Let us help you refine your craft
is this right for me?
TractionWerks Moto Guild is here to help you improve your riding at a pace that is comfortable to you.
Despite all the different styles of motorcycles, they all have the same basic layout. The wheels are in-line, and the front wheel is attached to the frame with forks that turn in the steering head.
This commonality gives us predictable responses to our inputs as riders. Once we get into the details, different bikes will have strengths in some areas and weaknesses in others, but we are trying to make you a better rider overall, not just on one bike or type of bike.
building a strong foundation
Where to start?
We have designed our courses in a building block style.
We start by setting a strong foundation in Cornering101. This is the starting point for all Guild members regardless of previous riding experience.
Once you feel confident with the skills in 101, we can move on to 201 where we can fine-tune things like corner exit traction, body position, and trail braking.
Our Cornering101 course is so good that many students come back and do it again.
Transferable skills
Riding any motorcycle has some common elements
There are very few skills that are unique to one type of motorcycling. Even something as unique as riding a trials bike will help you with your clutch control and balance at slow speeds.
Cornering is one of the most universal skills in any rider’s quiver.
For any corner at any speed our goal is simple: confidence. A lack of confidence can quickly turn into panic when combined with speed. To focus on cornering, we need to remove as many distractions as possible.
closed-circuit riding
The only place to safely learn cornering skills
On the street we must be aware of other road users, animals, and abrupt changes in traction. We never know what could be around the next corner, and we must abide by traffic laws to remain predictable for other motorists. You simply do not have enough attention left to work on skill development safely and responsibly.
A closed-circuit is the best place to work on cornering skills.
It is relatively distraction free. Everyone is going in the same direction, the pavement is predictable, and you get to ride the same 19 corners repeatedly. If you do happen to have an off-track excursion there are far fewer dangers than what we typically encounter on our public roads.
is my bike suitable?
We want you to ride what you're comfortable on
If you ride an Ultra-Glide, great! We would love to work with you. If you want to bring a DRZ and a GSX-R, that is fine too, just leave the knobby tires at home.
We are not teaching rules of the road, traffic skills, or emergency avoidance skills. We are working on cornering, a skill so universal that it is used in nearly every discipline of motorcycling.
let's get with the program
The beauty of basic skills
Since cornering is so universal, we can break things down into basic and advanced skills.
Do not let the term basic fool you. Elite riders the world over work on basic skills all the time. They are the foundation of your riding.
Advanced skills are great, but they are typically only used in specific situations.
basic skills eh?
Let's start with stability
In Cornering101 we teach you how to stabilize the bike in corners.
It is a remarkably simple technique yet the timing of it is something you will likely continue to refine for the rest of your riding career.
The coolest thing about it is the “ah ha” moment of nailing it for the first time. It is addictive. The bike suddenly feels locked into the corner and on rails.
You will not be alone with your newfound magic trick. The other 11 students in your group will be doing the exact same drill.
on-track coaching
Don't underestimate our sneakiness
At some point your on-track coach will pass you and tap the tail of their bike with their left hand. This means “follow me.”
They have been behind you for a while now, watching your progress and pace.
As you closely follow their path, they will be giving you predefined hand signals to help you get the most from the drill while keeping an eye on you in their mirror.
With a 3:1 student to coach ratio you will get a good amount of time in this lead-follow scenario.
When they are satisfied with your progress, they will wave you past so you can continue practicing.
feedback
After your session
At the end of the session, you will head back to the pits for a debrief with your coach, and then off to class for the theory portion of the next drill.
