Nervous about S1000RR at CSS

[Yakaru]

So I'm taking the California Superbike School's 2 day class tomorrow, a nice followup to taking my Ninjette there yesterday (expect more on the whole experience later). The two day requires you ride their bikes though, and I'm fighting a lot of nerves about more than tripling my displacement. Anyone have any hints for tomorrow? I rented an S1000 a few months back to prepare and it was a pretty easy machine for Angeles Crest all things considered, but stage fright is a strange thing.

[Sirref]

I think you'll be fine

I've researched the program a lot since I used to have similar issues with riding superbikes/supersports at the track. Those s1000rrs are a lot safer than you'd think if you're not trying to push the limits, and even when you are. The traction control does a lot for you on it's maximum setting with the bike's power set to rain mode (about the equivalent power of a 600 iirc)

I think you'll be just fine, just focus on having fun and improving

I'm jelly, I want to take css and ycrs

[Motofool]

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=106032

Other than their bike being heavier than your bike, especially when stopped, there are no reasons for a lot of nerves.

Relax and enjoy the rides !!!

[Sirref]

^ the extra weight and the brakes are the concerns, afaik those brakes are monstrous compared to the little 300

[csmith12]

Talk to your coach about your concerns, we both know they are great at what they do.

Out of all the features the bike has, the best safety features are the rider's self control and confidence in their skills. And just in case you need them; the bike has 3 power modes and more than enough enabled electronics to keep the basic errors in check. TC, ABS, LC and all the other goodies.

Focus on having fun and working the drills. If the bike is not an "enabler" to your skill gains, let a coach know and they will figure out why.

Looking forward to your review and comments to come! And tell Cobie, Trevor and Johnny I said hi!

Don't worry about it too much and find a way to turn your anxious feelings into a positive asset to your riding day. You got this...

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Yakaru

So I'm taking the California Superbike School's 2 day class tomorrow, a nice followup to taking my Ninjette there yesterday (expect more on the whole experience later). The two day requires you ride their bikes though, and I'm fighting a lot of nerves about more than tripling my displacement. Anyone have any hints for tomorrow? I rented an S1000 a few months back to prepare and it was a pretty easy machine for Angeles Crest all things considered, but stage fright is a strange thing.

Depends!

[cbinker]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Talk to your coach about your concerns, we both know they are great at what they do.

Out of all the features the bike has, the best safety features are the rider's self control and confidence in their skills. And just in case you need them; the bike has 3 power modes and more than enough enabled electronics to keep the basic errors in check. TC, ABS, LC and all the other goodies.

Focus on having fun and working the drills. If the bike is not an "enabler" to your skill gains, let a coach know and they will figure out why.

Looking forward to your review and comments to come! And tell Cobie, Trevor and Johnny I said hi!

Don't worry about it too much and find a way to turn your anxious feelings into a positive asset to your riding day. You got this...

actually there 4 power modes, but you have to instal a plug for the Slick mode.

As for the bike, the challenge is to forget about the power of the bike because the electronics are state of the art. The lean angle sensors are probably the most amazing piece of the technology and how the computer incorporates into the over all system is amazing. my understanding from what I read, haven't tried, too scared, but you can be full lean with throttle wide open and the sensors/computer will restrict power until you start to stand the bike up and add power in a linear force.

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Depends!

[chemist]

subscribed! You will have a blast

[Sirref]

so? how was it?

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Sirref

so? how was it?

Lol, too soon my good man. A day with CSS is a very busy day, with a lot info to absorb.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Lol, too soon my good man. A day with CSS is a very busy day, with a lot info to absorb.

I forgot yak's on the west coast, 10pm would be reasonable wouldn't it?

[tfkrocks]

I'll be waiting to hear about your experience

[Yakaru]

So all wrapped up with Day 2 of 3, my first day on the BMW.
I'm alive, didn't wreck, didn't almost wreck.

Thoughts: BMW is super nice but it is a bit tall for me (I'm on tippie toes when not at speed) and has a bit more 'umph' in 1st with no throttle that I have to watch when in line. I'm not up to moving out of Rain mode yet but Paul has.

Momaru has been enjoying himself immensely, we're both at level 4 and he's really pushing himself hard and dragging some pucks. I'm the slowest person on the track I think, which I'm okay with but makes me nervous about doing a normal track day and I'd love to get over that hump tomorrow. My adopted sister, EternalNewb, will be doing Level 3 herself -- this was her first time out and so she's totally getting spoiled with the triple day. She's in charge of the full event report (taking odds on her finishing before Momaru's 2 years and running late review of the Yosemite road trip we took in 2013).

I'm working a lot on body positioning and quick turning. I have a bad habit of being too stiff which messes things up and being a 'progressive' steerer instead of getting my line setup in one go. Did a lot of work on it today, though, and I'm optimistic it will stick. My coach tomorrow is Misti so I'm hoping that she'll be able to chime in with how I can best translate the RR to my little Ninjette. Otherwise wait for Newb's report!

[csmith12]

Nice, you're in good hands then. I predict she has the patience of a saint.

[Sirref]

don't fret if you feel like you're going slower

higher speed doesn't necessarily mean more learning, which is the goal

[cbinker]

Now that I live closer to an area with CSS i may look into it.

[algs26]

Did they switch to the new S1KRRs with the quickshifter for both up and downshifts?

I think I'm doing CSS Laguna Seca. Will be my first time at LS, at least on a bike.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by algs26

Did they switch to the new S1KRRs with the quickshifter for both up and downshifts?

I believe so, there was chatter about no need to manual blip when I went with them @ VIR this year.

[cbinker]

Originally Posted by algs26

Did they switch to the new S1KRRs with the quickshifter for both up and downshifts?

I think I'm doing CSS Laguna Seca. Will be my first time at LS, at least on a bike.

Originally Posted by csmith12

I believe so, there was chatter about no need to manual blip when I went with them @ VIR this year.

That is an update for 2015, not sure how often the school gets new bikes.

the upshift is very nice, takes getting used too.

[Sirref]

It's very possible that they got a few of the new bikes but didn't really replace the old ones so you may or may not have that feature

if they did replace them then I can see that as being a good way to get a great deal on a used s1000rr (I trust them more than I trust most street riders on craigslist even though they've obviously been abused a bit)

[csmith12]

Ben,

They replaced every single one of them with 2015 models. They invited students to come ride them to break them in and yes... they did offer a great deal on the old ones to students. Details on both offers were on the superbike forum.

Like I said, I DID my homework on CSS before my coach tryout.

[Sirref]

I'll have to keep an eye out for that in the future, the s1000rr would make an amazing track/coaching/race bike for me in 5-10 years

[Yakaru]

Look at me not wrecking! :P

[csmith12]

Now... where your nerves before hand properly placed?

[Yakaru]

I think having a healthy respect for the bike was a good idea, but the tech definitely makes this bike easier to ride. I kept everything in rain mode all day, and that traction control light was blinking like mad in my last few sessions.

I think next year after getting back in the groove I may switch to sport.

Momaru was amazing, and even got some kudos (I'll let him explain further if he wants), apparently it's on me to do the same next time we go.

A good experience, but I'll be happy to be back on Saturn for a while. As fun as having one of these in my garage would be I'm smart enough to realize I'm not ready for it. Next I think I need to work up the nerve to go to a track day, despite again feeling completely not ready for it.

[Sirref]

I'm gonna go with you're more than ready for a track day, from the look of that pic you wouldn't be too far off from dragging knee if you rotated your inside leg out

also, sweet lid! I love it

[algs26]

Originally Posted by Yakaru

Look at me not wrecking! :P

Shouldn't this be in the bp thread?

Looks like they had GoPro mounts on the bikes?

At the higher levels, aren't you essentially doing a track day?

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by algs26

At the higher levels, aren't you essentially doing a track day?

Nah, with that level of personalized coaching it's still a school. Though I'd imagine at that point a lot of it is just track time and work on what you know so it may as well be a track day with amazing coaches

[csmith12]

Awesome Yakaru! My last question...

Did you have fun?!?!?!?

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Yakaru

Next I think I need to work up the nerve to go to a track day, despite again feeling completely not ready for it.

As much as CSS would love to see you come and do level 4, or any other level as many times as you see fit. I MUST believe they want you to spread your wings and fly.

Do your homework, go when you're ready and take a friend.

[Yakaru]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Awesome Yakaru! My last question...

Did you have fun?!?!?!?

I did. Misti was definitely a great coach request -- she was BY FAR the best "on track" I've ever had. Following her improved my lines immensely, and she was able to give very clear hand signals (both 'standard' CSS ones and some that I had to figure out but made perfect sense once I did).

I usually felt that she would push me just a hair as well, helping me improve without making me feel like I was going beyond my limits. James and Joe were also solid coaches (Joe's pit talks were always enlightening and amusing) from Weds and Mon.

I was pretty exhausted by the end of today, but I had a blast and cut my lap average by over 30 seconds from Weds morning to end of Thursday (I didn't get lap times for Monday so I can't evaluate that directly, it was also on my 300).

[Yakaru]

Originally Posted by csmith12

As much as CSS would love to see you come and do level 4, or any other level as many times as you see fit. I MUST believe they want you to spread your wings and fly.

Do your homework, go when you're ready and take a friend.

Yep, I plan to do another Level 4 next year for sure, but I'll maybe look into a local track day. Sadly my preferred track buddies are not in Washington and I'm unlikely to get down to the SoCal/Nevada area any time soon (nevermind the odds of me getting Saturn over to the East Coast).

[Yakaru]

Originally Posted by Sirref

I'm gonna go with you're more than ready for a track day, from the look of that pic you wouldn't be too far off from dragging knee if you rotated your inside leg out

also, sweet lid! I love it

Re: Knee down: Yeah, combination of tight pants (I've gained some weight this year >.<) and just not being as flexible as I'd like led to hugging the tank a bit tighter than I'd like with my legs. It's also related to why I'm not in my one piece race suit (it fits but with the way I was drinking fluids I needed something that didn't require that much effort to zip up).

Re: Helmet: Thanks! It's a Schuberth SR1 with a custom paint job by Skratch.

[Misti]

Originally Posted by Yakaru

I think having a healthy respect for the bike was a good idea, but the tech definitely makes this bike easier to ride. I kept everything in rain mode all day, and that traction control light was blinking like mad in my last few sessions.

I think next year after getting back in the groove I may switch to sport.

Momaru was amazing, and even got some kudos (I'll let him explain further if he wants), apparently it's on me to do the same next time we go.

A good experience, but I'll be happy to be back on Saturn for a while. As fun as having one of these in my garage would be I'm smart enough to realize I'm not ready for it. Next I think I need to work up the nerve to go to a track day, despite again feeling completely not ready for it.

A healthy respect for the S1000 is definitely a good idea, but it is much more user friendly and less terrifying than it seems. The rain mode certainly helps you gain confidence in the bike and available power before moving up. I'm certain you would be fine in SPORT mode once you completely eradicate your small tendency to add throttle and lean angle at the same time

Originally Posted by Yakaru

I did. Misti was definitely a great coach request -- she was BY FAR the best "on track" I've ever had. Following her improved my lines immensely, and she was able to give very clear hand signals (both 'standard' CSS ones and some that I had to figure out but made perfect sense once I did).

I usually felt that she would push me just a hair as well, helping me improve without making me feel like I was going beyond my limits. James and Joe were also solid coaches (Joe's pit talks were always enlightening and amusing) from Weds and Mon.

I was pretty exhausted by the end of today, but I had a blast and cut my lap average by over 30 seconds from Weds morning to end of Thursday (I didn't get lap times for Monday so I can't evaluate that directly, it was also on my 300).

Thank you thank you
You were a great student! I did push you a little bit, as much as I felt you could handle and you rode great! You would be fine at a track day if you choose once carefully that caters to safety first and has different groups to chose from. Oh, and you definitely weren't the slowest rider in your group at CSS, far from it.

You did good!!

See you next time?!!

[algs26]

Originally Posted by csmith12

As much as CSS would love to see you come and do level 4, or any other level as many times as you see fit. I MUST believe they want you to spread your wings and fly.

Do your homework, go when you're ready and take a friend.

After doing Level 1/2 at Laguna Seca, I'd say it's similar to track days.

It didn't feel as crowded and passing seemed more respectful. The one (maybe big) thing is that you do have someone watching over you 50% of the time so you don't get it in over your head (and crash). You can almost match that by asking for an instructor for most if not all the sessions. But ultimately it's up to you to be your own judge and not crash. I've even gotten a 2-up ride.

I wonder how they would feel if I ran along one side of the track during the orientation laps...

[Yakaru]

Originally Posted by Misti

A healthy respect for the S1000 is definitely a good idea, but it is much more user friendly and less terrifying than it seems. The rain mode certainly helps you gain confidence in the bike and available power before moving up. I'm certain you would be fine in SPORT mode once you completely eradicate your small tendency to add throttle and lean angle at the same time

Yep, working on killing that one off. Turning it into a two step quick-turn, then gas has helped immensely and now it's just a matter of fixing muscle memory.

Originally Posted by Misti

Thank you thank you
You were a great student! I did push you a little bit, as much as I felt you could handle and you rode great! You would be fine at a track day if you choose once carefully that caters to safety first and has different groups to chose from. Oh, and you definitely weren't the slowest rider in your group at CSS, far from it.

Thanks! I enjoyed being pushed, it forced me to improve my technique instead of using slow speed to make up for my weaknesses. I wasn't kidding when I said you were the best on-track coach I've had in 3 years of CSS

Originally Posted by Misti

You did good!!

See you next time?!!

Of course! I'll definitely be at the Ridge next year, probably the same 3 day schedule if my budget can afford it! Hopefully I'll be in better shape both physically and technique-wise.

[Misti]

Originally Posted by Yakaru

Yep, working on killing that one off. Turning it into a two step quick-turn, then gas has helped immensely and now it's just a matter of fixing muscle memory.


Thanks! I enjoyed being pushed, it forced me to improve my technique instead of using slow speed to make up for my weaknesses. I wasn't kidding when I said you were the best on-track coach I've had in 3 years of CSS



Of course! I'll definitely be at the Ridge next year, probably the same 3 day schedule if my budget can afford it! Hopefully I'll be in better shape both physically and technique-wise.

Awesome!! See you then!!