Superbike School anyone?

[FJmonkey]

Thinking about taking the Keith Code Superbike school to better my riding skills. I know some of you have done this, who has anything good or bad to say about you experience? The Power Rangers don't teach bike.....

[Marsh White]

Klavdy took all 4 courses.  I have only taken the first one.  I wasn't a slouch of a rider before - but just that first course improved my riding twofold.  Highly recommended.   

[FJmonkey]

Klavdy took all 4 courses.  I have only taken the first one.  I wasn't a slouch of a rider before - but just that first course improved my riding twofold.  Highly recommended.   

Thanks Marsh, I am getting the good and the bad. The good from you, the bad as the dreaded Pinecone incident was shortly after level 4 for Klavdy.....

In reality, I doubt the class covers Pinecone detection and or avoidance as they are not a race track related hazard.....

Did you ride your FJ or use the School's bike?

[tmkaos]

My mates have done level 1 here in NZ and I have noticed a huge difference in their abilities and confidence afterwards. I picked up massive inmprovements myself just listening to them and reading Twist of the Wrist 2.
I'd highly reccomend it 

One thing they all commented on was the guys they did the course with who used the course bikes said they should have used their own as every bike has a different feel and it would've been good to learn the skills on the bike they actually use.

Go for gold! 

James

[ribbert]

I've done level 1 at Philip Island. It was worth doing.  A lot of it was targeted at newish riders but there was enough to be learnt to make it well worth while.  My brother, a relatively new rider, did the 4 levels at felt he definitely got the most from the level 1 and by level 4 very little.

Experienced riders will discover they've been doing much of what they teach you for decades without realising it. 

What was once intuitive and on the job learning has been analysed within an inch of it's life,  given names and turned into a science.

Even if you only get one good thing that improves your riding from the day it's worth it.

Technique is technique and I don't see any issue with doing the day on their bike, HOWEVER, if you drop it the insurance excess here ( Oz) is $3000, pre approved on your credit card before you ride, and they apply is regardless of how minor the damage.

Some insurers will actually cover your own bike on the day because of it's safety / training angle as long as you inform them in advance.

The day I was there they had a record 7 bikes go down in separate incidents. There were reasons for this and it's a miracle it wasn't more.

Hell, it was worth the money to fang around the racetrack for a day just 2 days after the Moto GP.

But, if you're going to do it, go with the right attitude and an open mind and be prepared to learn.  It's very easy with decades of riding and hundreds of thousands of miles under your belt to think you know it all. Get your money's worth.

Noel

[baldy3853]

Monkey its a must for you  j/k bud I'm also doing this on the 27th on my FJR @ Willowbank here in Qld
Baldy

[FJmonkey]

Thank you the replies and comments. Still on the fence with taking my FJ or using the schools bike. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_S1000RR Very tempting to ride something that powerful and hightech. But as others have pointed out, it would not feel like the bike I am acustomed to. Add strangeness to what I am riding and learn new skills/techniqes? The FJ would need some upgrades if take it. A rear shock and engine guards as a minimum. Stuff I need anyway.

[Flynt]

Thinking about taking the Keith Code Superbike school.....

An alternative to look into:  CLASS by Reg Pridmore.  I did this at Sears Point last year and found it to be very worthwhile.  Reg is focused on producing smooth riders with safety as a very high priority, not racers.  Reg himself is a racer through and the simple elements he emphasizes are derived from his experience.  Lots of 1:1 time, as much as you want really, with the bonus offer of 2 up riding with Reg around the track for a few laps at speed...  this part is a bit mind blowing as you're flying past everything on a CBR600 and can't feel a shift or any sudden acceleration/deceleration, just smooth lines and f'ing faster than believable corner entry speeds.

Can't say this made me faster, but control and confidence are dramatically improved with 1 session.

Frank

[FJmonkey]

Can't say this made me faster, but control and confidence are dramatically improved with 1 session.

Frank

Control and confidence are my primary reasons for attending. I don't need to go fast to enjoy the ride (except for the occasional Kookaloo runs), the feeling of confidence and being in more control can only enhance the joy of riding. I sure that speed is a natural byproduct that one gains the option to use when confidence and control are achieved.

Thanks again for all the input....

[andyb]

Sortarelatedquestion, like extra credit:

If you took one of Code's schools, had you read (/studied/applied/practiced) the ideas in his books prior to going?  Or Reg's school and corresponding book?

I'd expect that people spending a big chunk of cash on the school would spend the small chunk on the book (or download it, steal it, library, etc) first, but maybe not.

If so, how did the school enhance the book (or v/v?) for you?  Better explainations of the concepts in the book, safe conditions and coaching while you practice those techniques, both, other, etc?



Also, I'm probably the only one who didn't realize this, but if you're a fan of downloading things like the various instruction books, there's also sometimes associated videos available.

Interesting topic!  I've always wondered about taking a class, which one, etc, and have never heard anything bad about any of them (other than people complaining about rainouts, crashes, etc).  Wasn't sure if that was "I spent a fortune so it must be great" syndrome, the enjoyability of track time, or the lightbulb moment from suddenly getting it that the books didn't provide, or the lot really do kick ass.

[tmkaos]

Andyb, I haven't done the course - but after listening to my mates rave about both book and course, and seeing their improvement I read the book and watched the dvd - the book, by Keith Code is in the files section I believe? - and I reckon I got as much improvement out of just that than doing the course. I would have loved to have done the course too but it's way too expensive - we're a single income family now.. grrr..
My mates took the course and read the book, and said the book was good to continue reading as it helped enforce lessons learnt on the track, as it's only a day, and retaining all the information is hard 1st time around. The book helps with that. I watched them all disappear over the horizon 1str ride together post course when previously we'd all been equalish and I said "What the hell?" I listened to them explain the concepts, read the book myself, watched the dvd, thought to myself "Shit, I've been doing this unconsciously, I need to concentrate on it" and I was right back on their tails next ride.

My biggest issue was charging the corners. In order to keep up with newer sportier bikes I was giving the FJ it's all on the straights, jumping on the anchors before the corner and then only rolling on the throttle way after apex.. I've been shown that's not a good thing, now I the FJ is much more balanced at corner entry, I roll on the throttle continously throughout the whole corner and don't need to charge down the straights. By focussing on deliberate counter steering my lines are better, I'm more confident in my lean angles, and I'm better prepared for corners that tighten up on you, and how to react to that.

I'm faster because I'm smoother, I'm not traveling any quicker but my average cornering speeds are up and my straight line speed is back below the legal limit.

I reckon the courses are a brilliant idea - knowledge is power and knowledge is safety. And if you can get your hands on the book and dvd, even better. Being able to read a article then think about it, practice it, re-read again implants that knowledge so much better..


Happy counter steering everyone! 

James

[baldy3853]

Now that's an interesting thought what is the turtle of said book and DVD?

[tmkaos]

Now that's an interesting thought what is the turtle  total?of said book and DVD?

FTFY Baldy 

I picked up the book online for around $28 NZ, the DVD was free from an anonymous online source but I've seen it online again for about $30 NZ

Cheers, James

[Flynt]

how did the school enhance the book (or v/v?) for you...  associated videos...  lightbulb moment?

Admittedly I would not say I am the best rider or particularly fast.  I do like the feeling of carving a bike through a line in your head and rolling on power through the apex...  cars on tracks have been a hobby for some time.  I found the track to be a chance to experience the descriptive written and video materials.  Having Reg and his crew show you the basics for their riding technique is invaluable...  just can't sit on the back of Reg's bike in the book.

I'm a big believer in forced feeding when possible and practical...  I think riding with pros is drinking from a fire hose in any case.  Each should pick their own path and I want to do the Superbike school as well.

Frank

[yamaha fj rider]

Books and DVDs are great tools for learning but you need to practice what you learned. Riding with riders that are better than you will help you to improve. Follow them see what they are doing, ask questions, get advise and then have them follow you so they can see what you are doing then tell you what you need to improve on, do differently. That is the advantage of the school. Practice dose not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Hope this helps.

Kurt