I know this might sound stupid, but im just curious.
I have been riding on an off for a few years. I feel decently comfortable on my bike, but still a little too reserved. I would like to try a track day or somethnig one day, but is there like any kind of schools that will teach like technique of leaning and handling at high speeds in turns and such? I dont wanna go out and look like a tard, and I want to overcome my reservations about higher speed handling. I find my self leaning a little bit on a little wider turn going at a decent speed, but i find my self slowing down alot on places where i know my bike will shine if i optimized my skillz.

I dunno any input?

 

You should try out a track school. I've been to California Superbike (run by Keith Code). They run a great program, and they're not only in California. Some of my friends went to CLASS (run by Reg Pridmore) and really liked it.

There's no technique to leaning and handling at high speed turns. Or rather, the same technique that you use to turn and hang off the bike is used in high speed turns, just more of it. The track is a great place to get accustomed to high speed turns. Just don't practice in the canyons.

 

I just want some instruction as to what to do and how to do it and how to overcome my mental block. I ride alot in the mountains, sometimes i feel comfortable, but when the turns get tight i find myself slowing down alot and I know my bike can handle it, im just not comfortable.

Do you know of where to find info on these schools? Im in PA. so something semi close to that would be cool.

Thanks for the help. Now that im not racing cars anymore, i would like to make my bike riding alot more fun

 

http://www.californiasuperbike.com/schedule/

In August, they have a track school at Pocono (is that close?).

 

Pocono is like an hour to 1.5 from me . I dont mind going that far at all.

Thanks for the great info man

 

I'm sure there are more trackschools near you. Ask your local shops or other riders. 1.5hrs isn't that bad of a drive - I've driven 5hrs to go to a track. Of course, Las Vegas was nearby...

 

Schools are great and lots of $$$ but worth every penny. I suggest books(keith code etc) and track days first.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Son &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Schools are great and lots of $$$ but worth every penny. I suggest books(keith code etc) and track days first. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I tried reading Code's books first (TOTW and TOTW2), but once you're on the track, it's much easier to apply those techniques. It's practically impossible to find a clean, traffic-free piece of road with which to practice.

 

i dont think ill learn enuff from a book , i dunno. Yea they do look kinda expensive. Im sure you gotta have a full race suit and all that jazz to go to a track day aint?

 

you can start by reading "Twist of the Wrist" which is written by Keith Code of CA Superbike school. It's a great read and will really open your eyes (literally) to riding. after reading that, your next trip down your fave road won't be the same.

i've taken CLASS with Reg Pridmore and it was great.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I tried reading Code's books first (TOTW and TOTW2), but once you're on the track, it's much easier to apply those techniques. It's practically impossible to find a clean, traffic-free piece of road with which to practice.</TD></TR></TABLE>Yes, like I said books+track days first before school. Never said roads.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itr206 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i dont think ill learn enuff from a book , i dunno. Yea they do look kinda expensive. Im sure you gotta have a full race suit and all that jazz to go to a track day aint?</TD></TR></TABLE> Example: $2000 for 2-day camps, $1000 for suit, $1000 Helmet/gloves/and boots, and stuff for your bike or money for rental. The gear can be cheaper but Im picky sometimes. I suggest books plus track days since I know some people who did schools first and didnt catch on faster than those who read books and some track days on there belt. Some also lost interest and sold their bikes.

 

hmm, amybe ill read up on a few things.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itr206 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i dont think ill learn enuff from a book , i dunno. Yea they do look kinda expensive. Im sure you gotta have a full race suit and all that jazz to go to a track day aint?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Full race suit? For your own safety, YES. But it's not crucial to have. CA Superbike allows Aerostitch (textile) suits. Just nothing mesh.

Do you already have a leather jacket? Most likely, you can find pants from the same manufacturer to zip to your jacket, thereby creating a 2piece suit. Gear is not very expensive, especially if you purchase Closeouts from places like New Enough. You could get a suit, gloves, helmet, and boots for less than $700.

 

If you're out in Atlanta, there is a Kevin Schwantz Suzuki school you can check out at Road Atlanta.

 

Read the books first then take the class. You'll get more out of it. Ive done CLASS with reg pridmore but STAR school with Jason is good too. Superbike school is nice but its just a lot more expensive than the alternative.
Warning be prepared to have a lot of fun and future wage losses due to fequent track days. Trust me you'll be hooked. After riding the track the street is just I still head up to my local twisties for a small dose but it really is nothing compared to the track anymore.

 

BTW, the only reason I chose California Superbike School is that they had weekend events, whereas CLASS was only weekdays. I'll have to try CLASS one of these days.

 

does this New Enough place have a website?

 

http://www.newenough.com/


Modified by marmaladeboy at 1:22 PM 12/10/2004

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itr206 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">does this New Enough place have a website?</TD></TR></TABLE>Also keep an eye out on ebay, got some of my extra gear there too.