[bwhip]

A recent thread included some debate on whether a track school was a worthwhile investment for someone that just wants to become a better street rider. I noticed a thread on Speedzilla about track schools that included this experience from someone named ThrottleBastard:

After learning to ride in MSF, then touring cross country, ended up in CLASS at Grattan (k100rs) in about a 9 month period. Year later, saw them again at Mid-Ohio (paso).

Reg, Jason Pridmore and crew were all OUTSTANDING! (echoing bwhip)
If you get a chance to ride on their backs - DO IT !

My standard spiel when people are chatting about track schools is:
"People think nothing of dropping a grand or two for suspension or exhaust, yet they aren't rushing out to do these schools. Most 'bang for the buck' in improving the whole riding experience, not to mention safety, and smoothness (passengers all comment on before/after)."

Am a just basic street rider/commuter/tourer, and enjoy track days/schools, so may seem just baby-steps compared to you track superstars/racers.

Although had read Twist of the Wrist 1 & 2, and have the video, found CLASS's body/peg steering much more attainable/useable for this newbie.

The experience saved us: On the parkway, two-up with then fiance, hit an aluminum ladder spanning both lanes, in traffic ~70mph. Front washed, but kept steering ("Keep steering until the asphalt is scraping your face shield" - Jason Pridmore @ Mid-Ohio). Managed to stay up and not leave the berm, then returned to right lane, and flowed with ambient traffic until the next exit. She said she thought we were dead, and I told her I thanked CLASS, and the other cars for not pancake-ing us.

Compare this to most HD/cruiser guys around me, when I ask them how they crashed: "Lost the front, and had to put her down."

[G-Force Junkie]

Anything that improves your riding skills and confidence in your ability will help your street riding. It takes verry little skill to keep a bike upright and heading straight. Its when it all goes wrong that skill comes into play, and the more skills you got in your toolbox, the better off you are

[ULEWZ]

I agree with GJ. Everytime I do a trackday, my street riding improves. I don't necessarily ride any faster on the street, but I am more prepared for that eventual tight corner that sneaks up on you. I just lean it over more, where a newbee would probably stand it up and go over the center divider.

[CBRVFR]

Originally Posted by ULEWZ

I agree with GJ. Everytime I do a trackday, my street riding improves. I don't necessarily ride any faster on the street, but I am more prepared for that eventual tight corner that sneaks up on you. I just lean it over more, where a newbee would probably stand it up and go over the center divider.

exactly..

These bikes are capable of far more in the way of braking, lean angle, swerving to avoid, etc than what most of us dare ask. For me, track days help greatly in at least 2 areas:

-Increased ability to concentrate,
-Much greater confidence in braking hard and in turning hard while staying on the throttle.


A friend of mine took me aside on a group ride after we pulled a once-beatuiful bike out from under a guard rail, and told me that if it had not been for the Pridmore - CLASS session we had taken the year before, that would likely have been his bike. But he had learned there to look through the blind, double-apex-decreasing-radius-gravel-strewn corner and stay on the gas. The rider behind him didn't have that training, panicked, and gave up.

[evl_twn]

Anytime you take a bike to the track, and make an effort to improve your riding, it definitely helps out when riding on the street. There IS a "dark side" to all this though! The more time you spend on the track, the more it has a detrimental effect on your WANTING to ride on the street. I think my skills have improved since I started going to trackdays, but my interest in riding sportbikes on the street has fallen off somewhat. But what do I know, I live in IL, we have no corners!

[azamora954]

Originally Posted by evl_twn

But what do I know, I live in IL, we have no corners!

I live in Florida, where the curves ran aways thousands of years ago!

Which would you think would be the "best bang for the buck" track school out there?

I am looking to use my bike (2003 954) but if it is too far from South Florida, then a school that rents would be nice also.

[ratter]

The more experience you can get, the better you will become

[Chain]

The track school I did in April did two things for me:

1) made me a more competent road rider

2) slowed me down on the street

[mr_rua]

Originally Posted by Chain

The track school I did in April did two things for me:

1) made me a more competent road rider

2) slowed me down on the street

#2 is so true. After my first track day, I was riding around on the street and found that I didn't go nearly as fast as before because you realize how dangerous it is on the street. Now after my 2nd track day, I haven't ridden my bike on the street anymore. Okay, maybe I'm too lazy to put it back to street legal form, but needless to say you realize how dangerous the street is after riding the track.

[bwhip]

Originally Posted by azamora954

I live in Florida, where the curves ran aways thousands of years ago!

Which would you think would be the "best bang for the buck" track school out there?

I am looking to use my bike (2003 954) but if it is too far from South Florida, then a school that rents would be nice also.

Jason Pridmore's STAR school is awesome, and they do rent Suzuki SV650's, leathers, etc. if you need them.

[coderedcbr]

No way! Cuz they don't be teach'in wheelies and stopies That's real street riding

[ULEWZ]

Originally Posted by coderedcbr

No way! Cuz they don't be teach'in wheelies and stopies That's real street riding

Hey Coderedcbr, It might be time to change your tag line. I'm sorry to say that Rick James died yesterday and won't be needing a Be-atch anymore.