Alfred.Rodriguez
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Posts posted by Alfred.Rodriguez
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About 15 years ago I developed an exercise called The Steering Drill. It looks very simple and can be done in a parking lot. The student simply rides away from the coach at about 25 mph and weaves the bike back and forth. That simple drill has 25 correction points. In other words, with low speeds and no panic, riders can make 25 different errors while weaving their bike back and forth. Each of those errors, while not deadly in a parking lot, can snowball into real problems out on the road.
All I want to do here is point out that there is something to every rider action, no matter how simple it may seem. Getting training is the only practical means riders have of breaking through their barriers.
© Keith Code 2013, all rights reserved.
I wonder whether that 25 Correction Points is listed/mentioned somewhere? I did the Steering Drill during a 2-Day Camp - and I think several points to "fix."
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I suppose I could always just get thicker knee sliders.....
AFAIK - some racers do use "rain"-use pucks in the wet, they are actually thicker than"dry"-use pucks.
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When I was in SoCal a couple of weeks, I got to play with a friend's RSV4 with a GP pattern. Darn! It uses a good chunk of my US$10's worth of attention.
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I personally think, no matter your size you can hang off as much as you need until it starts to negate the benefits. You may loose a good lock on the tank, use the bars for stability, create general instability, at the expense of additional fatigue of the rider to name a few.
First question I would ask is; How relevant to scraping hard parts/running out of tire is your reference of knee down while comfortable and confident in the saddle?
Let me ask you some other questions so you can think about some other factors that may help.
What effect would adjusting the rearsets have here?
How about clipon height?
Where you sit on the seat. Far back, middle or against the tank?
Some riders raise the rear of the bike how would that effect the outcome?
You raised some nice points here for further reflection...
Personally, I prefer to hang off more than "half a butt cheek," contrary to what my coach recommends...
Why? As I found out in the 2 Day Camps, if ever my knee starts dragging at that point, Im near the edge of the tire. Well, not so much the default foot pegs of the S1000RR (someone did crash in Day #2 - he was already scrapping his pegs). Hence, a little more than a butt check gives me some more margin... Basically using my height advantage (longer legs) - Im 6-ft tall.
Though, I did realize that my usual way of doing things (more than one butt cheek off) was making me lose stability. Particularly with that long sweeper of Turn #13 at Vegas.
Hence, going forward - not TOO much.
Albeit, I need to work on my inner shoulder having a tendency to face towards the side opposite the turn... Darn...
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Hhhhmmm... Just something to share, a comparison shot between TOTW1 (Keith Code) and TOTW2 (I dont know who the rider is):
Indeed has riding technology evolved with bike technology...
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It can depend a little on where in the turn the photo is taken. Early on some might be crossed up (and in the old days many were), but as technology of riding has evolved, many have found it has advantages to not as you get later in the turn.
This is one of the more common issues riders can end up dealing with.
Indeed Cobie - not only is bike technology evolving, but so is riding technology... Made more sense to me when I got to finally watch the Twist of the Wrist 1 DVD (which I bought at the 2 Day Camp). Even Keith was crossed up! Picture is a comparison shot between TOTW1 and TOTW2:
The way I look at it for myself, is not actually breaking a bad habit; but actually evolving my technique!
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I was up at Keith's today, he was experimenting with some options to help riders hold on...very interested to see what he comes up with.
We had been talking recently and one rider was having real problems with this, the bike just did not fit...we'll keep you posted as we get new stuff sorted out.
Very interested in what you guys would come up with!
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Hey Alfred,
Welcome to the forum! I bet you do some great riding trips to the mountains around there? I was there about a year ago with some mates and we hired bikes, went up to Hakone and I couldn't believe how fantastic that road is! I am interested in going back just for more riding, but I would do it in summer next time... haha.
I seem to have an innate fear that the tires might just slip out under me, or that whatever turning actions I do would NOT put me in the correct line.
You're not alone there... I think there's a lot of people who struggle with the same type of feeling. I know I did. You're going to love CSS - it can be a bit hard to fully understand the concept of things just from reading about it, but the one on one coaching and classroom sessions will help you enormously I'm sure. But I guess you're already there right now finding that out! Hope you're having fun at the school!
Cheers,
Conrad
Hi Conrad
Yes - Japan has one of the scenic roads out there... In Hakone, you should be able to see Mt. Fuji on a nice day!
Here is a video (POV) of a ride along the Izu/Hakone Skyline:
Unfortunately, it was a little cloudy - and not much of a view; but a good release from the hustle of the city.
Yup, I just got back from Vegas Tuesday afternoon - totally dead tired, but it was one of the best weekends Ive ever had! The lectures were just on target, while you actually get to practice/test them out during the track sessions. The coaches and staff were great as well. I even got to have a picture with Keith!
But as Dylan had mentioned, this is just the first step - improvements will come later with much conscious practice...
Here is to overcoming our personal limitations in riding!
Cheers,
Alfred
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Using a nice shot from last weekend's 2-Day Camp at Las Vegas, created this with my Google Nexus 7:
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Darn! I could only remember two points:
1. Follows the throttle control rule.
2. Allows for one steering input.
3. ???
See if this hint helps: fill in the blank, "we want to ______________ the corner as much as possible"
Nice!
3. Makes the corner as straight as possible
Yes! Perfect. And what effect does that have on how much lean angle you have to use?
A good line (as there is no ideal line) follows the above three criteria, in effect, requiring less lean angle! Beneficial both on the track and on the streets!
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Here are mine... 2-years' riding experience (no track days / CSS was my first)...
With my current bike, a Kawasaki Ninja 1000:
Day #1 of a 2-Day Camp in Las Vegas:
Day #2 of a 2-Day Camp in Las Vegas:
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Tightening on the bars when approaching mid- to high-speeds. For some reason, never got used to higher speeds, ie., I can quick flick on shorter speeds; but when speeds start coming up, I hesitate and lose the moment.
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Darn! I could only remember two points:
1. Follows the throttle control rule.
2. Allows for one steering input.
3. ???
See if this hint helps: fill in the blank, "we want to ______________ the corner as much as possible"
Nice!
3. Makes the corner as straight as possible
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I just completed the Two Day Camp in Las Vegas, and one feedback I got from my coach was too much hang-off (inclusive of being crossed-up). So much so that when he leads me, he usually cautions me NOT to use too much butt (pardon the pun). Though it got a lot better during Day #2 as I was more conscious on the amount of butt I use - it is indeed a challenge, as my body subconsciously reverts to "habit." Particularly with corners that I am NOT most confident in...
Basically, I never had any track day experience - I learned to hang-off / knee drag in a parking lot with cones. My source of reference then were motorcycle magazines in Japan that advocated (if you are a casual rider / non-pro) the Kevin Schwantz style:
So much so that, this is how I tend to do it on my own bike, a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 (non-supersports / sports tourer):
That said, in Day #1, this is how I tend to do it in the track:
I do know/understand the disadvantages (inclusive of the safety reasons) for NOT being crossed-up, etc. however,
BAD HABITS are indeed difficult to fix...
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For sure bring the camera, there will also be a photographer there, he can get some shots of you too.
CF
Hi Cobie!
I just back to LA last night. It was a great weekend! Thanks to everyone!
Yes, the 2nd day was more relaxing - information was "flowing"much smoother. Even Ian mentioned "... It looks like that Im having fun..."
Maybe I have gotten into the rhythm of the lessons/drills; compared to the prior day being a little of a struggle.
As for photos, the photographer really got good shots in. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Day #1: https://www.dropbox.com/s/jjc7y5zj0nfvcqt/IMG_20130216_192212.jpg
Day #2: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mbymr4jahvxs5f0/IMG_20130217_182305.jpg
Here is also one with Keith:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b9iiq61nl05tvf7/IMG_20130216_192322.jpg
Nice memories that I would bring back to Tokyo.
Here's to hoping to getting to participate in another 2-Day Camp (Level 3 & 4) in the near future...
Cheers!
Alfred
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Arrived in Las Vegas for the 2 day bike camp! Checked out the track and there were 2 Suzuki racers going hard, WOW, damn they go fast! OMG!
Can't wait until tomorrow!
Cheers,
Kelsey W.
Hey Kelsey... This is Alfred from Japan! How's it getting back? That was a terrific weekend... And the Thai food near the Strip was awesome, as well.
Looking forward to seeing you in a succeeding camp... All the best!
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Darn! I could only remember two points:
1. Follows the throttle control rule.
2. Allows for one steering input.
3. ???
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Hi to ALL...
Just landed here in LA a couple of days back - now that my senses are fine from jet lag, and now that Ive gotten an internet connection...
I just want to say Im very much excited...! So much so, that I even rented an S1000RR for the day and just had my first taste of SoCal twisties (very very different from what we have in Japan)...
Make sure you look at the weather and bring a jacket for the morning - it can be chilly during sign up and your first classroom session.
Under armor makes a nice underlayer for leathers.
Got you on that, Hotfoot...!! Would check out the local Bert's Mall or Cycle Gear and see what I could find. I only brought a warm mid-layer from Tokyo, and was fine in the canyons of Azusa. Im wondering how Vegas would be like...
Look forward to seeing you there, come and say hello when you get in!
Off track training is somewhat optional, so if you have one of those that you really want to do (Lean Bike, Brake Bike) then please let us know, we'll get it scheduled. Other than that, you are pretty busy in the class or on the track.
Thanks, Coach Cobie. Hhhhmmm... Would really love to try either the slide bike or the panic brake bike - in interest of safety in the tracks and in the streets - I think these would be the priority.
Best regards to ALL,
Alfred
PS: Is it okay to bring my compact camera? Pictures with the coaches, other riders, the machinery, Keith? I would like to preserve my memories for which Im quite sure is to be an awesome weekend!
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wow! thanks for the tip on getting physically and mentally prepared several day ahead... im lucky that i scheduled my class one week after landing in LA - lest have to also bout with jet lag.
let me take a look at your review...
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Yehey! I finally got my slot in for the 2-Day Camp in Las Vegas!
Im heading out to my relatives in LA tomorrow - then it will be LV from next Friday...
I was wondering how would the 2-Day Camp be?
I have heard that it would I would be going through Level 1 and Level 2; aside from these, what could I expect? They day seeming starts at 7:00am; what times does it usually end?
I really just cant wait...!
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Thanks!!!
Actually, just got an email from Whitney this morning! Im _IN_ for the Feb 16/17 camp in Vegas!
Woohoo!!
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Welcome to the forum Alfred! You are in for a real experience when you take the 2 day camp. Lots of track time and plenty of coaching feedback. Plus less traffic on the circuit. Good luck with the waiting list.
What area's of your riding are you interested in improving?
Best,
Carey
Hi Carey
Right now, am more interested in improving my mid- to high-speed cornering... For some reason, I just dont have _enough_ confidence in cornering when speeds increase. I seem to have an innate fear that the tires might just slip out under me, or that whatever turning actions I do would NOT put me in the correct line. Hence, obviously, SRs sets in, and I become hard on the bars.
These becomes more prominent when Im in public roads (canyon riding/twisties, etc.)... When Im in a closed course like a parking lot - not much issues.
I try to put into practice those what Ive read/seen, ie., "Countersteer," but still not fully understand it, cant truly have fine control. Then there is the "quick flick" and the "2-step" as well...
Yes - Im really WISHING hard that I get in through the Waiting List. I wish that I get that email fro Whitney really soon - as Ill be coming in from Tokyo, I need to make advanced reservations for lodging, ie., friends and relatives are based in LA.
Best regards,
Alfred
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Welcome Alfred!
Thanks!!!
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Hi to ALL...
Greetings from Tokyo!!! Konnichi wa!!!
Im a Filipino currently residing here in Tokyo, Japan (well, been here since 1997)...
Been riding motorcycles from 2011 when I got my Japanese endorsement - but having the desire to become a safer rider (in terms of control, speed, and safety). Have both the Twist of the Wrist books, as well as the DVD... And finally - with a vacation to SoCal next month, looking forward to joining the 2-Day Camp at Las Vegas (if I get through the Waiting List, that is)...!!! *wish me luck* (Have been waiting for 2-yrs for the chance... Hahahaha!)
Looking forward to enjoying a very educational experience as the CSS...
Best regards,
Alfred
Bad Habits With Too Much Hanging Off
in Cornering and Techniques
Posted
As long as you understand the reasons for hanging off and/or knee drag; I believe that it is okay to do what is necessary to achieve this. Basically, if you cant knee drag, then you wouldnt have a reliable indicator of lean angle. But if your body makeup is such that you need to achieve this through having more than "half-a-butt cheek" out - which leads to potential instabilities with the bike, having thicker pucks would be the way...