CSS level 2 - re-visited

[aws]

Having done levels 1-4 already, I went to Silverstone yesterday on level 2 again.
Money well spent if ever you're looking for some training / refresher.
For me, level 2 is the one I practise most when out both riding and driving as it covers vision.
On the bike, I use the skills taught on this level most in my opinion.
I had our erstwhile Riding God, David Cook as my riding guru, which was good too - great to see you David - and thanks.
Finally getting to grips with the bike too, and the track is the best environment to do it on.
And it stayed dry!
If you're still unsure if the CSS is for you, I can really recommend it, and I'm not even on a sports bike so everyone gets to ride around the outside of me on the straights in particular!
Great day out.

Tim

[rockhopper]

Have to agree with Steve on this one, the tyre shouldnt look that wrecked.

[Harv748]

What was the track like, I believe the CSS have switched to Stowe circuit now...any good?

Looks a bit poxy to me from what I have seen?

[Brent]

I did level 1 at Stowe yesterday, and thought the circuit was fine for learning the cornering techniques, but if you're exepcting long straights and sweeping bends then no....

To give you an idea, I took my 750SS, and could use 3rd gear all the way round.

[tetol]

looks like a wet tyre run in the dry

[aws]

BINGO!
Tetol - you know your tyres.
These are "not for road use" and it was a short, dry track, perfect for supermotos, not for wets as it was dry!
It's short, twisty, no straights bar 1 and I had an absolutely ace day hooning about, tyres sqirming and shifting.
David Cook followed me and I rather thinks he enjoyed the show!
His comments were along those lines.
Think he was intrigued about how much the bike actually moved about but really only moved an inch or so in reality.
Fab day out!

Tim

[Edited on 19-5-2005 by aws]

[Edited on 19-5-2005 by aws]

[tetol]

iv'e had a few supermoto's aws jusst about the most fun on two wheels got a ktm 950sm coming in july:D

[TP]

Originally posted by tetol
got a ktm 950sm coming in july:D

:o

Gissa go mista?

[tetol]

no probs tp

[TP]

Originally posted by tetol
no probs tp

:D :D :D

WOOHOO!!!!

[aws]

I chopped my 748 in for the 'berg, as I fancied a change.
Just trying to get to grips whith her.
I feel like a kid again, slow speeds, but the shove when you gas her is amazing.
I was a little sceptical at first, but now having spent 2x sessions on the track, I need to start pushing her limits a little now.
She wants to pick up her front wheel everywhere, especially 3rd which is such a hoot!
Been doing some limited road work, but need some more basic tuition and then I want to take her racing.
The 2 clubs I have sourced have v'different and much more relaxed rules than say New Era, and levels E-A so noivces can progress upwards in a non-threatening enviroment, which sounds comforting!
Chose the 'Berg as I do not like orange and to be honest everyone seems to know KTM , and in the same way that I chose a 748 over an R6, the 'Berg just looked the business with no concessions made, no excuses and a bit more hardcore.
Come'on - Iam 40 after all!

Fun!

Tim

[Edited on 20-5-2005 by aws]

[Jon]

Aws whats the little lever for that sits next to the clutch lever?

[TP]

Originally posted by Jon
Aws whats the little lever for that sits next to the clutch lever?

My guess would be a decompression lever to help you kick start it. Big singles are notoriously difficult to kick start.

[Monty]

Originally posted by TP
Originally posted by Jon
Aws whats the little lever for that sits next to the clutch lever?

My guess would be a decompression lever to help you kick start it. Big singles are notoriously difficult to kick start.

Oh yes, I can confirm that! When my 'little' 500 Gilera had a flat battery I had to kickstart her-what a little bitch.
Back in the 60's-before most of you were born-I had a BSA DBD34 500 Goldstar-it's party trick used to be to chuck you over the handlebars if you didn't get the starting procedure right.........:o

John

[TP]

:lol: I had a TT500 make miss the first round of our conference basetball. Sprained my ankle and sat me on top of the bars.

[aws]

It's a nitros booster rocket cleverly disguised as a decompression lever!

Well, mid revs in any gear, and gas her hard and you'd best be awake 'cause she'll try and rip your arms off at the sockets and lift the front wheel in the process!

It can be a bit of a effort / technique to get it right, meaning you need the piston TDC and heave your left foot south. The chain's also on the wrong side - right - so many people seem to have an issue with kicking her over with their left. Getting the hang of it now, although re-starting her when she's warm is a problem at times.

If you opt for a bump start, get a mate to give it all he's got, select 2nd, dump the clutch and be gentle on the throttle once she's caught or the front end will point skyward!

Tim