California Superbike School or Ron Haslam School??

**col748** · 17 Jul 08, 09:26 PM

I've done a few track days and was thinking about doing a race school session.

I would like to know if anyone has done either or both of these and has any input as to which one is better and what each one involves?

Thanks.

**stretta** · 17 Jul 08, 09:32 PM

There a pro's and con's for each, and they have both been discussed at length on the forum, so do a search and you'll come up with loads!

Personally speaking, if you've already done a few trackdays, I wouldn't bother with the Ron Haslam school, I did it and wasn't impressed. Didn't like the CBR600, there was no 'tuition' as such, and they don't really push you.

Read lost of good things about CSS, so you might as well start at Level 1 (as everyone has to) and take it from there.

**andyrh** · 17 Jul 08, 09:49 PM

I've got a customer (who used to post on here but went to the dark side= R1) who is treating my to a day with Rocket Ron in 3 weeks time

Now I have never done a track day so I think it will tick the right boxes for me

I'm really looking forward to not only the day but also having a go on a CBR600RRRRRRRRRRRRR

**Nigel101** · 17 Jul 08, 10:12 PM

MMMMM.......GP Demi god vs Recovered Heroin Addict........

really though both are ace,but consider Mick Boddice at Darley Moor truly excellent with top instructors,and remember you can never stop learning......

**Tobytyke** · 17 Jul 08, 11:23 PM

Don't know about CSS but I think the problems the same for both, you have to start at the intermediate level and if you've already got the experience/skill you might think it's a bit lame but thats the only way to then be able to do the advanced, where the tuition is more focused and theres a bit more "freedom". Personally I love Donington and I really enjoyed the CBR600 you've just gotta remember to keep em buzzing those things spin to nearly 15K! I enjoyed it enough to use one instead of a Blade at the advanced, very gratifying going past the bigger bikes, it's not what ya ride it's how ya ride it! And just when your feeling really good about things don't be surprised if Sir Ron comes wheelying past you down the start/finish straight with a pillion!!!

**Jolley** · 18 Jul 08, 03:13 AM

In my opinion, if you are interested in improving you skills then CSS.... if you are interested in more of a corporate day out then do RH. I wrote a little about my experience of both here: Jolley's 848 - Experience to Date!

**955SP** · 19 Jul 08, 10:58 PM

Ive done CSS level 1 & 2 and doing 3 shortly. I really liked CSS but didnt enjoy Ron Haslam at all. I was with a slower rider and so spent the time frustrated. Also the instructor who just rode around wasnt much bothered with telling me much other than "yeah, well, yeah you look like youre coming on well". ???

I also booked the Ron Haslam Elite a while ago and that is coming up soon and I hope it will be a lot better!

CSS gets my vote thought!

**col748** · 20 Jul 08, 07:54 AM

So on CSS you start on level one. Is the whole day spent at level one?

**JerryXt** · 20 Jul 08, 08:07 AM

yup, everyone starts at the bottom. They do seem to grade the group tho - if you indicate that you've done a few trackdays, they'll put you in a group of similar people.

**clueless** · 20 Jul 08, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 955SP

Ive done CSS level 1 & 2 and doing 3 shortly. I really liked CSS but didnt enjoy Ron Haslam at all. I was with a slower rider and so spent the time frustrated. Also the instructor who just rode around wasnt much bothered with telling me much other than "yeah, well, yeah you look like youre coming on well". ???

I also booked the Ron Haslam Elite a while ago and that is coming up soon and I hope it will be a lot better!

CSS gets my vote thought!

I done CSS level 1 about 3 years ago. I enjoyed it and learnt a lot. A bit to much classroom stuff for my liking . The instructors were great though. They would follow you round for a few laps then tell you your good and bad points. One of my mates done the Haslem school however, and he was also drawn with a slower rider. He said he was bored by the end of the day. Im sure its improved by now though.

**955SP** · 20 Jul 08, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clueless

I done CSS level 1 about 3 years ago. I enjoyed it and learnt a lot. A bit to much classroom stuff for my liking . The instructors were great though. They would follow you round for a few laps then tell you your good and bad points. One of my mates done the Haslem school however, and he was also drawn with a slower rider. He said he was bored by the end of the day. Im sure its improved by now though.

I only did the Haslam a few months back but I too hope its improved as im doing the elite soon.
Anyhow I think that the system is flawed on the Haslam, the instructors are ALWAYS infront of you so they judge your riding from what they see in their wing mirror...??? So they have to be looking at all the right times when you do things right or wrong? Otherwise like me you get a "err, yeah, err good" comment.

**stretta** · 20 Jul 08, 10:14 PM

Yep, those were the only kind of comments that my "instructor" (a term I use in the loosest sense) could come up with. No comments on technique, speed, whether I was doing anything right or wrong, whether I was riding well or like a tool, how I could improve etc.

"Yeah, that was good."

"Yeah, you're doin' well."

"Yeah, keep it up."

Add your own "Yeah......" comments here....

**JerryXt** · 21 Jul 08, 08:38 AM

One of the most helpful comments I got on the CSS day was no from my instructor at all but another. It helps to get a good one wherever you go.

**Pavsta** · 21 Jul 08, 09:37 PM

I'm doing level 1 at Brands tomorrow (22nd) - anyone else there?

I'll be on one of their R6s but in my red Carrera / Ducati leathers. Say hi if you see me!

Pav

**sweetpea** · 21 Jul 08, 10:15 PM

Pav

Let us know how you get on. I loved it so much I am signed on for levels 2 & 3 in August!

Suzanne