warregl

I'm with you Rainman. SBK has been the best series by far this year for me. And Sikes and his Kawa are remimding me of the BMWs last year. Do you think it's an issue with the TC mapping (as reported by some as the issue with the BMWs) or is it Sikes himself needing to learn how to put the power down on that bike? And I had the same thought about Stoner not having all of his heart in it. Considering he said that he no longer enjoys MotoGP, and the fact that he is a new father, it would be easy to see him losing a bit of that competitive edge. I hope I am wrong though. I am not a Lorenzo fan (all due respect to his talent) and it would seem that Stoner is the only one with a chance of keeping him from winning the championship this year. Of course if Rossi ends up at Honda next year that could make for a few interesting battles in the premier class. On the right bike does the old GOAT have the gas for another title in his tank?

Good point Rainman. I am interested to see how it all plays out. Personally I hope the Panagle is a success, at least commercially - I think that is better for the sport. And come to think of it, if it would help Checka beat Biaggi, I'm ok with that too . And now I have got to hear one being ridden in anger. I think there is a Duc shop in couple of towns over...

My experience on the S1000RR has been with CSS so I have not tested out the ABS to the extent you have. That said, I have really enjoyed the traction control. I have appreciated the progression from Rain to Sport modes (I don't believe CSS wants students using Race mode on their bikes - and to be fair I haven't needed it, plenty to work on in Sport). Over the last year I have been debating buying a track bike (my street ride is a K1200R) and the prevailing advice from track riders is go with a 600. They are inexpensive (relatively), fast enough (at least for my skill level) and less likely to get you in trouble than a 1000 (w/o TC). That said, I keep coming back to the great experience I have had riding the S1000RR. I can’t justify having one dedicated to the track but I have toyed with the idea of trading the KR for one and having it pull double duty. They aren’t much for touring but then again neither am I. Decisions, decisions…

Best of luck Talan! And thanks for posting the link. I hope we get to see how he does. Post up any results you find.

Welcome Jeff, Glad you came out of the shadows! I had some of the same observations as a student. The 2 day camp had more going on but it seemed more relaxed because of the smaller number of students. I just did two one-day level 4s last month and in some ways it was eaisier (on the old body for one) but with the larger number of students can be a bit hectic (esp. on track - more students means more traffic ). The added coaching time at the camp can be nice but that depends on what you are working on and your needs at that time. Letting that and your wallet help you decide on which option is best is good advice. Ride safe, Carey

Please ignore this, I posted it into the wrong thread...must have forgot my meds .

I know what you are saying however I would recommend you spend the money on education first. If you are getting near the limit of traction for the wrong reasons you aren't doing yourself any favors. Have you seen any of the rnickymouse videos on youtube? Over and over again you will see bikes going down in situations where they should be no where near the limits of their capibility...but they are beyond the capability of their pilots. You have to fix the nut that connects the handlebars to the seat first (I know I'm still working on mine ). We see it posted time and time again here "I wish I had taken CSS sooner!". I know that was the first thing I said after my level 1 class. And just look at the progression Will's daughter has made in 4 classes! Good luck and ride safe!

Man that's funny! Did you read the Q&A? BAH!

Welcome Gr8Dane. There are quite a few of us around here that fell the same way about the S1000RR. I read that article as well and have to admit I waas pulling for the Beamer (is that wrong of me ) . That said, was anyone else dissappointed in the lack of cooperation shown by Ducati? They wouldn't allow the Panigale to be tested on the spec tires being used for all the bikes. I realize it's their bike so they can make the rules under which they allow it's use but it does seem to reflect some of the corporate mentality that may just put Rossi on another bike next year. But then again maybe that is part of their charm .

Great progression shots. Look out Elana! And it must have been nice for her coaches not to have to correct all the bad habits some of us developed over the years before CSS! I know Will must be proud. Please keep us posted on how she's doing.

Hey Warthog, It is difficult to answer your question specifically without quite a bit more information but I will venture a comment or two. First, if you are riding on worn out tires that is a problem that you should address ASAP, especially if you are riding aggressively. Now for a more general statement If you are riding on modern, name brand tires, properly maintained, and in good condition I would say the odds are that rider education and ability make up the vast majority of the difference in performance you are seeing. Do tires matter? Absolutely, but just like the rest of a modern sportbike you have to know how to exploit their abilities. They are not a "magic bullet". My advice is to treat your bike to some new shoes for safety's sake and yourself to some quality coaching to get your riding where you want it. Best, Carey

The S1000RR has been known to have that effect. Sadly there is as yet no known cure (aside from the occasional threat of divorce, disownment, or destitution) but fortunately there is a treatment. Get some seat time on that S1000RR on the track!

Awesome! Way to go Joe.

Welcome to the forum Melly. Reading Twist II was solid advice and there is also a Twist of the Wrist II DVD that most everyone here would recommend as well. I think it is the most approachable way to get introduced to Keith's teachings as seeing is believing, right? You will also see a lot of the members here discussing attending the CSS classes. I know they don't teach in Canada but even considering you would have to travel, I cannot recommend it enough. Most of the folks here will tell you they wish they had attended a CSS class sooner. I know the coaching I have received from CSS has made an incalculable difference in my riding. You will see a lot of discussion about track riding but I can promise you, understanding how to control your motorcycle applies no matter where you ride. Just check out this thread. Ride safe, Carey

That's a good looking machine sir. What are your thoughts of her now that you have shaken her down on the track? I've never riden an RSV4 and am keen to give one a go sometime! And aside from the cosmetics did you make any other mods? Any performance needs addressed or are you saving that for next winter's project?

Very nice Rain, a front end save is impressive sir! I've had a few "near-misses" that I can attribute to CSS. Several backend slides that would have probably highsided me pre-CSS, and one tank slapper that I was able to handle (and even remembered to pump the brakes afterward) thanks the great training. The biggest was right after my Level 1 (I know I've told this story before so apologies if you've read it in another thread). I was exiting the interstate on a declining radius exit ramp when a car exited from the far left lane (in a classic "OH SH*T thats my exit" move). At my Level 1 class, coach Christy (Glamazon on the forum) had noticed I was pushing with my outside arm when cornering. Now I know this is a classic rookie mistake but I had been riding for years and never knew I was doing it. We worked on it that day and I remember thinking it was like adding power steering to the bike. Fast forward a few months and when that car and I were side by side mid-corner on the exit ramp I was able to hold a tight enough inside line (between car and concrete guardrail) to keep things from ending badly. I was even calm enough to be agrivated by his driving; it was only after I had stopped to get coffee that I thought about what would have happened only a few months earlier. There is no substitute for proper training, but then saying that here is definitely preaching to the church choir. BTW...when I saw Cobie at VIR he mentioned starting a section of the forum dedicated to stories like those posted here. Great thread!

Yep. I quick-turned into work this morning, wide-viewed all the work on my desk, and now I'm three-stepping my exit point... Thanks for the smile this morning Hotfoot!

"Rossi found a space." Yes he did. Cool find Eirik, I hadnt seen that with the commentary. Thanks for posting it up.

Hey Prince, Yep, Auburn class of '93, but Fossil Fuel has forgiven me (he follows those crimsom pachyderms from Tuscaloosa) so hopefully you can too (I don't remember a few quality evenings in the 40Watt Club from back in the college days). And I lived in Marietta for 3 years before moving to Richmond so Atlanta will always hold a special place in my heart (excepting the 285 traffic of course). Plus, if you watch the AMA races at Road Atlanta, how could you not want to ride that track? I've been trying to work my schedule so I can ride there next month with a friend but this whole work thing is getting in the way of my riding. BTW...I can highly recommend VIR. CSS runs on the north course, which is very technical and makes for a great training ground and a ton of fun. I'm planning on doing a day (or two if work doesn't spoil it) when CSS is back in August. If you happen to decide to attend let me know and we can grab a beer and make fun of GT (I was accepted there and visited the campus...and now you know why I chose AU). It'll be even more fun if you drag the Yellow Jacket along. Best, Carey

That does not sound like fun T. I hope there was no major damage (to you or your steed). And the nitrile/latex gloves definitely work (great wind stopper) and it's easy to keep a pair or two in the tank bag.

Welcome to the forum Manos! Wasn't Rodos the home of the Colossus? Or am I mixing up my ancient Greek history? So where did you do your CSS training? And where are you club racing? If you get a chance you should post up a few pix of your local track. Good luck with the club racing and don't be shy, the forum loves new members! Best, Carey

Welcome to the forum prnc81. It's simply amazing what the school provides in the way of education, service, and just plain fun. It makes you want to grab your riding buddies by the scruff of the neck (esp. that one guy we all know who seems to know everything) and drag them to CSS kicking and screaming. Hopefully some of your buddies will come with you next time around. And I'm with you on Road Atlanta, I would love to do a class or two there! See you on the boards, Carey

Hey Rabbit, I wear Rev'It gloves (Jerez until it gets cold/wet then Kelvins) because they fit my hands. I have a wide hand and wear a size 10 but apparently my fingers are a bit shorter than most 10s. The AStars XLs weren't wide enough and the XXL's were too long, the Held size 10s were closer but the fingers were still too long and the palms were a bit wide but the size 9s were too small all the way around. The Jerez were very tight until they brok in and now they are like a second skin. The Kelvins are the warmest gloves I have worn but the insulation/weatherproofing does get between you and the feel of the controls. I am picky about gloves as anything that gets in the way of the feel is problematic. That is why I recommend two pairs, one for fair weather (with no isulation or waterproofing to get in the way of feel) and one for foul weather where feel will depend on having warm and dry digits. Two pairs of quality gloves is a significant investment, but find it worth the extra coin. Just my 2 bits. Please post up on what you end up buying and why. Best, Carey

Hey Bullet, welcome back! It hasn't been the same without you around here. My life isn't nearly as exciting as Kai's but I have been making progress, had a great couple of days with the crew at VIR in May. We got some practice in low traction conditions (May showers, or liquid sunshine as we called it back in Florida) which may not have been fun at the time but was exceedingly educational. What about you , whats gotten you back to coaching (not that we want to look a gift horse in the mouth)? And have you seen Andy? How's he doing now? It's hard to believe it's been over a year, I hope he is doing well. Looking forward to you great insight and advice back on the boards! Best, Carey

. You should tell her Keith Code is feng shui! Thanks for the laugh.