bike, Im afraid to go fast into corners

 

I did CSS level 1 and 2, but didnt helped to overcome this barier