I can’t believe how quickly time went by. We just finished an amazing Knee Down class and Wheelie Course (end of April), and now we’re preparing for our track day at Thunderhill West Raceway on 6/10/2018. It seems we’re booking up again, because only 38 spots are left.

So in a little less than a month, Superbike-Coach will run another track day, the way it should be…. available for every rider and bike category- hassle free and without ‘instructors’ who just race each other by ignoring their own rules. In fact- about 80% of our track day attendees were my students before in all kind of SBC programs, which means that there is a solid level of respect for each other and for what we do. Of course, nothing is perfect, and so also we try to keep improving.

However, I want to point out that a Superbike-Coach track day is different in the detail as well, and that begins with our level group selection. Since we do track beginner orientated track days which are more fun and safety focused than to be fast- we run three groups in 7×20 minutes sessions. Dividing riders in C group (probably the slowest, most inexperienced)- B group (intermediate riders with low track experience)- and B+ (up to slight more experienced riders). Take to note that our B+ group is pretty much a extension of the B group. So no A group, but we do welcome some A riders and racers in B+ all the time, and those are the ones we know that they can ‘hold back’ and track with respect. Low key is cool, because ya’ll have a Monday to do.

Often riders ask if a class is mandatory to even attend our track days. The answer here is no, everyone- and on everything can join. We offer “I always wanted to do this ones, but without the drama” track days. That means you don’t have to have a racing suit- you don’t have to prep the crap out of your bike- and you don’t need to be worried about the ‘chicken strips‘ you might have. We try to bring riders, despite the category or level, to the sport in the most hassle free and possible safest way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pi54483RWM&t=4s

The more the better, but street riding protection is fine if it is for you. In the end, you go the same- or even higher risks using regular riding protection for street riding. In regard bike preparation we only ask to tape the brake light and to remove mirrors (or to tape them).To get started, you might want to read my article ‘How to prepare for a track day‘. There are rules, flags, do’s and don’t’s, and a bunch of tips and suggestions around your entire track journey, so good stuff actually. If that leaves questions open… you might post a comment on the Coach blog to get the answer.

Now here is the deal… Superbike-Coach track days are always booking out, and that’s beyond the fact that we are not leaving turns out- that we include free sport photography- a Ideal-Line-West-Seminar- and a C group orientation in the morning… all for only $150. So if you want to get in… now is the time, because only 38 spots are left!

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Sacramento 05/16/2018

I’m still super tired and sore after such a weekend of coaching. My voice is coming back slowly
After the 86% success rate of the knee down class last Saturday, we’ve done the wheelie course on last Sunday and it WAS A BLAST.

People from all over the country and foreign countries came see Superbike-Coach for that one. I am so proud for them and my team to pull this off. Lots of energy, euphoric and spirit to feel though out the event. Our mini-wheelie bike is a big fun factor- even it’s been a huge challenge. Once more it broke down, but my tech Brian Hunnicutt and even photographer Dean Lonskey helped to put it back to action ASAP. Great effort.

New team member Jeremy French had a tough first 30 minutes. No wonder, cuz’ I dropped that boy in the cold water. From there, he operated our new wheelie machine like no other and put a happy face on all of those 30 students.  Marion Akkaya and Ben Mccrae who are in charge of a damn complicated time/group schedule and preparing for me 1on1 wheelie bike students put love and heart into it. Amazing job guys!

A 65% success rate doesn’t sound too much, but despite the fact that this wheelie course is a hell of a ride… everyone gets something out of it for sure. I think Dean Lonskey’s featured pictures are displaying this pretty good.
I didn’t had too much time to relax, because I taught a brand new rider yesterday (Basic Rider 1on1) and I’ll have a Road Skill 1on1 to do tomorrow.

I can’t be more happy with the SBC team and I already look forward to our track day at Thunderhill Raceway on 6/10/.

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

I just wanna let you guys know about something…

There are riders who are trying for years and lots of money to get that knee down. Riders who are seeing other schools and tons of track days- following slogans…

But here is Superbike-Coach and the proof where our Knee Down class goes. Last Saturday, on 4/28/2018… 18 out of a 21 students made it. I am proud for each one, because non of the 21 gave up… never quit! Eighteen of a twenty-one!
Two of those who didn’t make it, loved it to death and will book again. The one who’s left didn’t like it that much. At that point… who’s responsible for that one?

You still don’t believe?! Cool, keep doing what you’re doing, cuz’ your ego is not a good match for us anyway. I repeat…
Eighteen of a twenty-one!

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

If you follow my monthly topics, then you might have noticed the red line to the struggle of riders on mental focus – so let’s stay on this topic and clear something up at the same time. This goes mainly out to the track riders and racers.

It seems that there is a wrong picture of what a teacher has to look like and be capable of. Sometimes I hear things like “Coach is to old”, or “He raced in the 80’s, that was different back then.” The conclusion seems to be that because I’m older, I can’t teach them anything. This is wrong and misguided, so let me throw a light into the dark tunnel for you.

Of course I am not as fast as I once was, but I actually still have the fire of a thousand suns in me when I’m on track, and I can rip lap times at Laguna Seca Raceway that would make active racers quite nervous, even when the years on me have replaced my 6-pack with a beer belly. Even when I am a little hip-lame… I still know what it takes to achieve Pole Positions, International Pro Racing victories, and even lap records. And here’s the deal… besides technology and tires – we’re still fighting the same old element… gravity.

Still not convinced? Remember Karate Kid’s Mr Miyagi? How about Yoda? Or Panda’s Master Shifu? They are all old, and they mentor their students to become hero’s anyway. Yea… I know. That’s all Hollywood?! So what about reality- like Coach Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots for example? He’s old and he keeps creating winning teams. Just recently I saw a documentary about Peyton Manning’s Super Bowl ending carrier. Here’s a multi-million dollar NFL player who got hip-lame himself and loaded with mental blocks. This man had a coach on his side- a 72 year old Sensei!

Does that mean that his sensei was expected to throw the damn ball further than record holder Manning? Was it necessary for his sensei to be quicker out of the pocket? Should his sensei have been mentally and physically strong enough to get past a 280-pound linebacker and throw a touchdown anyway? NO, but his sensei helped him on a way different level, and all what that 100 Million dollar MVP and multiple record holder was replying to his sensei was- ‘Yes Sir’ and ‘Yes Coach’!

Still not seeing the comparison? How about a basketball coach who is 2 ft smaller than his player- or a hockey coach who can no longer skate fast and handle a puck like a 20-year old. They may not be able to play the game, but they know what it takes to be a success in the game. They know what to say- when to say- and how to say!

So here is the logic, which I believe got lost with all those track day instructors who believe that a 10 minutes ‘workout’ and a succinct tip in regard ‘body positioning’ is all what it takes to be a good teacher. At a certain level of an athlete, a coach on the sideline is working just fine. I as a coach, see weak spots to delete, strengths to develop, tailor a race strategy, finding details to improve in the skill set and most important to mind set a competitive nature, because I know what to say- when to say- and how to say!

For this, I don’t have to be with the racer on the track to ’skate faster’ to proof credentials. Though, I bet I even can help a Top-Gun racer to drop lap times also with his riding skill set, because I’ve been there too. At that point to mention MotoGP. Even some of those guys have coaches too. Are they riding with them?! No, because how should that be even possible?!

You’re asking why I put this on the mental side?… well, you might shut yourself down with that type of thinking, and might miss out on something that finally could get you on the path you always wanted to walk… the path to success on the race track. If you still don’t see that the problems are between your ears, then you keep fighting wind mills. But if you are ready- come see me and I might help you to become a mighty Jedi.

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Sacramento 04/25/2018

I finally can announce our sponsors for 2018.

Axo America Inc is Superbike-Coach’s newest sponsor and is local to Santa Clarita, CA,  Its outstanding quality standards is coming from the factory in Istrana, Italy.  So no China/Pakistan junk- but still affordable. No matter what you need, street or dirt gear, a 40% off from Superbike-Coach is a huge deal.                                 www.axo.com

 

The name and reputation have been forged over time, the hard way. Which means we haven’t devoted three generations of the Arai family to the singular goal of no-holds-barred excellence just to turn out helmets like everybody else’s. Arai alone has the experience, the quality.                                                                    www.araiamericas.com

 

Their products rounding up your hobby, on the bike- and in the garage. Parts and tools is what they are doing, and the prices are low.  If a dealer doesn’t have stock on the items you need, they can be ordered and you should generally receive them in less than a few days. BikeMaster was also involved with the ‘MotoGP Project Bike’.         www.bikemaster.com

 

Forma boots are developed with high-end materials, and the look is fantastic. 2015 is the 3rd year I’ve been using Forma Boots for their quality- durability- safety- and design. These guys are bike enthusiasts and we love their passion- and they love what Superbike-Coach does- which is why Forma is donating a 20% off discount.         www.formabootsusa.com

 

TechSpec became famous for their fabulous Gripster tank grips, which makes the rider stays in place and protects the bike. Motorcycle Grip Pads, Tank Grips and Traction Pads have been around since the 40’s. Tech Spec’s “GRIPSTER Grip Pads” takes the concept of gripping and protecting your tank, leap years ahead.                   www.techspec-usa.com

 

Dynojet Research, Inc. is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of performance enhancement products and tools. Their fuel management and diagnostic products, coupled with their personalized services, give you the resources to maximize performance and increase efficiency.                                                   www.dynojet.com

 

High quality products on affordable pricing is hard to find. Race Tech manufactures aftermarket suspension parts such as shock kits, fork springs and seal drivers, and Superbike-Coach has them all over the fleet, and since this year even in the engines. Race Tech also rebuilds cylinder heads, crankshafts and hones cylinders.           www.racetech.com

 

We at Superbike-Coach are proud for these guys, because they are helping us to do what we do- to help Motorcycle riders. Thanks for the support!

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

Last Sunday, 1/28/, we’ve opened the 2018 riding season with a terrific group of people.

I was a little rusty after the long winter break, but it didn’t hold my 28 students back to go into it with eager. The weather couldn’t be any better and our track was in a good shape.

I had a blast with them and yea, also enjoyed myself a lot being back on the track and rip my freshly rebuild Supermotard throughout this exciting and extremely technical track. Students have begun to spread their reviews over Google, Yelp and whatnot. Go read them! Photographer Dean could take over 1500 pictures and video, which are ready for a free download for the class. Till then he pulled some featured pictures of the outstanding class. Enjoy!

Thanks to my SBC team we could start the season where we paused in 2017… with lots of happy faces… and so am I :-)

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

We are ready to go with our Track Days this year.

Read the full description about our Thunderhill track days here.

The track day at Little 99 Raceway including a Suspension setup workshop. Very cool, so don’t miss it out.