FAQs
GENERAL INFORMATION
Where is the Skip Barber Superbike School offered?
At this time the Skip Barber Superbike School is only offered at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, California, approximately 90 minutes south of San Jose near Monterey Bay.
What bikes are used in the school?
The Skip Barber Superbike School is powered using three KTM Superbike models: the 690 Duke, 990 Super Duke and the 1190 RC8. The 690 Duke has a 654 cc single cylinder engine with 64 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and capable of going from 0-60 MPH in 6.1 seconds with a maximum speed of 122 MPH (690 SMC and 690 SM also available). The 990 Super Duke has a 999 cc v-twin engine with 118 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and capable of going from 0-60 MPH in 3.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 151 MPH. The 1190 RC8 has a 1,148 cc v-twin engine with 153 horsepower at 10,000 RPM and capable of going from 0-60 MPH in 2.7 seconds with a maximum speed of 166 MPH.
Can I bring my own bike?
No. The Skip Barber Superbike School will provide three KTM models that are all carefully tuned and equalized to optimize performance and maximize the rider’s learning experience.
Who is KTM and what are they known for?
KTM, founded in 1953, is the second largest European motorcycle manufacturer specializing in ''Ready to Race'' on and off road motorcycles and ATVs. Based in Austria, KTM is one of the fastest growing motorcycle brands in the US. Proven successes in worldwide competition are embodied into the design and function of each KTM race machine. KTM has built a reputation for high-quality premium race ready machines suitable for on and off road race competition and recreation. With more than 140 World Championships, the technology, design and performance of KTM continues to race past the competition time and again. Learn more at
www.ktm.com.
What is the cost of the program and what does this include?
The price for the two-day Superbike School is $2,599. Students who participate in the Skip Barber Superbike School Powered by KTM will receive premium training from the world’s best superbike instructors, and will walk (or ride) away having experienced riding on one of the most sought after tracks in the world and the U.S. home of MotoGP. This primarily track-oriented program also provides the added value of immediate video feedback and instructor analysis from digital video cameras mounted on the front and back of the bikes.
Are there other costs?
A damage liability reduction option is available for $200 per day, which reduces your damage liability from unlimited liability to no liability. Riding leathers, boots, gloves and helmets are required and may be rented for an additional fee and may be rented at the track. Rental rates are $100 for leathers, $50 for boots, $50 for gloves and $50 for helmets, or you can rent the full set for $200. If a rider brings their own helmet it must be Snell 2000 rated or better.
What time do I arrive and what is the schedule for the two days?
The program starts promptly at 8:00 am on both days. The classroom is open at 7:30 am and participants are encouraged to arrive early, especially if planning to rent gear from Skip Barber at the track. Lunch will run from approximately 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm and the program is scheduled to end each day at approximately 5:00 pm.
Is lunch provided?
Yes. Lunch is included in the price of the program for all rider participants. The lunch hour is a great time to get to know your instructors and your peers and to share feedback with one another. Friends and family are generally permitted to join the group for lunch (space permitting); however, they will be responsible for the cost of their lunch.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
What makes the Skip Barber Superbike School superior to other superbike schools?
For more than 30 years, Skip Barber Racing School LLC has operated a fully integrated system of racing schools, driving schools, racing championships, corporate events and OEM events across North America. The Skip Barber Superbike School Powered by KTM is now offered leveraging these same capabilities and principles. The Superbike School is lead by Chief Instructor Jeff Haney, the long-time rider-coach and racer, whose students are among the “who’s who” of national and international road racing. All instructors are experienced superbike riders and teachers. KTM’s nearly 1200 cc RC8 is one of the most powerful bikes offered in such a training program; other equally-priced Superbike programs offer only 600 cc Kawasaki, Suzuki and Honda engines. The Skip Barber Superbike School is offered exclusively at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the same track chosen as the home of the famed MotoGP.
What will I learn from participating in the Skip Barber Superbike School?
The two-day Superbike School is designed to take the enthusiast rider and improve their overall riding skills, their bike control, and their ability to handle a variety of bikes. Our program teaches a systematic way to ride any motorcycle safely, accurately, and predictably – all of which are required if the goal also happens to be speed. Skip Barber students will learn how to remain in control at all times, including effective braking and throttle management in all situations including at a “full-lean” angle. Skip Barber students will also learn how to choose their “line” and how to approach the corner, an extremely important track skill that can also be applied to every day riding, even on the street.
QUALIFICATIONS
Do I need to have a motorcycle license?
Students are only required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license.
Is there a minimum age to participate in your Superbike School?
There is no minimum age requirement; however, you must have a driver’s license that shows a motorcycle endorsement. It is also highly recommended that you have motorcycle experience.
What level of experience is required other than having a motorcycle license?
No prior motorcycle training is required; however, motorcycle experience is highly recommended. The Skip Barber Superbike School is open to any “enthusiast” rider looking to improve their overall skills, their bike control and their ability to handle a variety of bikes. Riders and owners of all brands of bikes are welcome.
Are there rider height or weight limitations?
No, but riders should be advised that the seat height for these bikes is higher than many street bikes. The seat height on the KTM bikes in our program are 34.06” for the 690 Duke, 33.46” for the Super Duke 990, and 32.48” for the RC8. There are no weight limitations.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THE PROGRAM
What gear do I need to bring? Can I rent any gear from Skip Barber?
All riders must wear protective gear throughout the program. This includes leathers, boots, gloves and helmets. Riders may bring their own protective gear or rent their gear from Skip Barber for both days. Riding leathers, boots, gloves and helmets are all available for an additional fee and may be rented at the track. Rental rates are $100 for leathers, $50 for boots, $50 for gloves and $50 for helmets, or you can rent the full set for $200. If a rider brings their own helmet it must be Snell 2000 rated or better.
What else do I need to bring with me to the school?
Nothing, other than a well-rested rider ready to learn and have the experience of a lifetime.
Can my friends and family come along?
Yes. We welcome family and friends as long as they sign the track liability waiver and observe all the safety requirements of the race track.
What if it rains during my school?
Safety is always number one at Skip Barber! We will always do our best to operate the program as long as safe conditions exist. Any decisions concerning program cancellations will be rendered at the track by the lead instructor at the time of the program. Even if rain is in the forecast prior to a scheduled program, all participants are required to arrive at the track on time, unless advised by Skip Barber. Regardless of circumstances, riders are responsible for their own travel costs, even in the event of a cancelled and/or rescheduled program. If a rider chooses not to arrive due to weather conditions, even if a program is cancelled due to weather, the standard cancellation will apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
If a rider reschedules at least 3 weeks prior to their program a 5% rescheduling fee will be charged. If cancelled at least 3 weeks prior to their program a 25% cancellation fee will be charged. Programs may not be rescheduled or cancelled within three weeks of their program and no refund will be provided. Skip Barber will always do its best to operate a program as long as safe conditions exist. In the event of rain, the decision concerning program cancellations will be rendered at the track by the lead instructor at the time of the program. Even if rain is in the forecast prior to a scheduled program, all participants are required to arrive at the track on time, unless advised by Skip Barber. Regardless of circumstances, riders are responsible for their own travel costs, even in the event of a cancelled and/or rescheduled program. If a rider chooses not to arrive due to weather conditions, even if a program is cancelled due to weather, the standard cancellation will apply.
Am I liable for damage to the motorcycle should I have an incident?
It depends. At Skip Barber, rider safety is always number one. We have always maintained a low incident record and serious incidents are extremely rare. In the event of an incident with your motorcycle, and you chose to waive the damage liability reduction option, your liability is unlimited. However, if you purchase the damage liability coverage you will have no liability.
Do I have any options to reduce my damage liability?
Yes. Your damage liability is unlimited unless you choose to purchase the damage liability reduction coverage. The cost to reduce your liability to no liability is $200 per day. We recommend requesting coverage at the time of your registration; however, this option will also be available upon arrival on the first day. A major credit card will be required at the track.
CURRICULUM AND SCHEDULE
Who are the instructors and what are their qualifications?
At Skip Barber we hire only the best instructors in the business. The Skip Barber Superbike School is lead by Chief Instructor Jeff Haney, the long-time rider-coach and racer, who worked with the “who’s who” of national and international road racing, including Nicky Hayden and Jason DiSalvo. All instructors are highly experienced riders and coaches. Many of our instructors have proven track records in motorcycle racing and have been riding and/or teaching superbike riding skills for many years. If you’re looking for outstanding instruction, the Skip Barber Superbike School Powered by KTM is where you want to be.
What is the size of the class and what is the instructor to student ratio?
Each Skip Barber Superbike School has a class capacity of 40 students. The ratio of student to rider is roughly 4 to 1. For track segments, instructors will both lead and follow for proper instruction and safety purposes.
How much time will I spend riding on the race track?
At the very minimum, each student will spend at least 8 total hours on the race track throughout the program. All exercises are on the race track. The paddock is not used in our program.
How fast will I go on race track?
Since this is a road course and the riding environment will be controlled and closely monitored, the speeds will vary for each exercise; however, the maximum speeds usually peek at about 90-100 MPH. The KTM 1190 RC8 is capable of about 166 MPH, but this speed will not be fully achieved during our program.
How much time will I spend on each bike model?
The Skip Barber Superbike School utilizes three KTM models with varying capabilities and performance levels to maximize learning in the various exercises. All riders will have opportunities to ride on all three models.
Will there also be time on the paddock or on the autocross course?
No. All ride-time will be on the race track.
How much time will we spend in the classroom?
The majority of the program is spent on the track; however, approximately four hours will be in the classroom. There are several classroom components that are absolutely necessary for learning the technical essentials of riding a superbike on a race track. Much of the time in the classroom will be critiquing the video feedback that is recorded while on the track.
AFTER THE PROGRAM
Do you offer any advanced courses after the two-day school?
No, not at this time. Our core program is the Two-Day Superbike School, but if you are interested returning for a more advanced program, at the conclusion of your program please speak with your instructors to express your interest in returning. You can also submit suggestions or feedback by sending an email to
speed@skipbarber.com.
Students may take the same course again. You will continue to learn every time you participate in our school.
What will I be able to do after graduating from the school that I couldn’t do before?
The two-day Superbike School is designed to help you to improve your overall riding skills, including bike control and your ability to handle a variety of bikes. After completing the Skip Barber Superbike School Powered by KTM you will be able to ride any motorcycle more safely, more accurately, and more predictably with confidence. You will have learned how to remain in control at all times, including braking and throttle. You will have learned how to choose your “line” and how you should approach the corner. These are all important track skills that can also be applied in every day riding, even on the street.
Can I take the track video home with me after the program?
No. The track video that is captured electronically throughout your program is intended for analysis during your program. We do not have the capability to transfer or edit video to be taken home following your program.
