California Superbike School India 2015: Top 6 reasons why you should do it

Want to ride better? Want to be faster around a corner? And don't want to fall or crash as often as you would while trying to go around that bend quicker than you have before? Well, then what you need is schooling. No matter how good a rider you think you are, a little help is always welcome. And the California Superbike School India (CSS) is more than just a little help; it is three days of intense coaching. The school isn't cheap but it is certainly worth every penny. If nothing else, the coaches themselves and their ability to see and rectify even the smallest of flaws in riding technique is worth all the monies. The school, by the way, is held in India thanks to the effort, time and money spent by Maya Appliances, a company run by a father-son duo (TT Varadarajan and son Siddharth TT) who live, breathe and love motorcycles. And if that's not reason enough for you to attend, we have 6 additional very good reasons why it is a must for every rider to attend CSS.

It is scientific

Physics works on the motorcycle every time it moves. Acceleration forces, cornering forces as well as traction. To make science work for you instead of against you, it’s important to understand what these forces do. And CSS or the California Superbike School India informs you about it so that every input you give when on the motorcycle, you know what its outcome can possibly be. 

For instance, rolling off the throttle weighs up the front and lightens the rear. So the weight transfer is a great thing when you want to turn into a corner as it helps the front bite harder. But, it’s not so great if that weight shifts around mid corner, for it causes imbalance and with it lack of traction. CSS’ approach of throttle control – once the throttle is opened, it must be rolled on evenly, smoothly and constantly – helps cut this issue of erratic weight transfer. Like throttle control, every other skill that CSS teaches has its roots in science. So, if done right, it is pretty effective. 

It is effective

Yes, the techniques taught at the California SuperBike School India or CSS are very effective. Take two step or three step for instance. The logic for it is simple: you go, where you look. And if we were to ever pay attention on what we were doing, we’d know, that it is true. 

This technique involves first picking our turn in point. But just before we hit it, we take our eyes off it and move it to the apex. If done right (and I must tell you, it is a lot more difficult to implement than it sounds, especially as we begin to go faster), it allows us to open the throttle sooner and harder than we would if we began hunting for the apex after we saw ourselves hitting the turn in point. End result? Faster corner exit. And for the racers amongst us, quicker lap times. So yes, every skill that CSS teaches is pretty effective. And if you get it right, it’s tremendous fun too.

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It is fun

How can this not be fun! Three days at a racetrack, learning new skills, going faster with every session and cornering harder at every turn. And unlike a regular track day where no one is really out there to help to improve, just knowing there are a bunch of experts watching over you at CSS gives you confidence and satisfaction. And with it, a broad smile. 

It is easy

At least in theory, everything that the California Superbike School India teaches you is logical and pretty straightforward. They might tell you about the science behind it all, but you certainly don't need a degree to understand or implement these skills. All that’s needed is dedication and an open mind. If you have both, CSS will come easily and naturally to you. And it doesn't matter what you ride – a 100cc commuter, a litre class race replica or even a raked out cruiser; listen, understand and implement, and you will return a better rider.

It is riding school, not a racing school This is crucial. CSS might be run on a race track but it's more a riding school than a racing school…at least the first three levels most certainly feel that way. So whether you ride to work everyday, head to your favourite coffee place outside the city every weekend, or simply explore the world on two wheels, everything you learn at the California Superbike School India will make you better equipped to handle situations you are most likely to encounter. And if you want to become a racer… well then, this is the perfect starting point. 

It works!

I have been riding for over 17 years now. And I have done almost every type of riding: commuting to work, racing (when I was a lot younger, of course), long distance touring and even some dirt riding. And I can tell you this, CSS makes you unlearn a lot of things you practise everyday on a motorcycle, and instead teaches you the right technique that not only makes you faster and smoother, but safer as well. So, why do most of us end up learning the wrong skills? Survival. On the road. And why do I say the California Superbike School India works…because every rider I saw over the three days at the school, not only did every single one of them get faster but they looked more comfortable and confident. And honestly, that’s exactly what you need to enjoy motorcycling.

Our recommendation: the California Superbike School India or CSS, though expensive, is a must attend for every rider.