Hey do either one of you guys offer (or ever considered offering) a suspension class in the off-season?
There's a thread going on the gixxer.com board - I guess Max McAllister from Traxxion is hosting some suspension class out on the east coast, to explain the mechanics of it, as well as setup, etc. But... east coast is a little far of a drive.
I know you guys both offer setup and advice to VRS students and racers at the track... but I'm looking for something a little more in-depth. I understand how the forks/shocks function, and I can take 'em apart/put 'em together... but I don't have a clue how or why certain adjustments affect how the bike rides. You guys both seem to know your stuff on setup... and with Brian being a Traxxion dealer, he obviously has a strong understanding.
Would you guys be willing to put something like this on if I was to round some people up? I'm sure I'm not the only person here who would be interested in attending something like this...
Hey Jim,
I too would be very interested.
Dave, is this something we could do online? Since we can't ride right now, does it really help to have this discussion first person? If so, lets do it that way. Otherwise it would be cool to have a virtual suspension class online. You could come up with a curriculum and cover a new topic every few days and at the end compile all the info into a few Web pages.
I'll gladly help.
True... I guess 1st person isn't absolutely necessary, if we used something like Netmeeting or something (I'm guessing they'd want to use visual aids...) But then, that's assuming everyone has Netmeeting, has a fast enough connection, and knows how to use it. A direct person-to-person would be a better way to guarantee attendance. Plus, since I wouldn't expect them to do this for free... it's a little easier to make sure everyone that is attending, has paid.
As for doing a straight webpage... I was hoping/looking for something a little more interactive. Reading a webpage is like reading a book - I can already do that. I'd like to have someone in front of me, so as soon as I have a question, or need clarification, I can just ask.
I figured set it up for somewhere central to the Midwest guys... Rockford maybe? Near BHF since everybody knows how to get there?
I'd be willing to help out in any way I can as well. I was gonna post something on the Chicagoland Sportbikes - but figured I put you guys on the spot enough as it is. ;) But I'm sure we can get a good deal of interest from that board too...
PS - sorry to get ahead of myself here, I just realized this all sounds like I'm expecting you guys to do it ;) If you guys can't (or just don't want to)... do you know of any one that would? I don't know what your schedules are like, or what you do in the off-season... last thing I want to do is make plans for you guys. Would you know how much Max would charge to come up here and talk if you guys can't do it?
I don't think NetMeeting would be necessary. I'm not sure who would be interested or what everyeone is looking for, but I think we could come up with a bunch of topics, create a curriculum, and develop a document for each topic explaining the fundamentals and start discussion from there either via a Chat program or a message board like this one.
I wish I could put together a book team. Twist of the Wrist II helpd my riding a lot, but it leaves a lot to be desired. We need an updated Guide to Roadracing. Why not share the wealth, I hate learning from mistakes.
Most of my work the past few years has been editing books. This has the potential to make a few good chapters on suspension. Can you say book deal? :)
muahhaaaaaaa
Fantastic idea!
That is a capital idea Jim.
I too,would be very interested!!
I'd be willing to help out in anyway I could too.
It would be nice if I had any idea what heck I was doing when I tinker w/ my bike setup ;) ;)
Great idea for the suspension seminar<--? Set it up, I will be there. I will be anywhere as long i can talk racing ;D
<<< John and I would both be very interested, especially since he is bound and determined to do my forks himself.
Quote<<< John and I would both be very interested, especially since he is bound and determined to do my forks himself.
Dare I ask.... Just a little bullheaded? ???
Don't worry, Paul is the same way, but the longer we are married the better I am getting on encouraging him to see things my way. However if you ask him - He will say it was all his idea! LOL!!! ;D
Dawn :)
I'm going to get the parts and let him have at it. There's still plenty of time between now and next season if something goes wrong.
;D
He's making a set of SS brake lines for me, too.
I wonder if this has anything to do with me upping my supplemental life insurance?
He's making a set of SS brake lines for me, too.
I wonder if this has anything to do with me upping my supplemental life insurance?[/quote]
If you'll trust his lines, you'd better trust mine when we do a track walk. His could kill you quicker...
K3
It only sounds scary. He's really very meticulous in his work, and has been building things almost as long as I've been alive. Rest assured, if by the end of January I still have a living room full of front end parts they will be boxed up and sent out.
We are planning on having a series of Seminars at 4&6 this winter , they will be on Sundays. E Mail Jim@4and6.com if you are interested in attending. they will be no charge and i think you will find the very informative. Jim
Well, I'm getting in on this late...and my name is being mentioned.
First, let me start here. I refuse to do my own suspension work, period. If it is wrong, I have wasted my valuable time, doing the work, installing, reinstalling, and then cr@ppy times on the track as a result. Waste of money.
Anyone can follow instructions, but to still do suspension work correctly, for this racing application, have Baker Race Gear or 4&6 do it. Kim, I'm sure that John can do it....
Let me put it this way...Last year, I think five people I knew, decided to service their own front forks. They came to the track and rode with some complaints. I went to check things out and non even functioned. The consequenses for doing that kind of work...it's not work saving the couple of hundred dollars it takes for the labor to have it done RIGHT.
As for me doing a suspension seminar....
I really reserve a lot of that to my school customers, or those who pay for the consultations at the track. If we want to do something special, sure we can do something.
But often we need to talk about things that are specific to individual bikes. I can give you a window, but that still doesn't give a full view.
Thoughts...
Scott Harter is a guy who organizes these events, and I come in and lecture at them. I will get him on here and have him discuss setting up a class in your region.
Max McAllister
Wow... SWEET :D
Thanks Max :)
Anyone interested in a suspension class can E-mail Baker Race Gear/Midwest Axxion Center at brgracing1@cs.com. I will check the number of people interested and set a date for this class. This class will be held is the Southeast Wisconsin area. If I get enough interest I may even get Max to make a guest appearance (WOW).
Any other suspension related Q's can also be e-mailed to me at brgracing1@cs.com.
We will help anyone, all you have to do is send the e-mail. We will also be at all the Midwest races for trackside suspension support, AMA, CCS, CRA, FUSA, WERA.
Thanks
Brian Baker
President
Baker Race Gear/Midwest Axxion Center
fellas,
cool idea here;
In fact, if there is still interest to bring in a 'web_element' for a virtual collaboration in parallel to the SE wisc. meeting, I can provide standard tools, technologies and servers for the required bits (done these sort of events, chats, webcasts for a couple rock stars):
IRC chat- two way text communication
SlideShow- real-time slide presentation
Streaming Audio- real-time audio webcast
Web hosting, bandwidth services to host and distribute the stuff...
could be pretty cool, especially for the racers who are NOT up here in wonderful wisc. .
michael casey
AM #447 GSXR600
;D ;D ;D ;D
Hey everybody, This is Scott Harter.
Velocity University handles all the suspension classes/ seminars (among other subjects) for Traxxion Dynamics. I would love to set up a class in your area. To accomplish that, I would need someone to accept the role of my point of contact in your region. Please e-mail me for details. I will cut and paste a flyer for V.U. below. Thanks for your interest in V.U.
Scott
harterracing@hotmail.com
VELOCITY UNIVERSITY
"THE SOURCE FOR YOUR MOTORSPORTS EDUCATION"
Ever wished you could just walk up to a Factory Race Team Technician or Tuner and ask him questions for hours about how to tune your bike? Now you can!
Velocity University provides classes at reasonable prices, taught by Industry Professionals.
We are currently planning out our 2003 class schedule, if you would like a class in your area, contact us!
2002 Classes Available:
Suspension Tuning
Taught by Max McAllister, Founder of Traxxion Dynamics
Learn how to read what your suspension is doing on the track, so you can adjust it properly in the pits. Class is extremely informative. A "requirement" for successful racing at any level. Highly useful for street, novice and experts!
How to get Sponsored in Club Racing and Beyond
Taught by (Scott Harter, founder of Velocity University and a Guest Industry Professional, TBA)
Learn to do what most think is impossible! Learn real methods to obtain and keep cash paying sponsors. A must for anyone who wants to be able to afford to race! This is easily the most important race class you will ever take, because if you cant afford to get on the track..... nothing else matters.
How to start club racing and avoiding common mistakes.
Taught by (Bill Gash, multi C.C.S./A.M.A. Regional Class Champ)
Nearly every racer on the track has stories about learning stuff the hard way. What if you could organize all that information and have expert level successful racers explain it to you? You could be certain it was good advice! This class is essential to anyone who is racing or wants to start. Think of it as a jump-start ahead of the guys who learn it the "hard way"
Contact info:
harterracing@hotmail.com
Hi guys,
My name is Gian and I am resposible for coordinating the classes in the NorthEast region. if any of you is interested I am currently looking for participants for a potential class in NY. if you have any questions please email me at OTR_racing@yahoo.com
Get a jump start everyone, get Max's book, "Suspension for Mortals" it will not only open your eyes but will help you all some solve simple but critical issues in our sports most important part, squishy things.
Good Idea, the book is also included in the class. ;D