the razor
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Posts posted by the razor
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Thanks very much for your input guys really appreciated it. I'll stick to concentrating on those first 5 drills until I get back and do level 2. I'm finding that different people and different schools seem to have different points or positions on certain issues which can make it confusing or information overload at certain times. I'm going to stick solely with CSS for my tuition as I would rather stick with one system in a logical or applied order of learning. I think that when you come to expending those dollars in certain circumstances requiring maximum attention it's less confusing this way.
Cheers
Adam
Adam. I just took level 1 myself (thunderbolt NJ). I was told to point the chin torward the line I needed to take (apex) . but after I went throught the 2 steps, I found myself doing it automatically. I saw my turinig point and before I got there I was already focussing on the apex, which brought my head (chin) toward the apex. (I used my periferial vision for the turning point). When I leaned to make the turn I was already I guess kissing the mirror. One thing I noticed and my coach Pete noticed in acouple turns, is that I got tense which made my entrace and exit a little bit rougher. But when I did relax (no presure on the handle bar), it was very smooth at the entrace and exit of the turn. I did practice this weekend all the techniques I learned in level 1 and one thing I am concentrating is to be smooth instead of agressive and I had a blast.
I just giving you my own experience and by not means I am telling you what to do. I will be taken Leve 2 and 3 spring time.
Good luck to you and keep it safe.
55 and stay alive.
Ramon
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I was there as well (level 4, white group). Great time and learned a lot as always.
AQAJR.
I did not know how much learning I needed to get to be a good rider until I took level 1.
I can not imagine the knowledge you have acquired at your level now.
Planning to improve and take the other Levels as well. Like the saying "one step at a time".
Congratulations for your accompliments as a rider. It is fun when you are riding with people
that knows the subject and can have you riding the right way.
Good luck to you and 55 stay alive.
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OK dont know if there's a way to edit the title but if it could changed to just trackdays or something that would be cool as I dont want to start a new thread for every day I do!
This time I'm doing Cadwell park on the 12th of Aug, will be camping in the paddock the night before!
Bobby
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What level are you taking.
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Congrats and Cool! I was expecting to be there...but noooo I had to have technical difficulties beyond our control.
Thanks Gorecki
I am sorry you could not make it. Hope everything is O.K. You have to do it though. I am telling you
It is a good experience. Plus they do not tell you what you are doing wrong. They just tell you what the right way is
and they make sure you apply it. Differrent approach and it works.
The razor
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I just took level 1 at NJ thunderbolt track. I just want to thanks my coaches Peter and Josh. Awesome coaches. Could pick the minimum mistakes I made on the track and had me correct them right away. Very amazing the level of observation and their knowledge on the subject of riding techniques. I used the BMW (what a blast). Eventhough for level 2 and 3 I will be using my own bike. A liitle bit unconfortable with the BMW at the beginning due to the different set up as far as the position of the handlebar and foot pegs. But without a doubt it is a great bike to ride. I also was impressed with the smoothness of the quick shift. It is a little bit smoother than my after market BAZZAZ, in particular from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. gear. I guess because the BMW it is already set up from factory. By the way that is my personal opinion. Cobie that is my 2 cents with reference to one of your topics regarding quick shifters. I am very pleased with level 1 and what I learned. Now it is time to keep practicing my drills. Level 2 and 3 Here I come.
55 and stay alive.
The razor
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Can we do clutchless downshifting with Shift Assist? As far as I know, racers don't use clutch when upshifting at high rpms.
I have a CBR1000RR with a BAZZAZ sytem (fuel mapping, traction control and quick shifter). I love the quick shifter. It is supposed to be used only for upshifting, you have to use the clutch for downshifting unless you want to time the downshifting with the RPM. Also the shifter works better with high RPM. I do not know about the BMW, but I figure it is the same. I will find out in August went I take my fisrt class and I get to ride the BMW.
My two cents.
Actually, my 2009 zx6r has no shift assist or quick shifter, nevertheless I can upshift with no clutch. So what will the quick shifter change?
A quick-shifter allows you to change gear in about 2 milli-seconds (2/1000 second), that's what it does - it cuts the ignition just enough to do the gear change. A "normal" clutchless shift requires you to slightly close and then reopen the throttle, to take the forces off the clutch gears (this takes maybe 50-100 milliseconds).
As discussed earlier at length, you can do clutchless up- and down-shifts without a quick-shifter.
Cheers,
Kai
Try a bike with a quick shifter and then we talk. I know that I can do my upshift in my bike without a clutch. but there is a big difference
in speed and timing when I used mi quick shift. Also, there is a reason that the quick shifter was invented and at all levels of racing is been used.
Cheers to you too.
The razor.
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Hi, wanted to share the good news with you. Last Friday I headed up to Darley Moor for my 'on-bike' assessment to get my race licence. The stabilisers worked on the bike in the paddock area, but then failed on the track as I lined up on the start grid. We took them off, as they were damaged in the ensuing topple, as no one was nearby to catch me, and then I headed out with one of the instructors for my riding assessment. Thanks to everything I was taught on levels 1 and 2 at CSS, I was able to identify RP's within two laps and then led the instructor for a further 5 laps. He commented that the lines were spot on, my vision was always ahead, I got on the throttle evenly throughout the corner and riding was smooth. After a discussion with the ACU (Auto Cycle Union) representative, they have give me the green light to race, once I have the stabilisers fixed. This is the first time in the ACU history that a paraplegic has been awarded a solo motorcycle race licence.
I hope this message gets out to other bikers who are paralysed and think that riding is not available to them, as it's not. If they want to know more, please pm me and I can pass on my contact details. I am aiming to do my first race on 4th September at Castle Combe, as it is a local circuit and I know the staff plus track well.
Before I do the race I'll be doing Level 4 with CSS, so I'll be in even better shape to race.
Thanks once again CSS, you are helping to change lives and make history happen.
Talan
Talan, Congratulations for your accomplishment. Best wishes and more power to you.
Keep it safe.
The Razor
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Stevo,
I talked with the Stomp guys recently, they had had a bad batch of adhesive a while back, we'd heard of some guys having problems. But what Fossil says worked well in terms of applying it (heat gun/hair dryer). I did one recently, and it worked well.
Some guys think the Stomp is too much through the jeans, but Jason doesn't mind obviously.
CF
Thanks for the insight, maybe that was the problem with mine. My track day buddy has stomp grip and has had no problems. But for now I'll try the tech spec since I have them and see how it goes.
(By the way, Kiwi's avatar a few entries above is probably one of the best pictures showing how leaning off keep the bike's position more upright while the composite center of gravity is moved down... need to post that over in "Body Position Evolution"...)
Stevo.
I used the TechSpec on my bike and it worked fine with my street pants until I used my leather pants. Since I use my knees alot when cornering and breaking to hold my position on the seat, I noticed that it was chewing my leather not only the parts of the knees( side against the tank) but also my leather jacket since I had also the belly buttom tank protector. I am using now the Stomp grip and It feels much better and it is not destroying my leathers. Also the TechSpec wears out with use and the Stomp grip does not. For the belly part of the tank I bought a Carbon Fiber piece.
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Can we do clutchless downshifting with Shift Assist? As far as I know, racers don't use clutch when upshifting at high rpms.
I have a CBR1000RR with a BAZZAZ sytem (fuel mapping, traction control and quick shifter). I love the quick shifter. It is supposed to be used only for upshifting, you have to use the clutch for downshifting unless you want to time the downshifting with the RPM. Also the shifter works better with high RPM. I do not know about the BMW, but I figure it is the same. I will find out in August went I take my fisrt class and I get to ride the BMW.
My two cents.
Actually, my 2009 zx6r has no shift assist or quick shifter, nevertheless I can upshift with no clutch. So what will the quick shifter change?
Can you upshift with the throttle on at 7000 rpm or more?. If you read my two cents I explained that it works better with high RPM (throttle on).
My honda is set up to change gears without the clutch, but you have to let the throttle off to do that. The quick shifter saves you the time that it takes to let the throttle off and change gear. With the quick shift all you have to do is change gear, which means seconds gained on a track. By the way, I have been watching Moto GP, Superbike, AMA and so far they do use the quick shift, even though they use the clutch to downshift. If you see Lorenzo racing, he has a camera on the clutch side and you can see when he downshift. I guess, You do not know what the difference is until you try it on a bike with quick shift. Plus it is really cool when you change gear full throttle (9 to 10 thousand RPM's). It is a blast. Also when you change gear (throttle off) you lose speed. With the QS you don not, because you keep the same RPM
Regards.
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Can we do clutchless downshifting with Shift Assist? As far as I know, racers don't use clutch when upshifting at high rpms.
I have a CBR1000RR with a BAZZAZ sytem (fuel mapping, traction control and quick shifter). I love the quick shifter. It is supposed to be used only for upshifting, you have to use the clutch for downshifting unless you want to time the downshifting with the RPM. Also the shifter works better with high RPM. I do not know about the BMW, but I figure it is the same. I will find out in August went I take my fisrt class and I get to ride the BMW.
My two cents.
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Hi All,
Prepping for Miller, the trucks will leave on Sunday. Anywhere in the Rockies is fine with me, but alas have to stay in town for this trip
. Not terribly worried, Pete and the gang will handle any and all comers. Miller will be even more fun on the BMW's, while I liked the 600's, I thought them a little weak at that altitude.Speaking of Miller, some of our racer kids were doing well racing there this last weeken, Lex Hartl and Andre Ochs--turns out they raced against Gerry Signorelli, another one of our guys. I finally got to see some racing on the tube and Thomas Luthi did an amazing job in Moto2 (another one we have coached). Since we are on the subject of Miller, Keith was there a few weeks back, coaching Leon Camier at the WSB round, and he put his bike on the box, whoohoo! Do I sound like I'm proud of our guys, hell yes!
We finally got Trevor married off (he's our course control, has been for many years, doing an excellent job there). Took his new bride to Hawaii. Wise move I'm sure.
Kristi made the cover of MOTORCYCLIST magazine recently, can't belive they didn't use me for that, go figure.
This summer and fall we are looking to bring some more of the outer schools coaches in and get them to "the mother ship" for some brainwashing, specifically the Greece school's Chief Riding Coach, then another visit from Adam (the Oz CRC).
Best,
CF
Cobie. I hope you are making it to NJ on August. Looking forward to meeting you. I have a question regarding your bikes. I am riding a CBR1000rr with GP shifter. Do you guys have GP shifter for the ones like me. Otherwise I think I have to try to program my brain for the standard shift.
CYA at the track on August.
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Hi all:
I'm signed up with a few friends for the special one day school at Barber on June 7. I have some pretty good street gear but am not sure wha tis appropriate to bring with me or what I should simply borrow. Safety is my main concern.
I use T-Pro upper body armor (full arm, shoulder, back, and chest protection) plus armored shorts and wear all-weather BMW "all around" boots with summer mesh-style gloves. Would I be better off bringing my armor but borrowing Keith Code's gloves and boots and leathers, or should I simply show up and borrow everything they offer? Obviously I will bring my own helmet.
Thank you for any advice you can offer. I asked registration but they were unclear on which option might be best for me.
Can't wait for the event!
Now that you brought the question. I have an Alpine star leather Jacket with the elbow, shoulder, back and chest potection. An alpinestar leather track pants with kneed pads shin gards, etc. It does zip together, but it does not zip completely all the way around. There is a gap at front, which is not big. Which begs the question. Do the 2 piece suit has to zip all the way around completely?. My school day is in August 2nd. Thanks for the clarification.
Razor,
I just completed level 1 at VIR on 5/18 and my two piece Firstgear textile suit passed with the short connection zipper.
Cheers,
warregl
I'm back from the Barber event. It was great, but I crashed during the end of the 3rd session. I'm not sure why - the bike was leaned over nicely, but nowhere near the pegs, and in mid corner I decided to add a tad more lean angle to allow myself more space on track out, and then bike slammed me down to the pavement. I was very smooth with the counter-steering and had no indication that anything was about to go wrong. The bike tech thinks that perhaps the tread at that outer section was not warmed up enough for that lean angle, but I'm not sure I'm buying that after thinking it over since the incident.
I would highly advise wearing their leathers rather than textile. In the off chance you crash, you'll be very glad you had leathers on. My back protector saved my back from burns and scrapes so I'd highly recommend one of those also. Wear their boots and gloves if you can. I was sore, but nothing permanently damaged.
Red
I am sorry to hear about your crash. I am taking the Level 1 in August. Thanks to all the people that post all their experiences good or bad.
Because your experiences make me be more aware of how I approache and enter a turn, also the line I need to keep through the turn until I exit the turn. Hope we (novices) learn a bit.
Regards
The Razor
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Hi all:
I'm signed up with a few friends for the special one day school at Barber on June 7. I have some pretty good street gear but am not sure wha tis appropriate to bring with me or what I should simply borrow. Safety is my main concern.
I use T-Pro upper body armor (full arm, shoulder, back, and chest protection) plus armored shorts and wear all-weather BMW "all around" boots with summer mesh-style gloves. Would I be better off bringing my armor but borrowing Keith Code's gloves and boots and leathers, or should I simply show up and borrow everything they offer? Obviously I will bring my own helmet.
Thank you for any advice you can offer. I asked registration but they were unclear on which option might be best for me.
Can't wait for the event!
Now that you brought the question. I have an Alpine star leather Jacket with the elbow, shoulder, back and chest potection. An alpinestar leather track pants with kneed pads shin gards, etc. It does zip together, but it does not zip completely all the way around. There is a gap at front, which is not big. Which begs the question. Do the 2 piece suit has to zip all the way around completely?. My school day is in August 2nd. Thanks for the clarification.
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I am curious, thanks to this excellent fourm and Twist of the Wrist II, I have gotten my rear chicken strip down to about a quarter of an inch, but my front tire has a two inch strip. I don't ride that hard, I must maintaint the "reasonable and Prudent" speeds on public roads. I am wondering what my tires say about my riding and how I might improve?
I have on my tires the same chicken strip as you. I am always careful of the drivers and not the riders. It is very difficult to lean hard on public roads because all the stuff on them, like gravel, leaf, etc. I do not worry too much about it. I concentrate in riding safe and using the proper techniques such as throttle control, been relaxed on the bike, making sure I do not stangle the handle bars, etc. Besides, I you do not lean as much, it can make you go a bit faster. It will be different if you were talking about a race track, where all the setting for cornering, speeding and leaning are more ideal. A few people I have found on the road kind of make fun of my 1/4" chicken strip, but when we hit the road I am the one
making fun when I just let them eat my dust. My opinion is not the chicken strip what makes you a good rider is the technique.
Be safe and 55 stay alive.
The Razor.
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Hello,
I wanted to stop by and say that this forum is great for feedback. I have been trolling the forum and finally decided to join today. I will be attending the CSS (August 2nd and possibly August 3rd if there are spots available), I am a new rider (approximately 1yr), but have been riding everyday and weekend since last year. I recently just finished my first trackdays at Summit Point Main and been reading/watching the TOTW 2 book and video, and when applying those techniques on the track I realized that it greatly improved my riding on the streets and the track, instantly I was hooked! I can't wait to get on the track and have some one actually critique my riding, because I would like to do some racing eventually...
iTux, Welcome to the forum. If you are planning to go to th CSS on August 2nd. Means you are coming to the Thunderbolt in NJ.
I hope to meet you that day. I am already signed in for the level I also. A friend of mine took the same class this month on the same track and told me that the coaches are phenomenal. They can detect the weeknes in any rider right away. By the way I do not think the word critique is the right one. They are going to correct what you are doing wrong and show you the right way so you can practice it from then on. My regards to you and keep it safe. 55 AND STAY ALIVE.
The razor.
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Hey Razor,
I just completed Levels 1 & 2 at Thunderbolt on May 10th & 11th (on my 600rr). The drills are demanding but managable. The day runs 20/20/20. 20 minutes class room, 20 minutes track, 20 minutes break. You're on the track 5 times and have 1 off track drill, and you get an hour for lunch. The 20 minute break is crucial because you'll meet with your riding coach, it gives you plenty of time to use the restroom, rehydrate and talk to your friends and get ready to hop back on the bike. All in all you will be fine. I do agree as it's written all over the forum, but make sure you come well rested. Also, you may want to sign up for Level 2. I was glad I did. Because it clicks by the end of level 1, and then to get one more day to go back on the track and do it all over again is defintetly a blast! Not to mention the building block format that you just keep adding to with every time you go out in Level 2.
Hope this helps!
Harry
Thank you Harry. I am excited already of me taking the class and after hearing from you and Carey I am more excited.
I really appreciate your input and I am going to look into taken level two. Hopefully I get an opening for august 3rd.
Thanks again and keep it safe on the road, like I told Carey is not the rider but the drivers out there.
bless you all. 55 and stay alive
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Razor,
For what it's worth, I just did the level 1 class at VIR and I can say while the day is demanding, I wouldn't say it is onerously so. And there were probably 8 to 10 riders there in their late 50's to 60's. As much as you ride I think you will be fine and I think you will really enjoy it.
Carey
Thank you Carey for your input. Congratulation to you for taken level one. I registered for August the 2nd. For the thunderbolt track in NJ.
I am looking forward of taking the class as well as two of my friends. Thanks again and keep practicing what you learned.
Good luck to you my friend and be careful of the drivers on the road. 55 AND STAY ALIVE.
Regards.
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Hello everybody out there. Good to join and read the experiences of riders of all levels and share the experiences, good and bad through this forum. Having said that, I will like to post a question in particular to any of the riding coaches. I've been riding for a long trime. In my days, way back, I did race motorcross. I have my accidents and broken bones. I used to ride for a spaniar motorcycle company BULTACO 125cc. Safety equipment back them were in the beginning stage. I am 62 now. Since I am not a kid any more I'd like to take the level I class. But as I said, i am not younger any more. I want to know how demanding your classes are. I just want to make sure I am ready to take the class. I am planning to take the class in august. Thunderbolt track in NJ. I just need some feed back. I ride every weekend between 150 to 200 miles per ride, but I take brakes in between to keep up with my aging bones.
Your feedback will be appreciated which ever it is. By the way I have the book and the video of towII. I have a Honda 07 CBR1000RR. What a blast.
Thansk again
T.R;
If you're riding as much as you describe you will do fine in the School. At the end of the day you will be both tired and stoked so it's all good! ; )
Rainman
Thanks rainman.
It is good to know your input and it is well welcome.
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Thanks for the reply. I am thinking of taking the class on thursday. So I can practice on friday whatever I learn.
Let me know what day and may be we group together.
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Hello razor!
I'm thinking of taking the August NJ class(es) as well, so we may possible cross paths!
For a guy who's 62, already riding a couple hundred miles at a time on a liter bike, sounds to me like you're doing pretty okay.
Welcome and enjoy, pretty good group here.
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Hello everybody out there. Good to join and read the experiences of riders of all levels and share the experiences, good and bad through this forum. Having said that, I will like to post a question in particular to any of the riding coaches. I've been riding for a long trime. In my days, way back, I did race motorcross. I have my accidents and broken bones. I used to ride for a spaniar motorcycle company BULTACO 125cc. Safety equipment back them were in the beginning stage. I am 62 now. Since I am not a kid any more I'd like to take the level I class. But as I said, i am not younger any more. I want to know how demanding your classes are. I just want to make sure I am ready to take the class. I am planning to take the class in august. Thunderbolt track in NJ. I just need some feed back. I ride every weekend between 150 to 200 miles per ride, but I take brakes in between to keep up with my aging bones.
Your feedback will be appreciated which ever it is. By the way I have the book and the video of towII. I have a Honda 07 CBR1000RR. What a blast.
Thansk again
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Hello everybody out there. Good to join and read the experiences of riders of all levels and share the experiences, good and bad through this forum. Having said that, I will like to post a question in particular to any of the riding coaches. I've been riding for a long trime. In my days, way back, I did race motorcross. I have my accidents and broken bones. I used to ride for a spaniar motorcycle company BULTACO 125cc. Safety equipment back them were in the beginning stage. I am 62 now. Since I am not a kid any more I'd like to take the level I class. But as I said, i am not younger any more. I want to know how demanding your classes are. I just want to make sure I am ready to take the class. I am planning to take the class in august. Thunderbolt track in NJ. I just need some feed back. I ride every weekend between 150 to 200 miles per ride, but I take brakes in between to keep up with my aging bones.
Your feedback will be appreciated which ever it is. By the way I have the book and the video of towII. I have a Honda 07 CBR1000RR. What a blast.
Thansk again
Hesitating To Attend Level I
in School Questions/General Discussion
Posted
Slowest1.
I took level 1 at NJMP NJ. to add to the comments posted here is that after each sessions you are going to have a briefing with your coach.
You are going to get feed backs as well as your own personal input base on the session. It is hard for me to put it into words but the end result is you are going to know what you need to work on. Furthermore, you will find out how good the coaches are, that the minimum thing that needs to be corrected they are going to spot it right away. I tell you that because it happened to me . In one of the sessions (3rd one) I got tense in a couple turns and I do not know how but the coach (Pete) noticed it right away. Immediately he pointed it out to me. From then on everytime I take a turn the first thing I do is relax. The other one was the position of my head when turning. Because of that class, I am a better rider and very consciuos of my skills when I ride on the streets. My agresiveness are gone. Planning to take level 2 and 3. Good luck to you and have fun.