Your content does not come out as often as other moto vloggers but it is always well thought out and articulated. And I respect a man who is humble enough to say he felt he needed to re-evaluate his position on something. I had heard about Champ U but now I will definitely look into it. Just like Einstein said; "Every man is my superior in that I may learn something from him." Keep up the great content sir. Kind regards from Canada.🇨🇦
That's awesome! As a truck driver I have a bit of time on my hands being away from home during my time off. I end up watching a lot on RU-vid, and most of the videos I watch are motorcycle related. As a truck driver I have very little time at home, and it's very erratic so even scheduling a class or track day is near to impossible for me. Looking into taking the ChampU course. Thanks so much for talking about it @CanyonChasers, and thanks so much for offering an online course @ChampSchool.
@@Ridelikeachampionycrs That‘s really a great idea. I‘ve immediately ordered that course 👍🏻 Lets see I can handle the englisch language…😎 @CanyonChasers your Videos are really so helpfull, please continue and thanks a lot…🏍👌🏻✌🏻
Judge you harshly? I judge you even more favorably than I did before. Your honesty and humble approach only makes you a better instructor. I watch many RU-vid videos on proper motorcycle techniques and 2 of the best are you and MCrider when it comes to all around making sure we're safe out there. I want to thank you again for all you do for the community. You are aces!
Oh hell yes! I love never worrying whether I'm entering a corner too fast! They emphasize and build on the concept a lot in the course, but I recommend everyone who hadn't taken it to at least watch their r=mph video on the YCRS RU-vid channel. Changes the way you think about traction and braking.
I want ypu to know how Acceptional your program is here man. You dont know me from a wet paper bag. But yet the Love we both share of motorcycles. Brings us together. Simply put. You have taught and helped me alot through the years. I find myself coming back to videos you post time and time again. So i want to thank you. And im sold on this school cause of you! Im signing up. But will never stop watching you to brother! Ride safe. And Thank you for all you have done for me without even so much as knowing me what so ever. I highly recommend your channel to all my riding buddies
Nothing wrong with your past videos. Nothing at all. Others may present different context - but there is NOTHING wrong with your past videos. I have been riding 45 years, just signed up for Champ U. I am always learning.
I learned nothing new taking ChampU that I've not read, seen, or heard from other sources previously... And I would absolutely spend the money again to take the course again. It was a great refresher of the basics, great practice for more advanced techniques and concisely put everything I've previously learned into a great format!
One of my favorite parts about it was having _trusted_ advice that didn't contradict itself. I had also come across much of the same info (but not all) online before, but ChampU cuts out all the bad advice so there's no sifting through everything to find the good bits. (And the accompanying quizzes and drills help you retain it!)
@sanketjain9320 at this point I had only taken the champu online course. Since then I gave gone to an in person on track course and highly recommend. While I didn't learn anything "new", because let's be honest... there are so many RU-vid channels and books and videos out there that any "new" information doesn't really exist. What I did have was a well put together refresher course and a thoughtful way of dredging it out of the memory banks. Reading about something in depth when you aren't skilled enough to practice it is not the same as being reminded of what you learned years later when you 'should' have the skills to now practice it or implement it.
@sanketjain9320 I don't specifically remember the online portion of that topic. The on track lessons had an instructor getting very personal with me on proper grip and body position and finger usage for braking (didn't focus on clutch too much that I can recall other than slow speed use)
How timely! I recently have been on the fence about taking Champ U and you have just convinced me to take the leap. I mean $99....that less than I spend on a case of $10 a bottle wine for crying out loud. You are hands down my favorite online motorcycle blogger/instructor. You were able to have me understand trail braking, delayed entrance and other concepts. You sir, are a gifted instructor. If you say it is worthy of my money and time, I will listen. I love the technical aspect of riding so this is right up my alley. Thanks for doing what you do.
Im just doing the course for a second time. Really found it helpful for street and track. Everything makes sense and is presented in a really professional way. “100mm of suspension travel” was my favourite and completely new to me, and comes from top Yamaha engineers and riders. Getting the most from your suspension, using braking and corner entry loading, to improve safety and performance. Great information to take out on the streets and tracks. I found many key points easy to remember when on the bike, to practice and come home feeling you have learned something and improved. After taking the course for the first time and now knowing what it contains, I would be willing to pay much more than I did for the knowledge gained.
Humility is a very attractive quality. As long as there is motorcycle racing, there will always be something new to learn. I too greatly enjoyed the champ U content. As for one of the most impactful concepts, I would opt for their emphasis and focus upon “the direction of the motorcycle “. You do whatever is necessary to point the beast where you want it to go. I remember trying to manoeuvre a sail boat at slow speeds in tight quarters. I found if you focused upon what the boat was actually doing given the multitude of variables you are dealing with and then adjust whatever you needed to do to get it where you wanted it to go, I was much more successful. Point is , focusing on the direction of the motorcycle vs applying specific techniques at specific times or in specific places, is a very big shift in my riding focus. Great video.
Awesome video and thanks for taking the time to review the course. I took the YCRS street skills class a few months back when they were in Napa, CA. This new class is definitely on my list of things to do very soon.
My good friend! only distinguished people are willing to admit they were wrong and to adapt to new ideas. I admire people like you and willing to learn from people like you.
Dave, every video you produce is superb. I have taken the ChampU course because of your recommendation and it is really excellent. The questions at the end each chapter are super helpful to long term retention of the information. You are a really talented communicator.
So true and so good, you teached me trailbraking and it helps me get through corners with so much more control. I can always adapt to the situation and direct exactly where I want to go with the brakes.
Couldn't possibly agree more with you. I took the ChampSchool at Road Atlanta in April and it transformed my riding. I ride aggressively on the street (not racetrack aggressive though) and now I'm safer doing it. I didn't think I should sign up for ChampU when I first got their email a month or two ago, but you've changed my mind.
Thanks for this. I took the Champ U course after watching your video (thanks too for the discount code) and found it immensely informative and useful. When I started riding several years ago I found many people willing to offer their (often conflicting) advice on how to ride, so I really appreciated the Champ U course, (and your channel too, which is also super helpful) to solidify the good advice and the right techniques. A lot of the course was reinforcing ideas that I already knew, some of it was putting ideas into a better context, helping me understand them better through really clear expanations and examples, and some of it was new ideas that I'd not really thought about before. Overall, it was super helpful course that I already know has made me a better, safer - and yes, faster - rider. We're finally coming out of Covid lockdown here in Sydney Australia and I've only been out on a couple of rides so far, but I can totally feel the difference in my confidence and technique from a few nice runs through the twisty roads of the Royal National Park. Thanks for the recommendation for the Champ U course. It was the best $99 I've spent as a motorcyclist!
It's almost like the laws of physics are the same whether you're on a track, or on the street, eh? I've always been amazed by the people who say that there's a difference.
Thank you for presenting the course in that way- I am definitely going to take it. It’s great to see the subject brought forth in a positive humbling manner, unlike some other you tubers/instructors.
Because of this video I: 1) went to purchase the course 2) found out it was now $49.99 and 3) was still able to use the discount code FOCUS to save $5.00! I turned around and donated that back to one of my favorite groups, the Institute for Justice! If you see this comment I hope you do a ‘short’ on this great deal!
I grabbed the course when it was on half price special. I learned a few things and got a solid refresher on a ton of riding techniques. Best part is I can go back and run through sections I want to review later. I may take the in person course sometime next year.
My mantra: Today I will arrive to my destination alive, without being a jerk to others that I share the road with. So that one day we all can once again say. "You meet the nicest people on a motorcycle", or something similar.
This is probably bad but my mantra before I ride is, “If I Die I Die.” Idk why I’ve been saying it ever since I was little... kinda sad and morbid but it helps me stay calm during dangerous situations so “if it works it works?”
I think there is something to recognizing the risks, right? But maybe just go with "where am I and what am I doing?" It's a little less morbid but would probably convey the same thing. :)
I'm considering buying this course but I have a few questions. I ride a Tiger 1200 Explorer bike, what's the right approach for uphill, tight, steep turns? I find myself leaning into left turns but counterweighting into right turns -gymkana style-. I also slow down too much when approaching regular turns on the hills, andusually get a bit behind the group. Will this course help me in those situations?
Yes. It should. I mean, sometimes you do need to counterweight - sometimes you don't. Part of it is being adaptable to your situation and speed. This course spends a bit of time talking about that as well.
Please dont remove your old videos. They are SUPER helpful even if you're not totally confident with them. Your old vids are part of my motorcycle training playlist and they have a lot of really useful information that helps a lot.
I could apply EVERYTHING I learned on the track to the road, and in a responsible/safe manner. Even hangoff has it's place when you are forced to corner in super slippery (winter) conditions, to absolutely minimize lean angles... Trail braking is a life safer on the road. The track is where I really learned to brake, corner, accelerate, downshift, etc. It's the safest place to learn EVERYTHING.
There was nothing wrong with your explanation on trail braking, in fact it was your explanation from all the videos I have watched that made me understand it, thanks for that.
Where is the apex on a corner that do not have one? Its like saying: Don't stop at a intersection, stop sign or anything else, before you come to the stop-line. What a bout most places, that don't have a stop-line? It is not like any of you in the US, ever stop at the stop-signs or the stop-line. But I can tell you, you are suppose to be able to put your parking-brake on, whit out your wheels lock up. Before you drive from a stop-sign. you cant, just nearly stop. It is a full stop. And mean that you don't move. Many in the United States, and many other people, have a huge problem with following instructions, rules, laws or anything else that must be followed to the letter. They always want to adapt everything to what they think suits them best. Just a little problem with that. Then they have the wrong information and the meaning disappears and they get confused. Have you heard that word before? It is probably the most used word in the English language. - Really wondering why… No… I don't… If you never get instructions for use to work, then you are probably one of them.
Your flexible mindset is a big part of why I watch your channel. I really liked the braking and downshifting sections. I don't think it's a coincidence the braking section is the longest. I wish they had been able to go deeper into the pointy end of the cone, though, the specific techniques used when choosing/changing their lines.
I went through the Champ U program and found it super valuable. It changed how I ride on the street, on the track and how I teach as a BRC instructor. My only constructive criticism is I wish they had riding demos of downshifting instead of it being a discussion. Other than that I recommend anyone who rides or is thinking about riding, to take this online class.
I enjoyed Champ-U. Great value for money! Your videos have also helped me massively! I think you explain things very well, and I would understand half of Champ-U without your teachings; so thank you 🙏
I've always found your advice valuable, and I always adapt whatever I learn to the specific conditions I encounter. You can only impart so much in a 15 min vlog - the rest is up to us as individuals. Keep up the good work 👍
The CanyonChasers video content is terrific, and I'm grateful for them. I was an early subscriber to ChampU and I did the 2-day ChampSchool in 2019. The content of ChampU was very familiar along with a couple of new items (the 100mm of fork travel and I don't recall the phrase 'Umbrella of Direction'). It's a very useful program. It's not a substitute for the live school but it's infinitely more convenient and less expensive. I'll be going through it again soon.
@@Proteanlife Choosing to allocate the funds to take ChampSchool doesn't mean you're 💰 bags... if you ride a motorcycle, there's a very high likelihood that you've spent far more than even the 2-day ChampSchool costs on your bike and extra items that haven't actually improved your riding... and that's on *one* bike which you will only own for probably 10-15 years at MOST. Spending that money to improve your knowledge to go faster and SAFER is an investment in *yourself*, which will be with your for the rest of your life... and will keep that life going longer, two things that $2k spent on a motorcycle certainly cannot do.
Agree that Champ U is a great learning tool! If you have the opportunity, do the Champ U course and then go to YCRS Champ Day. You'll get a refresher on the Champ U topics, and have a track to practice those skills. There is a lot of info coming at you at Champ Day, so taking Champ U before hand and knowing what you need to concentrate on would be a way to make the most of the training.
@@Proteanlife it was awesome! The good news is that you can learn everything through their online program for $100 ($60 on sale right now). The main advantage of the in-person class was being able to practice the skills at a track which is so much better than learning on public roads. Plus getting direct feedback from the instructors was also useful. But you really can't go wrong with the online course as a starting point!
Took the course too and it's well worth the money. A lot of the techniques I already knew about but the way they explain everything helped it all click for me. I keep going back to work on the drills and apply what I've learned on each ride. Fantastic course!
Yeah, I already graduated in this course and I highly recommend it to everyone, who drives or rides, it doesn't matter. What I was impressed of was the lesson with the '100mm of front fork travel' issue. Before I took this course I nearly gave up the trail braking technique. But now I know that TB works best within those 100mm of fork travel. I was too harsh on the brakes while tipping into the corner.
As a new rider I found Champ U to be eye opening. It all makes sense but someone somewhere has to tell you for the first time. They are a well known school with a great reputation so I trust them telling me stuff for my first time. My wife is going through it with me so hey for me it’s even half price! Worth ever penny!
😀 I ❤️ your channel. I was really scared using the front brake on my rides. Now I use it most of the time 😀. I have never taken my bike on the track, should I? Mantras help people to focus. I never thought of it that way, but analysing what I do before I jump on is precisely that... Not quite like Lighting McQueen🤣. I'm trying to be as alert as possible and to see properly (not just looking).
Thank you for being so honest and open. I’ve taken the ChampU course and found it and your instruction brilliant. Both have certainly increased my safety while riding and therefore increased my enjoyment. Cheers from Sydney Australia
Could not agree with you more. I’m taking the course again and will continue to take it as you have life time access. There are so many things to learn from it that will only come with time. But one thing they do stress is practice and that’s very important. Another thing to note is that the online program does not mean one should not take the in person training having someone ( a professional) review your riding is irreplaceable.
Always learning always evolving. This is the rider who wants to improve their craft be it racing, road, mx or ADV. Well done video. Always enjoy your content.
I believe one of the aspects of riding that makes it so involving and fun is, as you mentioned, the fact that it requires awareness and constant decision making. The latter is certainly helped along through training, so that you understand the basics regarding bike dynamics, control inputs, effects of rider body position, and so on. It is a seemingly endless process of learning, practice and refinement, and that, too, makes the sport so much fun.
And this "I believe one of the aspects of riding that makes it so involving and fun is, as you mentioned, the fact that it requires awareness and constant decision making." Is why they call it two wheel therapy. It's not because you "lose yourself" it's because you have so much more to think about that you forget the things that are troubling you. This is the number one reason I prefer riding technical roads, whether on my cbr600rr or my Sportster.
Newer rider here - approx 5K miles on the street. Cannot imagine spending $50 better than Yamaha Champ U. I already utilize techniques folks that have been riding for years don't even consider? Anyway - all the things I waste $50-$100 on? There is no better appropriation of funds IMHO, y'all. Much success and God bless.
Having been familiar with YCRS for many years ... {long story} ... I think the AWARENESS that "The motorcycle does not know..." and "The 100 points of grip" are the 2 things I am most aware of, now, when I ride... The motorcycle does not KNOW if I am doing a Track Day at Road Atlanta, or if I am riding "The Tail of the Dragon" ... nor if there are grass clippings on the roadway. Sooo ... it is the RIDER that needs to know... and behave accordingly.
Agreed! The Champ School is awesome! They were very briefly in my area, within 150 miles, in the early summer. I live on the east coast and was not able to get to a school due to my work schedule. I would attend in a heartbeat. It would be great if they would offer more venues and more opportunities to attend here in the eastern part of the country. There are many tracks and various racing venues all around the Maryland, Jersey, Delaware and PA area. Definitely going to try to work one in this coming spring or summer in addition to taking the online course. As always, great info. Ride to get home!!
I think your being self critical is much more a result of your wanting to learn/ modify your message. I watch all of your videos, sometimes more than once, and not in the same month! I watch Motojitsu as well. And I watch/read everything Nick I. publishes. Then I go practice. I practice 1-2 skills. I have to say I feel much more attuned to the objective approach you and Nick I. take in terms of presenting skills and practice to the general rider. I appreciate that. I, as a basketball coach, spent my entire career studying the greatest players to impart their skills and how they accomplished those skills to my players. So I relate to that philosophy. Keep up the great work you do. Thanks for your humility and understand that we (I) as an audience greatly appreciate all that you have given back to us.
That forest in Oregon looks amazing , great ride in the North West. The weather, the wind, the speed, the bike, the brakes, too many things about going to the corner, that's right.
Thank you for promoting Champ U and the great riding lessons they teach. Every rider needs to take this course and continue learning. Why? Because motorcycle riding is as high risk as it is reward. I have done the YCRS Champ school and practice these techniques on the track and street. This is how you get better, faster, safer. It astonishes me that riders think they don't need training and coaching. Can they fly a plane without training? Can they speak Japanese without training? Play a piano? Of course they can't. But for some perverse reason, riders don't think they need rider training. This attitude makes shitty riders who never progress and are a danger to themselves and others. When the question is how do I get better, faster, safer? The answer is training. And Champ U is the best program I've seen. But how many riders will actually train? Probably 2% or less. That's not only sad, it's scary.
@@kylechapman8550 it's a dr200, no windshield or fairings It would be a lot of fun in the Texas hill country, or say North Carolina, but not so much on fairly straight Texas state highways totally wrung out, or even in the medium to high speed sweepers that tend to be more common in my area Not a knock on the dr200, it's a great bike for the right use I just picked the wrong bike for my use
Good updated information ! It’s trail braking taken to another level or the more finesse points of trail braking. Ultimately a corner is what we make of it and every corner even if taken 100 times is different each time you ride it due to variations of your input. IMO you can’t duplicate exactly a corner every time you take it, there’s always something different like your speed, lean, braking, etc etc, even if minimal it’s a big enough difference that you have to reevaluate everything in the moment.
I invested in ChampU in August and it has helped me tremendously. The one(actually 2) topics that helped me the most was their demonstration of 100 Points of Grip. That along with Braking Practice has really given me a much better understanding of how to not only be safer and make some great progress at the track but also keep me safer on the street. I just finished my 3rd track day on Friday and have managed to keep the shiny side up along with making some really good gains in several areas I am working on. Thanks for the great video and keep yourself safe! 😃👍❤️🏍 Randy
I'm still working through the course. So far it has been the best learning experiences I've had. Like you said they put things into perspective and quantify ideas that I've never fully thought through. I thought the mantra thing was silly too until I started paying attention to what I was doing and saying to myself. Like getting into the mindset to ride is something I was doing putting my gear on. Which I always do in a specific order. One day I changed the order I put my gloves on, purposely, got in the saddle and things didn't feel right, I had to stop and get my mind right before starting the bike. It's completely changed how I think and act on the bike, all for the better.
You are awesome. Thank you so much for making videos like this and explaining the fact why you are making them. You’re point became clear right at the end of the video. Thanks for making me understand how motorcycles work and why people riding bikes do what they do. Thank you sir
Do you have access to the curriculum after you’ve completed the course? I’m thinking about it but won’t necessarily be able to apply the techniques right after.
That's my plan too, but I'll be taking the class next year. I'm hoping that watching the videos and doing the drills will give me a head start and I can get feedback from the instructors on what I've learned on Champ Street day.
Thanks for that honest video - I look forward to see what the ChampU program has to offer ! That's the beautiful thing about *Technique*, is that it's always evolving. Ride safe guys - Love from France
Great review and feedback. Like you I purchased Champ U a week ago and begin the course. I too was a bit skeptical. I am someone who has taken quite a few coaching camps and other schools to further my track riding and to enhance my street skills. The biggest takeaway from this is that all of this dedicated instruction is good information, but its up to the individual to develop their own understanding and style, practice it and in the long term become confident in the nuance of riding. I have enjoyed your videos for a few years now, I wouldn't change your style or what you do, it's valuable information. Maybe you can make a new trail braking video with an updated understanding or approach. The beauty of all of this is the progression of our sport and the evolvement of the individual rider.
I went through Champ U two times before l attended the 2-day course. Champ U is verbatim what you get from the instructors when you attend the live course. My riding buddies all remarked at how much l improved as a street rider after the course. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Hey man. Firstly thank you so much for creating this content. I’m coming back to biking after 20+ years, and your videos have been instrumental in my learning curve and feeling comfortable again on my bike. Your descriptions of the mechanics and physics of motorcycle riding are exceptional, and all your videos on trail braking have really given me so much confidence in riding safely. Hearing you talk in this video about maintenance throttle was another light bulb moment for me. It’s something that has been confusing me for a while, and I’ve read so many different opinions on it - but hearing you say that maintenance throttle is sometimes needed has really lifted any doubts that I had. Thank you thank you thank you
Just an FYI:I took this course for $49.99.... Can't recommend it enough. I've been riding on and off since I was 16 years old and I'm always surprised at what I don't know....
