Author, Test Rider, Racer, Riding Coach

Posts

Motorcycle Sprocket Job: More Power

You feel like your baby could use a little bit more punch? This article is going to help you to unlock an up to dramatic improve in regard torque character and ride-ability for about 150 bux!

That might sound like those endless advertisements which promising 10% more horsepower for a race air filter- or some shiny extra strong glowing hyper-kryptonite-supersphereographical spark plugs, and you’ll get more for a extra fee :-)

Nope, this one is totally legit and easy to do yourselves. Let’s look into the slight sketchy background first.

graphic credit: www.motorcyclespecs.co.za

All those motorcycle manufactures are selling their models mainly based on two numbers… horsepower and top speed. Yea, that’s how they get you, just admit it. While the horsepower is one thing- they are achieving those crazy top speed numbers mainly via primary ratio, gear box ratios and secondary ratios. Of course also the wheel sizes have and influence as well as the general weight and aerodynamics of your bike, but that’s something you kinda have to live with if you don’t want this to be your financial grave.

Let me just give a small overview what kind of weight this has for race teams, because racing is all about acceleration and only a fraction of time about top speed. We could set up every single gear in the transmission to match corner speed and RPM’s in a perfect torque range for turn exit performance. A “longer” (more top speed) 6th gear could gain passing chance coming out of a slipstream before late braking. The ratio was calculated on the mile exact to be fully rev’d out in 6th gear about one second before braking. Wind direction or a strategical aspect depending on- if you probably lead the race or if dog fights were predicted. All of this is a crucial part of racing. For you, we are looking at the secondary- also called the final drive. This is literally ‘outside’ the bike and can be done with regular tools and affordable parts. The influence can be surprisingly good.

So here is your scenario as the street rider or even track rider. The Germans have the Autobahn, giving their riders some top speeds we Americans on our Freeways won’t get to see ever. That might doesn’t include idiots here, but generally you are doing 70-80 miles per hour max, while your baby could do about 200 actually. That’s wasted energy if you ask me, sitting there literally never used. Another effect is, that the 1st gear is so damn long that you could do 70 with it already. The ratio makes this gear almost useless. So if we would change the final drive, it’ll also have a positive influence over the entire primary ratio for more ride-ability. Cool huh?!

The terms here are ‘longer’, for more top speed- and ‘shorter’ for more acceleration, and that’s what we want. The useful torque range will move by giving up on top speed. My Panigale 1199 is topping out at a 165. She doesn’t make 200 anymore, but the acceleration beats down the brand new V4, no kidding! So here is what I do, and that’s actually a good start out point for you as well…

I chose a specific ratio because this way, my ‘Cleopatra’ can still cruise at a 6800 rpm’s in 6th on the Freeway- while this ratio is still fair enough for the most race tracks I am going to to teach track riders. So no swapping drama here for me then. The general rule is:

Front:

  • A smaller c-sprocket = shorter (more acceleration)
  • A bigger c-sprocket = longer (more top speed)

Rear goes the opposite way:

  • A bigger sprocket = shorter (more acceleration)
  • A smaller sprocket = longer (more top speed)

Generally, I swap the sprockets this way: One tooth LESS on the front sprocket- and one tooth MORE on the rear sprocket. Rule of thumb is- one tooth more or less on the front sprocket is just like two and a half teeth on the rear. That is huge in terms of acceleration, drive-ability and responsiveness and you have no idea what you’ve been missing out here. So bare with me and get to it.

Go count front and rear sprocket teethes of your bike. Let’s say you have a 16 on the front- you go get a 15 for about $40. Now let’s say you count 45 teeth on the rear- you go get a 46 for about 80-100 bux. That small investment is the biggest ‘power upgrade’ you’ll ever get. Also no need to swap chain, because 1 down front/1 up rear needs the same chain length you already have- unless you also want to convert from your huge OEM chain to a 520 chain kit (I covered that in ‘Coach’s Motorcycle Bible‘)

Most of the needed parts are easy to get to at BikeMaster. They come affordable and fast. They also have chains if needed. if you want to go a slight different route with your sprocket choice, I’d suggest to see the ratio/speed differences ones you know the numbers of teeth your bike originally has, and compare it with the numbers you plan to go with here. If you are not sure about something- just drop a comment and I’ll see if I can help.

Please note though… if you make any changes in this regard- make sure all bolts are tight and take it easy riding it. Give it time to re-feel the new character of your bike. I’m not responsible for you bullshitting around, you hear me?! :-)

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

/4 Comments/by

IMPORTANT: For all who have booked any of our programs (Virus related reschedules)

We are facing a state wide lockdown and all track venues are closed due to the virus. We appologieze for any inconvinience this may have for each one of you. I contact you to let you know that you don’t have to be worried for your spot- nor the money you’ve spent. Here is how we do this:

Background- like any other track renter, we won’t get replacement dates to easily create a ‘new’ date for a canceled class.

Solution- since we have plenty of existing dates scheduled- we’ll be pushing each class/spot down the calendar until they are completed, even if that would go into the next year.

Depending on current situations- we will inform an affected class roster and offer reschedulable dates. So we need you to respond ASAP to our emails in case it comes down to your class.

OF COURSE- There will be NO extra/new/additional charges. All it takes from you is patience with us and to provide your wish-date so we can move you to it manually (first come- first served as they fill up).

If you can’t commit- you will always have that credit with us to spend when time is right. Also here- you need to tell us.

Personally- we’ve already done this with two March classes and it worked just fine. We’re all in this together. I hope you see the damage it already did to us, but refunds would even kill us. So please help us to keep doing what we’re doing… hell of unique programs which really work.

Stay healthy and make sure that ya’ll have enough toilet paper :-) :-)

Your Coach

Superbike-Coach Corp

/2 Comments/by

Raven Synthetics Amsoil New Sponsor of Superbike-Coach

You know, we’re always looking for our students first, even when we discuss with our sponsors. We want to share with them why Superbike-Coach picks them and their products, as well to get to try them themselves with a little advantage. The more happy I can announce that also Amsoil and it’s local dealer Raven Synthetics have become such sponsor.

Amsoil is one of the highest quality oils money can buy. They are in Motorsports around the globe and to find on any level and categories of the sport- on asphalt, dirt, water and air. Just that is a guarantee for product development, and in the end the quality. This is also the reason why we at Superbike-Coach always wanted to have Amsoil on our corner, and now it happened :-)

The good thing is, that their portfolio covers pretty much everything we need- all oil viscosity and types, coolant boosters for the hot classes we’re having sometimes, brake fluids and chain lubes. All the good stuff our bikes needs to stay healthy. Because our fleet has to keep rolling throughout the year, we’re also super happy that the low oil change frequency with Amsoil helps us with this. We can do more of what we do best… to teach.

Now, with the official Amsoli dealer Raven Synthetics comes your advantage to play. Raven Synthetics founder and owner Dean Lonskey was not just a Moto Cross racer himself- he is also the photographer of the Superbike-Coach Corp. This experience and passion for the sport is your guarantee for what’s best for your bike, cars and whatnot. Raven Synthetics delivers free to everyone at a certain order level, but the discount is exclusively for Superbike-Coach students.

So, if you need to make an oil change and you are a SBC student already… think of Raven Synthetics Amsoil. But if you are not a student yet… what the hell are you waiting for?! :-)

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

/0 Comments/by

Featuring Forma Boots USA

I can tell ya- no other company supports the racing community more than Forma Boots, and that goes trough all professional levels in this sport- up to MotoGP.

To be in MotoGP is a huge responsibility in regard quality and performance of the product. Why?… because lack of these attributes will show it to a worldwide audience and the racers won’t use it, no matter how much a sponsor pays for it. That makes this sport to such a development booster btw. So if you think you can boost cheaply made riding boots by paying MotoGP racers to promote them… you might end up looking real bad if you put quality and performance second. Doing this right means, 101% commitment to the product and trust for what its capable of. In other words… if a company like this has been established in MotoGP for so many years… their products are ripping it and are rock solid on all edges. Like a perfectly grinded diamond.

The more I am super proud to have Forma Boots USA as a sponsor, cuz’ hey… that also kinda says something, right?! Forma is with us now for many years and took care of our needs no questions asked. Their segment covers all motorcycle categories, and even on the civil side:

  • ADV Dual Sport
  • MX Off Road
  • Road Race Sports
  • Urban City
  • Road Mens
  • Road Womens

The Forma brand was born in 1999 and since then has always shown important growth trends. Thanks to its own R&D and the continuous technical development, the brand has been able to offer the market a complete product range. Only the highest quality standards have guaranteed Forma to become a global brand amongst the most recognized in the world.

Forma USA send me some phenomenal looking and fitting ADV Tourer boots and a set of Ice Pro Flow race boots, which are matching my MotoGear suit pretty nicely. I’ll have a video of how to adjust shift and rear brake levers soon, and you’ll have a look on those boots as well.

And yea, Forma Boots USA has a 20% off discount for all Superbike-Coach students. That is extraordinary and you should take advantage of it. Thank me later :-)

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

#formabootsusa #motogearusa

/0 Comments/by

New Program, the Rider Passenger Class

, ,

I am happily announcing an additional program to the Superbike-Coach portfolio, the ‘Rider Passenger Class‘. I guess the name of the program displays well where this new program goes.

It’s always been existing as an idea, but never got fully into the subject. Until one of our cornering school students specifically asked me to help him and his wife. After making a poll and seeing the results, I started to design a rough program/agenda for a class like this. The more I was working on the details, the more I saw the huge benefits for the riders and their passengers.

Structure:

  • Held on Little 99 Raceway in Stockton
  • Only ones per year
  • Full day
  • All rider/passenger levels
  • 3 level groups of 10 bikes each
  • Classroom/track sessions
  • As usual free sport photography by Dean Lonskey, snacks, drinks
  • For all 2 seated bikes: Sportbikes, Adventure bikes, Touring bikes, Chopper/Cruiser bikes
  • $169 includes track fee and passenger fee

Just this is already a guarantee for maximum fun in a ‘safe as possible’ environment, isn’t it?! I was even more convinced about it when I was writing each subject:

  • Mental Connection (line choice, prediction, focus)
  • Body Synchronization (body language, balanced motion)
  • Emergency Braking for 2 (by unloading the rider)
  • Uber-Steering, Counter Steer (and how to get use to massive transiti0ns)

These are just the major subjects, but the day will be filled with much more information than this. Weight distribution, shifting without headbanging, slow maneuvers, movement prediction, and much more. This class will change everything- for the rider, and for the passenger.

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

/0 Comments/by
racing intelligence

Getting Lost in Electronic Riding Aids

I remember testing one of the first Traction Control systems coming out, and it was horrible. Back then, a TC prevented any rear wheel spin immediately. Not in a smooth way, but almost like a light-switch type shut off. That might have helped a less experienced rider, but for those who operating the throttle on turn exits at a level where the rear wheel purposely spins faster than the front- might works against them. It takes smoothness to powerslide and a committed and steady throttle control. An interruption just like a TC causes at that time got me in trouble. That clearly has changed a lot over the years and electronic rider aids have improved immensely. That benefits especially street bikes/riders, and the development ‘department’ is motorsports.

More stuff is coming from there, like: Backing-In control, Wheelie control, Launch control, and even Powerslide control. Other rider aids like ABS have not been developed there because they are not using any ABS. Why not?… because they extent braking travel- ergo- you’d have to brake earlier- ergo- slower lap times. That should ring the bell already, shouldn’t it?!

In motorsports… doesn’t all the electronics take away the advantage the top racers have in terms of riding skill actually?! Where did the ‘surprise effect’ go when the red light turns off and all bikes/cars coming off the start literally equally? How to judge a performance when a TC replaces pure determination and drawing fat black lines on the exits of turns? When mastering a throttle turns to a ‘just hold it wide open’ wheelie control. Does it really give the race more quality this way? Personal preference I guess…

Significance had the computers entering the motorcycle sport. Tons of sensors reading data into the software which truly helps to get closer to the ‘perfect’ setup. Just imagine what kind of advantage this took away from those racers who had the ‘butt-meter’ and the smartness to communicate it to the team engineers. Sure, the top guys are still able to do this, but what does this make the others?

Examples out of Formula One are easier to pick because the influence of electronics is way more obvious as in MotoGP? In the area when Formula One cars had a few driver aids, there was Canadian racer Jacques Villeneuve the only one who took the Eau Rouge chicane at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium, flat out. Needless to mention that this didn’t work out all the time but you can say the man was flying and on height of his career. Electronics makes the famous Eau Rouge chicane to a video game everyone can play, well almost. There is barley smoke coming off those fat tires when they start. Launch control took it away from those who could control a almost 900 hp beast, and not to mention traction control which replaces a sharp feel to max out tire grip.

Lot’s of it has been banned meanwhile… luckily, but the technology went over to street cars. Power-steering and stabilization, auto-downforce wings, electronic stabilization- just to name a few- and also to see in motorcycles such as active suspensions, traction control, power brakes, backing-In control, cornering ABS, quick shifters, auto blib and whatnot. Don’t understand me wrong here, because I don’t undergo today’s MotoGP or Formula One racers at all. They are on the highest level of Motorsports for a darn good reason, and to max out these new elements have to be mastered as well.

Sure, the aspect of rider aids in regard rider level quality has no relevance for street legal bikes. Mainly these e-gizmos are helping riders in regard safety, but… is all of it really such a great thing?!!!

ABS for example. Good thing to cover the panic grab, but other than that it actually extends braking travel (which is why it’s not in racing btw). It takes braking power away. So I coached a upcoming CHP Motorcycle Officer ones and when I told him this, he actually choked. He mentioned that the CHP ran statistics to find out why their Officers got more hurt since they swapped from Harley’s to BMW’s, which supposed to be safer rides. They found that Officers ride beyond the pace they use to and that all those electronic aids kicked off a confidence boost and a false feel of safety. Hmmmm…!

My theory also goes into Traction Controls, which are making young riders more likely buying a 230 hp motorcycle. In the end, Joe might rides over his capabilities. Oh and there is a Slid Control now too, which controls a powerslide when exiting turns in lean. You gotta be freaking fast already to even get there and to make that work… but Joe might thing that this is no big deal anymore:

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

 

/4 Comments/by

Poll For Rider/Passenger Class

, ,

We have some requests in regard a Rider/Passenger class, and I actually like the idea. I am hoping you help us out with a poll and to see if there is interest for such class:

  • Held on Little 99 Raceway in Stockton
  • Only ones per year
  • Full day
  • All rider/passenger levels
  • 3 level groups of 10 bikes each
  • For all 2 seated bikes: Sportbikes, Adventure bikes, Touring bikes, Chopper/Cruiser bikes
  • Classroom/track sessions
  • Content: sitting pos., awareness, synchronized dynamic, weight management, emergency braking, etc
  • As usual free sport photography by Dean Lonskey, snacks, drinks

I believe that a class like this can help both, rider and passenger, to make their hobby even more enjoyable and to gain safety massively. There is actually so much you can do on the passenger side. I just can imagine how much of a fun especial couples are going to have on our track.

Please help us and give us an idea by polling 4 quick questions: https://forms.gle/7pfsAiMF2PbgiQfR8

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

/0 Comments/by