Vic

I like that Timbersled - I think it would get me into a lot of trouble, but in a fun way. Agree with the dirt biking and doing fitness. I have a trials bike here which is about the most fun you can have going slow, plus good for bike handling. Also, mountain biking combines a bit of fitness and keeps bike handling skills fresher. My fitness usually involves a lot of core work - using a wobble board or doing push-ups even with one foot off the ground creates instability and works the little, fine-tune muscles. A personal trainer friend is a firm believer that the entire body works as one together so creates programmes that reflect this, as opposed to doing heavy squats, heavy bench press, etc.

That's too bad you crashed - hope you came out of it uninjured. It seems to come back to perspective and where one's attention is being spent. I always feel that once I notice something, that's the area that isn't working properly. Ideally, I guess the aim would be to get the rider and bike working in harmony where they complement each other rather than work against each other then everything else flows from there. Personally, this is one of the reasons I am considering the BMW as I know it is a lot better than I am and I can continually improve with it (it also fits me pretty well off-the-shelf), as opposed to riding something less forgiving/less comfortable that consequently, gets outridden or 'isn't quite right' and causes issues that have to be ridden around, taking up effort that could be spent on technique. A bike's gotta sound great too, haha!

Obviously, rider training and skilful handling are hugely important, especially if it's with CSS! 😉 So, if someone (like myself!) was looking to improve their riding and explore more track time would they be better served by shopping around for an older bike that would help develop that skill and handling, or aim for a bike that is more forgiving and has the electronic aids to let the rider concentrate on technique? *I seem to remember there was a thread that explored this before, and that it is also covered somewhere in a 600cc vs 1000cc track bikes, so apologies if I'm covering old ground. The reason I ask - the S1000R (not RR) is a bike that I am looking at and I was wondering what the coaches' opinion on aids such as traction control, riding modes as well as for suspension set-up was, and if they hindered or helped? My experience has always been with more analogue equipment, and although I'm not techno-phobic (honestly!) the electronic option feels like the lazier choice....maybe I'm just old-fashioned!

The way to improve on vision is to constantly work on vision drills - driving a car, walking about, making coffee, watching tv, etc. What are your eyes doing all day - are you spending a working day outside in open space, or at a desk where your vision is funnelled down to focus on a small screen? What about taking up a sport where peripheral vision is integral such as tennis, boxing... The possibilities are endless for working on vision.

I tend to agree with CoffeeFirst in that it may not, specifically, be an issue with what you are doing but when you are doing it. The other thought is could it be linked to vision; and where - as well as when - you are looking prior to corner entry, mid-point and exit.

Any issues with the throttle free-play? I'm not sure which kind of throttle setup you have; ie, ride-by-wire/cable, but taking up the free-play so that the throttle is 'set' could ensure it is ready to go. It may also prompt your brain into being ready to roll on when desired if you have to consciously prepare the throttle prior to actually using it - perhaps? Is the tank being gripped with your knees whilst braking? It could be me reading into it, and apologies if this is not the case, but it sounds like some of the weight is being taken by your palms instead of the legs, which would then free up the hands to do their job. Alternatively, you could do a Valentino and put a big GOOOOOO!!!! sticker on the tank😜

I thought it was far enough into 2022 get a new topic posted! Has anyone owned or had any experience with the F800R? I have seen them being used at the school, and have heard positive things, but just wondering if there were any other good points or bad points? Currently looking to change bikes and this one is on the list - it will be primarily for road/street use with occasional track time so any feedback is welcome and appreciated. Thanks!

You're asking a group of people who spend all their spare time and money going to racetracks to ride bikes whether or not you should buy a new bike?....of course you should!....everyone loves a new bike!! Interesting question though. I would say that it depends. Are you coming out of corners spinning up the rear wheel or having the traction control kicking in so that you need newer, lean-sensitive or programmable traction control? Same goes for the brakes - is it under-performing and you need the most advanced ABS out there to remove those moments when you are 'clenched'? Quickshifters are great as well, but with some practice and perseverance (and a few missing gear teeth) you can shift smoothly and quickly without one (this is one I have been working on recently and have finally got the hang of clutch-less shifts and throttle blipping - and I mean finally!) Lately, I was berating the brakes on my 300cc thinking that they need an upgrade from rubber hoses and stock pads to something more substantial, but then asked myself how often I lock up the brakes or get the ABS activating. At my current skill level I can't activate the ABS on a good, dry surface so the brakes' performance is above my own, so pointless upgrading anything, apart from perhaps myself. Those are just some random thoughts, I'm very much old-school as two of my bikes have kick-starters and the other two still have cable throttles - and only one of those has ABS! I'm interested in the answer myself from those that ride and have experience with more technologically superior machinery than my own. At the end of the day, do you need to 'justify' a new bike? 😉

Good to know, and makes perfect sense. Thank you.

Just out of interest, would you recommend taping over the speedo as well? I know it's covered on the school bikes but was unsure if it's suggested for personal bikes.

Just saw this. Thought by technology you meant ABS, traction control, etc...didn't think it was a lack of suspension! Good stuff!

Red Baron, envious of your tinted visor - RainX is a good friend here! Thanks Jaybird. Regarding contact lenses, I use glasses when driving at night however, legally, I don't need glasses to drive but find that it sharpens my vision (I also opted for lenses that cut down on light glare from oncoming traffic). I did try a batch of disposable contact lenses ( a month's supply) for riding but as I don't ride at night didn't keep using them after that initial trial period. They were soft lenses, don't remember them being uncomfortable and another possible good use for eye drops.

Interested to see these results. As impressed as I am with modern medicine, the eyes are something that can't be transplanted so I tend to look after them. Other precautions I take are to avoid riding with the visor up in anything more than 1st gear to avoid grit/dust blowing in (I just crack it open if I'm hot/fogged up). Also use power tools in my job so always pop a set of safety specs on and use sunglasses on bright days to avoid sun damage ( I gave myself snow blindness once, which is actually sunburn of the eyes by not using eye protection to cut down the UV glare from the sun and the reflection from the snow - not pleasant) Eye exams are recommended every two years (in UK) but I am overdue one at the moment because of, yep, you guessed it, covid.

Sanity and hearing are good! That is impressive to watch and incredible the way it makes all the other bikes look like they're barely moving, especially getting on the power out of corners. The squeals occur more the further the video goes on - clearly looks like a kid with a new toy who's starting to play around with it! The one at 3:40m (ish) sounds like he's backing it in, but not sure if this is the case later on - the one at the 7:09 mark sounds like it's coming from the front as he steers, decreases steering and the bike's roll angle before getting back on the steering and power. (I'm sure if Keith has a look he'll blow that idea out of the water, haha!)

Your Bonneville will, obviously, feel more upright than the BMW RR but in your first session (assuming this is your first time at the school) the first couple of laps are slow-speed, follow-the-leader 'sighting laps' which allow one time to adjust to riding position anyway. The first session is usually spent getting used to the track and lines, getting used to the bike, and still early in the day so tyre and track temperatures can still be cool - point being it's not worth going flat out immediately. The coaches really know their stuff and are fantastic at looking after you so you will get a lot out of it whichever bike you ride.