Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Do I need a full motorcycle licence to participate at the California Superbike School?A: All participants must hold a full valid motorcycle licence (old style paper licence or photocard & counterpart of new style) or an ACU race licence. Overseas licences are acceptable as long as it is clear that there is full motorcycle entitlement.
You’ll need to present your licence at registration when you arrive so please remember to bring it with you. If your licence is away at DVLA for any reason we have to call them to verify that you have a full licence etc BUT YOU WILL NEED TO RING THEM FIRST TO GIVE PERMISSION FOR US TO SPEAK WITH THEM ABOUT YOU. It is a premium rate number 09061 393837 Q: I’ve passed my test and have a restricted licence. Can I still attend the school?A: Yes, as long as you bring your own bike as our insurance restrictions prevent us from hiring you one of ours
Q: My licence is currently away with the DVLA for a change of address. Can I still attend?A: Yes. We’ll need to verify with the DVLA that you hold a full bike entitlement though. And the DVLA won’t tell us any information about you unless you’ve rung them first on a premium rate number! So it’s best if you have your licence but all is not lost if you haven’t.
Q: I’m currently banned from riding/driving on the road. Can I still attend your school as I’d love to learn some skills for when I get my licence back?A: Technically yes if you still have possession of your licence. But we’d definitely need to see it at registration.
Q: Can my child attend this course?A: We don’t have age restrictions as such, but youngsters holding an ACU licence must have had some race experience before they attend the school and be accompanied by their parent or guardian on the day. Unfortunately we cannot hire our bikes to minors due to insurance restrictions.
Q: I’m a bit older than I’d imagine many of your students are. Am I too old to come to the school?A: Absolutely not! We don’t impose a maximum age limit at our school, all we ask, whatever your age, is that you have a full bike licence and a willingness to listen, learn and make improvements to your riding.
Q: Do I need to have a superbike to attend the California Superbike School?A: No, we train riders on any bike! We’ve seen scooters, tourers, sports tourers, trail bikes, custom cruisers and classics on our schools over the years. Our school is all about cornering technique so please feel free to attend on whatever bike you like, whether it is a road or track bike. However, we do ask that your scooter is at least 250cc and race bikes are 80cc or above.
Q: Do I have to use my own bike? I'd rather hire one of yours.A: You can hire the latest Yamaha R6 from us. It's an additional £249.00 per day including fuel and tyre usage plus a £1000.00 refundable crash damage deposit. If you drop the bike and just break a lever then we’d only charge you for that part. Don't drop it and you get your whole deposit back.
Alternatively you can take an optional insurance of a non-refundable payment of £50.00 against any damage. For more details see Accident Damage Indemnity section below. Q: Is there an alternative to paying the refundable £1000.00 crash damage deposit for the hire bike?A: Yes there is. You can pay a non-refundable payment of £50.00 and receive the benefit of Accident Damage Indemnity which reduces your liability to zero should the bike become crash damaged whilst in your care.
Q: Do I need to have special tyres on my bike or will standard road tyres do?A: As we will expect you to ride at no more than about 85% of your ability so you have enough attention to learn and apply new techniques, standard road tyres are fine.
Q: Can I bring my spare wheels with wet tyres on?A: Yes if you like.
Q: Can I bring my spare wheels with slick tyres on?A: Yes, we don’t mind which tyres you use as long as they are in good condition. On our school hire bikes and Coach bikes we use regular treaded Dunlops and manage just fine in all conditions.
Q: My bike has a non-standard exhaust fitted. Will it be ok for me to use at the school?A: We operate at the race noise limit on our school days so it will be fine if the noise level doesn’t exceed 105db. However, if your bike is noise tested and found to be above this limit you will be excluded from the course and no refund or reschedule can be given.
Q: Can I get fuel at the circuit?A: There is a filling station inside the circuit and a couple on the A43 nearby. A full tank should see you through the day.
Q: Do I need to bring any special riding equipment?A: All riders must wear the following equipment in order to take part in the California Superbike School:
Full-faced motorcycle helmet in good condition - all helmets worn by riders must comply with current ACU/FIM standards. Helmets must be worn and securely fastened at all times when riding. Flip-up type helmets are allowed but they must be in the down position when riding on track. Leathers in good condition - all leathers must be either a one piece or two-piece suit with a zip all the way around the middle (minimum hip to hip) with no skin visible. We recommend that all riders also wear additional back protection but this is not essential. For the avoidance of doubt, textile clothing is not permitted on our track events and metal knee and toe sliders are not allowed. Alpinestars leathers can be hired for £35.00 per day – just pre-book and pay when you make your school booking. We have most regular sizes available. Motorcycle boots (sorry, no lace-up Docs or similar!) Leather motorcycle gloves which must fully cover the wrist. Q: I’m a vegan and refuse to wear leather items. Does this preclude me from joining the school?A: Leathers are a mandatory requirement on track so you really do have to wear leathers to participate.
Q: Which Level should I book? Do I have to start at Level One?A: Yes, everyone does. This is not a reflection of your ability it's just how the School is structured. It has to start somewhere and we call that place Level One. It’s purely the starting point for the techniques that we teach and subsequent Levels build on the essential skills you’ll learn at Level One.
Q: I’m a racer so do I have to start at Level One?A: Yes you do. No exceptions. See above.
Q: I passed my test many years ago and am a very experienced road rider. Do I have to start at Level One?A: Yes you do. No exceptions. See above.
Q: Is Level One for complete beginners? I’ve not been long passed my test you see and I’m rather nervous about being on track. I would rather you assume that I’m completely rubbish and go from there!A: Level One is for everyone. All riders start at Level One, whatever their level of experience and riding history. However, we try our best to group you with riders of similar ability so the difference between the fastest and slowest in the group is about 10%. We teach on track as we can control the environment but it is strictly a school event with the emphasis on technique rather than speed. It is not a track day or track experience and anyone treating it as such will be reminded what they are there for!
Q: Do I have to complete all 4 Levels to get any good?A: Even if you only ever come and complete a Level One with us and never come back again we know you will be a much more confident, more educated cornering rider. It's a steep learning curve for sure!
Q: How do I progress through Levels One to Four?A: Each Level is very intensive and takes a full day to complete. Some students book 2 or 3 days at a time with us (dependent upon availability) and others choose to do one Level at a time, returning when they’ve practised the techniques for a while. It’s not a case of passing or failing; just complete the day with an understanding of the techniques then you’re fine to progress to the next Level.
Q: What time does the day start and finish?A: We’ll need you there to start at 7.00am and you’ll finish around 6.00pm.
Q: How much track time do I get?A: There are 5 x track sessions lasting around 20-25 minutes each and these rotate with 5 x entertaining and informative classroom sessions.
Q: What happens if the weather is poor?A: It is very rare that we will have to cancel an event due to adverse weather conditions. Our events do take place if it is raining and it's a great opportunity to advance your wet weather riding skills. Wet weather is not an acceptable reason for cancellation or postponement of booking.
Q: Will you feed and water me?A: Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are on offer throughout the day. We also provide free water, crisps, bananas and electrolyte drinks to keep you thoroughly hydrated.
Lunch is available to purchase at the circuit or you may wish to bring a packed lunch. Q: Are spectators allowed?A: Family and friends are more than welcome to spectate on the day, although they are not permitted to sit in on classroom sessions. Circuit entry is free and we ask that all guests report to a CSS member of staff upon arrival to complete an indemnity form and be issued with a spectator wristband.
It’s a long day so it’s probably not a good idea to bring young children and pets are strictly forbidden for health and safety reasons. Please note that children under the age of 16 are not permitted in pit lane or where there are motorcycles moving from one location to another and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?A: 8. Cancellation and Returns
8.1 If it is agreed that the goods are to be returned :- a) a Goods Return number obtained from the Seller must be clearly shown on the returned parcels. b) the Buyer will be liable cost of remedying any damage to the Goods returned where such damage has, in the opinion of the Seller, been caused by the Goods being inadequately packaged by the Buyer or through the Buyer's fault. c) the Seller reserves the right to make a handling and restocking charge of 25% on Goods which are returned if they were ordered in error or are no longer required. If the goods are faulty or being returned under clause 8.2 then the restocking charge will not apply. 8.2 If you are a consumer and have bought product you have the right, in addition to your other rights, to cancel your contract with Superbike School and receive a refund. You must contact us and inform us in writing of your desire to cancel your contract within 7 working days of receipt of the relevant product(s). You must return the goods to us at your cost and we advise you to ensure the goods are adequately insured during any return journey. 9. Training Services Cancellation Refunds, Date and Name Transfer 9.1 In the event that the Buyer is unable to attend a training service and wishes to cancel, the following refund policy will apply :- a) cancellation within 28 days of the event – no refund. b) cancellation at over 28 days but less than 42 days of the event – full refund less non-refundable deposit (£100 for single training day and £600 for two day camps). Subject to 9.1d below. c) cancellation at over 42 days from the event – refund of all monies paid less a 10% handling charge. Subject to 9.1d below. d) all transactions paid or refunded by credit card will attract a further credit card surcharge by deduction from sums above. 9.2 In the event that a student wishes to transfer to another training service at a later date, rather than cancel:- a) is not possible within 28 days of the training date unless due to illness, theft of bike, and injury which may be considered for transfer. In all cases proof (doctors certificate or police reference) of the reason for transfer must be made to the satisfaction of Seller before consideration a transfer and will incur a 10% administration charge of monies paid on the original booking. b) is possible if outside 28 days of training date but an administration fee of 10% will be levied on the original booking Q: Will there be a photographer to capture my achievements for posterity?A: Oh yes. Our professional photographer will be discreetly snapping away throughout the day and you’ll have the opportunity to view and purchase a cd should you wish.
Q: Am I insured whilst on track?A: CSS does not require you to have insurance cover in place on the school days. However, whilst accidents at the school are rare, by using your bike on track you do so at your own risk. Although CSS has extensive public liability insurance cover, it is entirely your choice as to whether you arrange insurance to cover damage to your vehicle. It is unlikely that your normal bike insurance policy will cover you for a track event but you should check with your insurer. If you explain that the event is a training day and totally non-competitive, they may extend your cover for an additional charge. Alternatively there are specialist insurance companies who provide track insurance.
Q: I’d like to buy a school day as a gift but I’m not sure which day to book. Can I buy a gift voucher?A: Yes, no problem. They come complete with a dvd explaining a typical school day and can be purchased for any amount of £25.00 or above. Vouchers can be redeemed against any of our UK school dates, hire bikes, books, tyres, clothing or any of our other merchandise. Please call Lynn for further details 01327 855553.
Gift Vouchers have a usable life of 12 months from date of purchase after which date the voucher lapses. No refund will be given under any circumstances. Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?A: 9. Training Services Cancellation Refunds, Date and Name Transfer
9.1 In the event that the Buyer is unable to attend a training service and wishes to cancel, the following refund policy will apply :- a) cancellation within 28 days of the event – no refund. b) cancellation at over 28 days but less than 42 days of the event – full refund less non-refundable deposit (£100 for single training day and £300 for two day camps). Subject to 9.1d below. c) cancellation at over 42 days from the event – refund of all monies paid. Subject to 9.1d below. d) all transaction paid or refunded by credit card will attract a surcharge by deduction from sums above. 9.2 Cancellation due to illness, theft of bike, injury may be considered for refund in full if not paid by credit card, whereby a claim may be made against the credit card company for late termination. In all cases proof (doctors certificate or police reference) of the reason for cancellation must be made to the satisfaction of Seller before consideration of a fair and reasonable refund. 9.3 In the event that a student wishes to transfer to another training service at a later date rather than cancel:- a) is not possible within 28 days of the training date b) is possible if outside 28 days of training date but an administration fee of £25 will be levied. 10. Gift Vouchers and Deposits against Future Bookings 10.1 Gift Vouchers have a usable life of 12 months from date of purchase; after which date the voucher lapses. No refund will be given under any circumstances. 10.2 In the event of an undetermined transfer of training, i.e. monies on deposit against future training, the date of future training must be within 12 months of cancellation of original training. Failure to book within 12 months will cause the option for training to lapse, with consequential loss of deposit. No refunds will be given. Q: How do I get to Silverstone?A: Silverstone Circuit is situated on the A43 in between Towcester and Brackley in Northamptonshire. The postcode is NN12 8TN and can be reached easily from M1 J15a or M40 J10. The nearest airports are Birmingham or East Midlands.
Q: One of my spectators is disabled, are there suitable facilities at Silverstone?A: Yes, the circuit has worked hard to provide facilities that are accessible to all. For more information please visit www.silverstone.co.uk
Q: It’s an early start and I’m travelling quite a way. Do you have any suggested hotels near to the circuit?A: Yes, our previous students have found these to be very accommodating:
Pembury House 01327 858743 www.pembury.f2s.com Silverstone Guest House 01327 858611 www.silverstoneguesthouse.co.uk Chantry Coach House 01327 857458 www.silverstone.biz Silverstone Premier Travel Inn 0870 990 6382 www.premierinn.com There are more suggestions at www.silverstone.co.uk Q: Can I bring my motor home to stay at the circuit the night before the event?A: This is usually possible, but can depend on other major events coinciding with our school dates. Best to contact Silverstone Circuit directly and they will advise you accordingly.
Q: Can I bring my tent and camp out at the circuit the night before the event?A: Camping actually within the circuit is not allowed but there are campsites very close by. For further information please visit www.silverstone.co.uk and look at the Accommodation options in the About Silverstone section.
Q: I have more questions to ask about the school other than which have been answered here.A: Please do not hesitate to call us here at the California Superbike School on 01327 855553 or email lynnb@superbikeschool.co.uk and we’ll endeavour to help you as much as we can.
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