kz2zx
Pro
Nobody in Particular
Posts: 1166
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posted May 31, 2004 01:00 PM
Riding Schools
KB, Rob Muzzy, others who hold or have held racing licenses or run racing teams -
Which of the schools would you recommend for rider training - not the mechanics of safety wire or filling out forms, or a particular track's rules; but learning to become fast? I mean seriously fast, like I'd like to race at the club level, and I am willing to invest what it takes; I think I've got a few to many years to overcome for AMA pro racing, but I'd like to be that kind of fast.
See, it's my goal - part of why I bought this bike and no other - I know I'm becoming faster with this bike and the group of riders I'm following. I'm hitting some turns in the twisties I normally ride more than 40 MPH faster than I used to, simply because of (this bike's preference) a shift in riding style to carry much more corner speed rather than 'brake hard/in slow/out fast'. You might say that this has my attention, and I'm wanting to learn more.
And, I recognize this bike isn't necessarily the one I should be learning to go faster on - 23 years on the street, and I think I'm fast, well this bike is showing me it can be really fast... but there are smoother and faster riders than me, and I'm the weaker link.
So - Kerry, Rob, others - where should I go to learn to be fast? I've signed up for trackdays next month and plan on many more through the summer and fall - and may Heaven smile on my bike and it remain unscathed - but I think the school, on a school bike, is a better idea.
I'm asking in this forum, because I think we have a more experienced quorum here than elsewhere - not to blow smoke, but I think I value your opinions more.
Thanks.
  
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big daddy
Zone Head
Posts: 616
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posted May 31, 2004 01:47 PM
 Edited By: big daddy on 31 May 2004 14:48
Reg Pridmore and CLASS.......classrides.com
BD
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k bryant
Needs a job
Sponsor
Posts: 2911
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posted May 31, 2004 02:16 PM
Edited By: k bryant on 31 May 2004 15:18
Yes. Thatz a good one. So is Keith Code's, DP Safety School, Fastrack Riders. But a lot of what speed will come or that you have in you, is simply track time. Get out to those track days and ride. You'll pick up speed from watching the faster riders. And hopefully, since you've been riding for a long time, be able to figure out and see for yourself, some of the bad habits riders will be exhibiting. Most importantly, ride within you comfort zone, not somebody elses. This bike is excellent to learn on because it does almost everything right. Remember, your right hand dictates all...., not the bike.
If you ever plan a track day at Fontana with Fastrack riders, let me know and I'll meet you out there.
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kz2zx
Pro
Nobody in Particular
Posts: 1166
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posted May 31, 2004 06:24 PM
Ok, of those, Code is coming to AZ in Oct, and that is probably where I'll start. Prices seem reasonable, too.
To get out to Fontana will take a trailer, which my current one probably won't do; when (not if) I get a better one, going to tracks in Cali is pretty high on my list; it'd be a Cool Thing (tm) to see you there.
Thank you for the recommendation.
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TurboBlew
Moderator
BUSY DOING THE SCHIAVO
Posts: 4590
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posted May 31, 2004 06:45 PM
I think Freddie Spencer has a class in Las Vegas thats really good. I believe its 4 days and $3000 or so. Small class with lots of one to one instruction!
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swft
Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
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posted June 01, 2004 08:01 AM
A lotta folks start with CLASS or Code, and then go on to Freddie's school.
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deathpulse
Pro
Posts: 1688
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posted June 01, 2004 09:55 AM
I can vouch for Keith Code - its a GREAT series of classes. They break their classes up into 4 levels (1-4). You start out with the basics and go all the way through body possition etc. There is extensive track time at each level with instructor lead training. As you progress, the instructor training moves from a "small group" setting to individualized training. Give it a try - you will NOT be dissapointed. I've been riding for 15 years, and his training tought me more than I have learned in that entire time.
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top shelf
Novice Class
Posts: 99
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posted June 01, 2004 11:01 AM
After having instructed at Cal. Superbike School, and attended most of the programs you guys have mentioned, and having raced AMA all last year, I can attest the biggest improvement I saw was from Freddie SPencer's school. His program offers a unique structure and WORLD CLASS instructors. Spencer obviously speaks for himself, but Jeff Haney is a riding coach for DiSalvo, Meiring, Curtis, and anyone in the AMA paddock who has a question. I spent several days last season talking with him and he can teach more in a day than most can teach in a lifetime. Nick Ienatsch is no slouch either. There are a few others that rotate through, but these guys have all WON major championships at one time or another, and understand how to go fast. These are not your local fast guys trying to show you a line either. THey take a lot of time one on one, answering questions, and working with you on your specific issues. Yes, it is expensive, but if you want to get fast, this is the place to do it. And oh yeah, Nicky Hayden still shows up for classes once in a while too!!!
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iculukn
Expert Class
Posts: 200
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posted June 01, 2004 03:17 PM
Why do I all of a sudden feel sOOo sLOw 
-lukn
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A "99.99% open mind", is still closed!
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kz2zx
Pro
Nobody in Particular
Posts: 1166
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posted June 01, 2004 04:51 PM
Wow, great responses.
I have the sense that I should become faster, or at least eliminate the bad stuff, before Freddie Spencer's school - give the instructors something more to work with?
Code then Spencer, I guess is the gist of what I'm getting; Code first since the school will be in town in four months (and Freddie's school will take me some time to save up for). Fill up the time before then with trackdays.
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top shelf
Novice Class
Posts: 99
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posted June 03, 2004 09:59 AM
Believe it or not, Spencer's school works for riders of all levels. I've been twice, John Haner and I were the only "pro" racers out there, and there was a guy who hadn't even put a knee down before. Keep in mind this was what they called a level 1 school, and it was catered to everyone. That's the beauty of small classes (15 I think is max) and 4 instructors minimum. Lots of one on one time, and the track time is structured so it doesn't matter how fast you are. Very few open lapping sessions, and LOTS of time working drills on the track. I will say this, if you want to get better right away, find a way to do it. Best of luck to you!
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Iculukn
Expert Class
Posts: 200
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posted June 03, 2004 01:22 PM
quote:
and there was a guy who hadn't even put a knee down before
Shoot, I had to put my knee's down even before I had the bike! They call it begging or was it praying, anyway. Before I leave Korea I hope to have my leathers, just so I can learn this and of course to protect my arse 
Hummm, I feel a new thread is needed,
-lukn
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A "99.99% open mind", is still closed!
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