Just did Keith Code's school

if you like to ride 'enthusiastically' as keith phrased it, you've got to give the California Superbike School a try. the day was flawlessly run. 5 very educational classroom sessions, each followed by an on-track session to practice what was just learned. the difference in skill and confidence from beginning to end was incredible. i've always wanted to know what it felt like to go that fast around a corner (the track photos show i just missed getting my knee down by a couple of inches), and now that i know, i'm completely hooked. the on-track coaches are great. they follow you to see where you need help, then lead you to show you how to improve. an amazing experience, and i'm looking forward to going back next year for level two.

 

I'm truly envious of your experience, I just checked out their website and see they have a session at Laguna Seca in November, maybe I can talk some of the California riders into tagging along...

 

I'm currently signed up for the California Sears Point (Infineon) Raceway class. I can't wait to go! R.W. maybe you can join up for the Oct 10th class with me? Anyone else???

 

thats something i would really like to do as well. just curios what type of cost is involved in one of his schools?

 

According to the website, $450.00 with your own bike or $650.00 riding a Ninja 6R...

 

Awesome!

Thanks for sharing.

BZ

 

Anything like that on the east coast?

 

francoq, i'm not sure where all the tracks they visit are, but i know they go to a bunch... here's the website link: superbikeschool.com it's worth the drive... !

rw, if you get to ride on laguna seca, i'll be the envious one... mid-ohio is an amazing circuit, but laguna seca is legendary.

 

Thanks!
They do have classes at VIR in Virginia.

 

Also look at the schdule next year for the nw tack in NJ too FrankoQ.

FYI

BZ

 

HMMM, I would like to do a track day that is a $25 walk on when some pro's just happen to be hanging out giving free pointers. I believe that may be the only way this cheapo is gonna get pro training.

 

Although I am NOT a pro, I can teach you how to hang off correctly for free!

But you are in CA, so it still doesn't work.

BZ

 

it's cool

classes are all over the US at most major tracks. Here is a review I wrote after doing level 3 at Laguna in the spring. Did L1 at VIR and L2 at Barber. L4 will be at either Miller or Mid-Ohio

Basics

Weather, sunny with light wind 65 degrees.

Instructor was Paul Molinari, who was excellent (best instructor that I have had there)

Big turnout with many surprises from the east coast (about 20%)

Motorcycle Riding School - California Superbike School


California Superbike School Level 3

What I had hoped to get out of Level 3 was total riding position correction, feeling more locked on to the bike, to correct uneasiness about throttle control and lean angle in right hand turns specifically, which were largely achieved. The morning is the usual 3-4 gear no brakes with the addition of brakes and gears as the day went on. The good thing about Paul is that he is a coach that gives it to you very direct and does not settle for doing a drill way. If something is even partially wrong (with riding position) he combines the drills you got wrong with the next one until you demonstrate in his mind that you have satisfied the objectives of the drill as well as your personal objectives.

The light went on drill in level 3 for me was the "hook turn" tightening your line (dramatically) by dropping your head 5-6 while leaned over resulting in an immediate 1-2' of tightening up your turning radius. The effect is amazing and could really save your bacon in a decreasing radius situation. Practicing this drill really reinforces all of the other aspects learned in previous levels (throttle control from level 1, 3 step from level 2 etc). Other drills centered around body position, always maintaining connection with the bike with your knees and fast side/side transitions.

I was very skeptical on the value of level 3 in the morning sessions (other than correcting my known body position issues which were huge), there was very much a feeling of polishing skills rather than building new ones. Upon reflection at the end of the day and today, I think I can honestly say that Level 3 has more value (but builds on level 2). So on a scale of %ages now that I have done all of Keith's curriculum I would say that Level 1 is about 60% of the picture, Level 2 about 15% - but obviously has no value unless you did L1, and Level 3 about 25%.

The real scoop on level 4 is that you get to assemble a replay of greatest hits from level 1..3 for a custom day. There are no new lessons, but if you want to you can hit the same drill over and over from any preceding level. There is a plus of level 4 in that you have an on-track coach, and off track one (dedicated to you) and you have 3 way discussions to clean up your act. The minus (is there is one with CSS) is that there are no new lessons. L4 features 2 extra sessions for what it's worth. That being said, I think I will do L4 and thinking about it I think I will do on the 999 to make things more germane to my bike and me etc (VIR or Mid-Ohio anyone?).

Ms. Misti Hurst (Welcome to www.mistihurst.com - Misti Hurst) video taped level 3 sessions and provided constructive criticism. She rode behind us with ideal lines and throttle control and it was amusing to see many of the riders moving in and out of frame with creative lines etc. Based on my video, my body position was (finally!) correct and lines very good. However, it was pointed out to me that I am a (huge) pussy on throttle application in finishing off a turn (too slow and not enough roll-on) so that something that I can isolate and work on in NESBA this summer. It was amusing and informative seeing her almost run into the back of me mid turn to exit.

Laguna Seca

So Laguna Seca is an interesting track with massive elevation changes and the (in)famous corkscrew. I must admit that the first 2 sighting laps through the CS where pretty intimidating, but like roller coasters from our childhood, once you have ridden it 4-5 times it kind of becomes old hat. The interesting thing about the track is that it is always throwing something at you: massive elevation changes, blind turn entries and a very very tight (20-30mph) hard left onto the front straight. It's one of those tracks you dial off the throttle when cresting a hill only to discover there are tons more track to go. It flows, but you really don't have a lot of time to think as the real thing is that it flows challenges at you constantly.

Interestingly, there were lots of off track excursions by attendees in the AM - about 4-5 from what I could infer, including some guy on a 749 who went of twice in successive sessions (once on each side of his bike) perhaps it had something to do with the cords showing thru on his tires. Gravel traps are well placed and other than bruised egos and battered fairings not much else to report. In the 2-3 runoffs I saw, none of them would be the usual cold tire slides, lowsides and such, they were rider error runoffs in every case interesting.

In short, something to try as a 1,000 things to do before you die, but in my book not the end all and be all of road courses. In my book Barber is still the best I have ridden and Miller in Utah has been elevated on my curiosity list as something to try due to it's similarity to Barber (recently added to NESBA's schedule , perhaps a 2009 road trip).

Wrap Up

Highly recommended. Keith and Co., really do a fantastic job.

 

Great review, did you by any chance do reviews on levels 1 & 2?

 

unfortunately not

I dont have a review for L1 and L2 (wrote them to buddies when attended and lost emails). That being said...

L1

Level1 focuses primarily on the 5 most common problems all riders (street or track) have with bikes. Primarily (from memory) the lessons are oriented around overall smoothness with the controls.

1. throttle on thru the apex, increasing to exit (bike is happy when balanced)
2. a single definitive braking input and turn in
3. light hands on the bars (like butter)
4. Braking Points, Turn in Points
and a couple of others I cant remember

the "point" of level 1 is that if you give the bike what it wants (rather than fighting it) and are smooth you will be rewarded. I am sure I am doing a gross injustice to Keith, but you can read about this in his own words at:

Cornering Forum -> Articles

Level 2
All about the eyes. Reference points, entry/apex/exit, wide view, target fixation etc... your eyes are the most important tools you have in your riding arsenal.

For those of you that are thinking "I will never go to the track or ride that fast" you are sadly mistaken. 100% of all skills taught are DIRECTLY transferrable to the street. I highly recommend this program - will be doing L4 in the spring - and everyone I have brought along or recommended it to has loved it and proceeded to go again. If you can, bring your own bike, the skills and speeds at Level1 are well suited to any bike, and based on my attending (each time riding a School ZX6R) I wished I brought the VFR or the 999 to learn on my own machine.

No track prep required other than fresh tires, gas and taped mirrors/lights.

RIding one of the school bikes is cool too, your "fee" is $200 as mentioned and your max liability is $750 if you total the bike or actual value if less than $750. The bikes are in top shape ('07 model year) and come with gas and fresh tires - it's drive and go. I usually go to distant tracks that I normally wouldnt ride due to distance, and rent one of the school bikes - but thats me.

either way, you cant loose. The school is very good at answering questions posted on their forum, as usual search and post up.

It's not a racing school, it's a skills improvement school. That being said, noobs are better served going to MSF I and II and stacking a couple of thousand miles, it's not noob friendly, nor is it squid friendly.