CLASS, STAR, or Keith Code?

[Bad Santa]

I would like to attend one of the better roadrace-type schools later this year. I am not trying to become the next Rossi or Mladin, but would simply like to become moderately faster, smoother, safer and more confident on twisty roads, and perhaps begin doing a few track days. As far as my background/experience: I've been riding street motorcycles on and off for about 15 years, have owned a variety of sporting and standard-style bikes, culminating in my current ZRX, but I've never been to any formal training (aside from the MSF basic course). A few of the big-name schools that teach in our area that I am aware of are:

--Jason Pridmore's STAR school
--Reg Pridmore's CLASS
--Keith Code's California Superbike School

Not being independently wealthy, I can't really afford to go to more than one this year, so I would like some feedback from anyone who has been to one or more. Which do you feel is best-suited for your average street rider? Or is there another school in our area that is better than those I've listed?

I would really appreciate any feedback as to which school is best suited for a rider like me.

Thanks

 

[Monkey_Boy]

STAR, without a doubt.

 

[Jakemate]

I have been to Keith's school twice. I really enjoyed it! I plan on doing his class again at least once this year.

I have no experience with the other classes you listed, so I cannot comment on them.

You may even want to look into a Zoom-Zoom C-Group class. The prices are great, as are the people.

 

[darkie]

I'm a coach at the California Superbike School and truthfully you will hear good things about each school. What I recommend is that you look at the websites and see which training approach you like the most as well as the right date/location/price that fits for you. I can't see you going wrong with any of them. Also, there are Bay Area trackday providers who offer personal instruction.

 

[Wrong Way]

If you do a two day school, which I believe gives the best results, get a hotel. The two session days are especially taxing. Clear your schedule so you don’t have to worry about Email and cell phones. If you have to, plan to check in with the office after 7PM so you are not rushed after the track day ends. Treat it like a job, while you are at the track. Make it your first priority.

 

[emarkham]

For a person interested in mostly street, well, I'd say that all of the schools you mentioned will be excellent choices.

If I were to go back and pick a First Choice all over again, I'd look at which of those three schools was at a track with the closest drive to my house.

The 2-up rides available at CLASS and STAR are excellent training tools. The dedicated equipment bikes at CSS are excellent training tools. All of the instructors across the board are top notch.

The one and only thing I've ever seen ever be a problem at any of these schools has always been what the student brings with them. You always hear of some guy coming to a school with a hot head and an urge to drag knee on the out-lap. These type of people are invariably disappointed with their day because they came in wanting to learn "The Secret" and nobody was able to tell them "The Secret".

There is no "Secret". There is only learning how to control the motorcycle and yourself.

 

[afm199]

I second the look at the website suggestion.

Star is a very race oriented school.

If my understanding is correct, CSS is both race and track rider oriented, to give you better tools on the track.

Reggie Pridmore's Class (which I used to be an instructor at) is definitely more oriented toward the casual track/street rider. You will see women on 650 funduros (some riding very well) and Harleys.) You will see some fast riders in the A group.

So if you can refine your needs more clearly, it will be easier to choose. (Race, track, street, or some combo of two). As you have no track experience I really think you would be better off taking a pass on STAR.

ZZ C group also has good instruction, and a Keigwin school (specific school not track day) would also be a good choice.

 

[Fast Turtle]

STAR, without a doubt.

Oh, how soon they forget.

 

[afm199]

Oh, how soon they forget.

LMAO, he meant take it to the track din't he?

 

[Jakemate]

Eh...

We had harley's at the first level of CSS....

I think they would be better off renting bikes.

I rented a bike at the first one. It is easier/cheaper than hauling crap sometimes. And, they are awesomely tuned......


my 2 centavos.....



:blush

 

[Bad Santa]

Many thanks to all for the excellent feedback. So far, I haven't heard anything negative about any of the schools; they all sound like good training. I'm now tentatively planning to sign up for the CSS at Infineon, based in part on geography and scheduling, as well as the fact that you can rent bikes that are properly set up for the track already. I may also sign up for a Zoom Zoom Novice School at Infineon in December.

Again, thanks to all who responded.

 

[afm199]

If yer going to sign up for CCS I advise you to do it now. I wanted to do a class this spring and was shut out.

 

[Jakemate]

Ernie, I know, I need to register.....

My schedule, however, is teh suck.....

That and I am teaching my wife lessons that can only be learned by hundreds of thousands of miles in sucky conditions.....


If anyone has some rainy days to sell, PM me...


:teeth


Yeah, I know, RIIIGHT!

 

[Monkey_Boy]

Oh, how soon they forget.

hee hee.

Ok, I revise my statement.

Which school? Keigwin, without a doubt.

I've attended all these schools since 2001 (except ZZ's). They all have something to offer. Just so happens that K@TT is #1 in my book.

:blush :green

ps. Pat, I'm not gone all the way yet. I hope! Just on, uuuuuuh vacation. Yeah, vacation. :laughing

 

[weak_link]

I've taken all three of those. If you've never taken a school before you'll learn the most the first time out with Code. Stars is great once you have a little experience but I think Code is the way to go if you are really new to the track.

I think Jason's Dad isn't as cool as he likes to think he is and I would skip that one all together with all the other great choices that are out there.

 

[afm199]

I've taken all three of those. If you've never taken a school before you'll learn the most the first time out with Code. Stars is great once you have a little experience but I think Code is the way to go if you are really new to the track.

I think Jason's Dad isn't as cool as he likes to think he is and I would skip that one all together with all the other great choices that are out there.

I'll quibble here a bit. I want to try a CSS school. I want to try a STAR School. I have been to Doug Chandlers (if you can affford it, do it), Keigwin schools (GREAT deals), many CLASS schools (as a student and then instructor) and that is it.

CLASS is a great format for beginning track riders, you get track time, track safety instruction and a pretty non threatening environment. It is not a race school and Reggie is the first to say that. He does not even like racers showing up that much. But for new riders, good resource.