SVXR650

I know that I can always learn something new.... I think I should have the basics coverd as simple second nature, so I can pay more attention to making actual improvement on advanced techniques that I am hoping to learn... I have been working on a possitive state of mind, working on stay relaxed without having to think about staying relaxed, move smoothly on the bike to keep the bike settle... I am even buiding legs endurance, so I can ride spirited and still be able to walk the day after track day... I do not want to show up as the only guy who still does not get counter steering... Does that makes sence? Luis

Luis, I'll stick my neck out and claim that jumping in and starting racing at this point would probably be closer to trying to run before you can walk, than taking the school would be. If you feel that you're struggling with getting the reference point locked in (don't we all, at some personal level?) it would probably help you to take just Level 1 and 2, since level 2 attacks the RP's in particular*. Racing with someone a notch (or couple of notches) better than yourself can improve your laptimes. It can also lead you into some stupid crashes if you just riding someone else's lines and not your own, causing you to getting "lost" on the track (or simply riding too fast). Hope this helps, Kai I agree about racing... I am 15-20 seconds off expert lap times... And while I know I can chase and pass a few amateur racers, I do not feel ready to compete and win podium... I am careful when I follow faster riders... I do not follow to the point that I am scared about scuffing my suit... I have never gone down on the track... Not yet!!! Luis I watch the "Twist of the Wrist 2" DVD at least 2X a month, and every time before a schedule Track Day I also spend some time with books too... But I will admit, lately I been reading: Vito Cossalter "Motorcycle Dynamics", John Bradley "The Racing Motorcycle", and Tony Foale "Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design"... Luis

I am considering attending School and get proper training... I been riding since 11/2005 and have been doing track days whenever I can since 12/2007... However, I feel like I am still pretty slow, middle of the pack on intermediate group... I ride a little SV650 with suspension, brakes upgrades and traction control (When I go WOT, it does not go... Must be the traction control kicking in... hehehe...) Currently, I am working with a couple local expert racers to develop technique... They tell me that I should jumping into the grid and simply racing will make me faster... Personnaly, I do not feel competitive enough to win my first race. I also have a coach to help me keep my mental blocks in check... Understanding fear and knowing how to properly react without having to stop to think about it... One of the things I am still having dificulty with, is reference points, I think it is very important to get this down before attending school... I know getting proper training is no brainer... But shouldn't I learn to walk, before I try to run? Should I continue getting more track experience before school? ...Or should I try to go to school and try learning from scratch? Luis

Speed in corners... There are many factors that can help improve your skill... You can change your reference points to obtain different results... When you are testing new limits, I would suggest braking a little earlier and less aggressively to set up entry speed... If you can, try going a little deeper and turn a little sharper... Get on the gas a little earlier... Small steps so you do not meet low or high side... One thing that help me a lot is not knowing how fast I was going... First, it would distract me... And second, it would trigger SRs... Another thing that has help me, is to ride with faster riders... I am not trying to keep up or ride over my head... But observe their lines... Chances are your tires are just as sticky... Remain calm and relaxed... Don't forget to breathe... Then again, What do I know... I am a slow rider...

I have a Frank Thomas suit... And have gone down on it... The suit did it's job well... I still have it and ride it... I would suggest by a decent back protector and good boots / gloves... Luis.

Hello every one... My name is Luis... I am looking foreward to attending school... But fist I want to make sure my machine is set up as good as can afford to do it... I am about 200 lbs + gear... I ride a 2006 SV650... I am an intermediate skill track day rider... I have a 2008 GSXR 1000 front end with Traxxion AK20 and 0.95 kg/mm springs... I have a Penske double with a 550 lbs/in spring... Total shock lenght is 343mm... I have 2007 GSXR 750 front and rear wheels... And I am using Michelin Power One tires 120/70R17 front and 180/55R17 rear... Air pressure is 30 psi front and 29 psi rear (hot) I am considering installing the Traxxion 07 - 08 GSXR 1000 fork cap extensions... Any advise to set up the bike would be appreciated... Thanks in advance... Luis