VFR Discussion Group -> Opinions on Pridmore book?

I know that technique books in general have ended up getting discussed in the topic on the "Sport Riding Technique" book, but I figured it would be better to start a new topic for this book. I read the review in the current issue of Rider, and it sounds like an approach which matches my general "style:" focus on body sense, balance, I guess you might say "riding Zen..."

That said, I'm a total newbie to sport riding, my only prior riding was on a Nighthawk 650, a dirt bike and an on-off roader. I'm curious on opinions on where this book, "Sport Riding Technique," and "Twist of the Wrist" (I and II) diverge in their recommendations, and what others see as relative advantages of each approach.

Thanks-

Bob

I've got Pridmore's and Ienatsch's. Nick's book is the better of the two, both in detail and clarity.

Vato Viejo, Apr 20 2005, 07:11 PMI've got Pridmore's and Ienatsch's.  Nick's book is the better of the two, both in detail and clarity.

Thanks. What do you think about their differences in recommended technique, if any? Are they polar opposites, mostly similar, identical?

Bob

I've been to Pridmore's school, and I just got back from Freddie Spencer's. Nick Ienatsch is the main instructor at Freddie's. I got a little better at Reg's. I got a whole, whole lot better at Freddie's. I think for a novice sport rider (that would be me), Fast Freddie and Nick have the best approach, and are most approachable. Reg's school is geared more towards guys who already know how to go fast...in my opinion. The books follow that philosophy, to a certain degree.

Best thing you can ever do is go to a riding school. You'll learn more in the first 20 minutes than ten reads through either book. As you may guess, I favor Spencer's.

Both books discuss body steering, to one degree or another. In that, they're similar. Code, I understand, is all about counter steering, and nothing but.

I don't know much about Code or his book, and he's certainly got a loyal, and large, following. Me? I prefer learning from a former world champion.

Vato Viejo, Apr 20 2005, 07:31 PMI've been to Pridmore's school, and I just got back from Freddie Spencer's.  Nick Ienatsch is the main instructor at Freddie's.  I got a little better at Reg's.  I got a whole, whole lot better at Freddie's.  I think for a novice sport rider (that would be me), Fast Freddie and Nick have the best approach, and are most approachable.  Reg's school is geared more towards guys who already know how to go fast...in my opinion.  The books  follow that philosophy, to a certain degree.

Best thing you can ever do is go to a riding school.  You'll learn more in the first 20 minutes than ten reads through either book.  As you may guess, I favor Spencer's.

Both books discuss body steering, to one degree or another.  In that, they're similar.  Code, I understand, is all about counter steering, and nothing but.

I don't know much about Code or his book, and he's certainly got a loyal, and large, following.  Me?  I prefer learning from a former world champion.

Thanks. A riding school is not in my near future, and I have a pretty good track record ( :P ) of "getting it" through book-larnin'... thus the interest in picking the best starting point for my eddumacation. Your feedback is appreciated!

I've got both books, too. Bought them both the same day. Depending how your brain's wired one may appeal to you a little more than the other but they're both great books. I am hoping to attend Reg's school this summer when it arrives at Mid Ohio.

I read Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist years ago and picked up his DVD a couple of summers ago. I thought Keith was good until I read these two books. I believe both are better. Although Code's discussions on $10 worth of attention is a superb analogy.

Hey, take a couple of hours up at Borders Books and sit down and read some of each and pick your favorite. :thumbsup:

I've been to both Reg's and Code's schools. They do have different approaches about going around a corner fast. The biggest differnce is that they each preach two totally different lines through a corner. They both are good in their own right and both will help you. The one thing that impressed me most about Code is he is a fabulous communicator. He is very good at analyzing how something happens and then breaking down into simpler components.

Word of warning: if you go to both schools, don't mention the other's one school. If you really want some dirty looks, go to Code's school, raise your hand in the classroom session, and say something to the effect of "When I was at Reg's school he said something totally different".

Both guys are very approachable and easy to talk to. I thought Code's books were geared more towards learning while Reg's seems to be more full of interesting antidotes and stories.

I like a combo of Nick Ienatsch Sport riding Techs and Lee Parks Total Control. Reg's techniques didn't seem as well thought out. His examples just seemed a bit off. His racing side bars did not really apply to the point at hand. Nick nails the descriptions. Lee addresses fear, exercises, and body placement.
I still think there is room for someone to write a book that breaks down body, bike, mind for each skill, and provide drills to layer one's skill set. If someone could divise a logical progression of skills , self testing and anaylsis the rider could know I scored a 72. I should practice this. Read em all.