Racing crashes

[Goblin]

With my recent spectating at race meetings, I have noticed that when people crash, a few have mentioned that this is a good thing and the only way to really learn is to fall off a few times. So how true is this?

As an experienced road rider(22 years) I havn't had an off for just over 11 years(touch wood!). The last one was not my fault but all the others were from pushing it beyond my skill level. Now I am planning on having a go at racing I fear a bin will put an end to my racing before it even begins. I personally feel that to do well you are better to NOT fall off.

I would appreciate hearing opinions from experienced racers and your thoughts on crashing.:yes:

[svs]

personally I'd prefer it if I never fell off. However I think you've got to realise that when you are pushing yourself and a bike in a race, it's inevitable that things will go wrong occasionally. You'll either go too fast, or otherwise mess something up. Then you crash.

If you're prepared for it, it makes you a bit more relaxed about the whole racing thing and it's not a big deal when you do fall off. If you worry about crashing all the time, then you're probably not going as fast as you could.

You've just got to trust yourself, the bike, the track and other riders. Sometimes that trust is a bit misplaced

[tomthepohm]

Yea crashing makes you a much better rider. ermmm

[k14]

I would appreciate hearing opinions from experienced racers and your thoughts on crashing.:yes:
Yep, crashing is just part of the sport. I like to think I'm not scared of crashing but its more the $$$ signs that are floating away from the bike as its tumbling down the track that is a bigger deterurrent.

With my old pos bike I didn't give a crap if I crashed. Now with my new shiny bike I am really paranoid about crashing and screwing up the nice paint job. I know its inevitable but here's hoping it won't be for a while.

[Coyote]

Crashes have prevented me from learning

[Kickaha]

It hurts and you break shit :yes:

[Goblin]

Yep, crashing is just part of the sport. I like to think I'm not scared of crashing but its more the $$$ signs that are floating away from the bike as its tumbling down the track that is a bigger deterrent.

With my old pos bike I didn't give a crap if I crashed. Now with my new shiny bike I am really paranoid about crashing and screwing up the nice paint job. I know its inevitable but here's hoping it won't be for a while.

Thanks svs and k14.....I do feel prepared for a bin physically. I feel quite safe and well protected with all the right gear on but like you k14, it's the financial bit that worries me.

[Korea]

I think you pretty much said it all in the first post...
Don't ride above your skill level ~ that means don't go charging the turns trying to be 'fast' and basically scaring yourself.

I think Keith Code said in Twist 2 that you can make the most progress by riding at 70-80% of your personal limit and improve from there. Anything over that and SR's (survival reactions) will kick in and make you do something you'll regret.

Great to hear you're going racing ~ I hope to follow soon!

[Two Smoker]

Most of it has been said already... Crashing sucks, and it costs lots of money... But when you ride a bike on its limits all the time, being a fraction on the throttle too soon can chuck you into a high side... It is possible though to push hard without crashing and learning the limits... For instance the front can start to push when you on the edge of the tyre or braking to hard in the turn, or the rear will slide when you apply too much throttle to soon...

Its all part of learning... Best thing to do, go out, go hard, come back in, look at your tyres, see your chicken strips, and go out again and learn abot futher... Get reference points whilst out there... Like my knee is still hitting the fairings and track at the same time...

But for the racing your doing, go out there and have fun, and you will naturally push it harder when you get red rage and are trying to pass someone...

[RT527]

Yea crashing makes you a much better rider. ermmm

Or look at it the other way.....It could make you better at crashing!!!!? Just a thought:gob:

[Goblin]

Most of it has been said already... Crashing sucks, and it costs lots of money...

But for the racing your doing, go out there and have fun, and you will naturally push it harder when you get red rage and are trying to pass someone...

Cheers TS. Yeah the plan is to go & have fun. I have wanted to race for too long now and find myself getting more competitive on the road which is not a good thing.:nono: About time I took it to the track.:blip:

Thanks Korea. I now have a copy of Twist 2, thanks to Road Rash :niceone: Will start reading it tonight. I'm going to try not to put pressure on myself to be fast but build up over time. I wont have the luxury of tyre warmers etc. or even a pit crew but it's going to be a shitload of fun! All the best to you in starting racing too. Hope to see you some day. ;)

I hear you Kickaha! I just dont wanna go there...again!

RT527.... I never want to be good at crashing. I'll leave that for the Muppet Team.:innocent:

[GSVR]

Get reference points whilst out there... Like my knee is still hitting the fairings and track at the same time...


Thats how you know you've lowsided I guess.

[FROSTY]

You DO NOT need to crash.Given ya bikes in good nick youll find by focussing on beating the track,beating yourself you will both improve and have fun. --

[bladez]

crashed at manfeild and broke collerbone :wait: lesson for me dont ride manfeild :yes:
i think an off does help as then you know your limit and how far you can push it.

[Goblin]

crashed at manfeild and broke collerbone :wait: lesson for me dont ride manfeild :yes:
That's gotta hurt :pinch: Hope ya get back on Manfeild and show it who's boss!


You DO NOT need to crash.Given ya bikes in good nick youll find by focussing on beating the track,beating yourself you will both improve and have fun. --
Cheers FROSTY :niceone:

[Keystone19]

I would prefer not to have crashed. It knocked my confidence a fair bit. Having said that, I now know what it is like to fall off. In some ways that is perhaps a positive thing to take from the experience.

Let's just say that both times I have fallen off at the track it came as a surprise. I guess as I get more experience it will not be such a surprise if it happens again as hopefully I willl a) know what I've done wrong and b) hopefully be able to avoid falling off as a result.

[Kickaha]

You'll learn from any crash (and any race) doing a debrief afterwards with someone else can be helpful and analyzing how you did and where you did it, what the consequences were and what you could have done to ether prevent the crash or get a better result

[Goblin]

I would prefer not to have crashed. It knocked my confidence a fair bit. Having said that, I now know what it is like to fall off. In some ways that is perhaps a positive thing to take from the experience.

Let's just say that both times I have fallen off at the track it came as a surprise. I guess as I get more experience it will not be such a surprise if it happens again as hopefully I willl a) know what I've done wrong and b) hopefully be able to avoid falling off as a result.
Interesting....I remember reading what you wrote about one of your crashes. It was a shame you still didn't know what caused the bike to have a little lay down. From all my bins on the road I did learn something each time and have never made the same mistake twice...like closing the throttle, mid corner, when it looks like it's all going horribly wrong...good way to fall off.:blip:

Thanks to all who have shared thoughts and experiences. This is helping me to mentally prepare for the track.:yes:

[cowpoos]

ummm...kel...I think your worring about nothing here...your obviously a mature rider....a safe one...you make on rash decisions...know your boundry's...why are you presumming your gunna crash when you start racing?? if you really want something to worrie about....worrie about how your gunna afford to race every weekend...coz your gunna get hooked!!! just chill and let what happens happen... you don't worrie about burning dinner before you cook it do ya?? [you don't come accross as a anxisoius type person to me!]

[Goblin]

if you really want something to worrie about....worrie about how your gunna afford to race every weekend...coz your gunna get hooked!!!
Hehe...No need to worry about that. Where there's a will, there's a way! And Im already hooked. Just want to get the "first race nerves" out of the way. You must remember how that felt....starting in F1 & all.:blip:

[cowpoos]

You must remember how that felt....starting in F1 & all.:blip:

lmao....first race I didn't have that many nerves....but after that mair of a start....the second race I was shittin ma self!!!

[Goblin]

You did bloody well!! I didn't think it was possible to start in F1.

Ya see that's where I had hoped there was going to be a bit of "race start" training at the SH/JM/AS trackday. Would be good to have a start practice session at trackdays. I guess the only practice I will be getting will be dragging my mates off at the lights. :devil2:

There seems to be a few of us starting out racing. It's so cool to be part of Kb and to have met all the cool people I have:rockon: This place ROCKS!

Cant wait to get out there!

[Big Chim]

never raced before but i'm gonna look into it in the near future. I find whenever i start something i first make the decision "is this something i want to do for a while, am i gonna stick with it" I made this decsiosn when i got into riding in the first place. if i didnt see myself riding for a long time i wouldn't have started and put my time and energy into some thing else.

I guess what this approach has given me in anything i have done is that i find i have time. If i have time, i have time to learn and i know if i learn then i will improve and with improvement i gain confidence and understanding and with confidence and understanding you gain success and success breeds success. Determine what success means to you. If its to improve lap times focus on that. if its to become competitive in your field then focus on that.

Crashes are a fact of life but by understanding what you are trying to achieve then you may be able to reduce the chance. If what youre try to achieve does not require to take on a certain type of risk then your chances of crahing could be reduce.

Read the twist 2 -fantastic information in there, take it one step at a time, learn heaps have fun. From the sounds of this forum you have an excellent skill base to work from.

Give it heaps

[UrbanMyth]

Just watch Casey Stoner,dang that boy likes to crash.Learn from the master :P

[Goblin]

never raced before but i'm gonna look into it in the near future.

Read the twist 2 -fantastic information in there, take it one step at a time, learn heaps have fun. From the sounds of this forum you have an excellent skill base to work from.

Give it heaps

Thank you so much Road Rash:2thumbsup What I've read so far makes so much sense. I think alot will come naturally, only now with a bit more understanding.

Really looking foward to seeing you get into it too.

[mart1]

Broken bones heal, but if you drop your bike you gotta buy parts dude.

[sugilite]

Unless you want to win championships, I feel that there is no real need to push your skills to the outer limits and risk a high chance of crashing.

The slowly but surely approach works as well, just build into it. You will learn a lot that way as well, and the tuition fees are a lot more favourable!:blip:

[slowpoke]

The slowly but surely approach works as well, just build into it.

I tried that only the blokes I was supposedly racing with scarpered...couldn't really call it racing after that....

Seriously Goblin, it sounds like you are going through the whole risk versus reward equation.

I'm in much the same boat as you in that I'm busting to get out amongst it, only work commitments severely limit my time on a bike and availabilty to attend events. As a result I've managed to make it to the grand total of ONE race meeting, approximately 12months ago. Yep, that's me, right fore finger and thumb held at right angles and placed firmly against my helmet.

There is a list as long as your arm as to why it's been so long but the bottom line is I've just got to make the commitment. OK, the timing won't be flash and I'll have had no time on a bike, so I'm not going to be competive in any way shape or form. I accept that, modify my goals accordingly and don't try and outride myself .

It's lousy timing as per usual, but I'm planning on being at Manfield on the 19th, 'cos I've realised there is never going to be a perfect time and there is never going to be no risk, so I've just got to give it a go.

Ok, I've spruiked a lot of crap but what I'm trying to say is: don't let the idea of crashing put you off, 'cos it'll never get any easier. By the way if you are worried about binning it you can always come and play with me at the back of the Clubman's field....I promise I'll be gentle!

Just as an aside: is Goblin a noun or a verb...?

[Goblin]

Unless you want to win championships, I feel that there is no real need to push your skills to the outer limits and risk a high chance of crashing.

The slowly but surely approach works as well, just build into it. You will learn a lot that way as well, and the tuition fees are a lot more favourable!:blip:
Well winning a championship would be nice, but fat chance of that when Im starting in the last round. I thought it would be a good, less stressful way to ease into it....no pressure to win but get through that first race in one piece.:yes:


By the way if you are worried about binning it you can always come and play with me at the back of the Clubman's field....I promise I'll be gentle!

Just as an aside: is Goblin a noun or a verb...?
Hehehe...that sounds like a plan....I'll come and play with you at the back of the clubmans if you make it to the last round at Taupo ok? Make a commitiment to get youself out there and come have some fun!!

And it's a noun!:innocent:

[cowpoos]

And it's a noun!:innocent:

nerd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HDTboy]

YouYa see that's where I had hoped there was going to be a bit of "race start" training at the SH/JM/AS trackday. Would be good to have a start practice session at trackdays. I guess the only practice I will be getting will be dragging my mates off at the lights. :devil2:
When I get my bike back together we'll have to find a quiet bit of "private test track" and have a few drag races.

About the crashing thing. While it's a distinct possibility, if you ride to 80% of your limits, you will greatly reduce the likelyhood of crashing, the more practise you get at racing the faster you will go.
The reason I think I've crashed my bike so often in the time I've had it is that I've been riding outside mine or the bikes limits tyring to find exactly where they are. I've been taking the approach of trying to find the limits quickly, as opposed to slowly working outwards towards the limits.

[Racey Rider]

I haven't been racing long. But to start with I had a few crashes. Each crash taught me some things.

Crash 1: RG150 - Being competitive, I didn't want to just toot-ill around the track. I wanted to be as fast as those guys that had been doing it for some time. This meant, to stay with them in the first lap, I had to ride 'outside my experience' at racing. This made me make mistakes, as I wasn't as smooth as the 'Fast' guys. Each mistake I made (locking up brakes etc) by trying to hard to keep up before I was ready, put the bike out of shape all the more, putting me in bad track position, and in the end, out on the grass. Crash! roll roll roll.

Crash 2: KR250 - This was another bike I had brought to try out for racing. Having the two bikes didn't leave me any money for maintenance. Then bike really needed a new front tyre, but more than that, it needed the front brake caliper given a overhaul as it was binding. (which I didn't really understand till after my crash). In with the hordes of F3 bikes coming into the first hairpin after the start line (lap 2/wet track). There was a bit of a traffic jam on the tight line, so I proceeded to out brake, and go around them all on the outside line. Crash. Lesson learnt? Make sure your bike works well. (Brakes are smooth). Plus, there is less grip off the racing line.

Crash 3: KR150 - coming round a sweeper, engine partially seizes, locking the rear wheel for a second. I pull the clutch in, but straighten up and end up running off the track, crashing in the mud. Lesson learnt: I could have made it round the corner if I hadn't paniced. Aways look where you want to go, Not where you think you might go. Cause if you Look there, you will probably Go there.

Crash 4: KR150 - Practice day, doing well, a little rain starts falling. Still doing well, pushing it hard. Till I lose the front end in one of the sweepers, and go sliding across the track. Lesson learnt: That old front tyre can't handle that amount of lean in the wet!

From my point of view, your better to crash on Practice days than Race days.
If you crash on Race days, you've just lost a Heap of Points as well. So learn what is 'Over the limits' on practice days, so On race days you can ride 'Too the limits'.

It's also good if you bring spare parts with you that you might break in crashes. Pegs, clip ons, levers, a bit of 'kneed-it' for cases.

I need to get faster. I want to get faster! so I intend to push myself harder at my next practice and be falling off finding the limit sometime soon. :bye:

[Goblin]

When I get my bike back together we'll have to find a quiet bit of "private test track" and have a few drag races.

About the crashing thing. While it's a distinct possibility, if you ride to 80% of your limits, you will greatly reduce the likelyhood of crashing, the more practise you get at racing the faster you will go.
The reason I think I've crashed my bike so often in the time I've had it is that I've been riding outside mine or the bikes limits tyring to find exactly where they are. I've been taking the approach of trying to find the limits quickly, as opposed to slowly working outwards towards the limits.

Yes we will have to.:yes: Hurry up and get your bike back together....I'm gunna need all the practice I can get.

I'm going to go for the "slowly but surely" approach, although it did look like fun in the mud.:spudbooge

[motobob]

Goblin Wouldn't worry about crashes they just find you. Hopefully they are getting bored with me and will find someone else. I hear you mean on your roadie so falling in a realitively safe enviroment should not be an issue. You'll find your not even thinking about it.

Your mate Sug should keep an eye on you and help avoid mishaps.

[Goblin]

I haven't been racing long. But to start with I had a few crashes. Each crash taught me some things....

From my point of view, your better to crash on Practice days than Race days.
If you crash on Race days, you've just lost a Heap of Points as well. So learn what is 'Over the limits' on practice days, so On race days you can ride 'Too the limits'.

It's also good if you bring spare parts with you that you might break in crashes. Pegs, clip ons, levers, a bit of 'kneed-it' for cases.

I need to get faster. I want to get faster! so I intend to push myself harder at my next practice and be falling off finding the limit sometime soon. :bye:
:niceone: Cheers Racey Rider! You're not exacty slow on the 150 through the corners. I was well impressed with your cornering speed:yes:
I have noticed that everyone has their own unique track style of riding. I just have to get as much track time as I can to develop my own style. It's all rather exciting and quite frankly, a tad addictive! ;)

[Crasherfromwayback]

I've been racing on and 'off' for years, and still crash!
The last one 'Wanganui' was nasty, and not my doing, but that's all part of it.
I suggest for your first few meetings, simply start off the back of the grid so you don't get caught up in any first turn pile ups!!

Like people here have already said, if you're not trying to set the world on fire, no real reason to push it too hard and bin it.
If you get hooked (and I'm sure you will!) and want to take it seriously, then I'm afraid crashing is all part of it, and it will happen!!

BUT, as long as you know why you crashed, learn from the experience and do your best to not make the same mistake again....then all good!

[HDTboy]

Yes we will have to.:yes: Hurry up and get your bike back together....I'm gunna need all the practice I can get.

I'm going to go for the "slowly but surely" approach, although it did look like fun in the mud.:spudbooge
Sponsors readily accepted :blip:

Did the crash you watched me have look as fun as playing in the mud?

[Goblin]

Goblin Wouldn't worry about crashes they just find you. Hopefully they are getting bored with me and will find someone else. I hear you mean on your roadie so falling in a realitively safe enviroment should not be an issue. You'll find your not even thinking about it.
:laugh: Just hope I'm not that someone else. The only issue I have with falling off is seeing the bike getting broken. It's not even my bike to break. I'll admit I do like to go hard on my rat so this racing scene will be a good outlet for me.
Thanks for your input motobob:niceone: See you out there some day soon.

[Goblin]

Sponsors readily accepted :blip:

Did the crash you watched me have look as fun as playing in the mud? Cheeky prick! It was you and texmo that made playing in the mud look like fun...specially when you came in grinning like a cheshire cat! :D Pity you're paying for it now though.:wait:




If you get hooked (and I'm sure you will!) and want to take it seriously, then I'm afraid crashing is all part of it, and it will happen!!

BUT, as long as you know why you crashed, learn from the experience and do your best to not make the same mistake again....then all good!
Yeah...guess I will have to resign myself to the fact that one day it will happen. I think I've done well to keep it upright on the road as long as I have. I did learn something from all me road crashes so at least I know not to make those mistakes again.

Hope you weren't too messed up after Wanganui. That'd be a pretty unforgiving circuit to bin on.:pinch:

I've always had a secret desire to race at Wangas and Paeroa....I'll get there yet!:blip:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Cheers to you!

Mashed my ankle into lots of wee bits, but may still make it back this year!
Make sure if it's the one place you do ride, ride Wanganui!

Lotta fun.
Well...normally!!

[Goblin]

Cheers to you!

Mashed my ankle into lots of wee bits, but may still make it back this year!
Make sure if it's the one place you do ride, ride Wanganui!

Lotta fun.
Well...normally!!
Ouch!! Bugger 'bout your ankle. Hope you do get back into it this year.

I remember, as a child, watching the live coverage of Wanga's on Boxing Day. It was the only thing ever worth watching over the whole christmas period! I thought it looked like too much fun so when I was old enough I started to ride down there every year to see it for myself. Have only missed a few years when my kids were tiny. Then when Paeroa started up it was great to have another big street meet! Have only missed one Paeroa in all these years.:yes:

[Kickaha]

Mashed my ankle into lots of wee bits,

I didn't "mash my ankle into little bits" but I just got the plaster off monday after a fracture of my posterior malleolus (whatever the fuck that is) and now the bastards want a 6 week stand down before I can race again :crybaby:

I'm off to see the GP in three weeks and even then I miss two meetings over the next two weekends:angry:

[Crasherfromwayback]

neither, but it sounds sexy!
Fuck, I was in non weight bearing casts for four months, and I'm still wearing a very gay looking moon boot!
Funny thing is...I got so sick of my crutches, I used to hop every where.
This actually stress fractured a metatarsel in my left foot...so I finally got the cast of my right leg, and had to have my left leg put in one!

Nice work eh??!!

Good luck with your recovery, may see you at the GP......I'll be the one (probably of many) hobbling in my moon boot!

[Goblin]

Well, it happened. My first racing crash at my 6th meeting...and it happend in practice.
What did I learn?

Dont trust the guy you've never seen before...the one on the brand new bike!
When someone does something completely stupid, make sure I'm not anywhere near them. (and dont expect an opology when they do hit ya)
SV650s do wicked stoppies and bounce really well off tyrewalls.
The track hurts when you go shoulder first into it.
Racers I know are really wonderful, caring and helpful people.:love:
Hospital drugs make me :sick: :puke:
This didn't put me off racing!:headbang:


Have only glanced at my bike since crashing and dont know when I will be able to get it going again but I will be back.

[cowpoos]

SV650s do wicked stoppies and bounce really well off tyrewalls.



hehehehehe.... :whistle: so do gixxers ;)

[Shaun]

I would appreciate hearing opinions from experienced racers and your thoughts on crashing.
__________________


a few have said that if you are not crashing, you are not trying hard enough? That really is a simple harden the -uck up thing, and is not 100% required but seems to be par for the course of racing

A few have said that as long as you know why you crashed, crashing is ok- That is true if you are wanting to be a very fast rider, not just a good compitent rider who is looking for ways to justify the exspense of repairs

Most new/young riders actually crash because they think they are better than what they really are, and have no real race craft or bike set up know how as yet

In my opinion, the only good thing about crashes is they teach you how to crash? you get to develop a technique, ie keep your hands off the ground ( Without hands you cannot keep racing on the day) I guess it also helps stop
the panic facture which can make you become rigid and brake more bones.

Strangely enough crashing can actually be fun, yes i did say that, I have found myself laughing in my helmet on accasions whilst crashing, laughing at the stupid mistake I had made or what ever it may be, or laughing at what I had tried to do that caused me to crash.

Have 2 wheels, can fall over, no biggy

[yod]

you cant find your limits if you dont go past them......

or maybe not....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well, it happened. My first racing crash at my 6th meeting...and it happend in practice.
What did I learn?

Dont trust the guy you've never seen before...the one on the brand new bike!
When someone does something completely stupid, make sure I'm not anywhere near them. (and dont expect an opology when they do hit ya)
SV650s do wicked stoppies and bounce really well off tyrewalls.
The track hurts when you go shoulder first into it.
Racers I know are really wonderful, caring and helpful people.:love:
Hospital drugs make me :sick: :puke:
This didn't put me off racing!:headbang:


Have only glanced at my bike since crashing and dont know when I will be able to get it going again but I will be back.

It's like this Love....you're gonna get hurt sooner or later racing if you want to go fast. And you ARE fast.
And unfortunately, you've now been hurt.

I've seen in the little time I've been here at KB people say things like "you don't need to crash just because you're racing".

Of course you don't. If you want to simply make up the numbers and have fun, of course you don't need to crash.
On the other hand.......IF you want to see just how fast you really can go....and taste success.......you're gonna also taste hurt and pain.

That's the ugly side of racing. (And as we all know....bikes in general from time to time).

But please Kel....and anyone else racing (and getting back on after a nasty street biff).....wait until you feel 100% right mentally AND physically before you try again.

You don't need to get back on it before you're ready to show us how hard you are......we've already seen it!

And you're rated 'WELL HARD'!

Pete xox.

Ps....doesn't mean I'll let you off those Steinies!:sunny:

[Goblin]

Oh Poos...Do tell!


I can relate Shaun. It happened so quick tho. Looking back it was as if I watched the whole thing happen from about 50 meters away. Like I was watching someone else crash. Once Jill and Dennis arrived I had this wierd dejavu moment as if I got back into my body. Call me crazy but thats how it felt. I didnt lose conciousness like my last road crash bt I was really relaxed about the whole thing. I think maybe my horse riding days taught me to crash too.

Im up at this ungodly hour because I cant sleep. pain relief only works for 4 hrs at a time. need to find a way of popping pills in my sleep.

[scracha]

If it's racing then you've gotta be realistic and expect a fall. You're concentrating hard and mistakes happen, whether they're yours or someone elses. I guess the ultra competitive types are pushing themselves and the bikes at close to 100%. I'm not even giving it 70%. I'm definately not taking the "must keep pushing till I crash to learn something approach [*1]". I don't understand novice racers who feel this is the correct way to go about riding. Surely they'd improve more by gradually learning when their bike will slide, how to prevent and recover from slides/lockups, improving their racing lines, improving their bike setup & improving their consistancy.

Remember when you first started driving, you had to think processes like "revs are high, come off accellerator, clutch, pull gear lever, clutch out slowly, accellerate gently" etc. If you do something complex like ride a bike or drive a car enough times it becomes an autonomous process :- you don't have to think about it very much and you can then concentrate on other aspects like potential accident awareness or ways of going faster. As a result I doubt top flight racers give mutch attention to the sorts of slides that would have most of us mere mortals $hitting ourselves. They probably just react to slides automatically without thinking and are still focused on braking points, lines and how to get past the bike infront of them.

I don't even think crashing teaches you that much apart from how to cause yourself less pain (e.g. count to five before trying to stand cos you may find you're still travelling), you're generally on your arse (hopefully) before you know it. Crashing is painful, it costs money, it costs time (and healing takes more time the older you get) and it generally makes an arse of your bike's careful setup.

I'm a softcock who hates pain. I'm a Scotsman so I don't like spending money. I'm self employed I really don't want the time off work. When the bike starts sliding around too much I back off a little. I leave a good margin of error on the braking zones. I'm realistic enough to realise I've neither the skill nor the youthfullness to be a competitive top flight racer. I guess it would have been a different story had I the money to go racing in my late teens. I'm still having fun, I'm still learning and at the end of the day I'm planning on WALKING away from most races a happy bunny.

GWS Goblin. A poll has been posted for the experienced racers

[1] It's even scarier how many riders on public roads take this approach to "learning". Please DON'T, there's a high chance you'll end up another statistic.

[rustys]

Morn, kel, just hooked up to this thread. Hope things are on the mend. I've been riding bikes for 44 years, had a few small offs in the 60's, worst was hit a truck backing out of a driveway as i came around corner, new bike and that sucked. Got into the racing four years ago, ( i now ia'm an old fart) but always wanted to give it ago. I have always considered myself a reasonable rider on the road, but was'nt comfortable pushing a bike fast on the road anymore so hence the track, a lot safer, and have learn't a lot about what a bike will do when you push hard. I prepared myself that a crash in the racing scene would happen one day, found myself reasonably competitive out there, so you know what happens then don't you. First crash came at taupo had Motard problems here, got cut of big time it was either him or me so ended up low sideing. second time was manfield hit a big bump on a big sweeper at speed lost the front end again low sided. Third time ( hospital job) taupo following a bike close into turn seven bike goes down no where to go so went over the top of the bike i went.
As i look back on these crashes its tought me lots in the way you crash, i ride really relaxed, this i feel is important as that when it happens and fast, you have no time to tence up, like "shaun" says, and break bones etc. Your crash and my crash are very similar another bike being involved, i think this situation is somthing you can't prepare yourself for.
As "crasherfromway"back says give your self lots of time to heal, i gave myself 4 months before i started back racing. And prepare yourself for this, it will take a while and you'll wonder why you can't get back up to speed quickly, its a mental thing,other racers i've talked to have found the same thing.
Well better get on the road heading taking the FJR 1300 up to the coromandel for the weekend, hope to get to Bruce and Darryls memorial service.
Enough for the day get well soon.:rockon:

[Goblin]

It's like this Love....you're gonna get hurt sooner or later racing if you want to go fast. And you ARE fast.
And unfortunately, you've now been hurt.

Ps....doesn't mean I'll let you off those Steinies!:sunny:
Yes, and Im greatful my injuries are temporary too. I should make a 100% recovery.
No worries about the steinies. ;)

scracha, you have a good head on your shoulders and I have no doubt you will get as much fun as possible with racing. Take care out there ok.

rustys, thanks for your input. I hope to see you at the memorial service.

[Goblin]

I fear a bin will put an end to my racing before it even begins. And it did! My first season racing and Brett Eaton chucked his brand new SV650 at me in practice. I have healed well but my bike is fucked and I dont have the mechanical knowledge to pull the head off. It appears the impact has blown the head gasket and it leaks oil out the front of the motor. God only knows what it's like inside. The worst part is that the clown didn't have the testicular fortitude to even say sorry.

I think I did fairly well in the 5 race meetings I did complete and I'm so glad I got to race at Paeroa!

Thanks for all the support from all the racers here. Good luck to you all for the coming season.:grouphug:

[roogazza]

Hey Goblin, have you got someone with bike knowledge that can have a look at it ? Crashes don't usually blow head gaskets ! maybe it was just upside down for a while ? Clean it down and try to locate the leaks and as far as the bent bits go , you might be surprised as they don't look as bad once you start pulling bits off ? Gaz.

[Goblin]

It wasn't upside down for long. The impact was enough to snap the radiator bracket and the foot peg bracket and it was quite a job to push the radiator back into place. I have cleaned it and found the oil leak from the head gasket. I've pulled the tappet cover off and the manual says I have to take the cam gear off to get to the head. It's too bigger job for this pleb so I'll just have to save up and put it into the shop to get it fixed....one day.

[dickytoo]

I remember a conversation I heard many moons ago. This was when Jason McEwan and Bruce Anstey were riding for team Kawasaki and Bruce won the SS class.

They drafted bruce in to ride the ZX9R to see if they could help Jason win the Championship (they missed by a couple of points) and he crashed it in practice.

His comment at the time was that he needed to see how hard he could push it and the only way to find out was to push it to the limit. Of course, it helps if you don't have to pay the bills!

[dickytoo]

Having said that, Brucey did very well on the 9. Can anyone remember the first race in Mansfeild? He was riding it with a broken steering dampner and it was bucking like a bronco but he finished on the podium in both races (i think).

Edit.

fixed spelling. bloody sticky keyboard

[Deano]

Screw crashing. You can learn the limits of the bike without binning it. The front or rear starts to slide, then that's about the limit ain't it ? Sometimes you can catch it, but I guess sometimes you can't.

[Goblin]

I remember a conversation I heard many moons ago. This was when Jason McEwan and Bruce Anstey were riding for team Kawasaki and Bruce won the SS class.

They drafted bruce in to ride the ZX9R to see if they could help Jason win the Championship (they missed by a couple of points) and he crashed it in practice.

His comment at the time was that he needed to see how hard he could push it and the only way to find out was to push it to the limit. Of course, it helps if you don't have to pay the bills!Hmm...interesting. I really wanted to push it to the limit too...and maybe beyond. I could probably handle this situation better if I had crashed as a result of pushing it too far but being taken out by a clown who never bothered to test his brand new brakes before he needed them just makes it all a waste of time, effort and money. And he had the cheek to moan to others how bent his bike was!:oi-grr:
Oh well....that's the risk we take eh.

[Goblin]

Screw crashing. You can learn the limits of the bike without binning it. The front or rear starts to slide, then that's about the limit ain't it ? Sometimes you can catch it, but I guess sometimes you can't.
Yeah I was well on my way to learning the limits but got taken out by a fool!:mad:

[dickytoo]

The front or rear starts to slide, then that's about the limit ain't it ? Sometimes you can catch it, but I guess sometimes you can't.


so what are you saying? (p/t)

sometimes you eat the b'ar and sometimes the b'ar eats you! (The Big Lebowski)

i guess that's the difference between being on the pointy end of the competition or being mid pack.

From a personal point of view, non-crashing would be preferred, having had to repair crashed bikes many times before. The postmortem can be quite be quite sad, picking the broken pieces out of the carcass of broken bike and that's before you start tallying up the cost of partss!:crybaby:

[motobob]

Jeez weird that this popped up in my in box as its rare I go on KB. Really interesting reading Shauns comments on crashin. Wonder how he would write it now.

Most peeps think crashing is from going to hard but thats not always the case. My last crash was a real bitch and It was wasn't from going too hard. Just procrastinating about changing suspension settings is enough to set the platform for a nasty crash.

By the way Goblin I've got a 05 CBR 600 gathering dust that needs some outings on the track. If your interested send me a private message.

[dickytoo]

:Oops::dodge:

someone's left his bike parked in the middle of the streeet!


I tried a couple of time to upload this picture but it seems to fail for some reason or other. anyway here is a link to it:

http://19.solobike.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/20a.jpg

[Goblin]

:Oops::dodge:

someone's left his bike parked in the middle of the streeet!

Oh shame...dont they look so undignified laying down like that.


Jason McEwan used to blow me away with his style of riding and Brucey is now more popular in Ireland than he ever was here. Glad I got to shake his hand after he crashed at the esses at Wanganui.

[dickytoo]

Jason McEwan used to blow me away with his style of riding and Brucey is now more popular in Ireland than he ever was here. Glad I got to shake his hand after he crashed at the esses at Wanganui.

I've known Jason for quite a few years now and he's always been pretty laid back. i saw him at the last mansfield round and he looked pretty good (health wise). he even told me that the green bike down in the pits (our bike) could go a lot faster with him on it! Derek was saying that he might try and get jason to have a go on the bike the next time a track day is on to get his input on fine tuning the suspension.

I remember asking Jason for advice on how to increase the ride height pn a white power shock a few years ago when i was a relative neophyte. I did what he told me and the shock completely shat itself! I think it was on it's way out anyway . I told jason and he looked shocked (no pun intended) that someone actually took his advice on things mechanical:eek: anyway, bistard and derek came to the rescue with a spare shock they had lying around.


I was glad to be part of the same crew the last time Bruce was racing in NZ. always seemed to have his head in the clouds, almost like stroudy! i remember sharing a ferry crossing with him and his mechanic many many years ago when he won one of his F2 titles. he said at our table and hardly said boo. i think he was pretty shy in those days.

Jason and Bruce, that was the Dream Team then wasn't it?

[codgyoleracer]

Crashing is not good - but does come with the territory when racing. In my experience nine times out of ten its your own fault (unfortunately). There is a myriad of reasons why you make mistakes & crash - but the biggies are 1) Your smoothness operating the various control inputs on the motorcycle, 2) Your state of mind 3) Your surroundings including other riders & track conditions 4) Your machine preparation skills for the given track.

One time out of ten - its literally not your fault, e.g getting tagged from behind, not being able to spot some spilt oil or other debris etc.

Building your speed up in stages will teach you how your machine provides feedback to you when under stresses of speed, It will also allow your own reactions to work within their capabilties in any given situation.

P.S - Wear the best safety gear that you can afford (just in case)

Glen

[Sully60]

:Oops::dodge:

someone's left his bike parked in the middle of the streeet!


I tried a couple of time to upload this picture but it seems to fail for some reason or other. anyway here is a link to it:

http://19.solobike.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/20a.jpg

Did you take that picture Richard?
If so we must have been standing about 5 metres away from each other. I thought at the time that was an interesting crash, I'm sure Shaun knows why it happened. Pity he didn't save that crash for F3 that year (or give me the "Givi Mono", one more place up the standings and I would have scored some beer money!