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KawaKlaus

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Posts posted by KawaKlaus

  1. I haven't ridden it but, by watching AMA and GP at Laguna I'd say it's a fast track, it doesn't seem to be the most technical track. I'm going to do a trackday there next year, but am doing Streets for school.

     

     

    Hi Jasonzilla,

     

    Happy Holidays to you.

    Thank you for your tips.

     

    +1. I signed up for the Streets of Willow in the Spring of 2011. Maybe I'll see you there. ph34r.gif

     

    Have a Happy New Year.

     

    KawaKlaus

     

    That would have been cool, but I'm doing March 26-27.

     

    Hi Jasonzilla,

     

    Bummer. Would have been cool to be there at the same time.

    Please do let me know how the weather faired and what you tought of the experience. cool.gif

     

    Happy New Year!

     

    Klaus

  2. Hi Klaus,

     

    It was nice to meet you there, pleasant surprise!

     

    We were pretty busy, didn't get much time to chat, but good to place the name with the face!

     

    Let me know when you get signed up for next year, consider what Rainman said, Laguna is very nice, but hard to beat Streets for a good ride and good weather.

     

    Best,

    Cobie

     

    Hi Cobie,

     

    Happy belated Merry Christmas.

     

    Yes, as promised and, after lots of good advice, I did sign up for the Streets in Spring of 2011.

    Looking so forward to it. ph34r.gif

     

    Wishing you and all of the SuperBike School staff a Happy New Year.

     

    See you in the Spring.

     

    Klaus

     

    Excellent Klaus, see you then! Which date?

     

    CF

     

    Hi Cobie,

     

    It will be for both April 23rd and April 24th (Easter Weekend), Level I and Level II. ph34r.gif

    Hope no Easter bunnies will cross the Streets of Willow. unsure.gif

     

    Cheers,

     

    Klaus

  3. Hi Klaus,

     

    It was nice to meet you there, pleasant surprise!

     

    We were pretty busy, didn't get much time to chat, but good to place the name with the face!

     

    Let me know when you get signed up for next year, consider what Rainman said, Laguna is very nice, but hard to beat Streets for a good ride and good weather.

     

    Best,

    Cobie

     

    Hi Cobie,

     

    Happy belated Merry Christmas.

     

    Yes, as promised and, after lots of good advice, I did sign up for the Streets in Spring of 2011.

    Looking so forward to it. ph34r.gif

     

    Wishing you and all of the SuperBike School staff a Happy New Year.

     

    See you in the Spring.

     

    Klaus

  4. I haven't ridden it but, by watching AMA and GP at Laguna I'd say it's a fast track, it doesn't seem to be the most technical track. I'm going to do a trackday there next year, but am doing Streets for school.

     

     

    Hi Jasonzilla,

     

    Happy Holidays to you.

    Thank you for your tips.

     

    +1. I signed up for the Streets of Willow in the Spring of 2011. Maybe I'll see you there. ph34r.gif

     

    Have a Happy New Year.

     

    KawaKlaus

  5. ph34r.gif

    I'm just wondering Laguna Seca or Willow Springs..hmmmm..... Klaus

     

    Klaus;

    No question that Laguna is the more famous of the two but if you want to focus on technique...the Streets will give you a real work out...or so it seems to me.

     

    Rainman

     

     

    Hi Rainman,

     

    The verdict is in.... After much thought I am going to the Streets of Willow in the Spring. ph34r.gif See you there.

     

    Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.smile.gif

     

    KawaKlaus

  6. Hi All

     

    Just wanted to say that I had the pleasure to meet Instructor Extra-Ordinaire Cobie Fair and the famous Keith Code at Laguna Seca the day before Thanksgiving.

    All of them are wonderful professional people.

     

    If you are still wondering if you should attend, don't wait to long.

    I am sold and look forward to attending...I'm just wondering Laguna Seca or Willow Springs..hmmmm..... oh yeah, btw...the BMW bike is awesome .

     

    Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

     

    Cheers,

     

    Klaus

     

     

  7. Your stock tyres will allow you to scrape undercarriage on your bike. While doing this, they will not allow as much brake, steering or throttle input as a warm sport type tyre. What you have to ask yourself is how likely it is that you will ride this hard at this stage of your learning curve and what is thaught at CSS. Or put in another way; you have to be going really fast to appreciate the difference in grip in my opinion.

     

    However, I would also greatly appreciate inputs from the coaches on this smile.gif

     

     

    Hi Eirik,

     

    Thank you for your comments. Points well taken.

    Sounds like the dealer wants to make money, the forum folk want to impress by saying...bla..bla..my tires are stickier than yours...bla..bla, where in essence I've got an inch to go before my entire tire surface is scrubbed in.

    Cool, with the money saved (about $300) I will be able to attend Level I a lot sooner (as soon as Laguna Seca releases their date).

     

    Have you attended Level I?

    How is your cornering now compared to before?

     

    Cheers,

    Klauscool.gif

  8. I've got an ER6N (the naked version of the 650R) and have a Bridgestone BT023 front and BT021 rear. No problems with grip. The 023 is an improvement. Run the book pressures 32 front, 36 rear. I also tour a bit and the mileage is good. Suspension could be improved but if you adjust it to your weight its OK (and not as soft as some bikes I've ridden).

     

     

    Good Day Mate, smile.gif

     

    Thank you for the feedback.

    I currently have Bridgestone BT023's on the front and back, just want to get more sticky tires (can get a set of 003's or 016's for about $260 before installation).

    Sure, mileage would be less than on the 023s but more grip is ok with me.

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

     

    If your not using the full potential of your current tires and still have 1" chicken strips than tires with more grip wont benefit you at all. Sticky tires are only useful when your current ones no longer offer enough grip for your pace. This would be an excellent article for you to read. http://forums.superb...p?showtopic=877

     

    Don't worry about the chicken strips. When your knowledge and skill level gets better they will disappear on their own. Also there are a lot of slow riders out their with no chicken strips. Lower lean angles doesn't always mean higher corner speeds.

     

    The Twist of the Wrist II DVD has loads of great information in it. For $30 theres no reason not to buy it if your trying to improve.

     

     

    Hi Fajita Dave,

     

    Thank you for your comments and the link to the article from Keith Code.

    I did print out the article and will read over the long Thanksgiving weekend.

    About a month ago I ordered the Twist of the Wrist II book and DVD, which is excellent. Also got the audio cds so I can listen to the Twist of the Wrist II book, while I'm communting to work Mo-Fr (got an hour commute).

     

    So, will attending CSS' Level I and II make my chicken strips disappear?

     

    Cheers,

    Klausph34r.gif

  9. In another ongoing topic here it was adviced that the grippier tyres usually are less grippy for riders that aren't very fast since we cannot get them hot enough to grip at their best. So if you have chicken strips more than a few mm wide on your tyres, my guess is that your stock tyres will do just fine and match your abilities on the school day very well.

     

     

    Hi Eirik,

     

    Interesting feedback.

    I have spoken to the dealer where I bought my bike and he suggested that I get the Bridgestones 003's or Dunlop Q 2's (based on my discussion on riding style and plans for attending CSS Level I and II).

    In the Kawiforums, people rave about the Bridgestone 016's for the Ninja 650, stating that the stock tires are really not that good for cornering, nor are they as sticky.

    In another forum, I found that a CSS student stated that he had used Bridgestones before, but now is a firm believer of Dunlop Q 2's.

    A friend of mine, who races 250cc bikes (AMA) told me that the Dunlop Q2's will take longer to warm up (a couple of miles) before I could apply more lean.

     

    So, you are saying I can stick (no punt intended) with my OEM Bridgestones 021 because I will not need a more grippier (softer compound) tire shoulder for Level I and II?

     

    Cobie, or any other CSS instructors - feel free to chime in...smile.gif

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

  10. Hi All,

     

    I wanted to start this topic in hopes I 'll get a lot of recommendations from both CSS Instructors and students alike for my 2009 Ninja 650r. Currently my bike sports OEM tires ( Bridgestones Batlac 021F Sport Touring).

     

    So, my questions are:

     

    * What does the school recommend for both Level I and Level II in terms of tires?

     

    * I would prefer to have a stickier tire (fact that tire life suffers for gains in traction are understood).

     

    * Are either Bridgestones 016's or 003's or Dunlop Q2s good choices for my 650r?

     

    * Any others?

     

    Thank you for helping me to get a good grip on this. . ph34r.gif .

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

     

     

     

  11. The Ninja will be fine and chances are you'll be faster and learn more in it than on a larger, more powerful machine, which can be scary and overwhelming.

     

     

    Hi Eirik,

     

    Thank you for your input.

     

    I like the sound of that.

    Sounds like what I really need is a great riding coach to get me to the next level properly.

     

    Good point, get the basics on my bike, then move up to a literbike.

     

    Cheers to Norway,

     

    Klaussmile.gif

  12. The fundamentals of Level 1 and 2 can be learned on any machine. Throttle control principles are the same on any bike...that can't change. Different bikes offer more suspension adjustment and slightly better equipment but your bike is not a problem. I've seen people on all kinds of bikes go thru the school. That being said you should keep this in mind. On two days of riding on the track you will have to do the following:

     

    Maintain your machine

    Transport it to the track

    Keep it safe over night

    Have good tires.

     

    You pay 475 I think if you BYOB and 650 if you rent theirs. A set of tires alone are over 225 bux...so renting makes alot of sense. It eliminates all of the tasks above smile.gif. Just something to think about. Plus the BMW is a kick ass machine. I have one wink.gif. I used theirs for the first 3 levels and mine for level 4.

     

    Good luck and have fun on track.

     

    Brett

     

    Hi Brett,

     

    Great feedback.

    So, how long does it take someone to get comfortable with the BMW bike? I don't want to go and burn through one or two days and not feel at home on the bike compared to the one I've been riding.

     

    Thank you for the wishes. I am sooo looking forward to Level I and II, we'll see how much improvement I can make thanks to my riding coaches.

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

  13. I've got an ER6N (the naked version of the 650R) and have a Bridgestone BT023 front and BT021 rear. No problems with grip. The 023 is an improvement. Run the book pressures 32 front, 36 rear. I also tour a bit and the mileage is good. Suspension could be improved but if you adjust it to your weight its OK (and not as soft as some bikes I've ridden).

     

     

    Good Day Mate, smile.gif

     

    Thank you for the feedback.

    I currently have Bridgestone BT023's on the front and back, just want to get more sticky tires (can get a set of 003's or 016's for about $260 before installation).

    Sure, mileage would be less than on the 023s but more grip is ok with me.

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

  14. Jason is corretomudo

     

    My 2 cents: Tell these foolios your bike is perfect. Get your suspension hooked up, hit L1 and L2, and run circles around your boys cool.gif

     

    Tires -- I love the bt016's. I've used the bt021's on the track without any issues. As Keith said, if your not on a race pace, save your money - the "super sticky" race tires are not needed. I've had no problems with the bt016's; mind you, I'm a slow [recently bumped-up] intermediate track day back marker. Run 'em at 30/30 (front/rear) and you'll be fine. I don't remember specifically, but someone told the the edge compounds of the 16's and 003's are pretty much the same. Nevertheless, I think the 16's are awesome.

     

    Hey dmj120,

     

    Thank you for your feedback.

     

    Both the 003s and 016's are about the same (+/- $10/tire). How many miles do you get out of a set?

     

    Good tip on the tire pressure, we'll verify that they are at 30/30.

     

    I have not gone to a track day. Want to start with Level I and II and get lots of pratice (no throttle roll off in corners, etc. ;)

     

    Maybe I'll have to come to Willow Springs for a weekend of learning and cornering. ph34r.gif

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

  15. Your friends don't really know what they're talking about. Your bike is a very fun ride. I don't ride track with it, but sometimes when I'm out riding to practice some things I'll take my EX out. It's an amazingly fun bike that always surprises me. I have it completely stock except that I've changed the bars and got some that are almost straight so I'm forward more. Until we get on the straights, I'll guarantee I can get through a tight section almost as fast as I can on my ZX6R. The pop the twin has out of the corner is great.

     

    One problem is suspension. Without being able to adjust the front at all and the back only 3 notches, you will have to adjust to the bike instead of letting the bike adjust to you. Or you can go out and buy a suspension. Either way you'll be fine learning to corner on the EX. What you don't know you won't miss, and when you get a track bike or upgrade you'll just appreciate it all the more.

     

    Any sport tire is going to get you the grip you need. I would recommend Michelin, but since attending CSS I'm a Dunlop guy. Just need to wear the Michelins out first.

     

    I'm always tempted to take it out to the track to really get on it, and eventually will. Enjoy the 650 and get another one when you want to. You've got a really good bike.

     

     

    Hi Jasonzilla,

     

    Thank you for the feedback and great input.

    Yeah, I might have to reconsider whom I go riding with ;)

    So, good to know that I have a bike that has great torque in the low and midrange (well, not compared to a literbike) but can handle well and kepp up with them in the corners, never mind the top speed.

    After installing the Power Commander V I have better driveability and better throttle response. And the Arrow muffler made the bike also 10 pounds lighter (my curbweight is 468 lbs wet).

    What Dunlop tires are you using? Q2's ?

    Thank you for your comments.

    I do enjoy my bike (650) and plan on using it for both Level I and II. In a year from now, I will upgrade to a literbike (4 cylinder) and work on improving my skills for Level III.

    How do you improve your cornering/lean angle? I still have one inch of chickenstrips.

     

    Thanks in advance.

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

  16. Have a few questions for all you fellow riders:

     

    I have a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650r with Sportbars, Power Commander V, Arrow Exhaust.

     

    This past weekend I went on a great 230 mile roundtrip ride with three guys (Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSX 1000 and a Yamaha R6). Was a great ride.

    They were telling me that I need to get a true sportbike because mine (the 650r) is not perfect for learning better cornering due to the 650's suspension, tires, etc.

    Note: Right now I have about 1 inch of "chicken strips" on the edge of my tires.

     

    Is my Ninja 650 good enough for Level I and Level II for the CSS or should I use the BMW bike?

    The OEM tires are Bridgestone 021's and I want to replace them with either Bridgestone 016's or 003's.

    Which tire model would provide me with more cornering grip on the Ninja 650 ?

     

    Appreciate any input and feedback.

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

  17. WOW... NO LAGUNA SECA???

     

    Maybe more dates will be added... dunno??

    Yeah, I was surprised by that too. Maybe cost and noise limitations issues?

     

     

    +1.

    If you scroll to the buttom of the 2011 schedule it specifies that both Laguna Seca and Sears Point dates are to be announced.

     

    I want weekend dates for sure (Sat/Sun are ideal but I woul dbe willing to do a (Fri/Sat combination as well).

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

  18. Klaus,

     

    Schedule is supposed to be on the website just about any minute, a technical issue with the webmaster, should be done literally any time now.

     

    Most school dates are during the week, but one that might work well is to come to Streets of Willow, we do a number of weekend dates there for the single day schools.

     

    Best,

    Cobie

     

    Hi Cobie,

     

    Thank you for the reply.

    Schedule still not on the website as of now.

     

    Have another question for you:

     

    I have a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650r with Sportbars, etc.

    This past weekend I went on a great 230 mile roundtrip ride with three guys (Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSX 1000 and a Yamaha R6). Was a great ride.

    They were telling me that I need to get a true sportbike because mine (the 650r) is not perfect for learning better cornering due to suspension, etc.

    Note: I have about 1 inch of "chicken strips" on th edge of my tires.

     

    So, any thoughts?

     

    Cheers,

    Klaus

  19. See you in the Spring on the Monterey Peninsula.

     

    Cheers,

     

    KawaKlaus

     

    Good overall plan! As a first time track rider, if Laguna gets full, consider coming to the Streets of Willow Springs: great track, virtual guarantee on the weather, fun to ride, and good for the coaches to give lots of personal service. It has a lot of places to cut across making it the most efficient track for the coaches, hence we can spend more time with the students.

     

    Best,

    CF

     

    Hi Cobie,

     

    Can you please send me a copy of the 2011 schedule?smile.gif

    Also, can you please indicate (it really is a suggestion) which day(s) of the week the class(es) are held?

    I got excited looking at the 2010 schedule, when I realized that a lot of the dates are during the week!

    So, I am looking forward to plan my 2011 class attendance, especially looking for weekend dates.

     

    Thank you for your help.

     

    Cheers,

     

    Klaus

  20. See you in the Spring on the Monterey Peninsula.

     

    Cheers,

     

    KawaKlaus

     

    Good overall plan! As a first time track rider, if Laguna gets full, consider coming to the Streets of Willow Springs: great track, virtual guarantee on the weather, fun to ride, and good for the coaches to give lots of personal service. It has a lot of places to cut across making it the most efficient track for the coaches, hence we can spend more time with the students.

     

    Best,

    CF

     

    Hi Cobie,

     

    Glad to know I'm approaching it the right way. Willow Springs sounds like fun, however I don't have a truck (yet) to load my bike and come on down. I know I can use the cool BMW bikes you have (but like to save $ for more lessons/education) ;).

    Another upside is the weather - less foggy for sure.

    Unless there is a sweet deal (too hard to pass up) wink.gif

     

    I'm planning to keep my eyes open for the 2011 class schedule (coming this week ??) and go from there.

     

    Best for me is to start with Laguna in the Spring (Level I/II) and look for a Fall 2011 in Willow (keeping fingers crossed).

     

    I look forward to learning lots from you and your fellow coaches and take my riding to the next level(s). ph34r.gif

     

    Cheers,

     

    Klaus

  21. Hi KawaKlaus,

     

    Welcome and glad you are here.

     

    Gonna have to keep your wife I think!

     

    Best,

    Cobie

     

     

    Hi Cobie,

     

    Thank you for the warm welcome.

    I agree with you on keeping my wife, she is amazing, and, she fully supports me attending the Superbike School in the Spring.

     

    I am really looking forward to it. Will do both Level I and Level II.

     

    Hope to see you and Keith Code as well.

     

    In the meantime I work on SR#1 and practice what's in the Twist of the Wrist II book. ph34r.gif

     

    See you in the Spring on the Monterey Peninsula.

     

    Cheers,

     

    KawaKlaus

     

     

  22. Hi Mr. Klaus, I'm on the nice list, and could use some CSS gift certs ph34r.gif

     

    laugh.giflaugh.gif

     

    When you finally get to level 1, you'll be amazed at the difference of your riding from the day before to the day after. The confidence and added stability is awesome.

     

     

    Hi dmj120,

     

    Thank you for the warm welcome.

    HO,HO,HO.... let's see if you've been naughty or nice...ohmy.gif

    Hmmm... I should put those on my Christmas list for Santa...Ho,Ho,Ho. laugh.gif

    I've been nice too.

     

    Yes, I am looking forward to Level I. In the meantime I am reading the book and see what improvements I can make/SR's I can make disappear. rolleyes.gif

    Where are you geographically? Are you in California?

     

    Cheers,

    KawaKlaus

     

    Yup, in Southern Cali. cool.gif I think I've seen your screen name around, just can't remember where. You in Cali, too?

     

    Yup, I am on the Central California Coast (Monterey Peninsula) - close to Laguna Seca :)ph34r.gif

     

    What are you riding?

    How long have you been riding?

    Have you been to the Superbike School?

     

    Cheers,

    KawaKlaus

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