Vic

Amazing! Thanks for all the really good info Hotfoot. It's good to get a coach's perspective on it too. It is improvement that I'm aiming for, but definitely some good food for thought.

Hi Hotfoot, Hopefully I'm not asking you to repeat yourself here. I'm planning some school time for late 2020, either at Laguna Seca or Willow Springs. Can I please ask what makes Laguna a great track, as I've never been? Also, from a coach's view, is it a great track for teaching/learning on? I've been to Streets of Willow before and was wondering which one to plan dates around. Is it best to apply the 'new track - old skills', or 'old track - new skills' approach? Or should I be brave and try a new track out?😀

Great video. Thank you faffi 👍

I like the sound of this👍 My line always leads me too near the inside of #4 - what is they say about every day being a schoolday!

So, to clarify; as I am treating it as a single apex turn, I'm about 5 feet from the edge of where the first kerb starts, bringing my line in closer to it as I ride up to my (the 2nd) apex (and not paying too much attention to the first one). I'll take that though.👍 Yes, it could, and I could run it tighter. A tighter first apex would let the bike come out from the kerb, rounding off the corner more so than I probably would be doing, and allow for a tighter trajectory in on the 2nd apex, which would really let you drive the bike up the hill, get it picked up sooner, and set up a good entry into #4. As I enter wider, I exit wider, which is why my entry to turn 4 never seems right - crescendo effect - lightbulbs going on😀 There is only one way to remedy this....

Hi Cobie, I would say 5'. From what I recall, there are cracks/ tar snakes extending out perpendicular from the first painted kerb which I 'chop' each one shorter in length to run the bike closer as the kerb goes along, ultimately aiming for my apex at just over the halfway point along the second painted kerb - been a couple of years since I went round there though.

I have found the 1000RR a sweeter ride than my own, and I do like those footpegs too - I did try to get some for my own bike but there is currently no fitting kit available. Sounds like it's time to get myself along to another school😀 Many thanks, Victor.

Thanks for the reply Keith - only kidding on the patents! I agree that there is always an element of compromise - even at MotoGP level. Regarding subtle changes, one of the things I took from the road bicycle fitting was what I was doing with my elbows. If you imagine the hands resting on the lever hoods, my elbows naturally sat as though they were hugging a beach ball, or flapping out a bit like wings. By rotating them inwards, the forearms sit parallel with the road and this puts you in a more supportive position. This is one that I transferred to the motorbike, in keeping with forearm alignment on the bars, and found it made a huge difference to comfort, and control. When you mention the drills you've developed for seat position/peg placement; do you have one of the school bikes set up with adjustable rearsets, so a good set-up can be refined then those dimensions used as a reference on an own bike? (I only ask as taking my own to the track isn't an option) Victor

This is a fantastic article, which I have only just read. It really hits the nail on the head with a lot of issues I have in my own riding. I love your idea of an adjustable bike to use as a test-bed to find the sweet spot in positioning. I know from cycling and mountain biking the first things that get changed on a bicycle are the pedals, seat and bars/stem - the three points of contact you have with the bike to set it up more personally, rather than the manufacturer's 'one size' approach. Taking it one step further, I even had my road bike professionally fitted to me. Is there such a thing in motorcycling? (or are you aiming for a patent on the adjustable bike?😉)

To be honest, I deal with it as a single apex turn - wide on approach with a late turn point, aiming for an apex quite far round on the kerb as it goes uphill. Also, getting on the gas early as the bikes transitions through the dip which I suppose counteracts the speed loss as the track turns upwards, and feels fun! Also my favourite turn on the track.

????!!!!! Sounds like four lives used up too! There's something about the best lessons always being the hardest ones, still, good you came out the other side ok. I'm a bit surprised that the regenerative braking isn't adjustable on the move. Considering on most bikes you can adjust rider modes on the fly, which is somewhat comparable to the regen-braking. The only EV experience I have is in a Tesla, and I was surprised that you can roll that thing to a stop on a downhill without touching the brake pedal (probably on maximum regenerative braking for test pilots like me!) Still interested in these and have a demo lined up. I see they have now released the SR/S - a faired version to reduce drag, ie, go even faster😮

Hi Roberts I agree the future is here, but it also sounds like the future can kill you easily... and in complete silence!! I've yet to throw a leg over one, but there is a Zero dealer nearby having a demo day in a few weeks so going to try it out (will heed all your warnings!) Some interesting points, especially about going off road and not being able to de-clutch. Obviously, it is still under power, and braking off road is risky - can I ask how you dealt with that one? I suppose the issue with slowing down all that mass is using traditional tyres and brakes with new, heavy technology. It would be interesting to see if any of the tire manufacturers have taken the extra mass/characteristics of these bikes into account. I guess as new battery technology is refined the weight of these machines will drop dramatically, rather than having the need for lots and lots of Li-Ion batteries. The other thought I had was with the constant improvements in engine efficiency and the likes of BMW having to conform to Euro 5 emissions regulations by using lower friction pistons, lighter components, etc, do all of these changes cut down on the amount of engine braking available? Has anyone at the school passed comments on this with the 2020 bikes? Or are the changes imperceptible? My only other thought extends to a brake upgrade? Or, really embrace the future with a heads-up display helmet to aid 'reality reminders'!

Hello! That's a pretty sweet bonus prize of free BSB tickets - hope it was a good show! I am also based in the UK and a bit gutted that the Superbike School has shut down. Various people have mentioned rumours of a new company taking over the franchise, but I have no idea when this will be. I have done a couple of schools in the UK, but most of them have been over in the States. It might sound outlandish, but maybe worth considering (or not ?!) When you add the school day (or two) to the cost of a flight, plus hotels, it wasn't that much different to what I'd spend getting to a UK day. Obviously, there are other costs and more hotels to pay for to make a bit of a trip of it, but I found the US schools and staff fantastic. Weather is a bonus, as the last school I went to here was 'rained off'! Track-wise, I've only been to Willow Springs in California, but keep planning one to Virginia Int'l Raceway - which is also closer so less flying time/cost. I'm not sure if the European franchised branches of the School are still operating in Europe, or still delivering the same programme?

Congratulations on his win! It's always nice when someone comes over and beats us at our own game 😉 (cricket suddenly springs to mind!) Interesting question - but have you seen our weather?! What else are we going to do with our time?! I'm going to look into this more but in the interim could it be to do with background support? The heartland of racing is located pretty much in the centre of England, with most of the tracks being about an hours' drive from each other, along with other related aspects; such as fitness facilities, sponsors, specialist manufacturers, engine tuners - all of which are pretty close to each other in our compact little country. There are a good variety of tracks within easy reach in Europe too for the 'off-season', not to mention most of the major tyre manufacturers. (Back in the day before control tyres, I think it was Michelin that would get a request from a MotoGP team during practice for what they wanted from a tyre, manufacture that tyre, then ship it overnight ready for qualifying the following morning!) Perhaps this lends itself to a better support network? Another thought is the rest of the motorsporting world - F1, Touring Cars, Karting, Truck racing and Motorcycle Road Racing, for example, and there is some overspill of support and overlapping companies from this? I'm not sure what the situation is like in America, but that is some of my random speculation...

Hi Roberts, I have used the CSS gear too and found the Alpinestars boots a great fit, so much so that I purchased a pair of SMX Plus. I know the school uses the Supertech R boot, but I didn't think my level of talent would do them justice. I live in soggy conditions too and the boots stay dry even in very wet rides. They do have a small vent on top of the foot, and a couple of vents/exhausts at the rear but these, strangely, don't seem to let the water in. Initially, I was sceptical as a lot of my other gear has 'Goretex' branded on it but pleasantly surprised! I can't give you any info on the leathers or gloves I'm afraid. Personally, I use HELD Titan gloves which are easy to get on and off, even when wet, although the main drawback with those is that the venting is good so although they keep moisture out they can't keep out the cold air!

Not using earplugs?! Personally I never ride without them, on the track or street. I find the wind noise far too distracting and I can still hear the engine and the bike perfectly, all they do is dampen the noise and reduce it to a more, ear-friendly level. One of the other things I do to reduce the wind noise is to use a Buff on my neck and stuff it up the sides of my lid a bit to help reduce the wind noise, as well as wind-chill on cooler, UK days! I also carry a visor wipe (called a VSponge) to clear bug splatter off my visor on longer rides. Yes, I know I can look through them and try not get distracted, but it's nice as well to have a clean lens after a lunch stop. Oh, I also repeat Throttle Rule #1 on every bend...!

Hi all, Just saw this so thought I'd jump onboard. Definitely No. 3, visual skills and lack of target fixations. I have, although I hate to admit it, crashed on road and off road due to target fixation. Quick reflexes would stem from reacting to what you can see, and then the ability to steer quickly is the brain telling the body to react to what is seen - at least that is my take on it. I have noticed that lower body/leg strength is more important than upper body 'muscling' the bike around a bend, and I like to take the "heavy feet - light hands" approach. Bravery? Is this where the 'if in doubt - flat out' approach applies? 😉

Perhaps I'm a bit late and you've already done the camp, but, just in case... The Two-Day is amazing as day 2 flows so well from what you pick up on day 1 and you get, as said above, plenty of coach time as well as plenty of track time. I did levels 1&2 on a camp and found by the end of day 2 I had completely drained my tank (personally!) but that was a good way to be. Single days are great too, although, going from a two-day camp I did notice the coach less on track and there is slightly less chat during the debrief - not inferring anything negative at all, and there was still plenty of feedback and improvement on my part. I think it just highlights how amazing the two day camps are. As it sounds like you will be refreshing your skills I wouldn't think you are cheating yourself in any way. I did the super single day at Willow Springs in October really liked that format. I found that it was a fantastic blend of a single day and the two-day camp. There are only 2 of you to each coach so plenty of input on track and at the debrief. I think, but don't quote me on this, that there are fewer riders on track overall too so less traffic. It is also a good balance of learning and costs and I found it great value and would do that one again given the choice.

Totally agree there. I'm around the same sizes actually so it's interesting to see what their fit is actually like. There's only one dealer locally that stocks them and, apart from their MotoGP exposure, hadn't heard that much about them. Thanks for the info! Will add them to the shopping list and good to know it's well-built, quality gear.

Thanks for the feedback. To be honest I had never really considered an airbag system as I would only planning a handful of trackdays initially and road riding - although plenty of scope for hitting something immovable there. I didn't intend to sound negative against Dainese and certainly have no aversion to them - apologies if it came across that way. What I meant was rather than go for an entry-level set-up, and then upgrade is it better to jump in and get quality, top-drawer gear from the get-go (feel I answered my own question there!) I agree with you on brand identity and I am sure you are paying extra for the name which is why I was inquiring about Rev'it. Always keen to avoid a collarbone break regardless. Going to check out some airbag kit... Cheers!

Does anyone have any info / input on Rev'it? As mentioned in here, fit is vital and I recently tried them on and found they fitted well. I've also had issues with Alpinestars being far too saggy in the torso once they fit shoulders/arms. With regards to Dainese, I have heard good things about them but I assume it is better to go with the best gear one can afford as it's cheaper in the long run?

On the road - downhill, off-camber decreasing radius corners are the ones where confidence is lowest. The main issue is finding a line for the decreasing radius is usually always on the camber, where you would have normally turned in if it wasn't a DR turn. The corner in mind starts flat then drops away so there are suspension and weight forces in play too, making the bike 'go light' proir to the apex. I don't tend to quick flick and use more upper body movement to compensate but perhaps this isn't correct? ps. 'downhillness' - say it with conviction and you've coined a new word! (decline?/downward elevation?)

You'll need to set-up the California Super-Dirt-Bike-School with all the dirt chat here 😉 I like a little bit of trials riding, and had a bit of an off-roading adventure in Morocco on KTM 450's - really good fun! Hotfoot - if you can ride a motorbike you can ride a mountain bike!! (although counter steering a 20kg bike with the same force as a 200kg results in a Tron-like, 90degree cornering scare!) I love mountain biking as you have to move around on them a lot, if you stay static or rigid the bike lets you know about it, plus it's good for the cardio and leg workout. Although not riding, I've recently found swimming (front crawl) with closed fists is a good one to work the obliques/core, and replicates the same movements of your upper body on the bike, such as knee-to-knee/hip flicking over the seat.

I agree with JohnC that the search function needs an overhaul - there's so much to filter through to finally find what you're looking for - and also on the Racing front, whether it's people's personal successes, or how long it takes for Marquez and Lorenzo to take each other out! Apart from saying 'hey', and 'hey back' I personally don't see the need for a New Member area - just jump in and get chatting. Articles is good, likewise School Questions. Techniques is a great place to clarify or pick up on extra information Riding gear, great for those like me that are still relatively new to biking and even newer to tracks. A Tech and Tuning/Set-up one is good one to have, otherwise I feel it could overlap heavily into Equipment. I would say that covers general discussion...

Hi Cobie, You read my mind! Please, yes - section on riding gear, boots/leathers, etc would be good. How about a section on track riding for novices wanting to get into track riding - recommended bikes, pitfalls, set-up? New to forums and do find it awkward searching here, although the information is top quality when I find it. Cheers, Victor