California Superbike School - what's your experience?

[Mystic13]

I just did day 1 and 2 with a bunch of people on a mostly overcast day. Perhaps the best two days I could have picked.

I may not end up riding like .......... (insert name of favourite rider) but I'm riding miles better than I was. The combination of class, track - practise one thing, class, track - practise, class... times 5 for the day is a magic formula for growing skills. My level of confidence and ability jumped over day 1 and day 2.

Before I did these two days I thought this was a lot of money and now I'm thinking it may be underpriced.

Every rider I spoke to there had the same experience of getting a lot out of the day.

There were so many aha moments but the most amazing thing was the change in vision we learnt on day 2. When I started, turn 4 seemed tight, narrow and hard to get around. After practising the skills I arrived at turn 4 and was confused because someone had replaced the corner. It now appeared wide, with a big radius and tons of room. For a few laps I was confused every time I arrived because I couldn't find the narrow tight corner anymore. It's kind of like arriving at a new road and not recognising it. And yet I'd been through that corner 70 odd times prior to that lesson.

Having your brain create the sensation of making the track bigger is priceless. And much better than the making it smaller thing I'd been running before.

So what's been your big learn from these days?

Now to find the money for Day 3. PM me if you have spare cash and would like to make a donation to a worthy cause.

Thanks to the team at CSS. What an amazing experience. And thanks for bringing it to NZ. I'd have never done it otherwise.

[miloking]

I just did day 1 and 2 with a bunch of people on a mostly overcast day. Perhaps the best two days I could have picked.

I may not end up riding like .......... (insert name of favourite rider) but I'm riding miles better than I was. The combination of class, track - practise one thing, class, track - practise, class... times 5 for the day is a magic formula for growing skills. My level of confidence and ability jumped over day 1 and day 2.

Before I did these two days I thought this was a lot of money and now I'm thinking it may be underpriced.

Every rider I spoke to there had the same experience of getting a lot out of the day.

There were so many aha moments but the most amazing thing was the change in vision we learnt on day 2. When I started, turn 4 seemed tight, narrow and hard to get around. After practising the skills I arrived at turn 4 and was confused because someone had replaced the corner. It now appeared wide, with a big radius and tons of room. For a few laps I was confused every time I arrived because I couldn't find the narrow tight corner anymore. It's kind of like arriving at a new road and not recognising it. And yet I'd been through that corner 70 odd times prior to that lesson.

Having your brain create the sensation of making the track bigger is priceless. And much better than the making it smaller thing I'd been running before.

So what's been your big learn from these days?

Now to find the money for Day 3. PM me if you have spare cash and would like to make a donation to a worthy cause.

Thanks to the team at CSS. What an amazing experience. And thanks for bringing it to NZ. I'd have never done it otherwise.

I dont know, havent done "California school", but cant see much more benefit over couple of decent track days.
Last track day from AMCC i went to was great with awesome intructors (also had my suspension setup by one of them), got to ride amongst some realy great riders in group 4 (also learn quite a lot by observing others) and whole cost was less than half of california school.

...just saying since you are strapped for cash, maybe its now worth for you to just start doing cheap track days and practice what you've learned.

[Mental Trousers]

I dont know, havent done "California school", but cant see much more benefit over couple of decent track days.
Last track day from AMCC i went to was great with awesome intructors (also had my suspension setup by one of them), got to ride amongst some realy great riders in group 4 (also learn quite a lot by observing others) and whole cost was less than half of california school.

...just saying since you are strapped for cash, maybe its now worth for you to just start doing cheap track days and practice what you've learned.


Before I did these two days I thought this was a lot of money and now I'm thinking it may be underpriced.

Every rider I spoke to there had the same experience of getting a lot out of the day.

Everyone reckons they don't need to do CSS or that they won't be getting enough out of it, but pretty much everyone comes away impressed with how much more confident and smoother they are.

Anyone whose serious about riding does the CSS days as well. There's plenty of people that have done ART, done training days with Fred Merkel and also done or planning to do CSS.

Off the top of my head I can say with 100% certainty that Sloan Frost and Avalon Biddle have both done at least 2 days of CSS, and they both win races at the national level. If it's good enough for those 2 then I can't see any reason why lesser mortals (like me for instance) wouldn't do it.

[Mystic13]

I dont know, havent done "California school", but cant see much more benefit over couple of decent track days.
Last track day from AMCC i went to was great with awesome intructors (also had my suspension setup by one of them), got to ride amongst some realy great riders in group 4 (also learn quite a lot by observing others) and whole cost was less than half of california school.

...just saying since you are strapped for cash, maybe its now worth for you to just start doing cheap track days and practice what you've learned.

Have done some AMCC days. On a more serious note I will be doing more track days and practising what I've learnt before doing day 3. Yeah I couldn't see what there was to learn at CSS before attending either. So I paid my money and had my expectations. They well and truly exceeded those expectations.

I read Choppa's write up (link below) and that backed up me deciding to do the class.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/129302-California-Superbike-School?highlight=california+superbike+school+chopp a

[PeteJ]

I dont know, havent done "California school", but cant see much more benefit over couple of decent track days.
Last track day from AMCC i went to was great with awesome intructors (also had my suspension setup by one of them), got to ride amongst some realy great riders in group 4 (also learn quite a lot by observing others) and whole cost was less than half of california school.

...just saying since you are strapped for cash, maybe its now worth for you to just start doing cheap track days and practice what you've learned.

Well, I'm one of the AMCC instructors, have instructed at advanced level for a very long time, still road race and have won championships doing it, do anywhere between 20-40,000 road km a year these days.

I learned heaps at CSS. I went to their inaugural NZ event, Days 1 and 2.

"Decent track days" don't begin to compare with instruction days having true instructors. CSS is a step up from AMCC ART days, which themselves are light years ahead of free-range track days.

But, yes, you certainly need to keep practising what you've learned.

[Mystic13]

Thanks PeteJ, I'll no doubt see you at an AMCC day at some stage. When I started the thread I wasn't thinking of comparing various training days or track days and who's better. Although things started to head that way. I just wanted to post up my experience of CSS and find what out others experiences of that were.

Thanks for your comments.

I'm putting together a limited budget '88 CBR600 Hurricane for Pre '89's and will be giving the posties a go. My budget doesn't extend to better wheels and brakes at this stage. I'm looking forward to having it out on track and practising. Although if someone does know of anyone with any spare race fairings that may even need a bit of work that can be worked onto the bike, or 5.5 / 17 inch rears or 3.5 inch fronts that can be worked on the bike I'd be interested in knowing. (preferably with up to 320mm discs and a set of 4 pot calipers on the front).

Cheers

[DEATH_INC.]

Ive been riding for years, and I'd say I'm fairly quick.
I learnt shitloads just doing the first of the css days. I'd say if you are half serious (or even not, a lot of the stuff they teach transfers well to the road too) go do it. I'll be doing more as I can afford it. Best money I've spent on the bike so far....

[miloking]

ok guys keep it coming...you have me nearly convinced to give it a shot :D

I just need to get new rearsets first and next expense will proably be CSS in few weeks...

[DidJit]

CSS is the shiz. To date I have done the first 3 of 4 levels and I'm very much looking forward to Level 4. The techniques I've learned have made me a much more confident and skilled rider (than what I was previous to doing CSS).

Please note: I'm not saying I am now a Rossi or that I ride like I'm in a MotoGP race every time I hop on a bike.

What I am saying is that I have learned several techniques that none of the older, more experienced riders I ride with have taught me (or perhaps even know about). These techniques help me understand how the bike works, what my input does/does not do to the bike, where I am and what I need to do in relation to a corner, and how to gain and maintain a useful flow of information. These are all very useful skills and apply equally to track and road (in my opinion).

We never stop learning and, as motorcyclists, upskilling is a very, very good thing. Even seeing the difference between the way Level 1 riders and Level 3/4 riders ride is huge (and I'm not talking about speed). It's the awareness and understanding.

For me, my experience at CSS gets two thumbs up. :2thumbsup
ACC would do well to subsidise this kind of advanced training.

[Camshaft]

ive been considering doing this and what ppl have said here assure me its well worth the coin!!

[Mystic13]

CSS is the shiz. To date I have done the first 3 of 4 levels and I'm very much looking forward to Level 4. The techniques I've learned have made me a much more confident and skilled rider (than what I was previous to doing CSS).

These techniques help me understand how the bike works, what my input does/does not do to the bike, where I am and what I need to do in relation to a corner, and how to gain and maintain a useful flow of information. These are all very useful skills and apply equally to track and road (in my opinion).

For me, my experience at CSS gets two thumbs up. :2thumbsup
ACC would do well to subsidise this kind of advanced training.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to 3. The flow of information does make the corners more enjoyable. What I noticed doing day 1 and 2 together was that the really fast guys from the beginning of day 1 had at end of day 2 acquired a graceful elegance to their flow into through and out of the corner that wasn't there when they started. That might have something to do with the smooth flow of information in plenty of time.

What really surprised me was the vision exercises. I'd swear someone came in and removed turn 4 and replaced it with this corner with plenty of room and a much bigger radius. Where did the old corner go?

I think it may be time to mentally book myself on 3 then make all the work happen to get there.

Thanks for your comments.

[c4.]

BEST $ Spent. EVER.
inceased my riding skills and enjoyment level beyond belief.
It should be a licencing requirement.:yes:

[gatch]

Absolutely I would attend.

Correction, WILL attend when I get some spare moneys.

The more I ride on the road, faster I get on the track, the more I realize that there is still so much to learn and put into practice.

Hell if you spend your moneys and one little thing you learn saves you from potential disaster in future, money well spent. Better than any insurance policy you could buy.

[miloking]

Done! Convinced! Booking myself for march event.... realy looking forward to it :)

[ops.normal]

Hi all,

A quick question for the guys who've done the CSS days (1 and 2, specifically).

I'm planning to upgrade from my GS500F to a late 90's CBR600F in late Feb, and was then hoping to do a CSS Level 1 day in March. Just wondering what thoughts are on changing bikes a month before going along? I'm torn between having a bike I know reasonably well (short of pushing it) and being on a bike I can grow much more on...

Cheers!
ops

[NinjaBoy]

Hi all,

A quick question for the guys who've done the CSS days (1 and 2, specifically).

I'm planning to upgrade from my GS500F to a late 90's CBR600F in late Feb, and was then hoping to do a CSS Level 1 day in March. Just wondering what thoughts are on changing bikes a month before going along? I'm torn between having a bike I know reasonably well (short of pushing it) and being on a bike I can grow much more on...

Cheers!
ops

What bike doesn't really matter as they are teaching riding techniques which can apply across any type of bike and circuit. There were people on cruisers on the day I went. Also you will not be riding very fast either, in fact you're not allowed to use brakes until the 3rd or 4th session.

I say go for it with the new bike.

[Mystic13]

Hi all,

A quick question for the guys who've done the CSS days (1 and 2, specifically).

I'm planning to upgrade from my GS500F to a late 90's CBR600F in late Feb, and was then hoping to do a CSS Level 1 day in March. Just wondering what thoughts are on changing bikes a month before going along? I'm torn between having a bike I know reasonably well (short of pushing it) and being on a bike I can grow much more on...

Cheers!
ops

I got my CBR600 together the night before the CSS day and decided to take my road bike out. I've since spent a day or so on the CBR and leaving it home was a good choice. Only because the CBR is so small in comparison I would have been adjusting to the bike. Your bikes sound more relative in size.

Realistically I think a few rides with the CBR and you'll be good to go. So I'd change and take the CBR with you.

The focus is more on learning as the person above said.

[ops.normal]

Primo, cheers guys. And thanks to the thread starter, not that I needed any encouragement to sign up - I'm just looking forward to it all the more now :)
ops

[KiwiNinja]

Good on ya for booking guys! I've done levels 1-3 and every time it's a revelation. I'm seriously contemplating doing 2 days of level 4 one after the other in March. I get so much out of having a coach over my shoulder providing the instant feedback.

But you have to remember to practice, practice, practice and then practice some more.

You guys will love level 3 as it's all about body position.

[Deano]

Hi Mystic,

what bike were you on ?

I was there on Mon and Tue this week on the black and primer SV #180.

What I got most out of the course was the breaking down of cornering into its bare components. I have been racing for a little while now and doing ok but the course enabled me to analyse where I am putting the bike, what I am doing with the controls and looking ahead, rather than just going out there and racing without thinking too hard about it. By thinking about each component individually and specifically, you can concentrate on improving your technique and you skills develop further.

I thoroughly recommend it.

[Mystic13]

Hi Mystic,

what bike were you on ?

I was there on Mon and Tue this week on the black and primer SV #180.

What I got most out of the course was the breaking down of cornering into its bare components. I have been racing for a little while now and doing ok but the course enabled me to analyse where I am putting the bike, what I am doing with the controls and looking ahead, rather than just going out there and racing without thinking too hard about it. By thinking about each component individually and specifically, you can concentrate on improving your technique and you skills develop further.

I thoroughly recommend it.

Yeah I saw you. It's a bit hard to miss you as you whizz by each lap with Deano plastered across the leathers.

I noticed riders seemed much smoother running in and out of corners by the end of day two. There was a sort of graceful elegance to it. Must be that sorting stuff ahead of time etc.

I was on the grey F800 uninsured road bike that I intended to keep upright. Next outing I'll be on the CBR.

Damned cool two days. I'm looking forward to day 3. Don't know if I can make March though. The two days together worked a treat.

Cheers

[javawocky]

...I was on the grey F800 uninsured road bike ...

Mmm, my insure Swann Insurance cover me for track days. Should cover CSS days to.

[NinjaBoy]

Mmm, my insure Swann Insurance cover me for track days. Should cover CSS days to.

It would pay to check as I was talking to someone insured with John Baker through HRC wasn't.

[KiwiNinja]

It would pay to check as I was talking to someone insured with John Baker through HRC wasn't.

Isn't HRC insurance though Vero / David Golightly? If so they do not cover tracks days or CSS.

I'm with Star and they cover MotoTT, HRD and ART with an excess of $2k and CSS has an excess of $1k. They do not cover the Honda Riders Club track days like the one this Monday at Hampton.

[NinjaBoy]

Isn't HRC insurance though Vero / David Golightly? If so they do not cover tracks days or CSS.

I'm with Star and they cover MotoTT, HRD and ART with an excess of $2k and CSS has an excess of $1k. They do not cover the Honda Riders Club track days like the one this Monday at Hampton.

You're probably right. I got a little mixed up with who is in bed with who :shutup: We both thought that the insurance through HRC may have been more likely to cover CSS since this is truly an instruction day vs Trackday.

[KiwiNinja]

You're probably right. I got a little mixed up with who is in bed with who :shutup: We both thought that the insurance through HRC may have been more likely to cover CSS since this is truly an instruction day vs Trackday.

Yeah I was with Vero/David Golightly but they just wouldn't cover me for CSS so I jumped ship to Star. Star are great by the way....not the cheapest but the service is awesome.