IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: http://issuu.com/action/page?page=68 THE MOST IMPORTANT SECOND

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: MEEKAIL SHAHEED

THE MOST IMPORTANT SECOND

RIDING A MOTORCYCLE around a track demands a combination of physical skill, mental acuity and bravery that I have yet to find in another sport. With this also comes the endless pursuit of progress, finding those precious seconds that separate us from the riders that we compete against. It doesn't matter if you are a track day rider or a professional racer, the spirit of competition and the desire to progress is something that I find dwells within the hearts of most riders I know.

As we get more experienced, finding those seconds becomes more difficult. On most circuits in the United States, a one-second difference in lap times equates to an average speed difference of only about 1mph. We often need to search in the details to break through those plateaus and get where we want to go. In this month's article, we will discuss one of the most valuable places that riders leave time on the table and detail some of the prerequisites needed to get this time back.

As a rider goes through a typical corner the order of operations is nearly always the same. One of the keys to finding that next second (again, only about 1mph in average speed) is to seek out the little gaps in this process that we can eliminate. One of the gaps that is the most costly is the delay between turning the bars and the re-application of the throttle. If you run through turn one at your local track in your mind, there is often a lot to do in a very short period of time. The greatest stress for most people is to make sure that they slow the bike down enough to be able to make the apex. Once a rider completes this task, there is often a momentary sigh of relief before they move on to the next mission (getting on the gas)... and this is where there is much to gain.

The advantage gained from getting back on the gas as early as possible is substantial, especially on corners that precede a long drive. An extra

couple mph off the apex here is sustained all the way down the next straight and will have a significant effect on your lap times. These segments are perhaps the single most important factor in going fast on the track but are usually maximized last because they require the entry of the corner to be executed properly first.

In nearly twenty years of teaching riders to go fast at the Penguin School, one thing we consistently stress is the importance of finishing the major bar input in each corner before getting back on the gas. Your number one priority in a drive focused corner is to have the turn finished before you reach the apex. This will not only make you faster but will keep you much safer as well. Once the drive has started, there should only be thumb and forefinger "guidance" on the bars. It is critical that your arms are soft and the bike is allowed to stand up on these exits.

In order to ensure that the turn is complete by the time the bike is ready for the gas, riders must work to make their major bar input as quickly as possible without upsetting the chassis. The shorter the duration of the major bar input, the less track is consumed and the easier it is for a rider to safely get back on the gas early. In order to execute this quick turn, riders need to be able to look up and envision not only the location of the apex but also the trajectory of the motorcycle at the apex. With the major direction change complete before the apex, riders are then ready for the next step.

The throttle needs to be opened as soon as possible after the major bar input is complete. It is in this area that tenths of a second really matter. To put it in perspective, let's look at what happens if a rider "relaxes" for even a quarter of a second after the turn before cracking on the gas. Imagine rolling through a corner with a 48mph apex speed, where your motorcycle is traveling about 72 feet per second. In a quarter of a second, your bike has traveled 18 feet (almost three bike lengths).

THE KEYS TO OPENING THE THROTTLE ARE EARLY AND SMOOTH. THE INITIAL CRACK OF THE GAS SHOULD BE SLOW, AND THE RATE OF ROLL-ON INCREASES AS THE THROTTLE OPENS.

that allows him to get an 18-foot rolling start before you can take off. This is like having a rider who starts a row behind you on the grid get to jump up next to you before you let out the clutch. How far away are they going to be by the time you get to turn one? Further, than you want them to be, that's for sure!

The keys to opening the throttle are early and smooth. The initial crack of the gas should be slow, and the rate of roll-on increases as the throttle opens. As a guide, we always tell students that the first 25% of throttle opening should take as long as the second 75%. It is that slow first 25% that will make you both faster and safer. You will have a direct connection to the rear tire and a feeling of control. When the throttle is snapped on too quickly, there is also often a lag between what happens at your right wrist and what happens at the rear tire... and we all know what can happen next.

In a perfect world, we would be applying exactly the amount of throttle that keeps the tire at the limit of traction throughout the entire drive. If we made a hp versus lean angle and mph" graph, you can imagine a line that would represent the limit of traction. At nearly full lean (where the initial crack of the gas should occur), it does not take much power to step over the limit of traction. However, as the bike stands up and gains speed, that line slopes upward more and more rapidly. Most riders use little or no throttle in the initial (and most important) area of this graph.

The next time you are on the track, pick out a corner that leads to a long straight and make it your mission to fill in as much of the graph as possible. You'll do this by making your major bar input as short and precise as possible, relaxing your bar input as the bike reaches full lean, and quickly cracking the gas back on with a slow and smooth roll-on. Filling in the holes in this most important gap will both drop your time and raise your confidence.

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JOE ROCKET • LADIES VELOCITY 3.0 GLOVE These touchscreen-friendly gloves feature a utilitygrade spandex polyester chassis with TPR reinforced knuckles and fingers. The Ladies Velocity gloves have a pre-curved ride-friendly design with a paddle chamude palm and reinforced fingertips.

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PUIG RACING • BRAKE/CLUTCH RESERVOIR COVER Machined from an aluminum block, Puig's brake and clutch reservoir cover offer protection and style to your bike's fluid container. The base of the cap is offered in black, but the anodized accent is available in a selection of colors.

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ACCOSSATO RACING • RTB CORSA MASTER CYLINDER Accossato’s new Ready to Brake Corsa Brake Master Cylinder was designed for powerful rapid braking during heavy use while still maintaining feel. A unique tool free replacement lever system is incorporated so you’ll never miss a race. Produced in Italy, the RTB Corsa is available in 19×18 or a 19×20 ratio with a hinged clamp design for securing itself fast on the handlebar. For top level racing or street riding use, the racers style folding lever is solid during articulation but will flip up in a crash to prevent snapping off.

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TOCE PERFORMANCE • DUCATI PANIGALE 959 DOUBLE DOWN SLIP-ON The system features a lightweight muffler assembly, spun with Toce Performance's baffle packing material and wrapped in stainless steel spiral welded perforated tubing. Sporting Toce's signature sound, this throaty dual tipped, the single side-exit exhaust system can purr while cruising, and scream under load. The system features a relocation mount for the factory exhaust servo that runs with the factory cable assemblies and is also removable if the rider chooses to delete the unit. These units weigh in at 6.4lbs, almost 10 pounds less than the stock system.

Price: $1,499.00 Contact: https://toceperformance.com

VORTEX RACING • BMW S1000RR V3 REARSETS With Vortex Racing's V3 2.0 Design, these rearsets feature 24 different footpeg adjustments and rotating footpeg and toe peg adjustments. The footpeg unbolts from the front for easy removal while 3d machined heel guards help prevent boot interference.

Price: $439.95 Contact: https://www.vortexracing.com

REV'IT! • UNDERSUIT SUPERSONIC

Taking track performance to another level: meet the Supersonic undersuit. It’s a 3D round-knitted one-piece base layer that is purpose-built to be worn under your race leathers. Thanks to the use of the unique, flexible, and ultra-lightweight DRYARN fabric, climate control within your race leathers will be second to none. You will stay dry and comfortable, lap after lap, even in the hottest of track conditions. Adding to its impressive resume of features, it’s also hypoallergenic, meaning it limits the multiplication of bacteria and reduces odor along the way.

Sizes: 1 -3 Price: $169.99

ROLAND SANDS DESIGNS • MIA JACKET

The Mia Jacket is a classic Café Racer styling on the outside, with a removable and separately wearable waterproof hoodie on the inside. The MIA is a 3-1 multi-season jacket with all of the right features. A clean diagonal front zipper is featured on both the jacket and the hoody and simple yet refined quilt stitch details on the jacket give it just the right amount of styling. The Mia also features flex ribbing on the back sides and elbows help with articulation and fit. Run it with the hoody for those colder and damp days and without for mild to warm conditions. The Mia is equipped with premium KNOX molded armor for superior impact protection.

Sizes: XS - XXL Colors: Black, Brown Price: $525.00 Contact: https://rolandsands.com WOODCRAFT CFM • 2020 BMW S1000RR 2-PIECE CLUTCH COVER PROTECTOR

All of Woodcraft-CFM clutch covers are 100% CNC machined from 6061 aluminum billet to give both great looks and exceptional strength with internally bolted replaceable skid plates. Woodcraft's 2-piece engine covers are designed to offer replaceable stainless steel (or aluminum) skid plates which add wear resistance in the most vulnerable area and keep your bike oil tight in the event of a crash. They often allow for multiple crashes. Additionally, it will give your S1000RR a custom look that will make you stand out in the crowd.

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DRIVEN RACING • HONDA CBR1000RR-R ENGINE BLOCK OFF PLATES Our engine block off plates will stop the annoying and possibly damaging backfires from occurring while allowing you to remove a few pounds in associated valves and hoses from your bike. On late model EFI bikes with 02 sensors, especially when using Dynojet's Power Commander V with the Autotune feature, the air injection system must be blocked as it will introduce additional oxygen into the system which will skew your 02 sensor's values and make it impossible to get a correct tune.

Price: $49.99 Contact: https://www.drivenracing.com

WOODCRAFT-CFM • MINI REAR ADJUSTABLE SPOOL STAND Woodcraft's adjustable rear spool paddock stand is ideal for Ohvale and other minibikes with a spool width from 7.75 to 11.125 inches and height between 10 to 12 inches. It features an adjustable lift height for easier wheel changes and lower lift effort. The removable uprights make for easier transport and take up less room in the truck. Its four 5 inch wheels offer smoother rolling and more stability.

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ALPINESTARS • SUPERTECH R BOOTS

Alpinestars most iconic riding boot, worn by a roster of champions past and present, the Supertech R has undergone a series of evolutions to significantly ramp up its performance features even further. Innovations for 2015 include a newly redesigned compound rubber sole, an update to the ergonomically profiled shinplate and a redesigned front flex area – all of which enhancing the podium winning performance of this CE certified boot.

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FULLSIX • BMW S1000RR CARBON FIBER WINGLETS FullSix carbon fiber WINGLETS are structural components used in professional racing to redirect airflow and produce downforce. Developed in the wind channel and tested on the race track. Considering an impressive downforce at speed and a mean look the bike will perform better at corner exit and will develop higher stability on acceleration. Made to fit OEM fairings. The winglets are produced in a state of the art autoclave manufacturing process and finished with automotive finish clear coat with long-lasting UV protection. All fitting material is supplied.

Finish: Matte, Gloss Price: $599.00 Contact: https://shift-tech-carbon.com

CORNERING LEARN THE SKILLS DISCOVER THE ART

Would you like to improve your riding skills? The California

Superbike School trains riders at tracks worldwide in 14 countries. Its 38 year history has produced 140,000 graduates. Most riders have no clear idea of how good they really can be. Sign up for the California Superbike School and find out.

www.superbikeschool.com