Ride Chicago SRTT

[Capirex]

I signed up for the advanced class again.  Sunday 4/22 9AM at Maywood Park race track parking lot.  I took the class last year and had fun.  Don the instructor (I am hoping he still does this class) is a racer (won some MV Agusta series somewhere) and was also a test rider for factory Honda.  
The course is kind of set up like autocross for bikes.  Towards the end of the class Don starts timing your runs.  

Just figured I'd throw it out there in case anyone is interested.    

[Capirex]

Here's the link:

http://www.ride-chicago.com/courses.aspx#advanced

[Fourstring]

I was curious about this class; I took my basic with Ride Chicago.

How's it differ from ERC w/ MSF?  

[Capirex]

I never took the ERC but it is much more advanced than the BRC.

SRTT stands for Sport Riding Technical Traing and is taught in Japan.  Don recieved training from the Japanese police moto cops.  He teaches you to use your legs and body to control the bike.  

The course consists of a weave, U turns, 90 deg turns, and a long straight followed by some sweeping curves.  
It is not nearly as tight as the Japan police test video but you get the picture.  

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_1BJ-RgcU1I

[KokomoSam]

How's it differ from ERC w/ MSF?  

I looked at doing this last year, but due to conflicts, I was unable too.   I had sent Ride Chicago an email asked the same question last year.

Below is the response:

"My name is Don Helle I've been MSF Certified for 12yrs and SRTT Certified
through Honda Motor Sports Japan for 9yrs.  I can tell you that there are
very few similarities between MSF training and SRTT.  In the SRTT Course we
go through to ensure your motorcycle is adjusted to best fit your body, you'll
learn a four brake braking method that works like a dream (you'll wonder why
MSF doesn't teach it), we go through natural steering, body position,
throttle control and drive chain tension and how each of those influences
the suspension and your comfort level.  There is no classroom instruction,
everything is taught on the range.  There is no waiting in lines, our system
has riders circulating for three laps (five skill sets per lap) and then we
come in and debrief these one at a time perfecting one then moving on to
perfecting the others.  Most students log on about 50miles during one
training day.

In addition to the basic five skills per lap towards the end of the day I
teach a few different techniques on u-turns, Chicago Stops, and some more
fun stuff.  The training is definitely worth while,  many of the riders who
have had the ERC through MSF believe that the SRTT is about five levels
higher.  Don't misunderstand its not so advanced that you wouldn't learn
much, its like most other school, we start off slow with building blocks and
where MSF go back to re-learn old skills we break off into new territory.  I'd
love to see you in class. if you have any more questions, don't hesitate in
contacting me."

[KokomoSam]

Just figured I'd throw it out there in case anyone is interested.    

I am interested in taking the class, but that date doesn't work for me..

I would love to hear your opinions.

[Capirex]

bumpcity

Website still shows 3 spots available.

[Mr. Squidward]

Only 2 now  

[Capirex]

Nice.  See you there.  

[KokomoSam]

So...  How was the class?  What did you guys think?  Did any one take pictures?

Sam

[Mr. Squidward]

It was actually much better then I thought it would be.
  Started out kind of slow with some stretching exercises (I was glad for it later) and our instructor talked a bit about class objectives.  Moved on to discussing braking techniques and then everyone got on their bikes and started riding.  A large course had been set with mini plastic cones, similar to an autocross course, and at first we practiced the new techniques through just a section of it.
  As the day progressed and we became more comfortable with what we were learning we were directed to ride the full course in a single file/follow the leader kind of arrangement.  By the end of the day the class was sorted into two groups by relative speed/rider ability and we were allowed to wail on the course as hard and long as we dared.  Was like a mini track day.
  The main points of instruction (at least for me) were braking without disengaging the clutch, trailing the rear brake in a corner to smooth out power application, and using your legs to steer.
  I was especially skeptical on that last point, as I am a firm believer in countersteering, and was surprised to find it is quite possible to very effectively steer my bike (at least at low speeds) using only my legs.
  For me at least, the class lived up to the hype on their web site.  Not to mention it turned out to be a lot of fun!

[Capirex]

Ditto what Squid said.  I had fun and I'm still sore.      
Ill probably go back again next spring.


Mr Squid had it leaned over pretty good in the "one handed exercise":



Me in the "one handed exercise" without as much lean:



This dude on the fjr was probably the fastest in the class on a big bike.  There was also a Harley and a Rocket 3



The light and nimble Ninja 6 was maybe a bit faster than the FJR but not by much.  This bike really looked like fun:

[Fourstring]

That looks killer!  I had no idea the class was like that.  Gotta sign up for that sometime.

[Mr. Squidward]

Mr Squid had it leaned over pretty good in the "one handed exercise"

 

That guy on the Feejr was really fast, I couldn't keep up with him.  His wife/gf was also there doing a good job of pushing a Busa around the course.

[Fourstring]

Well, now that it's been a couple of days, do you notice any difference in your riding?

[Capirex]

I've only ridden once since Sunday and it was just to work and back.  

It did boost my confidence after a winter of sporadic riding though which is why I will try and take it every spring.  

[hurrikane]

How is the SRTT from Ride Chicago different from the Sport Riding 101 from Motorcycle Riding's Cool (www.motorcyclelearning.com) beside the price difference?

Anyone take the SR101?  

I do know that Ride Chicago is not MSF certified where Motorcycle Riding's Cool is.  Any comments on that?

[Capirex]

One is on a track and the other is in a parking lot.  

I haven't taken the SR101 but I'd like to.  They still have last year's schedule up on their website.  

MSF certification means very little to me.