California Superbike School

Day Three, Level Three: Bodywork

Getting more involved physically can completely change how a bike behaves in the straight and in the corners. Day three was all about using your body to achieve a tighter result than what would normally be the case simply with rider input and involuntary weight shifts. Being aware of your movements on the bike and consciously inciting a manoeuvre at the time it is needed can lead to much better results and improved time and speed.

The focus is not just to move right, but to sit right. Being well-connected to the bike doesn’t need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, just two feet firmly planted, two hands gripping well and a torso and hip ready to go with the flow of the corners. Once you get the rhythm of the track, it’s better to get alternatives sorted. Change lines and entry points, turn in later or earlier, and experience the difference. These are noteworthy points that can truly benefit everyday riding too.

Lifting your body slightly off the seat on bumpy tarmac, getting your knee out while keeping the other one firmly connected to the tank, and bending into the corner to lower the centre of gravity all lead to a smoother experience with less drama. And the result is the ability to carry more speed through one corner while being better prepared to tackle the next one.

Day Three Drills

Hook Turns – One gear, no brakes
Power Steering – Two gears, no brakes
Knee-to-knee – Three gears, light brakes
Hip Flick – Three gears, light brakes
Attack Angles – All gears, normal brakes

All in all, it was a magnificent three days, especially considering that it was the first time on track for me, as well as many others. The CSS also has higher levels. Level four, for instance, brings in a personal coach on track and in the classroom, which expands to providing feedback based on the video footage of your time on the bike. If you’ve always to understand your bike better, or, more importantly, understand how you can be better on your bike, this is where you sign up!