California Superbike School

Do I need motorcycle track day training?

First off, at Trackday Addicts we passionately believe ALL motorcycle riders should be encouraged to take their motorbike on a closed track, whether that’s a bike track day on a race circuit or off-road riding on dirt bikes (or preferably both). Even better if you can get some training from an expert rider with years of coaching experience!

At some point in our road-riding career, we’ve all done something stupid or had a ‘moment’, e.g. taking a bend too fast and straying into oncoming traffic, losing traction on a loose or wet road surface, or just trying to avoid a cager that isn’t paying attention.

Is it scary going on track for the first time?

Going on a track day for the first time can be intimidating… Especially if you are thrown in the deep end with no motorcycle track day coaching and turn up to see loads of race-prepped superbikes with tyre warmers, whilst you ride into the paddock on your road bike with number plates on.

However, if you book yourself on to a dedicated motorbike track day training school, it will take away all those worries (everyone will be in the same boat) and make a world of difference to your confidence and riding skills in a very short time. Plus, maybe you’ll enjoy it so much you’ll get into the whole UK track day scene or even the awesomeness of a Euro track day holiday!

Today we’re looking at the world renowned California Superbike School (CSS), which is typically on a controlled track environment, although they also now offer on-road motorcycle training days as well.

About California Superbike School

Started in 1980 by motorcycle track day instructor Keith Code, who trained both Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey (AMA Superbike champions), tens of thousands of riders have since passed through their motorbike track day training schools around the world, including the UK since 1997.

Coaches come from a wide variety of backgrounds and are put through intensive training that lasts approximately 12 months, with continuous development during their tenure with the school and a strong focus on communication skills (they can all ride!).

What to expect from a CSS track day training school...

All riders, irrespective of skill or ability, must start on level 1. As you progress through each level the lessons learned previously will be refreshed and consolidated, so your confidence and skills build with each step.

• LEVEL 1 is about addressing common fears and errors, establishing bike stability and control by sorting those common errors - each supported with a briefing and drill practice. There's plenty of focus on turning your bike, i.e. how to approach a turn and steer the bike, rider input and how you affect the bike (positively or negatively). You will leave the day feeling a confident and much more precise rider.

• LEVEL 2 is all about visual skills and creating space and time for the rider. You learn about target fixation and how to avoid it, what to look at, when to look at it, when to look away from it and what to look at next so you can plot your way through the turns with accuracy and consistency. All incredibly useful skills on both road and track.

• LEVEL 3 is about rider stability and cornering. How to move your body weight across the bike without causing instability, perfecting those transitions when setting yourself up for the corner and what you should do on the exit of the turn. All rounded off with a drill they call "Pick up Drill".

• LEVEL 4 is a tailored session for riders who have completed the 15 drills on the previous 3 courses. Don’t think this is simply a recap, this is a stand alone level in which you can iron out those small errors, including videos and analysis of your riding.

Safety Briefing and Class Room Training

Everybody is welcomed by the friendly team before you are split into your training group for the day according to your level of experience. You need to arrive nice and early to get organised (bike prepped and leathers on) with sign-on at both CSS and the circuit office - you will receive a bike sticker and wristbands - don’t forget to bring your driving licence!

The welcome briefing introduces you to the team, the circuit, the various flags and what to do when you see one waved by the marshalls. You must wear leathers that are either one-piece or zips all the way around, a back protector, full length boots and gloves. They will check before you go on track. Technically no brake lever guard is required for CSS training days (unlike proper track days), but it’s still a good idea.

The atmosphere is relaxed and focused on developing skills, trying new things that you’ve not experienced, becoming more competent and increasing confidence - it’s NOT a track day and is not about going fast (yet). Everyone is in it together and is going through the same steps in a safe training environment.

What should I expect from a CSS training day?

There are five technical briefings and five track sessions with some track coaching and debrief sessions during each day of levels 1-3 (level 4 is different), e.g.

• Briefing - The goal of the session and technical input
• Practical - Riding on track (coaches follow you, then you follow them)
• Debriefing - A chance to ask questions, self-critique and receive feedback

The first session will have a couple of sighting laps to familiarise yourself with the circuit and a reminder about the importance of building up speed as you warm up your tyres. Whilst you might be a little tense, you will soon relax as you get to know the circuit and put the tuition into practice. Remember this is a motorcycle training school, not a race, with rider safety taken very seriously.

Should you hire a track day bike or ride your own?

Whilst there are very few ‘incidents’ at CSS motorcycle track day training schools due to the way they are run - It’s a very safe environment - that doesn’t stop students worrying about damage to their pride and joy (or themselves). You have three options:

1. Hire a CSS Superbike from their fleet of Kawasaki bikes
2. Ride your own motorcycle with insurance (bike damage and personal injury)
3. Ride your own motorbike without any insurance (your road policy will not cover you)

Importantly, whilst it is called a “superbike school” you are not required to own or ride a superbike… However, if you are worried about damaging your own motorbike or just want to experience the thrill of riding a superbike on a motorcycle track day then you can hire one of the CSS Kawasaki fleet bikes for the day.

That said, we think it’s better to ride your own bike to learn what it (and you) are capable of together, so that you can put the practical experience to use back on the road and become one with your machine. Clearly if your aim is to be a better track day rider or racer then you’ll probably have the right equipment anyway.

Ride your own bike and insure it with Trackday Addicts

You can insure your motorbike for accident damage on a motorcycle track day with Track Day Bike Damage Insurance (whether it is your fault or someone else's), you can also choose to add Personal Injury Cover for the day as well.

If you insure your bike, it will free you up to relax and get the best out of the day, instead of worrying about the cost of a trip to the gravel - no matter how unlikely.

Trackday Addicts Insurance has a sensible excess of around 10-15% of your bike's value and will either pay to repair your bike, or settle as cash if it is a total loss. There's a discount for California Superbike School training days (ask CSS for their code) to reflect that it is not a motorbike track day and that you will ride more conservatively under tuition.

Contact The Team

Send them a message: Contact CSS