Chip Spalding works with a Yamaha Champions Riding School student at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Photo credit: Michael Spain Smith.
Chip Spalding on modern bikes, mid-corner mistakes, and why speed should be the byproduct, not the goal
Modern motorcycles let riders get away with a lot.
Modern bikes, modern tires, and modern electronics let riders go very quickly simply by taking a lot of risk. That can look fast, and sometimes it is fast. But Chip Spalding’s point is that it usually is not sustainable, and it usually is not consistent either.
Chip Spalding with Robertino Pietri at Carolina Motorsports Park. Photo credit: Apex Pro Photography.
Where Riders Get It Backwards
One of the biggest advanced-rider mistakes he sees is too much speed in the middle of the corner. Riders look at lean angle as the metric for success. The pictures look good, it feels fast, and they think that means they are doing it right.
But usually they are releasing the brake too soon, carrying too much speed in the middle, and spending too much time on the side of the tire. The bike never really gets a chance to slow, turn, and point. That is where riders get it backwards. It is not the first rider to the throttle who is quickest. It is the rider who can get to wide open throttle first.
Chip Spalding at NCBike on his race bike. Photo credit: Apex Pro Photography.
What Actually Unlocks Speed
If Chip could only give a rider one thing to work on for a whole season, it would be brakes. In his view, that is the most important control on the motorcycle. It controls speed, chassis geometry, and the front tire contact patch. Better brake work gives riders confidence, and once they have more confidence on the brake lever, they usually have more confidence everywhere else.
Chip Spalding works with a Yamaha Champions Riding School student at Carolina Motorsports Park. Photo credit: Apex Pro Photography.
TrackDNA safety note
Motorcycle riding involves inherent risk, even in controlled environments. This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as instruction, coaching, or a substitute for professional training. Ride within your limits, follow the rules of your track-day organization, and respect control riders, coaches, and everyone sharing the track.
Get in touch with Chip and YCRS.
Issue 02 is out.
TrackDNA Issue 02 is a 126 page premium, community-driven magazine for motorcycle track riders & enthusiasts.
Issue 02 is
Out Now
TrackDNA Issue 02 is a 126-page premium, community-driven magazine for motorcycle track riders & enthusiasts.
