The Superbike-Coach Team

The Superbike-Coach Corp, ‘the SBC team’ is an outstanding group of people- experts in their fields. All of them are motorcycle riders themselves for many years. We cherish each other. Respect, love and pride for what we do and who we are shows every minute. We don’t just work together. We do fun stuff together, have BBQ’s and team ride outs. We’re family! It’s probably impossible to find a more dedicated and passionate team as Superbike-Coach. Come meet them.

Jill Akkaya

Superbike-Coach Corp assistant coach

I was born to be around motorcycles. I grew up with motorcycle racing because of my Dad, so many weekends were spent at the track on weekends in Germany. When we moved to the States, I remember watching the Superbike Coach program getting developed. From track days at Thunderhill, to classes at Little 99, and even teaching motorcycle courses at an Air Force base, I was there for all of it. My Dad tried to teach me how to ride when I was about 10, but I’ve always been cautious, so I decided it wasn’t for me. Years later, I walked into his office and told him I wanted to try again. By Christmas time, we were already rebuilding a 2023 Ninja 400. Within a year, I went from not knowing how to shift to dragging my knee and becoming the newest assistant coach with SBC.

I’m so excited to be a part of this journey, not only giving people the skills to be a better, safer rider, but also to build new connections with individuals who have the same passion as the rest of us. As a woman, I know how difficult and intimidating it can be to break into a male-dominated sport and it’s thrilling to see the growing number of ladies joining our program. I’ll be also head coach of our annual female only cornering class. See you out there, girls!

Dean Lonskey

Superbike-Coach Corp photographer, assistant coach

Started riding dirt bikes back in 1970 when I was 4 years old. Between 1972 – 1999, I also did some desert and motocross racing. Started riding street bikes in 1986 on a 1982 Yamaha 750. Seca and since then I’ve either owned or rode: FZR600, FJ1200, R1, FJR1300, Ninja 650R, and FZ-10. In 2018, From 1986 – 2003, not only did I commute and canyon ride, I also did a lot of touring, from going down to Southern California and up to Idaho.

I’ve even gone on a couple 4,000 mile rides, first on my FZR600 then on my FJ1200. In 2018 I bought a KTM 450SMR and started riding it to take the place of motocross. I’ve taken pictures most of my life but in 2014 I got really serious about it, In 2014, I took my first Superbike-Coach class (the Wheelie Class) then in November 2014, I came on as Coach Can’s official photographer and haven’t looked back since!

Chris Baird

Superbike-Coach Corp mechanic, assistant coach

When I was 12 years old, I asked my mom if I could get a motorcycle and she told me to talk to my dad. He said it was too dangerous and mom replied that he’d have to get rid of his bike, knowing I would just “borrow” it. That’s how I ended up working with my dad to fix up a 1975 Honda XL350, my first fabrication project.  He then taught me how to ride safely. I have always enjoyed riding.  The freedom of movement and connection to the world around me let me just exist without the intrusions of daily living.

Around 6 years ago, a mutual friend told me that Coach really needed help…with a project. That’s how I ended up fabricating a cool wheelie-popping machine. Our relationship developed from there with a mutual love of the freedom, the drive to improve our skills, and the joy of passing on knowledge. I greatly enjoy working with the group of people Coach has been collecting…as long as my wife says it’s okay.

Mark Stewart

Superbike-Coach Corp mechanic, assistant coach

My love of all things with motors started well before I had a learner’s permit. Starting out with RC cars and go karts on family vacations. I remember my first time in a kart feeling cornering G’s I was hooked. Like most growing up in “rural” Upstate New York I got to drive in heavy snow and ice. A lot. I would get out of school find an empty parking lot and practice doing evasive maneuvers, emergency braking, and of course drifting.

Soon I was neck deep in racing. Starting with autocross, eventually racing at full on Track events across the Northeast. Any event I could sign up for I was in it. Eventually I became a instructor for a driving school and also taught new teen drivers car control with Tire rack’s Street Survival classes. My journey into motorsports was like many others, my journey into motorcycling however was one of heartache.

Received a phone call that no one ever wants. I lost my best friend while he was riding a motorcycle. I swore I’d never get on a motorcycle again. Well Fast-forward to 2015 I moved to the bay area and watching motorcycles cruise by everyday on my commute I decided to put my fears aside and give it a try. After getting my M1 my friend suggested I try a class with Superbike coach. I was hooked and took all the classes I could soaking up every shred of knowledge I could get from Coach Can. Some time later Can asked if I could figure out what was wrong with his Supermoto’s engine, after a little bit of work on the top end we had it back in and ripping wheelies in no time.

Not long after Coach needed help running the wheelie class and asked if I would jump in to help. Since then, I’ve been a mechanic, and assistant coach for Superbike Coach. I’ve loved every minute of these times with the team that is my second family. To wrap it all together though I’ve seen what lessons from Coach Can will do to make someone a better and safer rider firsthand for both myself and friends I’ve made along the way. These courses and skills I’ve learned have saved my life, and I am proud I can be apart of something that can keep someone from getting the worst phone call of their life. And no one else out there will be more dedicated to keeping it that way than our team at Superbike-Coach.

Marion Akkaya

Superbike-Coach Corp event org

I’ve been with Can since he was an amateur racer and all the way up to high level FIM international pro racing. I’ve been always working as a team support member and pitlane crew. I know all the up’s and down’s of making a career in a dense competition like that, so without racing myself- I know what it takes.

I never rode bikes myself till we moved to the U.S., where I made my M1 drivers license. Coach and I designed and built my first sportbike. I loved it but now I am riding an adventure bike. As a Superbike-Coach Corp member, I am the event organizer and also take care of the needs of students and the team. I love what we do and I believe we’re saving lots of lives.

Can Akkaya

Superbike-Coach Corp headcoach, owner

Everything I’ve learned, from a beginner on the street up to professional European Championship racing is fundamental of what I teach and who we are today. Nothing is copied or tricked out- Superbike-Coach is first hand and hands-on. My teaching experience goes back almost two decades now and the mental aspect of riding is my strength actually. I am also a certified USMCA coach.

I know what rider goes through- because I’ve been there myself- and I know the way out for them. I can’t be more proud for the people I’ve put together, helping to run this motorcycle riding school. Their passion, respect and loyalty is out of this world. Our students feel how much we love each other. Something which is hard to find somewhere else. There is also a great story about his Emigration to the USA.