Freddie Spencer vs. Keith Code

and interesting write up.

Spencer vs. Code.

May or may not be a repost.

I don't have an educated opinion on either, but definatley found the write up to be informative.

Is this a new episode of Motorcycle Celebrity Death Match?

I want Hayden vs. Pedrosa, and I want it this weekend.

That is a pretty interesting write up.

I'm a coach at the California Superbike School and I hear that Freddie puts on a great school. As Keith says: "Who wouldn't want to ride like Freddie?"

We have had students come to us who have been to Freddie, Jason, and other schools. I've heard great reports on all.

Most schools cover similar basics but may have a particular skill that is emphasized more.

At the Superbike School, we survey each student after every school day for feedback on how the school went to ensure we met their needs and expectations. We operate in 14 countries around the world via three branches (U.S., Australian and European).

Over the years we have dialed in the curriculum to meet the needs of the riders who come to the school and continue to work towards improving it wherever possible.

Each school has impressive statistics from the people working there: Freddie himself is a 3 time world champion. Jason Pridmore is currently one of the fastest men in the AMA. Keith's students have won 43 world and national championships. Kevin Schwantz is a living legend (and a very nice guy).

The sport riding community is a good bunch of people and I think it hard to find a bad deal wherever you go. Not to mention the Bay Area Trackday/School organizations who are staffed by very passionate, knowledgeable people.

That guy should do a Supercamp and compare cornering styles with the other two camps.

darkie said:

I'm a coach at the California Superbike School and I hear......

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I know it is important to be P.C. but could you make a brief point or argument to what might be an advantage to the Superbike School? I know ABN, he as well as all of us are, is on a limited budget. It would be good to hear some first hand opinions.

BTW, I think Jason Pridmore has retired from the AMA and is looking to set a little extra focus on his STAR school. I sure would like to take every course / class that is offered but would be lucky to see one next season.

Agreed, I would love to hear from both that have either done both. Or obviously instructors from both. In just glancing it seems to me almost completely different fundementals, and philosophy.

We could all learn something thing from each school regardless of what each ones main curriculum is. That's the beauty of it all. There is too much to learn, making it is impossible to be able to get it all from one source. Being able to take something from each is what will allow a rider to exceed limits they never thought possible.

The more schools there are the more experiences are lived and the more information becomes avaliable.

It's a win win for all of us!

I've done levels one thru four at CSS and a, plannng on attending Freddie School when I have the 3k disposable. From my perspective and what I have heard it sounds like you are better off doing Freddie School or at least his pro school after you have become fairly accomplished or put some time in racing. Essentially from what I hear Freddie school teaches steering with the brakes and gas and works to allow deeper corner entry and earlier gas. I personally know several people who have gone and come back immediately faster, like by three or four seconds over what they were able to do at a particular track . But I think you need to be at a certain level to really get the benefit.

I think CSS is also a quality program and I like to go at least once a year and do level four as there is always something to focus on and you can get lots of one on one attention. CSS is also VERY EFFECTIVE for newer riders. I was a hopeless mess when I first started riding. I read twist of the wrist 2 and went to a couple of trackdays with dp safety school but I truly was at the mercy of my brain. sawing on the throttle, stabbing at the brakes, peering intently at the pavement under my front wheel, you name it I did it.
Superbike school really breaks things down for the newb and gives you drills that really help you to get over the survival reaction stuff your brain throws at you in its misguided attempt to keep you alive. Some may chafe at the regimentation but for me it really was the best and quickest way to overcome the fear factor.

I cant speak to Freddie's street type school

For the most part, these are two entirely differing methods of instruction going on at both schools. Jason, you should speak with the top club racers and AMA guys you know. If you choose Spencer, I'd try to go when Ken Hill is working.

You know my position. I don't need to state it over and over.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt I know which way I'm going with it. Berto, and thanks to you and Mikey, and a few others. I have been definatley been provided with excellent direction. I thank you for that .

I originaly posted this because I thought it was interesting reading. Hoping that others could take something away as I did.

With that being said I know Mario was looking for more input from others as He's looking for direction as well.

I thought "what the hell?" it would be an interesting debate in the least. But I have never SEEN the CODE guys and the SPENCER boys ever really debate the differences.

All I hear is, read the material .............

I want to hear the practical application of the theory .


But Berto I'm on point with the direction previously given. The rest is just to explain my post

Seems to me that many of the perceived differences really only amount to where they put the chapters in the larger book, and what particular chapter some have read so far.

Seems what's talked aobut most with Code techniques is applicable to general and street riding issues, whereas much of what is talked about with Freddie's school is mostly applicable to track riding quickness and finer points.

Lebowski said:

We could all learn something thing from each school regardless of what each ones main curriculum is. That's the beauty of it all. There is too much to learn, making it is impossible to be able to get it all from one source. Being able to take something from each is what will allow a rider to exceed limits they never thought possible.

The more schools there are the more experiences are lived and the more information becomes avaliable.

It's a win win for all of us!

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That nailed it, IMO.

Speaking of which, are you going to the Supercamp, Jason?

darkie said:

I'm a coach at the California Superbike School and I hear that Freddie puts on a great school. As Keith says: "Who wouldn't want to ride like Freddie?"

We have had students come to us who have been to Freddie, Jason, and other schools. I've heard great reports on all.

Most schools cover similar basics but may have a particular skill that is emphasized more.

At the Superbike School, we survey each student after every school day for feedback on how the school went to ensure we met their needs and expectations. We operate in 14 countries around the world via three branches (U.S., Australian and European).

Over the years we have dialed in the curriculum to meet the needs of the riders who come to the school and continue to work towards improving it wherever possible.

Each school has impressive statistics from the people working there: Freddie himself is a 3 time world champion. Jason Pridmore is currently one of the fastest men in the AMA. Keith's students have won 43 world and national championships. Kevin Schwantz is a living legend (and a very nice guy).

The sport riding community is a good bunch of people and I think it hard to find a bad deal wherever you go. Not to mention the Bay Area Trackday/School organizations who are staffed by very passionate, knowledgeable people.

Click to expand...

+1 great post!

there's a write up on the nov. 06 cycle world about fast freddie's school

here's a recent write up on freddies school
http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34303

Have done both schools multiple times, and to some extent it's apples and oranges. The schools differ in what's taught, how it's taught, how it's drilled, how much detailed background info is given, the skills and attitudes of the typical students, how long the schools are, and how much they cost.

If I had to pick one or the other as a single once-only class, and if money is no object, then the answer is obvious - Spencer's school will make a much bigger impact on your riding, and the total package is much deeper and more coherent. Absolutely no question - if you can afford the entry fee, you'll walk away a changed rider with a huge new set of riding tools and a different attitude.

But since one Spencer's school costs as much as 6 CSS schools, it's a little unfair to compare single schools against each other. And there are some excellent concepts and specific skills that CSS teaches that you won't get from Spencer's schools, along with a different point of view about riding that's very valuable.

Kevin Schwantz's school is another option that's very good, closer to Spencer's school in terms of depth and time and cost but teaching slightly different things in a different way. However it's not as personalized as Spencer's school, and is geographically undesireable for folks on the west coast (though Road Atlanta is an awesome track).

Take 'em all if you like to learn and have the disposable income. But if it's any guide, I've gone to Spencer's school 5 times, CSS 3 times, and Schwantz once. I haven't taken any schools in about 3 years, but I did just sign up for another Spencer's school in December - partly to brush up on skills, but partly for fun since I didn't get to do much track riding this year and I need a good solid fix.