I was 'officially' licensed to ride a motorcycle in 1982. (I took my DMV test on an XLX Sportster). Since then, I have had periods of non-ownership. But for the past eight years, I've ridden consistently and have owned at least one motorcycle (and as many as six at once) during the entire period. I've owned Harley, Ducati, Buell, Suzuki (including a Gen II Hayabusa), Honda, ATK... Currently, I own a Road King Custom.

I had an accident a few years ago. I low-sided on a 25 MPH corner during a BIG ride (1,000 riders). Notwithstanding the embarrassment, the bike was relatively undamaged (some scratched paint and one saddle bag damaged). I was unhurt (except for a minor cut/scar on my left shoulder, a remnant of 'high-jumping' a guard-rail--the bike stopped dead, I began flying...something about inertia and objects in motion tending to stay in motion...)

First lesson: I learned, as I skidded through the dirt on my chin, that a full-face helmet while riding a Harley isn't neccessarily only for weenies. The first thing I did when I realized I wasn't badly hurt was jump up and feel to make sure my chin was still there (it was).

Second lesson: The second lesson was a little more obscure. I had no doubt about 'what' had happened. I went into a corner faster than I could take it. But for the life of me, I didn't understand 'how' or 'why' I'd done so. It seemed--right up until the moment I'd run out of asphalt and saw the surface turn to dirt behind the front tire--I could have and should have made the corner.

It seemed to me that until I understood 'why' I'd crashed, there would be no way to avoid something similar in the future. I spent weeks, and then months, trying to obtain insight. I read all I could, and talked to others. The answers and speculation I got didn't explain it to me. At least they didn't explain it sufficiently I felt I could avoid a similar event in the future.

Finally, I decided to take a riding class from a gentleman by the name of Keith Code (California Superbike School--CSB). He teaches people to race (I think he's schooled at least a dozen world champions, including Wayne Rainey). I'd already had the MSF school, and had reviewed the 'advanced' school (it seemed like it provided some good training, yet didn't seem as if my answer was there).

I signed up with CSB at Willow Springs. (They travel around the country, but their home-base is here in Rosamond). I provided my own bike, leathers, helmet, boots and gloves. The cost was $375 for a day's training. (It's nearer seven or eight hundred if they provide everything, including a bike). Not cheap. But value is based on return on investment. For me, the question in that regard was: What's life worth?

Rather than take you through the entire Level I training course (there are 4 levels), suffice it to say even though I'd been riding many, many years--I didn't have a good grasp of how to turn a motorcycle. Something that basic...and I didn't have a good understanding of the mechanics.

It turned out I was starting my turns way too soon. I'd anticipate a turn, and afraid I'd run off the road, I'd attempt to ensure I wouldn't run wide by beginning the turn far too early. I was actually causing the problem I sought to avoid. I'd finish my turns way out to the outside of the turn, without a lot of asphalt left next to me. (When you start a turn 'early', one thing that happens is you don't lean over as far...this was making me 'flatten out' the turn and was taking me wide).

What had happened that caused me to low-side was, I'd been distracted shortly before the turn. Once I got focused on the road again, I was going faster than I would have ordinarily at that moment in the turn. I estimate I was doing 30-35 MPH (for a 25 MPH turn). The turn, at that speed, was 'doable' (I've been back to prove it). But true to my form in those days I started my turn too early, and this time because of my 'excess' speed I ran out of road.

My whole technique for negotiating turns changed after attending the Superbike School. Rather than try to explain specifics, I'll refer you to Mr. Code's site: superbikeschool.com. My explanation will not do his training justice, nor do I want to confuse you. Keith Code has made this training into an art.

Keith Code is not the only such 'trainer' in the world. There are other good schools that teach the same thing. But I attended his school, so I know what to expect from it. It was at the best motorcycle training experience of my life. Bar none.

My point isn't to endorse Keith Code's school to the exclusion of others. My point is, these 'racing' schools are not just for racers. Their curriculum teaches advancement of basic skills, e.g., in my case how to more efficiently turn a motorcycle.

Certainly everyone should take the MSF basic course. The advanced course is a good idea, too, as are the Harley riding courses. But if you've never thought of taking a 'racing' school...you might want to reconsider. Not only is it a gas to get out on a racetrack...you will learn techniques for handling a motorcycle that these other courses probably won't teach you.

The moral to the story is: You're never too old, or wise, or experienced to not be able to learn something new and useful; and sometimes, that 'new' thing will be found in a place you might not expect to find it.

Alan

 

Good post! Except now I have to add to my list of Gotta Do's! I will check into this for sure!! Sounds like a blast. Did a open wheel race car class years ago, now that was a blast. This sounds like fun also!!

 

I have several of Keith Codes books and would love to take his class. I have no desire to race, but I would love the adreniline rush of riding on the course, and the lessons learned would be very good for the street as well.

 

I attended one of his Super Bike classes at Laguna Seca in the late 70's.
They had GPZ 550's to ride or you could ride your own.

 

Keith Code has 2 books out, twist of the wrist and twist of the wrist 2 plus I think a DVD all on riding/cornering technique. The techniques apply to all riding not just super bikes.

 

Alan....
Good write up....
What bike did you ride in the course....
And...Yes if I had the funds I would definetly take his course....
I have flat track experience but not road racing....
My bucket list gets longer and longer....LOL

 

I'd be interested in a course, I'd need all the gear including the bike. But $800 is a bit steep. It would be great fun though, you'd definitely learn a lot.

 

I have the Twist of the Wrist II DVD and found it very informative. The DVD is a must for anyone who rides. I would love to take my RK to one of Keiths classes on a track. Thanks for sharing.

 

I raced Dirt Bikes growing up and again in my 20s a bit of Street Race, My Father knew Gary Nixon and we would go to his hobby shop and talk about his race days . He was Flat/Dirt track mainly but the things he could do with a bike. The 1st thing he taught me was how and when to stay with the bike or get away from it. Then how to survive a get off. One of the best things he taught me that I still use today is how to Brake under power to pull through a corner that you are not making . My V-rod is long and unlike my SPortbikes I came from I still get in to hot sometimes a slight rear break when appling throttle pulls you right through.

If anyone can take these type of classes it will help you 10 fold not only for the trouble you cause yourself but the nuts on the road as well.

 

Sorry Double post Forum has been doing weird things