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Another Superbike-Coach Track Day…

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…has been done, and ones more it was totally booked up!

120 riders, mainly our students from all kinds of programs joined us at the wonderful Thunderhill West Raceway in California. The weather was perfect, because this time it wasn’t too hot. it helps, but it doesn’t make our job any easier, because we literally care about every single rider and to make it as safe and fun for them as possible. Yep, I know that this is a phrase everyone use to say, so I want to make this a little more detailed to give you an idea.

June 10th 2018. I got a hotel room for my team up in Willows while I had about 2 1/2 hours of sleep the night before to make the final preparations. My wife Marion and I drove up in the early morning to join the team at the gate at 6.30am, and luckily we could get right in to set everything up. Within 15 minutes we have an operational registration in the Clubhouse- the tech inspection area- the photographer station- and the grids in the pit lane, loaded with tents and ice chests for our Control Riders Ben, Michael, Brian, Steve, and Connor. Then quickly unloading all bikes, and off we go.

Marion and Michael in there elements, running 120 people through paperwork to ensure that everyone has time enough for Tech. Jeremy, Steve, Brian and Ben checked the rider bikes while Superbike-Coach photographer Dean and I went out on the track to inspect the track and run off areas, where we found a small problem which had to be fixed. After a short briefing with the track admin and track Marshall’s I could have at least 10 minutes of face time with the people in the paddock.

8.15am, the mandatory riders meeting begins, while Marion finishes up late comers. I go over essentials the ‘Coach way’, and I always realize the discrepancy individuals experiencing when they dealing with me the very first time. On one side the riders who have been students before- and the riders who are new to Superbike-Coach on the other. While most of them know what kind of train is rumbling through the Clubhouse- some are quite surprised by it. That’s because they get to see only a fraction of the big picture. That’s hard to understand within half an hour, so I am always hoping that the new riders to us look around and to see/feel why we’re having hundreds and hundreds of loyal students which we use to call ‘family’. So at that point, the efficiency of my coaching style is priority, and I don’t bent that just to make a better impression. You get it in course of the day- or you don’t! So maybe this here helps a little…

While B+ was out for their first stint, I gave C group instruction for their sightseeing lap and to answer more questions. At this point a detailed ideal line seminar would not make any sense. We have this going right after lunch, which is why the break is scheduled relatively early.

From there it use to be quite messy, until riders are dialing into better rhythms and getting sorted into more appropriate groups matching their levels. That’s a pretty natural and common thing and comes when riders pick a group based on where their friends are. So from there, Marion was working her butt off to exchange riders within the groups- based on their input and also quite often triggered by my control riders. That is going on for hours and Marion’s organization skill kicks in real good.

Meanwhile, the boys following up on passing violations. At that point, the penalty-system we’ve developed could help a lot, which was clearly see and feel-able from the afternoon sessions on. In total 6 for apexing 2, 3 for passing under yellow, 1 for cheating into other group, 3 for passing close, and 1 got suspended from our event. Can they see everything?… how should that go?! I mean, even we would double CR’s- there is still stuff they can’t see.

Can we do better?… oh yes, and we will. There are already changes in the making. Things which keep setting Superbike-Coach track days apart from others. Just like SBC photographer Dean, who took about 4700 pictures which are coming with our 150 bux track day ticket, so for free. 

Six crashes is not what I like, but it’s the nature of doing these things. The positive side is that no one got hurt or crashed because of someone else. My boys checked their bikes while Marion had the riders send to our Ambulance/Doctor for a checkup. Only one red flag was shown for about 10 seconds and got lifted- so not a single time out for our riders, because we were on this in light speed.

Thanks to the entire team to help pulling an event off like this. I love this team for their skills and especially their dead serious dedication and loyalty to Superbike-Coach. Also thanks to our riders for being cooperative, understanding, and patient participants. Hope to see you again on 9/8/2018 for another Superbike-Coach track day at Thunderhill Raceway!

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

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It’s Time For Some Track Fun

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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
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DIY Tire Change

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We at Superbike-Coach have quite a bit of tires to change during a year and we use to let local dealerships do this job, but a recent price raise to flip and balance tires on rims by about 80% is unacceptable. Well, at least for us. So BikeMaster gave us their ‘Tire Change Stand‘ which allows to mount the rim, to break the bed off the rim, and to un- and install tires within 15 to 30 minutes.

I know, this kind of work is not for everyone, and neither I like it… but after all you might find out it ain’t that bad. So here they are… brand new Bridgestone rubbers for our rental bike and my beloved Supermotard. Those Battlax are solid tires with lots of grip and last for the money, so off we go…

What you’ll need besides the tire changer is:

The total is about $100 in tools, which means it pays off at the first tire change you do. Besides… a regular Sportbike street rider probably has to change tires twice per riding season. You make the math.

I just swapped tire on a rim within 15 minutes, and that was the first one I’ve ever done. Having the right tools helps, and it went much better on the second tire. OK, a helping hand was necessary along the mounting part, but with the saving got us a nice steak and a beer :-)

We decided to replace the balancing with ‘Dyna Beads‘, which are filled in the tire when mounting. No more weights glewing to the rims and vibrating free.

So if you like working on your bike and if you are tired of price raises of astronomical dimensions, then this is the way to go. Step up your game riders! :-)

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

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Superbike-Coach Wheelie Course Last Sunday

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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

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Knee Down Class Success Rate of 86%

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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

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A ‘Sensei’ has to be old

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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
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Lithium is Power

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Do you guys remember when I upgraded my Ducati Panigale with a Lithium battery by BikeMaster (How to install a lithium motorcycle battery: Part 6)

I thought I should follow up on this one with a little review and insight. You need to know that I am a ‘burned child’ in regard Acid batteries, so that I am actually real happy about the quick development of Lithium batteries. It goes back to the mid 80’s when I was a amateur racer. Back then I still also had a street legal bike, just to take it up to the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

On one of those rides I noticed an immense disturbing smell, and a heat development in an area where you don’t want to have the one or the other. I’ve stopped right away and I heard materials cracking and a toxic steam came out of the seat area. I’ve walked away and waited it out and begun to dissemble the seat to check what the damage is. My Acid battery got some fat cheeks and cracked some stuff on its way to the outside. I think I was just damn lucky that this battery haven’t explode, cuz’ I probably wouldn’t have made it to be a Dad- or even made it to Valhalla instead.

So yea… welcome to the digital world, which brings even more benefit. Besides safety, weight reduction and a bunch more environmental sensitivity… there is this cool thing going on that you truly do a sense-full upgrade to your baby. So did I as you know… with a Bikemaster Lithium Battery. Those are affordable and they have them on stock for almost every motorcycle.

In my opinion, the weight difference is just amazing. I mean… 3.6 American pounds in weight difference… that is shocking. The damn thang is still working great, and that ain’t easy on a big volume like 1199R two cylinder with the torque of two R1’s. Go get some… you won’t regret it.

Pros of Lithium-Ion Batteries

  1. One great benefit of using a lithium-ion battery for your motorcycle is the energy density. A lead-acid battery has six cells, while the lithium-ion battery has only four.
  2. The batteries offer better resilience to self-discharge, and can hold a charge for a long period.
  3. Lithium-ion batteries are much safer for the environment.

Cons of Lithium-Ion Batteries

  1. An internal electronic circuitry is necessary to keep the cells protected from completely discharging or overcharging in extreme temperatures and current surges.
  2. Most lithium-ion batteries are charger-specific; hence, using a standard charger could damage the battery.
  3. They are significantly more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but it is in a good balance at Bikemaster if you ask me.

Link to BikeMaster Lithium Batteries

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp