Sorry, this is not exactly related to Switzerland but as I have seen there a lot of EF members from UK and/or motorcyclists, I tought it might be a useful topic for motorcycle trainings.

I have been reading a lot of good comments and reviews about this school and planning to visit Silverstone Park for a session or two in May 16'

Has an EF member already experienced the courses before? Is it worth going all the way up to Stowe(Silverstone circuit) and stay couple of days, spend like 2K CHF for two sessions including two day Panigale renting?

As I have checked some local curving courses (TCS), the pricing differ not that much. So I have been planning to attend this course in UK this year unless there are some serious reviews against.

From a car perspective:

As much as I'd like to think it was cheaper than renting, the truth is that using a track prepared CAR for racing/trackdays is just as expensive. And I suspect that logic can be carried over to the bikes.

Once reason I like the Swiss organized trackdays is that they are well organized, chav-free and open pit-lane. Any track experience that isn't expensive is cutting a corner somewhere. Track fees have doubled over the last few years and the blue ribbon circuits.

if you can afford the cost, and you want to push your riding it is money well spent. My road driving improved massively after racing and taking world class tuition.

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"Don't believe everything you read on the internet" Abraham Lincoln

Although I have been able to participate only once I feel like I can recommend these guys: https://booking.speer-racing.de/termine/0/en/

They have a lot of dates and they organize in different circuits both tutored and free riding sessions. I was in the Anneau du Rhin (ADR) since it was closer to where I live.

About renting: normally you know in advance how much you are reliable for in case of incident, but of course nothing comes for free. I'd recommend renting especially if you want to test drive a particular bike, but if you are happy with yours then I'd rather save the money.

well the idea of renting is to be honest not to drive whole the way, it would take me extra 2, maybe 3 days driving there and back

I can't recommend any bike ones (with good enough English tuition) in and around Switzerland. I'd not fancy that ride - especially on the back of the wear the bike may take on track.

Couple of pieces of advice (taken from my car days):
1) If you are doing a 2-day course/event - don't go crazy on the first morning. Build up slowly and take regular breaks.
2) Track driving is not the same as fast road driving - both driver/rider and car/bike will tire far more quickly on track. Keep fluids topped up in both!!!
3) Triple check with the company what happens when there is a mechanical issue with the hired bike - will another one be on hand? If not, then what?
4) If you put it in kitty litter in the first morning - and pay the excess - will you be allowed back out?
5) Stay close to the track the day and night of the day (if you can) - it will mean you are fresh for the activities.

Despite saying all that - we'd camp at the track for races and drink beer once the driving had finished that day!

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"Don't believe everything you read on the internet" Abraham Lincoln

True, I got sidetracked ( ) by my own suggestion about circuits that are relatively close nearby. If you feel hardcore enough you can rent a van and use it to carry your bike and sleep in it so you have no additional costs.
But seriously, if you really plan to go to Silverstone then fly & rent is what I'd do. Plus, driving a Panigale must be awesome

Thanks for the useful advices.

Maybe I need to clarify that, this will not be an open track event, both courses have instructors.

- I do not think that I will be allowed to go crazy because the course is, as mentioned, with instructors (1 for each 3 biker) and the daily program is like 25 min theory lesson, then practice and so on, starting at 07:00 AM
- Rental bike comes with all fluids topped and tires ready for track, but good idea to verify any mechanical issues during the day.
- I have also checked some airbnb around the circuit already, and the flight with easyjet costs less than CHF100

That german circuit you linked would be nice to drive, thx for the link

about rentals there are just 3 options
Panigale 1299
Panigale 959
Monster 1200s

Personally I'd go for the Panigale 959.
I own a Monster 1200s and it's not a race bike. It's awesome, but not a race bike. And the 1299 is probably too much to master in only 2 days, I'd leave it to real pilots or testosterone-flooded braggers.

My 2 cents.

I did the course last April at Willow Springs in California. Was lucky enough to spend time and meet Keith Code. We rode the BMW S1000RR and it was a very intense course. I think we had about 6 track sessions a day and I was exhausted at the end. The course is very well well organized and each student shares an instructor with another rider. It's expensive, but worth it. I came away a much better rider.

One thing to note is that after talking to Keith Code, he did mention that the UK school follows the same curriculum as the US school but is only an affiliate. US CSBS monitors the standards and content, but have nothing to do with the operations. Having said that, another friend did the UK course last year, and he had the same experience as I did. He said it was excellent and that he wants to continue and do Levels 3 and 4 next year.

The bikes I rode were all brand new and in top condition.

i have attended several of their courses a few years ago. i was new to the sport at the time, so the things they taught me were all new to me and i saw a good improvements in lap times on the circuits. on the road, they can make you a more confident rider, i.e. one of the days i had it was chucking it down, and i was on dry weather tyres, but learnt to trust the tyres with the bike lent over.

their class structure is quite good. class room session focusing on one or two areas, followed by a track session to practice what was learnt. then repeat. about 5 or 6 class/track sessions in the day. when out on track, there is 1 instructor for about 2-4 people, so feedback that you get is pretty good.

Been few years, did you do it in the end ?

I did the California Superbike School with my duc SPS in California and have read the twist of the wrist books. Not a huge fan. But some of the instructors are very good and it has always been a fun and educational experience.